Need snow moving ideas

BobReeves · Dec 29, 2009

Seems like we are in for a snow bound winter, usually we get 3 or 4 inches and it's gone the next day. Just dug out of 8 inches with 2 foot drifts and more on the way

I'm not really geared up to move snow and can't afford to go spend several hundred bucks right now. I have a Ford 3000 diesel with a loader, a box blade and landscape rake. Tires are not loaded and I don't have chains.

As I'm sure most of you know this rig isn't much good for moving snow, in fact I got it stuck in a snow drift for two days till it warmed up enough to get the loader hydraulics working well enough to walk it out. When it's below 20 the loader is useless.

Am looking for ideas on what I might be able to lash together cheaply to at least be able to clear a path to the shop and be able to get out of our 1000 foot drive.

EVILBOWEVIL · Dec 29, 2009

change the hydraulic oil and filter so you can use your loader.
hang the landscape rake on the back, it will move snow and provide counter weight for the loader
good luck
ron

Jim in Ma. · Dec 29, 2009

Tire chains = best money spent. You should be able to pick up an old plow from a pickup truck and mount it in your loader bucket. Not the best way but it will work.

sasedivy · Dec 29, 2009

Like evilbowevil said, change your hydraulic oil to a lighter grade, if you have a 3pt bale spear handy load a nice big round bale on for counter weight & traction...

I know, winter sucks...

Good luck!

Scott

Anonymous-0 · Dec 29, 2009

Chains, hang the landscape box on the back, and hang some suitcase weights off of the box.

Pat-CT · Dec 29, 2009

chains are a must, You might not be able to wait a storm out untill its done, you have have to go out every hour or two but hey, at least it gets the snow moved

Pat-CT · Dec 29, 2009

used a 1910 with no chains and a laoder last storm with about a foot and had no problem what so ever you just have to know your limit take several small loads

Phil in Pa · Dec 29, 2009

Like they said, hang as much weight on the back as you can and make small passes.

I plowed and did removal for years with a 2WD 580. It can be done, but you have to be patient and smart about your approach to it.

I needed the differential lock quite a bit.

Mike M · Dec 29, 2009

How do you ever lift anything up without having the tires loaded ? Or do you hang a large weight on the 3pt. ?

Dutchman · Dec 29, 2009

if you get some weight on the back and as for chains ... you can and i have run a log chain thur the tire rim and around the tire... it works just keep it a tight as possible and DON"T try for SPEED.... it's just as a temp. solusion..
I have use 2 chains on each side.. with bunge straps holding things tight ...

Mark

504-1 · Dec 29, 2009

Don t be afraid to push it across your yard and a hundred feet past the drive way. You won t hurt the grass and it makes room for more snow.

ericlb · Dec 29, 2009

is the loader factory or quick on/off? my loader tractor is useless in the snow, too much front end weight, my little jubilee with backblade and some home made weights works great [ weights are used cutting edges off a dozer] you have to find a way to make the rear weigh substancially more than the front for it to move snow otherwise it will just spin the tires

Ultradog MN · Dec 29, 2009

Hang any kind of weight you can scrounge up onto the box blade = engine blocks, C6 tranny, parts of tractors or if all the rocks aren't frozen down use rocks. Chain them, bind them, ratchet strap them onto your box blade somehow. Then use your loader. Loader used head on for moving snow aint the most efficient way to move it. But a 3000 with a loader and a bunch of rear weight will move a lot of snow. Even without chains.

Rob in Ore · Dec 29, 2009

I have an IH240 (around 28hp & 4000#). I take the FEL off, put a blade on the back and push the snow backwards. When the pile that I'm pushing gets too big I push it to the side and start again. You might be able to do that with your box blade.

kruser · Dec 29, 2009

I'll second that for a rear blade - get the snow comin or goin.
Plus you can always hang wights on the blade for loader work.
Works for me.

Adrian Billheimer · Dec 29, 2009

Maybe you could find a 6 or 7 foot plow from a small pickup and mount it similar to this, which has been mentioned below, just showing how I mount my plow. The chain wrapping around the side of the bucket is connected to one from the other side with a chain binder.

