jsmay 0 #1 Posted February 2, 2011 ok, i know this may get some people going, but i'm just getting into tractor's so to speak... i love everything mechanical...and machinery thats made to last. So I have been searching for a plow for my newer 265H and have been getting great feed back.. It's not the tractor I was told it was when I bought it... I knew about classic 300 series tractors and wanted something very similar...well i have a nice tractor and i'm happy with it. But its looking like maybe my best bet is to find a different tractor that is more suited for the plowing task. So, that being said I might as well look for the best tractor for the job, which is..........? please any info on why/ and how a certain tractor is better is what I'm looking for. New/old I don't care, i just would like to get a snow plowing beast(for my single lane driveway)! thanks jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,552 #2 Posted February 2, 2011 Be prepared for a wide variety of tractors to be mentioned here. Most guys will be choosing the tractor that their using now. That being said, right now I'm using a 1984 C165 8 speed and its great! I use a hydro with hydraulic lift for my snowblower tractor but a manual tranny machine with manual lift for plowing. I personnaly dont think that a plow is to heavy to lift so I'm fine with the manual lift part. The older "C"s are great machines but have one huge drawback in my opinion. The headlights suck big time! If you work days you'll be plowing early in the morning or after work so you could find yourself plowing in the dark more often than not. The 1980 and up "C" series (and 300-400-500 series) have sealed beam headlights that are real bright as opposed to the older "C"s with little bulbs with terrible light output. Just my opinion here. Mike........... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
420lse 18 #3 Posted February 2, 2011 They all do a great job. I use a 655 to plow with. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-Series14 15 #4 Posted February 2, 2011 Like Mike said, you will get all kinds of different opinions. I will only say, I have used nothing but a good ole C-Series for plowing snow since I have owned them. I currently use a 1979 C-161 8-Speed that is basically in it's original condition with 10.50 Ag's, WH wheel weights, and a 48" WH blade and it does it right! :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tmessenger 0 #5 Posted February 2, 2011 The older "C"s are great machines but have one huge drawback in my opinion. The headlights suck big time! If you work days you'll be plowing early in the morning or after work so you could find yourself plowing in the dark more often than not. The 1980 and up "C" series (and 300-400-500 series) have sealed beam headlights that are real bright as opposed to the older "C"s with little bulbs with terrible light output. Just my opinion here. Mike........... I just tried my 10 8sp this evening for the first time it has the stock bulb lights but just has a clear 1/4" thick Plexiglas cover over them not the OEM lens and they worked good and were bright so maybe it's the lens that's the problem or maybe my idea of bright is off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
corn53 4 #6 Posted February 2, 2011 I love my Gt14 !!! Hydraulic lift is very nice. I also used my b-60 last year and that pushed great also. I have a c-175 with a bucket but havent used it. Cant get caught playing when u have a back injury. My neighbors grandson has been doing all the plowing. Its killing me 2 watch and not play :banghead: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,030 #7 Posted February 2, 2011 I've plowed with a C-121 8 speed, a C-160 8 speed, a C-120 hydro, they all did a good job, but I this year put together a 520 out of spare parts, and I LOVE it, the dash mounted direction control, and lift control, are the cats a$$, the power is unbelievable, gear reduction steering with the tri ribs and the spinner knob, feels like power steering, but it's a bit of a gas hog, I don't care, it's my favorite. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsmay 0 #8 Posted February 2, 2011 i just found an ad for a GT2500 anniversary. anyone know anything about these tractors? sorry for the ignorance...still trying to catch up on all the models and years ect. ect. ect. price is real decent... jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,145 #9 Posted February 2, 2011 A GT-2500 Anniversary Special (1981) is - for lack of better terminology - a "mutt" built from leftover parts. They had an 11hp Briggs & Stratton engine and an 8 speed tranz with the 4 pinion differential and smaller axles. Even though they are a very capable machine, I wouldn't buy it for a "working" tractor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zieg72 209 #10 Posted February 2, 2011 I have only plowed with a 520H and now with my 417-8. Hands down with the 520H for 3 reasons. 1 the hydro trans, the wheels tend to spin more on the 417-8 while the 520H never did. 2 the gear reduction steering, very easy and my shoulders didn't hurt when I got done. 3 The 520H is heavier and does better overall. I have the electric lift on the 417-8 which is very slow compared to the hydro lift on the 520H. Two negative with the hydro trans is you have to let it warm up some before you use it and you should run it full throttle or so I have heard. I go about 2/3rds throttle in 3rd high. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,349 #11 Posted February 2, 2011 Ooh... I know this one.... The best plow tractor.... Wheel Horse I use a 414-8 and it works well, I would probably like using a hydro a little better, but it wouldn't be as much exercise. