Let's Talk Ep 1: Garden Tractor Snow Removal Equipment | Snow Thrower, Snow Blower, and Snow Plow |
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- #isavetractors #gardentractors #snowplowing
Trying out a new format. A commentary style talk video around a particular topic. This episode's topic is Garden Tractor Snow Removal Equipment! Pros, Cons of Single Stage Snow Throwers, 2 Stage Snow Plowers, and Snow Plows on Vintage Garden Tractors.
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Trying out a new style of video for you. If its liked I will do more videos where I just talk about tractors. Note: I did most of the voice over at 1am after full day of farm chores. I could not for the life of me remember the term Auger! It's a snowblower Auger! Thank you for saving the tractors.
Garden Tractors Rock!!! They can do 90% of what you need on a farm. I just wish more were 4wd.
just bought my first vintage garden tractor...1987 John Deere 318, i'm sure i will be referencing videos for maintenance. Thanks for the videos ;)
318 is a super machine. Even better after a repower with 23-24hp.
Hey Norman. We talked before about a snow cab build. I have an older Craftsman GT 6000 w/a Kohler Magnum 19.5 twin. It is a beast for plowing snow with weights and chains. Use the $50 Harbor Freight winch to lift the blade, but still have manual blade angle. Snow cab build ideas would be appreciated. Thanks for posting.
Boat Owner...Love to see pictures of how you have the winch mounted to lift the blade. Been trying to figure that out for my Craftsman GT.
@@Glenn_123 I will try to get some pics. I'll call Norman and see if he'll post them on his channel. It's all bolt on-no welding. My Gt is about 30 years old. Also put a cheap 12" LED flood/spot light bar on the grille-love it.
I live in lake effect snow area of northeastern OH and have put together a dedicated snow removal garden tractor. It's an '88 Wheel Horse 520H with the 44" two stage blower on the front of it. Bought it on ebay and used uShip to get it from the other side of PA. I've since added the gear reduction steering, a cab and extra lights and motorized the chute rotation and angle. A little more work to do and I'll duct the warm air from the engine to warm the cab. Makes clearing the driveway something to look forward to now. Actually turns into playtime. Kind of have a collection now. Keep doing what you're doing!
If the main disadvantage of snowblowers is the wind blowing snow back into your face, then add a homemade cab.
My mini excavator (6000 pounds), only had a canopy-style roof, and I was sick of having to cover it after every use.
So I built a cab with an easily removable door (for hot days). In winter, I use this excavator to remove snow banks after clearing snow from the roofs of the house and outbuildings.
I think a rear blade, in addition to what ever is on the front, would be real handy. Would serve as rear ballast and clear doorways. As for the video format, some of each, both good.
My wheel horse is only 500 pounds according to TractorData, so I'm gonna have to find wheel weights for plowing this winter!
I've plowed up to maybe a foot of snow with a Agco-Allis 1613H (12.5hp V-twin hydrostatic) and never have had wheel weights, but do use chains. Mostly level ground though or slight incline of maybe 15, 25 degrees. Wheel weights would be good though.
It is interesting that you prefer plowing. I think you enjoy operating the plow more and maybe appreciate the simplicity of it. But after watching I think the snow blowers are better overall. You don't need to plow all over the place just to make room for future snow fall. Like that whole fence line area, you would just make a pass with the snow blower and it's done. No angling or trying to pile snow up, having it push the front of the tractor sideways. Maybe I enjoy the snow blower more because I like the horsepower aspect more than the traction aspect...but I think there are practical advantages. I grew up in a suburban setting with a walk-behind 2 stage and shoveling. So small tractor snow blowers always seemed like the holy grail.
You forgot the year round uses for the plow over a blower. I know it was a snow video, but that's a good benefit to have a plow over a blower in the southern states that get less snow.
I’ve always loved plowing snow with our ole WheelHorse GT, whilst growing up in Syracuse NY, in the late 70s
I don't have a garden tractor, I have a lawn tractor. If I were to add a snowplow with weights and chains would that be enough? I live in the extreme northwest of lower Michigan. We get on average 125 inches of snow.
There was no tilt on the John Deere snow plow. It was angled, not tilted.
You east coast guys have all the good snow toys . I live in the mountains in Washington and tractors like the wheele horse are few and far and most old tractors are a rusted mess
First comment!
Great video. I am considering jd 200-300 series with snow blower attachment. They don't have diff lock. Do you recommend diff lock or I should be okay with chain, and weights? My driveway is 150' long and the first 25 ft has a slope of about 8 degrees (3' rise over 24/5 ft). The rest of driveway is flat.
You should be fine without a diff lock. Chains and weights on the wheels and on the back of the tractor will be all you need.
My john deere 318 works great with the same blower..
do you have a video on putting a snowblower on to a wheel horse garden tractor i have one dont know if i have all the parts
Hey Norman, could you use an assistant? Just asking.
i found the hard way , these little tracktors dont work any good on dirt drives
Good advice found in this video. I grew up using a single stage snowblower on a Cub Cadet. When I later got my own place and purchased a Wheel Horse with a plow I made the mistake (2 years in a row) of not getting that snow pushed far enough away. There was 1 winter where I almost went and borrowed my friends loader just so I could move the snow pile so I could keep plowing.
