Ready for snow?

[c-series don 11,025]

@My_horse Weight, turf tires and chains and you will be saying to yourself “This thing is amazing!” It’s well worth the effort to add these things to your tractor for the winter. That and some wax or nonstick spray on the blade will help as well. Nobody can deny the cool factor of the look of ag tires, but in the snow it’s turfs,chains and weights. 

[SylvanLakeWH 30,325]

10 minutes ago, AlexR said:

 

So right now using this back blade. 

 

Alex,

how are you liking the back blade? I'm finding that its great for scraping ice but not great for just snow removal... thoughts?

[nylyon-(Admin) 8,676]

1 hour ago, Sparky said:

My 520-8 with a Magnum 10 gettin it done! 

 

With Megan’s 310-8 I only use about 50% throttle and it just chugs right along.

[Ed Kennell 44,295]

2 hours ago, Dan 312-8 said:

calcium deposit removal with rotator cuff repair surgery

Hoping for a complete speedy recovery Dan.     Keep us updated.    I was close to scheduling the same repair on my right wing but these other issues put any surgery on hold.  BTW, I have been working on another park bench and am using the hickory slats that you gifted to me.  Thanks again and God speed on your recovery.

[Wayne0 1,453]

Only a couple inches here now. Many more to come on the over night. I'm ready for the morning. Not messing with it until then!

Edited 16 hours ago by Wayne0

[AlexR 2,382]

13 minutes ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

Alex,

how are you liking the back blade? I'm finding that its great for scraping ice but not great for just snow removal... thoughts?

 

It works fairly well for me. I pretty much have to use it turned around to push backwards all the time so it's kind of a pain because you have to look behind you all the time. Not completely sure how it compares to a front dozer blade because the last time I used one I didn't have filled and weighted rear tires. 

The one nice thing about it is the weight is always on the rear wheels. And I haven't had chains on this year. 

 

But given the option I probably would opt for a front dozer blade. Mine need work right now and I need to get a dozer/tiller mount. 

If I had a cab the snowblower would be a option too, but you go the wrong way into the wind. And it blows right back on you. 

 

In the end the answer is... I need MORE TRACTORS!!! Because all the options! Haha

[nylyon-(Admin) 8,676]

Showed my family the cab, they told me I should buy one.  It looks like Original Cab still sells these new!
 

 

 

2 hours ago, Wishin4a416 said:

Four plowings today. Im done. R&R time. We both got 4x4.

 

[c-series don 11,025]

@nylyon I recently looked into purchasing a new one from Original Cab and was happy to see that they are indeed still available. However they are not giving them away if you know what I mean!! I have a cab on my sweeper tractor and a cab on my snowblower tractor. Having used it today in this dry snow with the wind blowing in several directions I was so happy to be in the cab. When I was done the cab was covered in snow but I wasn’t! I was thinking about buying one for my 418-C with the plow but I think my wife might freak out when she sees the price. I’ll probably wait until I find a nice used one. If, like you I had her blessing I would have ordered it already. 

[nylyon-(Admin) 8,676]

Giving it some serious thought.  The glass windshield and windshield wiper option seems pretty nice too!  Lil expensive, but might be worth it.

[SylvanLakeWH 30,325]

Sissy...

 

[c-series don 11,025]

I got lucky, I had the cab already and then found the glass with the frame and wiper motor. It was laying in the woods behind the local Ford New-Holland dealer. I was snooping around back there where I wasn’t supposed to be and came across it. So I went inside and talked to one of the salesman about selling it. He said sure how about a hundred bucks, I said you are crazy. Someday when someone cleans up back there they are just going to throw it in a dumpster. He looked at me like he was agreeing, so I handed him twenty bucks and said “Here, get yourself some lunch. I’m driving around back to load that thing in my truck” He kinda laughed and said fine, go get it! I got the wiper arm and blade from the auto parts store. It popped right in place of the plastic windshield with no modifications, and boy was I happy. After using both I would definitely recommend spending the extra money and getting the glass and wiper. 

[JCM 10,550]

Don't forget to give the girl on the wall a beach towel to keep warm or she won't have a cold beer ready for you when you come in after blowing & bladeing.  @c-series don Say hi to Lucy.

[Wishin4a416 2,453]

57 minutes ago, nylyon said:

Showed my family the cab, they told me I should buy one.  It looks like Original Cab still sells these new!
 

 

I got this at the show about 8 years ago. NIB. The vendor didn't know what it fit. So I googled the model number and found out it was an XI cab.

I adapted it to my 416. Got it very reasonable since she didn't know what it fit. I only ever had an issue with the Isinglass windshield one time. Snow changed to rain on me and visibility was a little foggy inside.

 

 

 

[c-series don 11,025]

[Blue Chips 606]

At the moment (10:15) PM Sunday) there's about 7 inches (measured) of new snow on the driveway, and a bit more on the lawn, which is hard to measure, as there was already snow on the lawn.

 

It's still snowing steadily, but it's nice dry snow so far, and not much wind (yet).

 

Instead of plywood, I dug out some sheet metal that I had stashed in our garden shed to use as a temporary lean-to over the end of our backup generator. It appears to be keeping snow from building up against it, but I'd like a more permanent solution. Perhaps some kind of metal shed over the generator with adequate room around the generator for servicing and meeting any code clearance requirements, as well as providing enough ventilation. Some fireproof acoustic material could be added to the interior, not that I'm all that concerned about noise, as it would only run during a power outage, and it's over a hundred feet from the closest neighbor's house. Or maybe some kind of metal semi-open snow-break fence with staggered slats and a 'roof' of some sort. I'll have to do a bit of research, including calling my local code enforcement officer.

