Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Snowblowing up steep grade issues

[Pixguy]

No split brakes, this is just a 24hp scut.

I may look into adding some luggage weights on my front somehow.

 

[tcreeley]

I think your backhoe puts too much weight too far back, moving the center balance point back and making your front end too light (on a grade). I'd take off the backhoe, fill the tires or get a 3 pt carry all to put weight on. On the flat your back hoe should not make a difference. Front weights could even out the weight distribution. But I wonder about the wisdom of having all of that weight just along for the ride.
Good luck.

 

[leonz]

If you look at the photos below, you will see that I have 400' of pure fun, especially in the winter!

So, going downhill with my scut tlb and front mounted blower works real well, but coming back uphill sure is tough. I have also loaded the rears.
My issue:
I have BH mounted to give me more weight over rears, but it seems like too much weight. I cannot steer easily due to the uphill grade (24% by some estimates) and all the rear weight. I've tried turning the BH to the side and of course I could reverse back up and snowblow just coming down, but that's a waste of time and fuel.

Should I try another rear weight like a 3pt block?
Load the fronts? Not much added, I hear.
Add front weights?

Tx.

Hello Pixguy,

Loose the back hoe and add a rear weight box, The rear weight of the Back hoe is countering the traction available to you by making the back hoe light
in the front end for the following reasons;

1. the upper boom is heavy and the weight of the upper boom AND the dipper boom becomes an over slung weight when you are traveling uphill reducing the tractive effort of the rear wheels because the actual front end weight distribution is actually light.

Remove the back hoe and you will see a difference and add back an actual weight box hung on the three point hitch implement carrier and you will be fine with the chains.

 

[Gizmo2]

I have BH mounted to give me more weight over rears, but it seems like too much weight. I cannot steer easily due to the uphill grade (24% by some estimates) and all the rear weight.

It is!
As I posed in another thread...
My rear ballast is full off 3/4" stone for Spring, Summer and Fall and I take about a third of the stone out for winter and plowing snow. Too much weight in the rear (with blade down) kills the 4WD benefits and lessens turning ability on slippery surfaces.

 

[Pixguy]

It is!
As I posed in another thread...
My rear ballast is full off 3/4" stone for Spring, Summer and Fall and I take about a third of the stone out for winter and plowing snow. Too much weight in the rear (with blade down) kills the 4WD benefits and lessens turning ability on slippery surfaces.

I've gotten through my thick skull now that I need to lighten the rear load (just on the tractor)

I'm looking where I can buy a premade box or 3pt hookup to form a cement block.

Any good photos of your box Gizmo? Did you make it yourself?

Tx

 

[Gizmo2]

I use the John Deere Ballast Box. Got this picture off the Internet.
Do a search for "ballast box" here on TBN and you will be amazed at how the people on here have modified them and pretty cool too.

 

[tcreeley]

Try this carryall from Tractor supply. Put a 2x6 platform bed on it and stack some cement blocks. It is great for other things- moving wood, grain, shavings during off times.

CountyLine Carry All - 2128210 | Tractor Supply Company

 

[Pixguy]

Thanks guys, I will look into both ideas! :thumbsup:

 

[Jaylegger]

Should I try another rear weight like a 3pt block?
Load the fronts? Not much added, I hear.
Add front weights?

Tx.

You forgot option #4, just remove the backhoe and call it a day. If the backhoe is causing a light enough front end to affect steering then that';s evidence the, 4X4 engaged, front tires are adding very little if anything to overall traction. With the backhoe removed I can't imagine traction being an issue unless you're on ice, but on the chance the front is still too light there's no place to add suitcase weights due to the front quick hitch so you'll have to be creative. I snow blow one fairly steep grade with pretty much the same equipment as you with no problems at all using turfs. If I start losing steering I just ensure the blower is in "float" or raise it a hair to load the front tires more. You're problem is likely solely due the backhoe and apart from it causing your steering and traction issues the extra weight is adding needlessly to the load on your hydostatic.