I know folks who buy truck mounted plows who get stuck that way as well.
I rent pole barn storage on an old farm in Minnesota. Just to the west are flat farm fields with no trees for about 1/4 mile. The owners sons usually do the snow with either a Dodge truck & plow or their Bobcat but do it quickly and sloppy. The old driveway is 1000 feet long and a big storm will drift it to 2 to 3 plus feet deep in places. Their new driveway is down the hill and is usually easier to clear. The old long driveway gets to the point mid winter at which they let it go.
I have:
520xi w/manual steering,
522xi w/power steering and
520Lxi w/power steering and it had a light fire on the top just under the hood. Besides mower decks I have a 48” front blade, 79366 two stage snowblower, 79365 one stage snowblower, plus an extra 79365 mule drive, and two 700255 Berco snowblowers I have about $250 total into.
The 79366 two stage snowblower is well over 300 pounds and really hard for me to move around since I have Lyme disease which makes my arms weak when I’m in a flare up. I also have two stage walk behind snowblowers. I’ve used the 48” blade which works fairly well until you run out of room to push the snow. I bought the 79366 two stage snowblower 4 years ago and I’ve never used it. It’s really hard for me to find someone to help with anything so I’ve been trying to sell it for 18 months, no takers. I bought the 79365 single stage snowblower just because it would be easier to move around and install, but I didn’t use it this winter. I’ve intended to adapt one of the Berco’s with my extra 79365 mule drive. The Berco’s are a bit lighter than the Toro 79366 two stage. I also have an extra NOS complete rear axle and hydro pump/motor and some extra cylinders, hoses and misc.
Norm, I thought we were done with snow but being south of you (Pittsburgh Pa) , Forecasters calling for snow tomorrow April 17th ! Today I cut the grass !! 38°
Good video though !
(I'm just ready for sunshine ,LOL)
My IH Cub weighs in at just over 1000 pounds with chains, weights, and blade. I can plow a foot of fluffy snow with it, but she struggles at first. Once I get a clear path, it's easier going. I tend to plow at 6" and will plow twice if I think I'll be getting a foot.
Heavy wet snow and it's 6" max. More than that, and I'm in trouble.
Very informative thank you
If you have multiple machines, a good compromise is to plow as much of the drive as you can, then use a blower to shave back the banks, especially since a garden tractor plow can't stack the banks very high.
Gravely is my personal favorite garden tractor! All gear drive and engine in the rear for lots of traction weight. The old MA series Gravely blowers are hard to beat!
I got a free craftsman 12.5hp LAWN tractor, like new condition incredibly. Fixed it by cleaning the carb lol. I bought a craftsman GARDEN tractor 2 stage blower for 75$. Got 2 mounts and a pin machined from my design at a machine shop for $100 and mated the two. That thing chucks snow like nobody’s business. Honestly didn’t think it would work too well because the blower is for a higher horsepower garden tractor and is 40” wide. But it is great. Fully operable from the seat too 👍🏼
I have a MTD 990 Farm King and it doesn't really plow snow much better than the Simplicity 7116 it replaced, and getting parts for it is nearly impossible.
I have a few of the 200 series JDs had my snow blower mounted on the 212 this past year but only got 1 chance to use it on some wet heavy stuff. Need to make some of the basic mods to boost it performance for next year. Cant wait for round 2 :-)
Plowed with an old 14hp hydro wheel horse for decades. I got to admit I like my L class kubota better for the job🤷🏻♂️. Now I am repower if a 318 to blow and still plow with the bota
wow thank you so much for this content
Awesome look at different ways to clear snow. You certainly have some awesome machines at your disposal. I was finally able to use my 2-stage 44" snowblower up here (Sask, Canada) about 2 weeks ago. until you drive these tractors around an acreage, most people don't know how much fun, and relaxing they can be. Blower set to float mode...set the cruise control...lol...and away we go. Combine plow was at the ready, just in case we go 3 feet of snow....But no such luck. And now it's almost time to put them away again for another season. But don't despair.... Then we bring out the summer tractors...lol. Great video Norman and I look froward to the next one. Take care and stay safe.
Awesome video !! Hey are u doing rebuilds ? Lost my 76 JD400 about 3 years ago. Keep planning on rebuilding it myself and here it is 3 years later and I've not done it yet. ! And I need it ! If not maybe u can recommend someone. Can pull out amd drop off.
I am considering buying an old Graverly commercial 430. Is it a good choice to rebuild. Can I find parts still? Help...
Thanks for the video I really enjoyed it. I have two old Tractors.A 1970 Wheel Horse Raider 12 and a1971 Sears SS12.
Great video Norman. I've used snowblowers in the past and would never go back to one of there are any other alternatives. Currently I use a combination of a FEL and an angle blade on my Cub Cadet and JD 420. For the type and amount of snow we get in Illinois it works the best. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with them.
I like a 2 stage blower with a blade as a back up. The blower for most snow and the blade for the wet slushy crud that forms on the roads as it thaws. All mounted on 90's vintage Cub Cadet "Cyclops" series tractors. The last of the good CC garden tractors before they went all lightweight..
