Kwik-Way Loader Pros and Cons

[Challenger 27]

Last spring I purchased a Kwik Way Loader system for a 522xi. I bought it with the intention of using it for strategic snow removal at our business.

I live in serious "Snow Country". Each morning the municipal snow plows have stuffed the mouth of our various driveways with hard pack snow. Our two stage snowblowers have been damaged on occasion trying to break- thru this tuff stuff. I thought the Kwik-Way Loader might be just the ticket to open up the driveways and then our plowing truck, backed-up by our snowblowers, would do the rest.

We're just getting ready to mount the loader, but some people I respect suggest I'll be disappointed with this tractor/loader combo. POOR TRACTION is the issue. Even with wheel weights and a weight box and chains I'm told these machines struggle to move heavy snow and can at times be dangerous.

I'm considering abandoning the loader idea and spending MORE MONEY to buy yet another piece of equipment: a 4 WHEEL DRIVE compact utility tractor.

I have no experience with a tractor/loader combo of any size. So, what do you think? Can a heavy duty Toro/Wheel Horse do the job or should I step up to something with 4 WHEEL DRIVE and more capacity? Some of you with loaders must have some experience and therefore opinions.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[wallfish 18,630]

My loader has no problem moving snow. I guess it depends on how much you need to do with it. It's not very efficient for plowing the entire driveway with the loader bucket but it works great for removing those big ice piles that the town trucks leave across the end of it. Lots of weight and chained tires will give you plenty of traction. I also push a 60" snow blade with mine and use Ag tires with no chains. The only danger is driving with the bucket raised to high or using it sideways on uneven surfaces. This is the same danger for ANY tractor.

Of coarse a 4WD compact would be a much better tractor in any situation except in tight areas and the storage room it takes.

Since you already have the loader, go for it. If it doesn't work for you then you can always upgrade to a bigger machine.

[squonk 44,672]

I think the main problem is weight. I have a loader on my Power King. Before I put the loader on I used a blade. The 24" rear wheels were loaded and I had 100 lb. each weights on them and chains. I was able to push through a 4 foot hard pack drift with it. I was amazed. We built the loader and was surprised how much traction was lost with the loader off the ground even with a weight box on. It still did an Ok job on flat ground. Then I got newer tires and rear wheels not loaded as my rims were rotting. Didn't get to try them out last winter as we got no snow. I did move some dirt with it this summer and I got my tires spinning but the dirt is a lot heavier than snow. I haven't loaded the rears yet. I want to see how bad it is first.

I would suggest at least loading the rears with rim guard or RV antifreeze. I'm sure it will help a lot. you all ready have the loader. If it doesn't work out you can always go for the compact.

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,806]

I used my neighbors WH with a loader to move 16 yard of dirt this past summer and it beats a shovel hands down!! Never used it for snow and I dont think he has either. But you need to keep the bucket low or they become tippy. I moved dirt across my yard and some parts are not very level so I had to travel as low as possible with the bucket. His setup has a weight box with no chains. It seemed like it need a bit more weight.

Mike.........

[KC9KAS 4,744]

Any load in a bucket (skid steer, tractor, high-lift) must be carried as low as possible because of tipping....This is just a "rule" of operating a loader.

[midnight rambler 36]

hi i had both 2 wheel drive lawn tractor with loader and traction is a issue due to the pivot point, the more weight in the bucket the more it takes in the back for your traction. i now have a kubota 4X4 and i have a back hoe on the back and my tires are filled and usually leave it in 2 wheel drive but i can tell when the front assit is needed. good luck with your decision on shopping for a compact, i know my kubota isnt red but at least its NOT green.

[Forest Road 594]

I have a 522xi with a factory quick way loader. For my needs its perfect! For commercial snow removal I'd consider a compact 4x4 or skid steer. My tractor has wheel weights and about 600lbs in the ballast box. It could use a little more weight. I don't like the smart turn function. Forward or reverse it slows you don drastically. With that much weight in the rear its rather light up front, noticeable on hills. Nor is it as well built as a compact tractor or skid steer.

I have some friends here in NJ who specialize in condo/townhouse complex snow removal. They prefer skid steers for snow removal. They're fast and tight turning. They mount truck 16" truck rims with 10ply snow tires charged with rimguard. The machines hardly slip, as compared to standard skid steer tires. And with a power angle plow I'll put them up against a pickup truck any day. Good luck.

[Ole MN 11]

I have had no problems with the bucket. The only problem i have is traction going up hill through unplowed parts. The tires i have are to wide for chains so this year i'm going to try screw in studs. I've used this for the last 3 winters, i have piled snow as high as i could, and than gone back and move the piles back more. I now have a blade and a blower and I will try this winter if we cet snow.