Using a blade on a two wheel tractor

16 years ago

We've had a banner year for snow up here in Wisconsin (100 inches, beating the previous record by over 20 inches) and I was wondering if a blade is a worthwhile investment for smaller snows and heavy, wet snows.

I'm possibly buying a blade for my 715 this week if I can arrange the shipping. I just ordered chains and am thinking I will need to put on wheel weights as well. My biggest concern is whether I'll be pushing the snow or if the snow will be pushing me when I'm going at an angle. I have a snow blower for the 715 for any large accumulations and maybe that won't be a concern with 4 inches or less.

Does anyone on here use a blade on a two wheel tractor like a BCS, Gravely, DR, Simplicity, or David Bradley? I'd appreciate your input. How is your machine set up for pushing snow?

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Comments (6)

rustyj14
16 years ago
I had a snow plow on a David Bradley, many years ago. I used tire chains on it. But, it did push sideways, or at an angle when pushing deep snow. A couple-three inches didn't affect it, but anything deeper did. I finally traded it for a Homade tractor, and built a regular snow plow for it. Worked well. It was made from an old Model A Ford car. They were called "doodle-bugs" in some areas. That was much easier on my back and legs!
krislu2003
16 years ago
Bill- I use a 4' blade on my Gravelys all the time. I use it for up to 6". I use it on my older "L" models and newer pro model. The "L" models have dual wheels (ags) no chains, run them in hi gear.The pro has single super lugs. I have no problems. The only time the tractors can't get traction is on ice. Some people use chains but I have not felt a need to. I assume your "715" is a BCS? What does that machine weight? Do they have wheel weights for it and or dual wheels? What about chains? Is it multi speed? Gravelys "L" weigh about 400-500lbs and the "pro" models about 500-600lbs also the dual wheel adapters for them weigh 50lbs so when putting on duals your also putting on wheel weights at the same time. I would get the plow and start from there. - Kris
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rej2
16 years ago
I have a 32" blade on a Troy Bilt Horse tiller. Dry snow not a problem, 4" wet is a little tougher. Chains definately improve traction. Beats shoveling thats for sure. My driveway is about 75' long with a 24'x30' area in front of the garage. Takes longer than I like. A walk behind snowblower or a blade or blower for my JDGT245 would be much more efficient. For now anyway I have more time than money so it will have to do. REJ2.
farmerboybill
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi Rusty,

Those David Bradleys are neat little machines. I've never run one, but I see them a lot at local thresherees. I wonder what they weigh and if you had weighted it if it could pushed better.

Hi Kris,

My 715 weighs about 140 lbs and the blade weighs just under 100, or so I've been told. I've never put my hand on one, but the blade is 36 inches and made out of 3/8 flat steel so it's beefy. I've been told on some other forums to weld a pipe on the blade frame and mount 90 lbs of free weights and mount as much weight on the wheels as I can fit. A BCS dealer offers weight brackets for the wheels that take free weights as well.

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Hey rej,

I've seen pictures of those blades for the fronts of the troy bilts. Can you angle those? If you need more traction, I imagine you could just engage the tines, eh ;-P
rej2
16 years ago
Yes, you can angle the blade, either direction. Mine is a PTO model so my tine assembly removes easily. Weight of my machine with tine assembly and no blade or blade hardware is 294lbs. I loose I,m guessing 80lbs without the tine assembly but gain some back with the blade and blade hardware. 3/8" steel blade, mine is not. Much thinner. REJ2.
krislu2003
16 years ago
Bill- Weight and speed and traction are key. At the very worst you might have to go out and plow more often (keep up with the storm) and not wait for the storm to end.

My "LI"
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Pro 12

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- Kris

Using a blade on a two wheel tractor

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Using a blade on a two wheel tractor

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