Kris Golden · Dec 29, 2009

I'm not sure what your rear wheels look like but if they have any clearance between the wheel center and rim you can go to a hardware store and buy some chain that will fit through the gap and just wrap short lengths of chain around the tire and rim. MAKE SURE the chain can't get to your valve stem even if it slips or it will tear your valve stem off and you will have a flat in a hurry. Individual lengths of chain with the ends bolted around the tire/rim will help tremendously. If you have a carryall for the three point hitch I'd put that on so you can load it with anything heavy you may have laying around. An ATV, riding lawn mower, firewood - anything for weight. If all you have for the rear is the box blade - do as others have said and load it with anything you have. Either way you need to change the hydraulic fluid and just use the loader bucket for now. Even if you put weight on the rear blade it will do no good when the blade is down trying to push. good luck!

Anonymous-0 · Dec 29, 2009

first fix your loader change the oil most likely to heavy or water in it and with a box blade on the rear 8 in. is a dusting. i use a to-20 with a back blade to move 2 ft. for years. a 3000 is no toy and will move snow with ease just don't try to move it all in one pass

I need a handle · Dec 29, 2009

A Ford 3000 should be plenty good enough to move 8 inches of snow. I know chains are pretty spendy when you don't have a lot of money, but they make it possible to go and do just about anything in the winter. I highly recommend the double ring chains.

hoosier boy · Dec 29, 2009

Years ago before I had a loader tractor and a blizzard hit I was able to fasten a 2x12x10ft long plank across the 3pt hitch and push back thru some real snow. Got it done while snow was still soft and worked so well I broke a path up the county road.

MasseyTodd · Dec 29, 2009

A cheap rusted out old truck with a plow and shoes works great, keeps gravel off the lawn, and if needed chains are less expensive.

old · Dec 29, 2009

Years ago I was set up sort of like you are. Ford 841 with loader and back blade. Blade was not much good but found if I have the blade on the 3 point and then hang weights on that blade the loader could be used to move a lot of snow with out having chains. And when I say a lot of snow I have a mile long drive and I clear it many times with just that tractor and loader. Took a couple hours but I got it done.
In your case that box blade with rocks or what ever you may have laying around on it and your loader you should be able to clear what you need to clear. BTDT and know it can be done

BushogPapa · Dec 29, 2009

If your loader is too stiff to use, in really cold weather..I would be changing to a different oil..

either Hy-trans or at least a much lighter multi-grade than you have in there..

You can "Load" your rear tires with Windshield washer fluid or "RV Antifreeze" and do it at you home or shop..OR, put a good heavy counter-weight on the rear..(3-point??)..

Ron..

Walterdavies · Dec 30, 2009

Curl up by the fire and wait for spring.
We had about 1 in. today wasn't supposed to snow.
Walt

Anonymous-0 · Dec 30, 2009

Does the loader have a seperate hydraulic system? Is the oil low? If it has it's own system, put some 10 wt. hydraulic oil or ATF in it. If you get the oil warmer and the loader works fine, get a magnetic heater to warm the oil. If not you should be able push backwards with the box blade. Dave

BobReeves · Dec 30, 2009

Thanks gang for all the tips.. The loader is running off the tractor hydraulics with universal tractor/hydraulic oil. I changed it last year and the tractor never sits out in the rain. Can't imaging it has water in it but who knows..

Normaly the tractor doesn't even get started between December and March so this is a new expierence. Will see what I can do with all the sugestions and thanks again..

Anonymous-0 · Dec 30, 2009

I plow snow with a Ford 3000. I had to change oil to Ford no 134 oil which is thinner. Takes a few minutes to warm up.I added weight to back and chains. Works great. Small lengths of chain bolted thru wheel will work.

JERRY

Anonymous-0 · Dec 30, 2009

Using the Ford oil should help. Putting a magnetic heater or 2 on the trans. to help warm the oil would also help but would need to be plugged in overnight. Dave

LeoinMI · Dec 30, 2009

Looks like all the other posts have you covered with good ideas. All I can say is that the best way I found to move snow without getting high banks or running out of places to put it is to use a snow blower. A good three point two stage snow blower will do the job. I know $$$ is an issue,but you may be able to find a used one in your price range. Having plowed snow for the local airport for over twenty years,..snow blowing is the only way to go if you have the right equipment.

Lee in Iowa · Dec 30, 2009

If thinner oil doesn't help enough you can try putting 2 male ends on a hydraulic hose and hooking it to one valve and then tieing the lever back and making it pump oil through the hose while the tractor warms up. This helps a lot on my old IHs. At Tractortirechains.com they've got 12.4x28 chains for $230 this place is the cheapest I've found.

Need snow moving ideas

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