West

[tmc_31]

Hey all,

New to the snow plowing forum. I live in West Texas so snow is rarely a problem here. Except today. Snowed all day yesterday, got about 6" of snow. Normally we get 1"-2" of snow per year usually in one snow event if it snows at all. This year we have two snow events within a week of each other (climate change eh).

People around here usually just wait it out as it generally melts away the next day. If it re- freezes overnight, it might take a day or two to melt off.

Brings me to my question. Would a skid loader with a 6'- 6 way dozer blade be worth a darn as a snow removal tool? I was thinking that I could remove the cutting edge from the blade and replace it with a rubber or HDPE edge to protect the pavement in the small parking lots that I would be plowing. The skid has a full cab and heat/AC.

As an alternative, I could use my cabbed tractor (also with heat and ac).

I have not seen much snow removal equipment in this area except for TxDot and the Airport. I have not seen anybody plowing parking lots in the 40 years I've lived here.

Thanks,

Tim

 

[grsthegreat]

I lived in lubbock back in the 1980’s. If we got 2” of snow the city shut down. I dont see why not use a blade on a skid steer. I assume it has a float position.

 

[ruffdog]

I lived in lubbock back in the 1980’s. If we got 2” of snow the city shut down.

Funny...:laughing:

Weird storm down there when warmer weather was north of there.

 

[tmc_31]

The skid is a NH L190, it does have a float position.

So, I take it that is the way you run it? in the float position?

Tim

 

[Citydude]

The skid is a NH L190, it does have a float position.

So, I take it that is the way you run it? in the float position?

Tim

For the most part yes. You will figure it out in the first 10 minutes though.

 

[Rustyiron]

The skid is a NH L190, it does have a float position.

So, I take it that is the way you run it? in the float position?

Tim

Tim I think that a smooth (no teeth) bucket would do what you need and possibly be a little easier on your surfaces operated almost flat just like you'd be to skim off a little dirt. My thinking is that a 190 is a big machine with a very heavy vertical lift boom, add a heavy (dirt work) dozer attachment and even in float your going to have a BUNCH of down pressure.

 

[TractorTYMe]

Texas got more snow than Montana now.

 

[grsthegreat]

we have about 3" sitting on ground. been a crappy year for snow pack so far

 

[Thomas]

If you already have the plow go for it,if not maybe back scraper blade be better since you don't get that much snow.

 

[caver]

I was out at Sonora for a week long road trip/volunteer work at Carlsbad Caverns around Thanksgiving?? I took both tours of Caverns of Sonora. When I came out after the first tour it was snowing. Coming out after second tour it was really coming down and several inches on the ground. Local tour guide kid said he had never seen anything like it. Local people had trouble driving in it but I was comfortable. I had to drive a little slow going west on I10 for maybe 30 miles then drove out of it on my way to Big Bend.

 

[ADKMax26]

Depending on the amount you are going to clear I would recommend checking out edge tamers. They may have other uses for you. They don’t cost that much compared to other solutions. I have been using a set for a few years now. I have plans to upgrade to something else since we get about a 100”’s a year or so but haven’t yet. Edge tamers would work great for a driveway. They also do great for removing loose dirt or wood chips off grass. If you are doing a longer driveway I would think a back blade would be good. If you are doing it commercially it is a different thing. Float position works until you have to much built up in front of the tractor. If you start to loose traction you will need to raise your blade or bucket up a bit. As far as the skid steer goes I would guess it all depends on the surface you are clearing and how much damage is being caused.