Tractor or skid steer?

[buddhaman]

Had a couple of apartment complexes approach me about snow plowing. It would be a lot of maneuvering needed so I was going to go with a tractor or a skid steer. I also have a couple other jobs I could use it at. I also do lawn maintenance and light landscaping in the summer months. Good thing about a tractor is that it can take some skid steer attachments and be easier on the lawns. The travel speed is higher also. It is also half the price. A skid steer has a lot more power though. Has anyone used a skid steer or a tractor for plowing? I was looking at Farmtrac 390DTC or a New Holland TC45DA. Or possibly a Cub Cadet or a Deere. That is what we have for reputable dealers here. Any opinions?

http://www.farmtrac.com/

http://www.newholland.com/h4/products/products_series_detail.asp?Reg=NA&RL=ENNA&NavID=000001277003&series=5154711

http://www.cubcadet.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_14101_10210_16210_-1#

[Mick]

I've used a 41hp tractor for plowing my driveway and a half mile road for the last couple years. Biggest drawback is not having a cab - it is COLD. I'd thought about getting a skid steer, but decided on a tractor. And, like you said, it can take most skid steer attachments. With a 72" bucket, though, I do need about 800 pounds of counterweight on the 3pt hitch. Just don't try plowing snow with a bucket - it's a real PIA.

[buddhaman]

I would use maybe a blizzard plow for a skid steer or some type of pusher box. I would definately have a cab also.

[Pickering Snow]

I've used a 41hp tractor for plowing my driveway and a half mile road for the last couple years. Biggest drawback is not having a cab - it is COLD. I'd thought about getting a skid steer, but decided on a tractor. And, like you said, it can take most skid steer attachments. With a 72" bucket, though, I do need about 800 pounds of counterweight on the 3pt hitch. Just don't try plowing snow with a bucket - it's a real PIA.


Mick probley off topic but i laughed when you said cold and no cab, the company that rents the new shop from my EX decided that my plowing service was too steep they rent lifts of all sorts and this past winter they were plowing the whole lot with a IR Fork truck with a blade made to lock into the forks i stopped by to see my one buddy the the ice sickles hanging from the young fellows nose looked mighty cold:D

[magnatrac]

I haven't plowed with a tractor yet but my brother is looking at the tc45da with the cab . It looks like a sweet machine. I would gladly spend all night in that cab, a little roomier than the skid steer, and visability is great!!! I would also like to hear how these size tractors work,good or bad?

[Mick]

Magnatrac, just make sure to get the adapter that you can use any skid steer attachment with. Then get a plow attachment that has an angling function. Trying to move snow with a bucket is very ineffecient. You can only move a bucketful at a time and have to manuver each bucket to the side. I have Ag tires, 4wd, 55 gallon barrel of sand on the 3pt hitch for ballast and differential lock. 30" of snow didn't even make it hesitate. Never used the diff lock for snow.

[LarryRB]

I have a Kubota L48 TLB with basically a home made cab. Plow is a Diamond 7 1/2 ft power angle,,

[magnatrac]

Magnatrac, just make sure to get the adapter that you can use any skid steer attachment with. Then get a plow attachment that has an angling function. Trying to move snow with a bucket is very ineffecient. You can only move a bucketful at a time and have to manuver each bucket to the side. I have Ag tires, 4wd, 55 gallon barrel of sand on the 3pt hitch for ballast and differential lock. 30" of snow didn't even make it hesitate. Never used the diff lock for snow.

Thanks for the info, we were going to to get the quick tach and some form of a plow( depends on what type of job we stick it on. I like the barrel of sand, simple yet effective!!! thanks again !!!