Loader or blower for heavier, wet snow?

I'd stick with the blower, see how it does.. they usually handle it pretty well, tho if its really wet cement, the chute may clog as you end a run, its only happened 2-3 times on mine before. I've yet to find a need to switch back to the loader. I did do some mods to mine which took care of any real chance of clogging or under performance, flapper mod and 36T sprocket, but most run them as is without any issue. I do use a 54" blade when theres only an inch or two, as thats usually faster.

Thanks for the advice. I threw the snowblower back on after the loader, landscape rake and ballast box were delivered today. I had to take the blower off to get the loader back in the shop where I wanted it. I have to say, I'm blown away by how easy it is to swap these attachments out.

I'd like to ask about your mods. I've read about the flapper mod and considered doing it for my walk-behind snowblower, but hadn't considered it for the tractor. I understand it can make a significant difference but that impeller is made of some pretty heavy steel. How hard was it to do?

Second, you mention a 36T sprocket. I assume you're talking about swapping out the bigger sprocket that drives the impeller and gearbox. Is that a big difference in size from what's there now? I'm sure that would speed everything up, but is it hard on the other parts (gearbox, augers, bearings, etc)?

Thanks for considering questions from a new guy.

Al

My 54" blower had the plastic impeller on it when I bought it used, and it worked decently, but like people have commented I found it didn't handle wet have snow as well as I thought it should. After reading some threads about what others had done, I bit the bullet and ordered the parts. A new metal impeller, a flapper kit off eBay, and a 36T sprocket for $27. It was a bit of a struggle to get the old one out, but it finally surrendered. The flapper rubber I just used self tapping sheet metal screws and so far so good. It really helps keep the snow moving out the chute and keeping the inside clean. As it was all apart I replaced the sprocket and chain. That really made a difference. Theres a few threads in the john deere forum, garden tractors, that talk about it.

I'm very happy with it, even the real wet cement hasn't clogged it, and it throws even the wet stuff 30 feet. So far everything seems to be holding up well.. I plan on taking a real good look at it this spring before it gets to the back of the shed to see how its doing.

Al, we are interested in hearing how it goes for you tomorrow morning. I have 6” on the ground so far, snow is tapering off. I’m halfway between Minneapolis and St. Cloud. It is very wet stuff, the worst i’ve seen this winter; so it should it be a good test for your new set up.

Pictures should go along with test results, hint hint.

Hey Cat385,

I don't think I'm going to be a lot of help to you. Our snow ended up much lighter than I anticipated as we stayed in the mid-20s for the whole storm. I went out and moved the first 8-10 inches around 5:00 last night and it moved the snow really well. The wind has gone down some and the sun is shining this morning so it's almost time to go do round 2. It looks like the snow slowed down quite a bit and most of what I'll move today is drifted snow.

Al

I use both now ...... but actually find myself using the loader more and then remove the piles I create with the blower.

My X738 isn't as big as your tractor but I do have both a 47" blower and a 45 loader for it. Living in Utah it is rare we get light fluffy snow. Usually it has a fair amount of weight and moisture content. I have moved somewhere around 70" of snow since January as we have had snow fall almost every week. It's actually snowing right now. I have never tried to use the loader to move snow. I imagine it to be the last and least desirable method of moving snow. If it was the only option I would use the loader but I clear many of my neighbors driveways and the snowblower with no modifications has worked very well. If there is less than an inch I don't clear it as we are usually lucky enough for the snow to melt off hard surfaces in a day or two. Any more snow and the blower is in use.

MXZRXP said:

if to wet just use the blower as a plow and save the trouble of changing attachments.

we usually get that type of snow in early fall and late spring but it never lasts long...

the loader WILL do more damage to a paved driveway too so go slow!

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Hmm. Not in this neck of the woods! But the asphalt is frozen hard by the time the snow comes.

I put enough down pressure on the bucket cutting edge to carve off any tracks made before I get there, and I drag a weighted back blade at the same time. Total is 9.5' of steel cutting edge on the asphalt, and I've yet to leave a mark that the spring rains don't wash away.