Let it snow...

[toprecycler]

Originally Posted by Ironman

I think it should work better than a back blade on a tractor, but I have two suggestions.

I would create a swivel to allow some rotational movement, so that the blade follows the ground instead of what the rear axle is sitting on.



I would also set up sliders on the blade edge so the cutting edge just skims the surface.



have done this on my loader as I have an angled blade with a frame held in the bucket by chains. I noticed that the cutting edge where the snow exits the blade was always in the ground and wearing hard. The slider shoe solved that and made it easier to push.

I used to make plow pipes at old job. Take a piece of 1-1/2” schedule 80 pipe, and cut a 3/8- 1/2” slit down lengthwise of the 7- 8’ pipe, that then would slip over the cutting edge of the blade. Weld on couple washers on either end so it can’t slide off end of blade, and weld on couple short chains that would get bungee corded up to top of blade to hold it on. When plowing, the down pressure would hold the blade on, and the round edge would usually glide over the lawns pushing the snow. After couple plows and the ground freezing, there would be a packed layer of snow, then you could take the pipe off.


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[Shade Tree Welder]

Or you can buy a tractor with a loader...

[camdigger]

Originally Posted by RED caddy

What is this SNOW thing you guys speak of ?

We have nun such here in paradise.

We do, however have to water the wooden shingles on the roof so they can properly rot off before they catch fire...

RED

You have alligators and snow birds, we just get the snow. Sure glad we won that bet....

[camdigger]

Originally Posted by Shade Tree Welder

Or you can buy a tractor with a loader...

Not for $200.

[camdigger]

Originally Posted by Ironman

I think it should work better than a back blade on a tractor, but I have two suggestions.
I would create a swivel to allow some rotational movement, so that the blade follows the ground instead of what the rear axle is sitting on.

I would also set up sliders on the blade edge so the cutting edge just skims the surface.

have done this on my loader as I have an angled blade with a frame held in the bucket by chains. I noticed that the cutting edge where the snow exits the blade was always in the ground and wearing hard. The slider shoe solved that and made it easier to push.

They don't show up,in the pictures very well, but there are 4 1/2"+ diameter skid shoes centered about 8" inboard from the blade corners. In fact, that is why the edge is sitting 2" above the dirt in the pictures. The shims I picked out of the scrap pile are too thick. I just picked up enough 3/4" flat washers to make the stack adjustable in 1/8" increments.

I was hoping there would be enough slop in the hitch receiver to let the blade pivot a bit. Right now, it only moves up and down 2-3" on the corners.

[allessence]

This is an interesting build for sure. Love the concept..

I have to ask.. has the mount been reinforced?

Few diagonals maybe?

[camdigger]

Originally Posted by allessence

This is an interesting build for sure. Love the concept..

I have to ask.. has the mount been reinforced?

Few diagonals maybe?

No reinforcement modifications to the hitch mount were made. The blade is made to trip on contact with anything solid and return to working position via springs using replacement springs from a Meyer built plow.

The blade is also built lightweight with a 16 gauge mouldboard face, 3/16" x 2" angle, and 1 1/2" wide 10 gauge ribs spaced 15". The blade will crumple up like a beer can before doing damage to the receiver mount, IMHO.

[LKeithR]

Originally Posted by camdigger

...You have alligators and snow birds...

Not to mention some nasty snakes, kudzu and ultra high humidity...

[jimkinney]

Originally Posted by LKeithR

Not to mention some nasty snakes, kudzu and ultra high humidity...

We don't get kudzu this far south, but the rest, yeah ok.

If you build the front hitch, you might consider two receivers for mounting. It would require a mod, but would be a lot stronger.

[RED caddy]

Yet, I feel pretty lucky.

I grew up on the southern shore of Lake Erie...

In the summer, we commercial fished all the way to the Canadian side, in the winter, we drove junkers to port Dover, to party. (we always went in 2 or 3 cars, so one would make it back by sunrise.)

Now, in my later years, I can't handle the cold well enough to hunt Pennsylvania, Ohio or Michigan like I used to. Now it's pick up trucks or jeeps with heaters and plug in sox. The canned hunts that are my speed now, the only thing I have to pull is a trigger...

Gator's and snakes or leeches, oh my. we do have seasons this far south. Hot, then very hot and muggy with tropical rain. Snowbirds are turning into movedowns at an alarming rate and turning the state red by shades.

I just can't pass up a chance to stick the snow people with a friendly needle.
RED