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The homemade tabs look plenty beefy - the only weak point I see is the angle iron rails used as the push frame on the plow - particularly in between the front brace and the rear brace/mounting tab.
To plow or FEL...which is better?
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Well some dozer blades do have trip springs, my 46" dozer blade does but you can lock them out so its solid. Cant remember what number it is. Would have to look.
LEE,
My Sears blade has two trip springs. If you hit a low obstruction, the blade flips forward practically flat.
The advantage of the snow thrower is that you move the snow just one time! After that, it's gone from your thoughts.
Everytime you plow with a blade, you might be moving it into the track of the next pass where you will move it again (and again, and again, . . . :sidelaugh:sidelaugh)
One of the disadvantages of the snow thrower is that, especially if there is a breeze blowing, you might get it in your face, but a cab can fix that (I don't have one!).
Another disadvantage of snow throwers like I have is that they require you to walk behind them (doesn't apply to tractor-mounted throwers, of course). It's not the labor that's the problem--it's the risk of slipping and falling.
All of that said, with my 12' x 300' drive, big valley along the way, and parking area near the house, I use the blade for light snows (couple of inches) and final cleanup. I use the blower, walk behind not withstanding, for all serious snows.
The disadvantage of using a snow blower/thrower is that you need a place to blow the snow. I have a 60' long x 27' wide stretch of driveway between 2 houses with a garage at the end of one driveway and a continuation at the end of the other. Most throwers/blowers will have to handle the snow 2, 3, and sometimes 4 times to clear that zone, and the options for where it lands aren't good.
My neighbour does it with his 12 hp Murray sometimes, but then I have to finish the job with my FEL. It definitely saves me a bunch of time, but I still end up moving 60% of the nicely compacted snow that was in that part of the driveway.
When the snow avalanches off the steel roof into the driveway, even a heavy GT blower with no skids just climbs up on the pile of packed snow. A FEL is the only effective way to clear that area. I just pick up the packed snow and deposit it out of the way. A front mounted plow is a waste of time and gas on that job.
Yes, it takes many passes to clear 12" deep snow using a plow or a FEL, but with a 54" bucket and a 5' back blade, it only takes me 2 passes and 5 minutes to open the driveway to traffic after a snowstorm, 10 minutes if I open both driveways for 120' each.
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Maybe it's just a case of terminology. I would call a blade that does not trip a dozer blade, and one that does a snow blade.
In any case, his does not trip.
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:ditto:
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917.25311 that's the same one I have-
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Mine is 917.253311. Im guessing thats what you meant?
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Im gonna be spreadin alot of gravel and dirt in the spring with mine, we will see if it holds up in stock form or not lol. But I see your point.
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What I'm thinking is, with a smaller garden tractor, rear traction is always a lot worse with a heavy FEL hanging on the front. I'd go blade all the way. Of course a FEL is probably more fun but if you have a 100ft drive, fun does have its limits.
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If you are in desperate need for a snow removal rig, Im sure you could make that blade mount on the tractor, all you REALLY need is to raise and lower it. You can get by with out being able to angle.
Would it fit on the Bolens so you can work on the loader some more?
Would it fit on the Bolens so you can work on the loader some more?
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I really do believe that blade is all set to hook up to the tractor - I don't see how it wouldn't attached to the previously mentioned tabs the prior owner made. All you may need is a lift system, which could be a cheap Harbor Freight winch. It's what I use, and have yet to have any problems.
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The plow does indeed fit under the tractor and into the brackets. It already does have the angling system (that part is factory). It does not have any lifting mechanism.
I pulled most of the hoses off one side so I can get them priced to replace. I got all except one on the dump cylinder. It is also one of the cylinders that has rust on the shaft. I will be taking this into a shop to pull the hose off and look at the cylinder.
I am still looking for control levers. At least detailed pictures. Anything someone might have to help is appreciated.
I pulled most of the hoses off one side so I can get them priced to replace. I got all except one on the dump cylinder. It is also one of the cylinders that has rust on the shaft. I will be taking this into a shop to pull the hose off and look at the cylinder.
I am still looking for control levers. At least detailed pictures. Anything someone might have to help is appreciated.
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618 Posts
How bad is the digging on an FEL? Would it scrape off a layer of grass if you went past the edge of the cement driveway? Would it dig a fair trench if you're not careful?
Around here, I have to be careful making my trails for snow removal across the grass with the first couple of snowfalls. Even if the ground is frozen before the first snow, it thaws out with the blanket of insulating snow and I can easily peel the sod. Once the trails are established, the frost gets into the turf and I can put down pressure on the cutting edge with little damage to the grass. Just don't get off the trail or you get stuck.
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