moship
Veteran Member
Moving the 72" front mounted snowblower from the L3130 to the L4740 cab was easy enough, but unhappy how the blower barely covers the rear tracks of the R4's. Looked at purchasing wings from Kubota, but unfortunately the wings only add an additional 5" of overall width (2.5" per side) at a cost of $108 +tax and shipping charges. FYI... Kubota calls these Drift Cutters, Item #: L2177. Please note the wheels are already positioned inward, so adjusting wheel dish offset wouldn't help much.
Wanting a bit more width, I elected to make a set of wings using 1/4" thick bar of various widths (2", 3" and 6") and welding them together. 1/4" was used as it matches the snowblower material thickness. Before fabricating in metal, mocked up with cardboard and hot melt glue.
Fortunately there is a local metal supplier that will sell smaller lengths to the general public with very reasonable cut fees. Steel cost just under $40. Can of Rustoleum Primer and Black another $12. Also used about a 1 pound of flux core welding wire, $10. So all in it cost $62, plus the fun of trying out a new welder. New welder is a Vulcan MIGMax 215 and I was satisfied with its performance. It replaces a Lincoln 110V weld pack.
Overall I'm satisfied with how they turned out and gained another 8.5" of overall width, bringing the blower width to 80.5". It will also allow the rear tires to be positioned outward for tire chain clearance if needed.
Below are a few pictures for those that might be interested.
Mock up:
Front cutter added and support braces (Support braces really aren't needed, but I cut them ahead of time so used them)
Added Rubber belting material to drag against the road surface
Seems like it will help provide clearance for the rear tires.
I'm guessing these will act as "snow insurance" and we won't get any meaningful snow this year to try them.
Wanting a bit more width, I elected to make a set of wings using 1/4" thick bar of various widths (2", 3" and 6") and welding them together. 1/4" was used as it matches the snowblower material thickness. Before fabricating in metal, mocked up with cardboard and hot melt glue.
Fortunately there is a local metal supplier that will sell smaller lengths to the general public with very reasonable cut fees. Steel cost just under $40. Can of Rustoleum Primer and Black another $12. Also used about a 1 pound of flux core welding wire, $10. So all in it cost $62, plus the fun of trying out a new welder. New welder is a Vulcan MIGMax 215 and I was satisfied with its performance. It replaces a Lincoln 110V weld pack.
Overall I'm satisfied with how they turned out and gained another 8.5" of overall width, bringing the blower width to 80.5". It will also allow the rear tires to be positioned outward for tire chain clearance if needed.
Below are a few pictures for those that might be interested.
Mock up:
Front cutter added and support braces (Support braces really aren't needed, but I cut them ahead of time so used them)
Added Rubber belting material to drag against the road surface
Seems like it will help provide clearance for the rear tires.
I'm guessing these will act as "snow insurance" and we won't get any meaningful snow this year to try them.