Ted, watch this video. Here's the link. https://www.ratchetrake.com/video.shtml
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=ZpnONRLjn74
Affordable cut/scut with loader recommendations
Hi all, I'm in the market for a used small tractor with [at minimum] a loader. With a hoe as well would be great, but I'm finding I'm priced out for a used Kubota BX25 or the like, so I'm having to downsize my wants to something like a BX2200 or a comparable machine. I need some advice on what brands/models I should be keeping an eye for.
I don't need anything fancy, just something I could haul mulch/dirt with mostly. Maybe also hook up a wider finish mower to, so as to cut down my time on my current 50" deck (Craftman tractor). Matter of fact, the more simple the tractor the better, I need this thing as bulletproof as possible.
Preferably 4wd, but at minimum a locking diffy because I got terrain here. I'm hoping to keep it under $7k. Any pointers from you guys would be much appreciated!
I don't need anything fancy, just something I could haul mulch/dirt with mostly. Maybe also hook up a wider finish mower to, so as to cut down my time on my current 50" deck (Craftman tractor). Matter of fact, the more simple the tractor the better, I need this thing as bulletproof as possible.
Preferably 4wd, but at minimum a locking diffy because I got terrain here. I'm hoping to keep it under $7k. Any pointers from you guys would be much appreciated!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=ZpnONRLjn74
Watching the video, the metal edge of the bucket doesn't touch the surface. There's a 2 and 1/2 inch thick rubber substance on the bottom under the front edge of the bucket touching the driveway surface. Nothing metal is touching the surface. So there's no damage to asphalt or concrete surfaces.That video wouldn't convince me to buy a snow edge.
First, the angle of the bucket would wear out a steel edge on asphalt and dig holes in gravel. A back blade with a squeegee edge would be a better tool for the snow in the video.
Second, 2" of slushy snow is not worth the gas to clean up unless the temperature is going to drop to below freezing and more snow is forecast.
Third, the asphalt and ground are frozen in my locality and any marks that the steel edge leaves don't last past the spring rains.
Fourth, a service life of only 30 hours means changing the edge outside in the cold at least three times a season. I don't mind driving my tractor in the winter, but working on it is only for emergencies in cold weather.
Here's a better video of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=77&v=o64EgCBKKXA
Your winters are much harsher than our winters. In fact, the local government stop using snow plows and are spraying the roads with brine.So, not only does it have a 30 hour service life before it needs to be replaced, but it has no edge to undercut snow that has been packed.
The steel cutting edge of my GTs bucket required a dressing about every 1200 hours, would undercut hard pack, and has yet to leave a visible mark on an asphalt driveway, even the first winter after it was laid down.
The city's street plows wear out a set of hardened cutting edges every 24 hours of operation, and they don't leave marks on the pavement in spite of the sparks that can be seen when they go by. They have recently changed to a different material for the cutting edges ... carbide ... for more durability.
The lack of residual marks may be because winter temps around here tend to be well below freezing and asphalt becomes very hard when frozen. My concrete rear walkway doesn't get marked either and I used serious downpressure to undercut the hardpack/ice when necessary.
Keep in mind that this is my perspective from here in the Great White North, and from using a GT sized loader for snow removal for 40 years. Your conditions may be completely different and a composite bucket edge may work satisfactorily.
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