Take advantage of your compact utility tractor by putting it to use during the cold winter months. If your tractor is properly maintained and has the correct ballast, it should have no trouble operating in low temperatures and icy conditions. Operators should still take caution, remembering to keep loads low, and drive slowly when tackling snow removal.
With the help of the right attachment, snow removal isn’t a chore. Frontier snow removal attachments – including snow blowers and snow blades – are compatible with the 1-4 series compact tractors. Let’s take a closer look at these options and how they are used.
TRACTOR SNOW BLOWERS
For heavy snow, a tractor snow blower is the fastest way to clear your property. Use a rear-mounted, 3-point snow blower for large properties, commercial operations, parking lots, and driveways. Or, choose a loader-mounted snow blower for increased visibility and ease-of-use.
Both options do an excellent job of clearing snow and are easy to use. The difference comes down to operator comfort and price. While the loader-mounted option is more expensive, you won’t have to drive in reverse or crane your neck to see where you’re going. Whichever snow blower option you choose, there are general guidelines to keep in mind for efficient operation.
HOW TO HOOK UP A SNOW BLOWER
Using an iMatch™ Quick Hitch makes the attachment connection process fast and simple. Lock down the snow blower onto the iMatch, then make sure the equipment is level from front to back (adjust the top link if necessary). Next, attach the PTO shaft to the tractor and close the driveline shield. Lastly, don’t forget to attach the safety chain.
ADJUST THE SHOES
Both skid shoes need to be adjusted before each use. Aim for about one inch of clearance between the snow blower and the ground surface. The skid shoes help protect both the snow blower and the ground surface from damage.
ADJUST THE CHUTE & DEFLECTOR ANGLE
Determine which direction you want to blow the snow and create a mental plan for the path you’ll take to limit the number of times the chute will need to be adjusted. Set up the deflector angle so it blows the snow the preferred distance away. Adjust the angle downward for short distances and upward for long distances. Farther is typically better to ensure you won’t have to move the same snow more than once, but be mindful of where you are throwing the snow. Shorter distances are necessary when working near public roadways or along a neighboring property line. Chute and deflector adjustments can be manual or hydraulic, depending on the model.
CLOG PREVENTION
Maintain a steady and moderate speed while operating your tractor snow blower. The equipment can take in a lot of snow, but you don’t want the auger and impeller to become overloaded. If the snow blower becomes clogged, turn off the equipment and wait until it has stopped completely before attempting to remove the jam with a shovel handle or other tool.
PROPER STORAGE
Always remember to clean out the auger, impeller, and chute thoroughly after every use. Proper maintenance – including cleaning and storage – extends the life of your equipment. Snow left inside the auger, impeller, and chute can freeze, reducing the effectiveness of your next run and damaging the machine’s internal parts.
OTHER JOHN DEERE SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT OPTIONS
SNOW PUSHES
Have you ever had to remove snow from around buildings, fences, and other hard-to-reach areas? If so, then you understand how difficult it can be. With the John Deere Snow Push, the operator doesn’t have to lift the snow and dump it like they would with a loader; instead, they simply push the snow where they want it to go. A snow push is a fast, simple option for getting the job done. Model widths range from 4 to 10 feet and offer up to 8.5 cubic foot capacity.
FRONT BLADES
John Deere snow blades are a commonly used, dependable solution for small snow removal chores. Choose the blade size that works for you, from 64 inches to 84 inches. The curved blades create smoother, easier removal by rolling snow rather than pushing it.
ROTARY BROOMS
Rotary brooms effectively remove up to two inches of snow from paved surfaces. Use them to sweep walks, driveways, and parking lots for a clean finish. Broom attachments can also be used year-round to keep surfaces clean and free of debris.
Don’t wait until your property is buried in snow to get the attachments you’ll need. Contact your nearest Papé Machinery Agriculture and Turf location today to order a snow removal attachment or for help deciding which option is best for your needs.
