back blade snow removal with a failed brake?

I was hoping to use my 850 with a back blade for some of my snow removal (in Vermont) this winter. Unfortunately after changing/refilling the rear differential oil this summer I started to get some oil leakage into the right brake drum, and I don't think I'll have the time/money to get the axle seal replaced before winter. Am I setting myself up for failure trying to do snow removal without my right steering brake? I haven't yet operated this tractor in the snow but I've gotten the impression that steering with the front wheels in snow will be not-so-great...

I don't think that would be an issue, the repair has been discussed here over the years, you may find some posts worth reading.

850 bare tractor and snow, one thing is for sure, without weight on the back, loaded tires, pie weights, and I would say additional weight, traction can and will be a problem, without snow chains, preferably double ring if you have ag tires.

Back blade could be a problem as once you set it down, you don't have the weight of it for traction. Even with loaded tires, you'll get slippage, add ice and compacted snow that is slippery, it can be an issue. I'm not sure of what the types of pie weights or wheel weights add compared to loaded tires, maybe its more.

I know the first time I ran my 850 with a wagner loader in deep snow, with no compacted layer underneath, the tractor could not get out of its own way. I had an old ford aircraft tug weight with an multi hole drawbar bolted to it, think it was an 11 hole, could be ford, came from our old dealership, nice compact weight, to hook up to the lift arms. This has an old 4 pt backhoe mount, so placed a bar across the lower arms and can rest the weight onto it. It does squash the tires, good traction, but with deep snow, the weight on, and double ring chains, traction can still be an issue, though I've got some play in the steering, the front wheels may be causing some resistance contributing to that.

The worst part of snow and ice with these is if you get on a side slope, one side lower, they get stuck real easy, like most tractors.

Billy, I've got chains for it but my tires are not loaded. It sounds like weight will definitely be an issue for me... I may be better off saving the 850 for summer work and focusing this winter on my shovel technique :lol:

You can try it out, I would not load tires just for that, if you have chains and are on the flat, paved area, it will make a difference, snow, how much, wet, powdery, compacted, ice, and all these things change the amount of traction you get.

My driveway slopes up to the lane, not steep by any means but enough to be a problem at times, also has a curve to it at the end. all depends on how deep the snow is, but I can push snow up the slope with the loader, loaded tires, weight on back and the chains, and underfoot conditions all play a role.

My problem with a back blade would be I lose that heavy cast iron counterweight and what it does for traction. Without chains, it may not do too much, so if I tried to push with the back blade, chains on, loaded tires, its hard to say how well it would work at this location, specifically my driveway, it may work fine in a paved parking lot.

I do know one thing, they definitely need weight added, how much is hard to say.

We had a '64 4000 select-O-speed, and a factory front blade or what was offered, and I don't believe those rear tires were loaded, it did have double ring chains and it did just fine in the snow, I even had that same weight back then, but never needed it, don't recall using it much, it sat for years until I went and picked it out of the weeds, I'd sell the tractor before I'd sell that weight LOL ! I included a photo of the infamous hunk of cast iron LOL !

Just dont get stuck and need to use brakes to get out.

I have used a back blade many years to move snow. Without chains and or weight don't waste you time.

Not a big deal running it with a bad brake. But as others have said, without weights and chains your problem will more likely be getting moving rather than getting stopped.

I wouldn't worry about the brakes either.
The blade will make a good brake, especially with snow everywhere.

Like the guys are saying, chains and lots and lots of weight..
.........then add more chains and more weight...lol
Throw some weight on the front too, to help you steer.
If you are in real snow country, you know it's all about momentum,
and the plow vehicles total weight.
And with a blade, front or rear, it just takes practice.
Pushing into the pile and having the blade drop over the top, or not lift it at the right time, and have the pile
collapse over the blade.....both, you are done right there.
Almost here, can't wait, great fun

Thanks everyone for all the feedback. My initial worry was that I wouldn't be able to steer properly in the snow without good steering brakes, but it seems like weight is the real issue. I think for this year anyway I'll throw the chains on and see how it handles in the snow but not count on doing any work with it.