I have a Toro Wheel Horse 520H, 48" 2 stage blower..worked fine here in Idaho, for yhe last 30 years!
Garden tractor with snow plows are great i have a 64 simplicity system 5010 with a cub cader plow and dies great
Would have liked to see the single stage on that big storm. In the first video that thing was really cruising.
What I use as a rule as a lubricant for sticking snow and a preseason application something like camp dry or any water repellent spray works on your snow shoves and scoops as well.
I like the plow mounted to the bucket lol, my late Uncle used to plow with the bucket and it worked, but trying to clean up the bits it didn't get and were then packed down, was a task and a half.
Good stuff Norman! Thanks for the upload
Excellent video Norman!
is this aroostook county
Top secret
Well said norm ! You dont need a truck.
i like to use olive oil non stick spray in my chute, a little lower in cholesterol, you see.
Im looking at a simplicity sunstar 20hp. What are your thoughts on holding out for a 300 series jd. Usinh it for mowing snow removal and light grading
Both are good machines. Cant go wrong with either
Wow you guys have a lot of snow
Great video, I agree entirely a garden tractor is capable. Have one question though, how do you keep rocks from destroying, I hit one bad rock in my driveway and it knocked the single-stage shaft out of alignment (it was a 2 inch oval stone). If one keeps a lot of loose gravel for a nice looking drive, then snow blowing becomes an issue, curious to hear your strategy in avoiding gravel or rocks?
For your situation, I would recommend raising your blower skid shoes high enough to avoid the rocks early in the season. When you have a layer of packed snow between the gravel and you, you can lower the skids accordingly.
Good advice on dirt or gravel. My biggest issue wasn't rocks, it was the newspapers that got tossed onto the lawn !!!
Great video, and great advice too
My dad has been using a Craftsman garden tractor for almost 20 years to blow out his driveway. A few years ago the housing in the blower cracked and kept throwing the belt so dad took out the auger and just pushes snow with it. I was really surprised on how much he could push the snow with it. Even wet heavy snow it pushes it well. Dad does have 2 weights on each tire weighing 75 each and the barrel weight on the back filled with sand no idea the weight. I myself also have a Craftsman lawn tractor that has a blower on it. Does very well moving the snow. This summer I do want to put the snowblower on my Craftsman garden tractor that i also have. I do have a cab on my tractor so makes it nice when the wind is blowing. Dad also has a cab on his. Oh myself I have used my tractor blowing snow for 4 years now.
Well to add to my comment sold my Craftsman lawn tractor think it was a lts2000 didn't really care for it. So now looking for a snowblower for my Craftsman 2 or another tractor with a blower. Just love my Craftsman 2 Briggs opposed twin 18hp 6 speed witch I paid 350 for in 06 and still use it to mow the lawn. Just this year I put into it what I paid for it. Not bad for having it for 14 years now.
@@ericouellette5293 Can you give me any advice on traction? I have a Craftsman 4500 dys with a two-stage blower. I have wheel weights and rubber chains for the tires but struggle with traction. Seems there isn't enough counterweight as when the blower is up, I have all kinds of trouble. That being said, it'll struggle while even down going up our ever so slightly inclined driveway. I was thinking of buying some slightly larger atv/utv tires or maybe placing the clippings bin on the back with some weight in there. Thoughts?
@@deerhunt799 I don't have that problem with mine. I do have weights on my tires that weight 75 pounds each only weight I have exempt my cab witch does add weight but don't know how much. My driveway has a slight incline and I have no issues going up it with the snowblower up. I also have regular chains as my driveway is dirt. I think add more weight might help.
I definitely need to make a garden tractor front end loader eventually. What is the ideal tractor or top 3 to do that on, in your opinion?
I think the IH Cub Cadet Wideframes are about perfect. Easy to modify spindles, good steering linkage set up, robust rear end, nice and easy to bolt to frame. I would prefer a starter over starter gen so I'd recommend converting it. Other good ones would be the Ford LGT, Wheel Horse I like the gear shift transmission with a foot clutch.
@@Isavetractors okay, good place for me to start a little research, greatly appreciated.
Garden tractors are so easy to maneuver. I would like a DIY articulating version!
There are custom DIY as well as factory articulated garden tractors.
@@Blazer02LS Why aren't bendy sub-compact tractors more popular? Do they have stability problems? Or is it a cost issue?
I think it's a bit of both plus they tend to be difficult when it comes to cramming all the parts into that size machine and still making it usable. Most use front or rear mount implements and it takes a bit to get used to running one. I ran a Steiner for a couple months and it's a weird feeling to need to follow the steering wheel as it articulates and twists. Plus most people buy the cheapest tractor they can find that does the job.
you don't want to wait for it thaw and refreze
A fresh wet snowfall will freeze but still be blowable. After it's plowed or condensed, then you don't want it to freeze.
So true, you let the water drop out of it and it will blow fine. But get the air out so it becomes a solid chunk of ice and you will do damage to a thrower or blower trying to move it. That's when you start hoping for an early thaw...