 

 

 

[Bar Nuthin 2,145]

I have just three words...

 

I LOVE HYDROS!

[wallfish 18,941]

3 hours ago, Wishin4a416 said:

I only ever had an issue with the Isinglass windshield one time. Snow changed to rain on me and visibility was a little foggy inside.

12v defroster. Don't believe some of the pics with fire coming out of it like it gets real hot. It was just a quick search. 150-200 watts isn't much but mounted on the roof and pointed at the windshield it works for keeping the fog down. Connect to the switch so you don't leave it running by mistake. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/306627065285

[wallfish 18,941]

54 minutes ago, Blue Chips said:

Instead of plywood, I dug out some sheet metal that I had stashed in our garden shed to use as a temporary lean-to over the end of our backup generator. It appears to be keeping snow from building up against it, but I'd like a more permanent solution. Perhaps some kind of metal shed over the generator with adequate room around the generator for servicing and meeting any code clearance requirements, as well as providing enough ventilation. Some fireproof acoustic material could be added to the interior, not that I'm all that concerned about noise, as it would only run during a power outage, and it's over a hundred feet from the closest neighbor's house. Or maybe some kind of metal semi-open snow-break fence with staggered slats and a 'roof' of some sort. I'll have to do a bit of research, including calling my local code enforcement officer.

Maybe a 2 or 3 sided "dog house" type structure. Maybe wheels on it so it can be moved and or turned easily. They sell little generator cover thingys too but...

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=generator+covers+while+running&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2332490.m570.l1311

[kpinnc 16,754]

Well we got about 2 inches of sleet. I'm not complaining because our power stayed on and we're safe and warm. Had the generator and alternate heaters all staged and ready but we didn't need them this time. Luckily very little freezing rain for this area. I'm very thankful! 

 

Temps will stay below freezing for the week. Roads were brine sprayed but they are now solid sheets of ice. We got plenty to eat so we'll stay home and wait it out. 

[ebinmaine 76,835]

Nowhere near the original forecast here. 

 

We're currently setting with 11" of very fluffy snow on the side deck. Driveway likely has a touch more. 

It appears that we won't see much more. 

 

[Bar Nuthin 2,145]

9 hours ago, Blue Chips said:

but I'd like a more permanent solution

Probably not up to code but works great for us.

 

 

[Racinbob 12,547]

I like that. 

 

I have a Gen Tent on mine. I works great

 Generator Covers - NFPA Rated | GenTent Safety Canopies

[WHX?? 54,063]

Pretty slick Bar ... 

[Dan 312-8 380]

14 hours ago, c-series don said:

@nylyon I recently looked into purchasing a new one from Original Cab and was happy to see that they are indeed still available. However they are not giving them away if you know what I mean!! I have a cab on my sweeper tractor and a cab on my snowblower tractor. Having used it today in this dry snow with the wind blowing in several directions I was so happy to be in the cab. When I was done the cab was covered in snow but I wasn’t! I was thinking about buying one for my 418-C with the plow but I think my wife might freak out when she sees the price. I’ll probably wait until I find a nice used one. If, like you I had her blessing I would have ordered it already. 

Yowza! I just clicked on that link... 

 

I once drove to the Pocono's, about a 3 hour trip each way from where I live to pick up a low hour 314-8, with 42"SD, single stage blower, and a cab. The main reason I bought it was for the cab. After seeing what was required with cutting the rubber foot pads, etc. I ended up disassembling the setup, brought the tractor back to its glory and sold everything. I wasn't going to cut the foot pads on my all but showroom condition, sub 350 hour '97 520-H.

I need to find a used but well-maintained tractor that would be a better candidate.

[Blue Chips 606]

11 hours ago, wallfish said:

Maybe a 2 or 3 sided "dog house" type structure. Maybe wheels on it so it can be moved and or turned easily. They sell little generator cover thingys too but...

 

3 hours ago, Bar Nuthin said:

Probably not up to code but works great for us.

 

2 hours ago, Racinbob said:

I have a Gen Tent on mine. I works great

 

All good ideas. The generator covers/tents have given me a couple of ideas. @Bar Nuthin, your generator shed looks great...lots of thoughtful features! Since our Generac generator is permanently wired to the house, I'd probably have to jump through more hoops to build a permanent enclosure.

 

At the moment, I'm envisioning a simple metal extension of the top of the generator that's about two feet wider than the generator, extends out over the intake end a few feet and down to the ground, and is open on two sides. Maybe it could be attached to the cover with a couple of thumb screws. If I don't want to drill any holes in the cover, a couple of screws could be welded onto two plates, which could be adhered to the cover with double-sided foam tape. I have some special VHB (very high bond) 3M tape that would certainly do the job. The extension could be left off except when a snowstorm is approaching.

 

Now off to see about some snow clearing. Looks like around 12" of new dry white stuff out there this morning. Might be a bit breezy today, but not much snow on the trees due to being such cold, light snow. NWS says maybe another 1 to 2 inches today and another 1 to 3 inches tonight. No power outages in the area at all. Being on the coast, sometimes we pick up some extra snow from the proximity with water, depending on wind direction and other conditions...sort of like a 'lake effect,' I suppose.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 12 minutes ago by Blue Chips