Winter is coming

[BuzzardA91]

I sold my old plow truck and will be using the JD 4105 to clear my 300 foot driveway. Not much of a pitch but a little. Half is stone and half paved. I am in the hills of CT so we get plenty of snow. I cleared the driveway with the loader a few times when we got over a foot. I found it slow and very inefficient. I did not have chains but did have the 375 backhoe on for weight. I never found traction to be an issue and it was a bad winter.

That's the background now here is my question. After reading all the related posts I do not want to get a blower but do need something more efficient at clearing snow. I think I am between a front plow or a rear blade. I can get a rear 7' blade for cheap but am worried about traction without the weight of the backhoe. Having to then buy chains and weight would negate the savings. I was worried about plowing with a front plow because of the uneven pressure when angled but it seems from the threads it's not an issue. The front bucket is nice for moving the snow banks (especially in the 36" storm last year). But I could still keep it in the garage and switch out with plow when needed.

It seems from all the reading a front plow will work best. Is my thought process flawed? The tractor is 66" wide, what size plow? Are those of you who use a front plow happy with it? Any brand suggestions or where to buy?

It will be my only way to clear snow for years so I don't mind paying for it the right way the first time. I do not have a cab, and will have a manual angle plow or blade, I don't mind either for now.

 

[duroc]

I started with a back blade and it actually works quite well. However, it is bad for the neck - at least mine. I had a spinal neck fusion in 2002 and back-blading is terrible for my neck. I bought a rear blower and a front FEL plow (Construction Attachments brand) and between the three of those, the FEL plow is used the most, and it's the fastest. I use the blower only when the snow is extremely deep, or when the windrows are too large to move. The back blade does come in handy at times, but it does a lot of sitting since I purchased the plow and blower. So, the one that gets the most use (for me) is the front blade. The blower is *really* nice, but terrible if the snow is the wet heavy type.

 

[DKCDKC]

I've used a back blade for a few years and it has worked well. Actually I use the loader to knock off some of the snow then clean it and move it with the back blade. I have a mile-long gravel drive, with hills and curves on the hills. But it seems to be as good a system as I can justify. Snow blowers are great, just not efficient for the less common deep snows we usually get in the Virginia mountains. Of course, the climate may be changing and I'll have to revisit the question...

 

[Dr Dave]

If you have a gravel drive a slip on snow pusher works good. They have skids on the side and an adjustable rubber cutting edge.
They slip over your bucket and are secured with chain binders, they come in many sizes also.

Dave

 

[BuzzardA91]

Appreciate the responses. It does seem the blowers work great but that isn't an option. Half the driveway is stone and we get a bunch of wet soupy storms. Plus I wouldn't have anywhere to keep it where I can still get to it when needed. I mostly want to clear from a couple of inches to a foot or so. Another SNOWMAGGEDON this year and I will go to the bucket then clean it up with plow or blade. That is what I did last year. When we got over a foot I did it with the bucket (slow process) then had to clean up with plow truck. But without the truck I am hoping to figure out one system best for my situation.

I did look at the snow pushers but I do not think they would fork for me. I have really nowhere to push the snow to without having to pick it up and dumping it. It is a long single car driveway. Anything over a few inches the snow pusher wouldn't make it to far before filling up. I think I need something that can angle it off the driveway.

I Think the front plow seems best so far I just don't know anybody who actually uses that system. Also I am having trouble finding them for sale with a price. Few on eBay for $1,000 but probably cheap. Looking to not have "buyers regret."

 

[nybirdman]

I have used a FEL mounted plow for four years.A converted (Curtis) truck plow.Mine is an eight ft.,you want at least a foot wider than your tractor for angle.A also run a seven ft.rear blade;this makes a nice combo.Make sure what ever you purchase has trip springs and that they work.I built my own..lots of ideas on TBN.My set-up floats on a chain,not the float for the FEL.

 

[nybirdman]

Here is couple of pics

 

[duroc]

Here is couple of pics

I like your setup! Do you by chance have a closeup of the mounting system? Also, are those pheasants I see in the background in the first picture?

 

[nybirdman]

Yes they are pheasant; I raise about 1500 per year.I own a small uplands preserve.
My set up looks a little different;I was going to add a boom pole when I first built it,that is why the vertical is so long.Just a skid steer adapter plate with pivot points so the blade can float on the chain.I find this works best for me.Similar to what would be used on a pick-up only no lift cylinder.I replaced the angle cylinders.The most expensive part was the hydraulics for the tractor(third function).

 

[BuzzardA91]

Thanks nybirrman. Looks great. Not sure what you mean by floats on a chain vs the loader float? Is it not ok to use loader float? Also why both blades? Is it just for backing up say to garage doors and pulling snow out? Where do you get the rear weight from, loaded tires? Do you run chains?