RotorWrench
Member
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2023
- Messages
- 34
- Tractor
- Holder C5000 Toolcat 5600
I got my Toolcat primarily for snow removal and more versatility than the equipment I was previously using. The concerns I had were snowblowing performance and cold weather operations. The machine it replaced was a beast for snowblowing and blade work regardless of snow depth, density and temperature, but lacking in versatility and implement options, especially a bucket.
We've had a very abnormal winter this year with well below snowfall and mild temps. We barely have 3ft on the ground right now, and that's after 17" yesterday. The coldest temperature has been -10F which normally by now we would have had several systems with snow and -15F to -30F temps.
The jury has been out as to whether the Toolcat was going to serve our needs due to lack of normal weather and if I was going to keep it, I needed to decide before winter was over as it would be easier to sell locally during winter.
I've been happy so far with the Toolcat's performance using a 79" Quick Attach snowblower, especially in heavier snow. I expected it to be slower and less torque than my prior machine but it's actually not as bad as I was anticipating. I don't know how much of that is the blower but regardless, it has done well so far. This is on a climbing 3/4 mile gravel driveway/road with three steep grade sections and two switchbacks, as well as two neighbors roads of similar conditions. Blowing uphill was no problem when using 1/2" studded chains.
Starting in an unheated shop at -10F using only the stock block heater has been no problem either. That was one of my previous concerns. Also another concern, cabin heat and defroster performance has been good so far. As a matter of fact, even at -10F I was having to strip down to my t-shirt, having to keep the heat cranked up enough to keep the front glass from fogging. I've since found a happy medium by finding the right temp and fan speed along with the windows cracked.
The point to the prior rambling, finally, this week, at my place, we're forecast to have daily heavy blowing snow for the next six days or so with -20F to -34F temps, not wind chill. If the Toolcat starts ok and performs adequately she will be a keeper. If not, I'll have a nice low hour 5610 for sale. I now have pre-filtered 50/50 diesel in her as well as low temp hydraulic fluid so gelling and sluggish hydraulics shouldn't be an issue, as my other equipment does fine with that.
We'll see.
We've had a very abnormal winter this year with well below snowfall and mild temps. We barely have 3ft on the ground right now, and that's after 17" yesterday. The coldest temperature has been -10F which normally by now we would have had several systems with snow and -15F to -30F temps.
The jury has been out as to whether the Toolcat was going to serve our needs due to lack of normal weather and if I was going to keep it, I needed to decide before winter was over as it would be easier to sell locally during winter.
I've been happy so far with the Toolcat's performance using a 79" Quick Attach snowblower, especially in heavier snow. I expected it to be slower and less torque than my prior machine but it's actually not as bad as I was anticipating. I don't know how much of that is the blower but regardless, it has done well so far. This is on a climbing 3/4 mile gravel driveway/road with three steep grade sections and two switchbacks, as well as two neighbors roads of similar conditions. Blowing uphill was no problem when using 1/2" studded chains.
Starting in an unheated shop at -10F using only the stock block heater has been no problem either. That was one of my previous concerns. Also another concern, cabin heat and defroster performance has been good so far. As a matter of fact, even at -10F I was having to strip down to my t-shirt, having to keep the heat cranked up enough to keep the front glass from fogging. I've since found a happy medium by finding the right temp and fan speed along with the windows cracked.
The point to the prior rambling, finally, this week, at my place, we're forecast to have daily heavy blowing snow for the next six days or so with -20F to -34F temps, not wind chill. If the Toolcat starts ok and performs adequately she will be a keeper. If not, I'll have a nice low hour 5610 for sale. I now have pre-filtered 50/50 diesel in her as well as low temp hydraulic fluid so gelling and sluggish hydraulics shouldn't be an issue, as my other equipment does fine with that.
We'll see.
. I guess I'll find out how well the filter heater I install a couple of weeks ago works.