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsmay 0 #12 Posted February 2, 2011 this is great! I think I'll pass then on the gt2500. I see a lot of C-models being used.. are parts plentiful? I was always scared of the hydros.. i really like it for cutting but is it bad for plowing with the stops/starts...forward/back... I used to think that at least with a clutch you have to stop then switch instead of rolling in and out of forward and back. I looked at it like slammingg the gears in an automatic trans... school me... please are the older hydro's beefier than newer? -jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,164 #13 Posted February 2, 2011 C-160 auto is my choice. Its got the balz and the brawn to back it up. http://www.youtube.com/user/Feathercrafter...u/0/LyYaqe6vtPc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,650 #14 Posted February 2, 2011 Be prepared for a wide variety of tractors to be mentioned here. Most guys will be choosing the tractor that their using now. That being said, right now I'm using a 1984 C165 8 speed and its great! I use a hydro with hydraulic lift for my snowblower tractor but a manual tranny machine with manual lift for plowing. I personnaly dont think that a plow is to heavy to lift so I'm fine with the manual lift part. The older "C"s are great machines but have one huge drawback in my opinion. The headlights suck big time! If you work days you'll be plowing early in the morning or after work so you could find yourself plowing in the dark more often than not. The 1980 and up "C" series (and 300-400-500 series) have sealed beam headlights that are real bright as opposed to the older "C"s with little bulbs with terrible light output. Just my opinion here. Mike........... Upgraded my lights on my C-160 to Sylvania Silver Stars. Wrapped the bucket area with HVAC foil tape and cleaned the lens on the inside. First time out when it started getting dark the switch died. Planned on extended seat time tonight but our 15-22" snow forecast turned into 4" with a coating of ice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,650 #15 Posted February 2, 2011 I've plowed with a C-121 8 speed, a C-160 8 speed, a C-120 hydro, they all did a good job, but I this year put together a 520 out of spare parts, and I LOVE it, the dash mounted direction control, and lift control, are the cats a$$, the power is unbelievable, gear reduction steering with the tri ribs and the spinner knob, feels like power steering, but it's a bit of a gas hog, I don't care, it's my favorite. Looks awesome Kelly. How are those tri-ribs for plowing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #16 Posted February 2, 2011 I have used a 310-8 with a 42" blade and thought that was the cats meow until I got a D200 with a 56" blade. The D200 is a beast with the weight and power that it has. I wouldn't tread it for nothing for plowing snow with a garden tractor. Just about all the will do you a good job. Good luck with your search :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HankB 16 #17 Posted February 2, 2011 The heavier the better. My first Wheelhorse was a Charger V8 which was one of the earlier verticals. I plowed for years using a 42" blade. But it did have an Eaton trans which may be more robust than what you have now. Now I have a 314-H. I've outfitted it with liquid filled ags and push a 48" blade. Once we get daylight I'll find out if it can be stopped. We got 12" since last night and it's still snowing. The hydro is particularly nice for quick direction and speed changes plus it has a hydraulic implement lift. If you select a smaller tractor, consider finding a 42" blade. If you think you'll want to upgrade to a blower, ... I have no direct experience with that. But they're heavy so I think they would work better with a heavier tractor. What kind of snow do you get in Webster? 12" is a whole lot in Chicago, but I think the folks in Buffalo would rightly say "that all?" -hank 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsmay 0 #18 Posted February 2, 2011 The heavier the better. My first Wheelhorse was a Charger V8 which was one of the earlier verticals. I plowed for years using a 42" blade. But it did have an Eaton trans which may be more robust than what you have now. Now I have a 314-H. I've outfitted it with liquid filled ags and push a 48" blade. Once we get daylight I'll find out if it can be stopped. We got 12" since last night and it's still snowing. The hydro is particularly nice for quick direction and speed changes plus it has a hydraulic implement lift. If you select a smaller tractor, consider finding a 42" blade. If you think you'll want to upgrade to a blower, ... I have no direct experience with that. But they're heavy so I think they would work better with a heavier tractor. What kind of snow do you get in Webster? 12" is a whole lot in Chicago, but I think the folks in Buffalo would rightly say "that all?" -hank well... i wish you all the best of luck with all that snow.. we were told we were gonna get hit with 5-9" last night and 4-6" today.. well we have gotten about 4" so far.... and it hasn't snowed since 6am here. jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,537 #19 Posted February 2, 2011 :banghead: Being from the upper East coast this year we have now over 3' of snow with more on the way.And this C141 Auto is great for plowing the Hydo lift is the best if u have a lot of landscaping with rocks and patio blocks. I still am playing with tire pressure but it still works fine now. the only thing I do not like is the cradle sys. that wheel/horse came up with to much power loss. I hope this helps. Gary B..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
B-8074 19 #20 Posted February 2, 2011 I love my C-175 hydro with foot control and hydro lift. It's nice to be able to set the plow at any height with the touch of a lever. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jsmay 0 #21 Posted February 2, 2011 I think the C series tractors are winning me over.... I've been searching the classified here, everything in my budget is long.......gone...... I have also been checking out youtube. Very cool video's of Horse's in action! jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brybrychrismer 17 #22 Posted February 2, 2011 well i have to agree with Nylyon Ooh... I know this one.... The best plow tractor.... Wheel Horse but i like my c120 auto Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,650 #23 Posted February 3, 2011 Pics of my headlight upgrade! I compared them to my Power King with it's full blown tractor lamps. I would say I increased the amount of light about 4 times! Nothing like the sound of 2 K-series Kohlers running at full vsong side by side!! PIG PILE!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daddy Don 907 #24 Posted February 3, 2011 I use a c111 and with a 14hp kol. that I put on it. It does a great job with the 36 inch plow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgoyette 12 #25 Posted February 3, 2011 I agree with bitten on the D-200. Mine is a D-180 and it is just great. I have used C series and 300/400 but the difference with the weight of the D and the 56" blade with hydro and hydraulic lift is just amazing. But all horses plow great. My little lawn ranger with a 39" plow even does a respectably amount of pushing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
