When I was a kid, it seemed like it snowed more than it does now — at least in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma. My grandpa had a 1952 Ford 8N Tractor that he used for everything on his farm. I remember it excelled at snow removal. My grandpa’s farm had a quarter-mile driveway with a 90-degree turn as you apÂÂproached the house. With nothing to stop it, the north wind would fill that turn up with snow as high as I was tall. That little 8N and a 3-point blade allowed my grandpa to expertly carve a path through the snow granting freedom to those that were snowed in. Since those snowy winters 50 years ago, tractors and implements have changed. Today’s compact utility tractors are good for snow removal because they offer a good balance of power, maneuverability and versatility, making them suitable for a variety of snow removal tasks. They can handle both light and heavy snowfalls, especially when equipped with the right implements and attachments.
Pushers
The simplest and most economical tools for snow removal are snow pushers. A snow pusher is essentially a box blade with a hitch that mounts to the loader arms and captures snow as the operator drives forward. The box design offers a larger capacity than the tractor’s bucket. Options for steel or rubber composite scrapers on the bottom of the moldboard allow for use in various environments. The rubber edges on snow pushers are able to flex and pass over obstructions under most conditions and offer protection to the asphalt or concrete below. Some manufacturers also offer a steel edge option with a tripping mechanism that serves the same purpose.
Snow pushers make quick work of parking lots, and other large, open areas because of the volume of snow that they can move. Unlike traditional snow blades, snow pushers do not windrow the snow — they push straight forward — and allow the operator to pile snow in a chosen location. Widths vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but small pushers start at about 4-ft up to large commercial pushers that can be 30-ft or wider for large high-horsepower tractors. Some pushers also offer hydraulically-controlled variable widths for right-sizing to fit the job. For compact tractors, operators are generally going to focus on pushers in the 4- to 8-ft width with box height from 18 to 30 in.
Accessories that make snow pushers more versatile include pull-back blades that allow operators to rotate the box forward 90 degrees and rake snow away from garage doors or buildings. Abrasion-resistant skid shoes are available from some manufacturers as well as side markers to help locate the corners of the pusher in deep snow. Snow pushers for a compact tractor can start at $1,000 and go up from there with prices varying depending on size and options.
Blades
Front- and rear-mount blades have been a staple of snow removal for decades! The rear-mount variety are simple, easy-to-use, and versatile enough to serve a dual purpose in the months when snow is not a concern. Front-mount blades are generally more complex due to the hitch systems required for attaching and operating them, particularly if the tractor doesn’t have a loader. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles include a fixed blade, an angling blade, a trip blade or a trip-edge blade where just the edge trips versus the entire moldboard.Â
Traditional 3-point blades are common for snow removal and can be used to move dirt or grade roads in the summer. Generally speaking, a rear-mounted blade can be used both moving forward or backward. The drawback to forward travel is that the snow is packed down by the tractor prior to removal by the blade. For backward travel (pushing) use, the blade will need to be rotated 180 degrees and the pushing action is hard on the blade and can result in damage to the implement. 3-point blades start as low as $750 for a quality, compact model.
Front-mounted blades are very popular snow removal tools. They are easier to use than a rear blade and it frees up your tractor’s 3-point to use a salt or sand spreader at the same time. Once the mounting system is installed on the tractor, they are usually easy to attach, especially the two-lever models that attach to the loader mounting plate. The greatest benefit of a front-mounted blade is that the snow is removed while driving forward! The downside to front-mount blades is that some manufacturers require an expensive and cumbersome sub-frame for blade hook-up.
Front blades come in varieties with moldboards or edges that trip, angling options, or models that transform into v-blades, also called 6-way blades. All of these extras add up to cost significantly more than a 3-point blade. A quality front-mount blade with hydraulic capabilities can start at around $2,500.
Blowers
The ultimate in compact tractor snow removal is a snow blower! Like blades, snow blowers come in both front and rear mount and have similar pros and cons. Rear-mount snow blowers either require the operator to drive in reverse to remove the snow or use a pull-type and drive over the snow before it’s blown. The pull-type blowers have become more popular in recent years and are more economical than comparable front-mount models. Front-mount blowers often require expensive sub-frames and a mid-mount power take-off (PTO). Loader-mount snow blowers are available but, because of lower hydraulic flow rates of compact tractors, require hydraulic power packs that often make the package an unaffordable option. Like front-mount blades, the bucket and/or loader must be removed to use a front snow blower.
Tractor snow blowers operate much the same way a 2-stage walk-behind snow blower does. Gearboxes driven by the tractor PTO transfer power to the auger and impeller. The augers direct snow to the center of the blower and into the impeller. The impeller throws the snow upward through a chute. Snow blowers can have manual, hydraulic or electric chute rotation, allowing the operator to direct snow to a desired location. Adjustable deflectors on the chute also aid in directing the snow. Snow blowers allow operators to move snow quickly in one pass. Options like cutting edges and skid shoes allow users to outfit their blowers for the task at hand. 3-point snow blowers can start at $4,500 and go up to as much as $12,000 for a 7-ft pull-type model. Front-mount snow blowers with the required sub-frame can begin at over $9,000.
Final Thoughts
No matter what you pick to remove snow, your compact tractor will make the task easier. Some simple reminders for snow removal: Inspect the area, dress appropriately and perform recommended maintenance on both your implement and your tractor.
Snow removal can be hard on your equipment, especially if you are also using a de-icer. The corrosive properties of de-icers mean it’s imperative that you properly clean and lubricate the implement properly. Manufacturers offer a suggested maintenance schedule in their operator’s manuals. They are meant to be followed and use in snow may require more frequent maintenance. Grease drivelines and pivot points before and after use, replace wear items like skid shoes when worn, and touch up the paint to prevent rust. With a proper care, your snow tools will last for years to come.
Dee Warren is director of marketing and sales operations for Land Pride and Great Plains.
