Posted by kcm.MN on September 08, 2018 at 23:00:07 from (174.219.139.105):
In Reply to: Snowplow question posted by RedMF40 on September 08, 2018 at 19:50:45:
As mentioned in another thread, I started using a JD 4010 with FEL and 3-pt 2-stage snow blower when we moved here. Our snow was normally dry; not the wet, sticky stuff other areas usually have. The snow thrower would throw it, but sure took a lot of engine power, which equals a lot of gas. Also kept having a heck of a time trying to get the tractor started in cold weather (we get into the -40'sF).
Eventually we bought a 2001 Dodge 1500 (half ton) extended cab 4x4 with auto trans. It has the 4-wheel shift on the floor - no push-buttons here! I normally plow in 4-hi, saving 4-lo for when I rarely get stuck. I'm using brand new all-season tires, so good tread. Rubber is a bit harder than I'd like and tread not as aggressive, but gets the job done.
No garage here. Truck sits out in the cold all winter long. Starting last season, I now keep a battery tender on it to keep the battery fully charged. Starts like a dream, keeps the wind off, and I'm done in a fraction of the time the tractor would take - and MUCH less gas used!! I can sometimes go all season in the Dodge with what the JD 4010 took in gas for one snowfall.
My plow is a Western poly plow with Ultra Mount hitch. Bought it used. Have had it for several years and has only required replacing the angle cylinders so far.
We have one spot in the driveway that's almost a 90-degree corner, and very sharp, with deep ditches close on all sides. It's possible to get a semi and 48' trailer in, but just barely! The county always had trouble getting the grader through that spot while plowing, and the snow berm they'd leave behind would often drift into something even they were not capable of handling. I've dug out through 6' to 8' snow drifts 2 times, and that 2nd time was enough! I now won't even let them in the yard. They can only put snow to one side, and it happens to be the side that causes drifting to be worse when windy.
I use no ballast in the rear of the truck. As mentioned, 4-lo will usually get me out of any stuck situation. If not, our other truck can get us out no problem. If I added ballast, that could change things. Also, I got stuck in 4-lo one time so bad that not even the 2nd truck could get the plow truck unstuck.
Keep in mind, we rarely have more than 8" to 10" of snow at one time. But, we have long, narrow areas to plow, so have learned tricks to be able to "work" the snow to the end where I pile it up. My plow with mount can build snow piles 6' high. ...Almost forgot, being a 1/2-ton truck, I had to add these to the front to enhance suspension and better handle the weight of the plow:
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - Third Brush Generators - by Chris Pratt. While I love straightening sheet metal, cleaning, and painting old tractors, I use every excuse to avoid working on the on the electrics. I find the whole process sheer mystery. I have picked up and attempted to read every auto and farm electrics book with no improvement in the situation. They all seem to start with a chapter entitled "Theory of Electricity". After a few paragraphs I usually close the book and go back to banging out dents. A good friend and I were recently discussing our tractor electrical systems when he stated "I figure it all comes back to applying Ohms Law". At this point
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
Oliver 550 Diesel runs like a watch three point hitch pto engine gone threw about two hundred hours ago nice clean tractor
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
