IH-80 Snowblower available in Cat 2?

Bob in SD · Jun 19, 2020

Hi All,

My IH-80 is Cat III and I'm downsizing replacing the Cat II/III tractor with a Cat I/II CUT. I'm doubting I have the required hp (50 pto claimed, but Hydro) to run that big blower, but since many people claim to have Cat II IH-80s I'm wondering what the differences are? Due to the structure of the frame I'm not seeing an obvious way to move the pins in to reconfigure as a Cat II. Were they made both ways? Is the Cat III a beefier unit, or does it just hook up differently? Could a guy that can just barely weld convert the IH-80 from Cat III to a Cat II if I don't find a smaller blower before snow flies?

As I type this, I'm wondering how much hp I need for that blower. I'm replacing a JD 3020 GAS synchro which is probably not putting out anywhere near the claimed pto hp and also has a really tall reverse gear. Any thoughts on this?

wore out · Jun 19, 2020

<img src = "https://www.equipmentlocator.com/photos/equip/1766101-1.jpg">

Can you install CAT I or II-sized pins "backwards" so the point inwards? IIRC, there's some stepped-down pins available that should fit in the holes in the blower and have the smaller-sized pin.

495man · Jun 19, 2020

I always understood an 80 was Cat II anyways.

The pins go "in" or "out" just take put the right size pins for the lower links and use a bushing for the top link.

I had a smaller 70, I had it set up for Cat I, bought a bigger tractor and switched it to Cat II.

to my knowledge the hitch on a 70 is the same as an 80.

Scott 730 · Jun 19, 2020

You are replacing a 3020 JD with a newer tractor? 3020's are not Cat III 3 point.

Bob in SD · Jun 19, 2020

My JD 3020 is a Cat III with the sway blocks set up as shown below:

I can unbolt the sway blocks and re-attach with the flat side towards the tractor (making for less spread
at the end of the links) and then bush to accept a Cat II implement. You can see the square bolt holes
which are used to attach it the other way. It's kind of a PITA to swap them, so I only do it twice a year
(Cat III winter, Cat II for summmer).

Bob in SD · Jun 19, 2020

I'd looked at those pins, but hadn't seen how they would work for me. They wouldn't on the JD, since I'd have to remove the sway blocks to get the lower link arms to go inside of the pins, then rebolt the sway blocks with the implementat installed. I tried this once and gave up, since the link arms were in the way.

I see how this would work with my new tractor which has stabilizer chains instead of the sway blocks. Thank you!

Is a seven foot blower too much for a 50 hp tractor, even with the hydro? How about a 7 foot box blade? The blade is in good shape, I could easily trade for a smaller one. The blower si not pretty and I'd have to put in some cash?

fastfarmall · Jun 20, 2020

It's plenty, but if you blew it as soon as is done snowing, it blow's easier i have found out, but the neighbor does mine and he's got plenty of power !!

RickB · Jun 20, 2020

You are mistaken. I grew up on 2 3020s, they are convertible from Cat I to Cat II. Cat II lower link width is the same as Cat IIN (narrow). Your sway bocks as shown are set for Cat II. They have no factory capability for Cat III lower link width or pin diameter.

RickB · Jun 20, 2020

Correction, Cat IIIN lower pin width is the same as Cat II. The pin diameters are different, Cat III pins being larger.
3 point dimensions

fastfarmall · Jun 20, 2020

I meant it is plenty big for 50 HP !

BobinSD · Jul 16, 2020

(quoted from post at 13:43:44 06/20/20) You are mistaken. I grew up on 2 3020s, they are convertible from Cat I to Cat II. Cat II lower link width is the same as Cat IIN (narrow). Your sway bocks as shown are set for Cat II. They have no factory capability for Cat III lower link width or pin diameter.

My apologies RickB. You are correct and I am 100% WRONG.

Somehow I got confuzzled and every time I bushed down from Cat II to Cat I I was thinking I was going from III->II.

Kinda makes the whole discussion a waste of time, but I do appreciate all of the good advice. Thanks Lola,

BobinSD · Jul 16, 2020

That's "Thanks All"

BobinSD · Jul 16, 2020

That's "Thanks All"

IH-80 Snowblower available in Cat 2?

Bob in SD

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wore out

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495man

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Scott 730

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Bob in SD

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Bob in SD

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fastfarmall

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RickB

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RickB

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fastfarmall

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BobinSD

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