steering while front snowblower in float

[Ken P]

Folks -

I've discovered the in-hindsight-blindingly-obvious fact that it is hard to steer while my front-mount snowblower (Kubota 2782) is in float. I get why this is, not much weight on the front wheels. However, I'm wondering if there is any other strategy for this other than popping the front end in and out of float. Going in and out of float works, of course, but it tends to end up popping the front end of the tractor up and down a lot, especially if I'm at all slow about moving the control lever through "up" to "float".

Apologies for the majorly newbie question - thanks for the help -

Ken

waiting on the big one coming tomorrow here in Granby, CT

 

[TripleR]

Have you tried steering with your brakes?

 

[Ductape]

Have you got a backhoe or ballast box on the back? If so, remove it.

Other trick is using the brakes to steer, as already mentioned.

 

[zzvyb6]

If the blower is in float, the load on the front wheels is unchanged. The problem is that the blower on its slippers is preventing sideforce from developing. Its 'riding on rails'. It's also far out in front of the tractor's CG and this makes its influence strong. You need weight on the front tires, better tires, don't use float, brake steer, or casters on the blower.

Head for the heavier snow: Then use the chute to thrust vector your tractor. Don't use it for stopping, though...

 

[Ken P]

Thanks for the replies. No, I haven't tried steering with my brakes, never heard of this (we're back to the newbie, thing again, I'm afraid). Could someone describe how this is done?

Ken

 

[beenthere]

There are left wheel and right wheel brakes on tractors.
However, in someones infinite wisdom, on some tractors the two brake pedals are on the right side along with the forward/reverse hydro pedals so that renders the use of individual braking nearly useless. Some have mastered a form of making it work, but not really safe operation.
Hopefully you have the left and right brake pedals on the left if you have hydro tranny. Give it a try. It aids steering, short of adding weight to the front end or chains to the front tires.

 

[Gizmo2]

Have you got a backhoe or ballast box on the back? If so, remove it.

Other trick is using the brakes to steer, as already mentioned.

X2, Too much weight on the rear is a bad thing when it comes to plowing or blowing snow at the front of the tractor.

 

[TripleR]

Contrary to the opinion of some, many of us are able to safely steer with the brakes and HST pedal on the same side. I do it as do my sons and several other members on this forum.

I use the following methods: cruise control in forward, heel on the HST pedal and toe on the brakes or I use my cane on the HST pedal and foot on the brakes.

I will not own a tractor with the brakes on the left though they work for many, many others. I am not so narrow minded to think my way is the only way or even the best way; just best for me.

 

[jake98]

I may get to unbolt my brake lock yet..

 

[nspec]

I may get to unbolt my brake lock yet..

Ha ha!

 

[First one]

As far as steering with the brakes . It's easy once you play around a bit with it .(Unlock your brakes) Use your right foot for the forward and reverse and use your left for the brakes , just play around by going forward and tap down on either the left half (To go left) or right half (To go right) of the brakes depending on which way you want to go. Go slow the first few times to see how much pressure to use to get the tractor to turn . Just don't forget to push down on both to get it to stop straight. Pushing down hard and holding it there will make the tractor turn sharper. Most of the time I just tap hard a few times to get it going where I need to go. But if it keeps going straight after tapping it , I ride the brake a bit. Best thing is just go easy until you get the hang of it . Sometimes giving it alittle juice, then letting off while doing it helps to ,but just keep trying to see what works for you . (I've never tryed it with cruise on) :2cents:

 

[Ken P]

First one, thanks for the description. I'll give it a try next time around.

Ken