First time clearing snow with the TO-30

Got about 4" here last night, can expect more later on but it's a start.

In previous years I've been using an atv/snowplow to clear the driveway but this year I've got a TO-30 with a FEL/snow bucket and 7' blade. Tires are loaded with fluid.

I found that I really want to use the blade most of the time. I put a 2" PVC pipe slit down the middle across it to keep it from taking driveway/yard along with snow. Set it angled slightly and away we went.

Going forward in a straight line, making an occasional turn, it couldn't have worked better. Not enough snow to really push it I suppose. I also tried the loader a few times- tricky to get it at the right height and even then on uneven ground I took a few chunks out of the ground underneath.

Definitely not as good in tight spots like between the house and the shed outside as the atv... not shocking considering the relative sizes and room it takes to turn around.

Now, here's the sort of weird part. It seemed like I couldn't find enough snow to make it bog down or start spinning because it was pushing too much. BUT, several times I'd put it in reverse on ground I'd already cleared with the loader and blade both UP and it spun and I had to wrestle with the brakes to get it out. This was on barely an incline... no load... and it spun yet I can plow snow going forward all day long and not have any trouble? I know the tires are directional... but wow it really is that much of a difference?

We'll see how it goes when the snow gets deeper. I've always got the atv available again if I need it but my tractor is more fun :lol:

Well Cow, that what happens when your trying too MOO-ve in revere. (LOL) Reverse gear is 1/2 way between first and second gear. This translates out to more torque. That coupled with a lack of traction from the reverse tread, your going to spin nicely in reverse. You could either look for some chains or another tire mounted backwards. This way you have a more equal tracton
forwards or back.
Still no snow in my area and it is promised this year. Hopefully less than the 36" we got a few years ago.
Have fun playing Fergy!

Related question- the tires on my tractor say 11-28 on them but when I search for tire chains the closest I find is 11.2-28. Is that the same thing/close enough?

Any particularly good sources for chains?

Your tires should be stamped 11.2 X 28. Which they probably are. I got my chains used in near new condition for $75 or $100 for the pair. Like I said, it doesn't snow much and the fella selling them just moved here from back east and had no need of them. Three years later and I still haven't used them. Where to buy new? Got me. I woould start looking at fleabay and possibly go from there.

Tractors are made to pull forward. Reverse is never going to have similar traction as forward. It's the nature of the beast.

I'm temped to think it's the FEL counter balance
would be the answer Try lifting the bucket all the
way up it will shift the weight to the rear.

FEL works best for moving drifted snow. You need plenty of weight on the rear to counter balance the weight in the bucket for traction. Loaded tires and wheel weights or a home made 3 point weight if you are mechanically inclined. On level ground you can keep the bucket a couple inches off the ground which is useful if the snow is deep. Drag the edge of the bucket backward (in reverse) to clear remaining snow down to the surface. On gravel you'll end up moving gravel along with the snow so it works best on hard surface. I used a FEL tractor without rear blade to plow snow. I made a concrete weight that I could attach on the 3 point and never had trouble with the FEL carrying snow.

FEL set up , barrel filled with cement and tires with fluid.

Try Tirechains.com I bought some for my TO 30 years ago through them.