first time snow plow advise

[Bushradical 21]

 Howdy everybody! I've got a Wheel Horse 310-8 set up for plowing snow. Wheel weights, chains etc. Ive been plowing with it all winter ...but I don't know if I'm doing it right. I usually run it in third gear "HI range" and just Give er'!  Is it better to use 2nd gear?  I don't have anyone to ask about the right way to run a plow tractor, so any advise would be appreciated.  I don't want to break anything if i can help it. 

 

Thanks , Dave W

[stevasaurus 22,705]

You have to kind of take what the snow will give you, ie...wet compared to dry...2" compared to 8".  The advantage of being able to run in 3rd gear is the blade will throw the snow off the blade.  If the horse is struggling in 3rd, go to 2nd.  Sometimes, I use 2nd to move most of it and then use 3rd for the clean up.  With the snow we had Friday (8")...after making 2 runs down the drive way, I had to finish by pushing the snow at 90 degrees to the drive.  Back up 4 feet and push a blade's width 4'...about 40 times.  The one thing I would be careful of is making the horse struggle in 3rd gear and make sure you come to a complete stop before shifting.  Your transmission will thank you. 

[rjg854 11,349]

I may not be the most experienced person with a plow tractor but I've found that 3rd gear moves the snow much better. A bit more speed rolls the snow away better than going slow on longer runs. If I'm pushing snow just to pile it up I go a little slower. 

[pfrederi 17,659]

I plow fast...BUT  i know where i am plowing.  If there is a possibility of obstructions (rocks, cracks. curbs) then slower is wiser....

[Sarge 3,463]

 

Speed is ok when you know the ground is smooth - if there is broken concrete or anything else that might catch that blade you need to be careful. It can not only launch you over the steering wheel , but do some serious damage to your machine. Need to pick the speed to the conditions - take your time and learn how it works and it's limits - don't abuse it and they will last a long time. I push mine pretty hard, but also have the ability to repair/rebuild when I do break something - and I have broken a few things....lol.

 

Sarge

[bluelinehiway 8]

The opinions I'm hearing are all right on... know your plow site. I plow a 1500 ft gravel drive and once I push the edges, I plow in 3rd high to pitch the snow off to the side. I run about 1.5" off the deck to not push the loose stone into the lawn. Once ya got the drivewaay "nuances" down, the rest is easy.

[Tankman 3,518]

19 hours ago, pfrederi said:

I plow fast...BUT  i know where i am plowing.  If there is a possibility of obstructions (rocks, cracks. curbs) then slower is wiser....

Likewise .

Often, when I'm thinking, stab the flexible markers along the drives. Just in case we're having "too much" white, wet, nasty cold stuff.

Come spring, spring tooth rakes keep the Grandsons busy puttin' gravel back where it belongs.

 

Edited February 12, 2018 by Tankman

[Sarge 3,463]

I use the same type of markers on the corners of the D's blade - easier to keep an eye on it's width so I don't take something out with it .

Need to change the mounting point and use a spring - if they do catch on anything it snaps those fiberglass poles right off. They are probably 6" shorter than what I started them at in height, lol.

 

Sarge

[Tankman 3,518]

11 minutes ago, Sarge said:

I use the same type of markers on the corners of the D's blade - easier to keep an eye on it's width so I don't take something out with it .

Need to change the mounting point and use a spring - if they do catch on anything it snaps those fiberglass poles right off. They are probably 6" shorter than what I started them at in height, lol.

 

Sarge

Home Cheapo has the Meyers snow plow flexible markers. Think I'll check them out; $25 for a pair. 

Usually not a problem, 48" blades and not on the Big D Horse; easy 'nough to see the blades on my 400's or 520.

But, the Grandsons would like need 'em.

[Sarge 3,463]

The marking poles are mostly so I don't kneecap myself walking past that 56" monster - and it may grow wider this week if I can figure out some wings for it . Eyesight is junk and I run into everything - mostly with my anvil-shaped forehead that's already dented enough, thanks. After 4 knee surgeries (2 each) I get livid - wild - pi$$ed when I run into something - then pay for it for several days afterwards. Not to mention, turning the air nearby blue from my anger and pain. I try to get to be a better person and handle my temper better - not sure if you guys here are helping or not, lol...

 

Are the Home Despot ones more flexible than others ? The ones I've used are just fiberglass 1/4" rod, colored just like the picture...I'd like something close with good solid springs on the mounting ends.

 

Sarge

[Bushradical 21]

Thanks everyone for the advise. My driveway is gravel, and i know it pretty well so Ive been plowing pretty hard in 3rd...but there isn't much to hit. I'm glad there are no right or wrong ways to do it, but rather just plow according to conditions. That makes sense to me.    Thanks!!

[rjg854 11,349]

Happy plowing Bushradical 

[squonk 41,018]

I plow in 2nd. Hitting piles in 3rd is a good way to break a frame.

[Tankman 3,518]

Sarge I haven't seen the plow flags at Home Cheapo yet but believe (per advertisement) the flags are flexible.

They are mounted with springs.    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Meyer-Snow-Plow-Marker-Kit-09917/202326242

 

Sorry to hear 'bout your knees. Mine are OK since leaving Camp Lejeune (loved it there though but, my M14 got heavy at times ).

Once a grunt, always a Grunt! Hoo Rah!

 

Edited February 18, 2018 by Tankman

[Sarge 3,463]

You were lucky - I got sent to MCRD San Diego in January, wow that was a change in weather...in the early 80's we got stuck with the M16 - I'd still prefer the M14 instead.

 

Dual knee injury in 2006 construction accident - I hate chains, just saying and this one was huge, 26lbs/ft GR80 transport class. Hit both knees right below the knee cap on the tendons and destroyed all the surrounding tissues , no replacement parts will fix them so it's something else to just live with, the past 11yrs now has been downhill ever since. Just have to deal with it , the Corps taught me that and I'm good at it - still work construction as  a Laborer and hope to retire here in a year or two. Gonna be dumb - better be tough, lol...

 

I've seen those same flag ends at TSC - guess I should look closer , they are polyethylene and not fiberglass so they would be flexible. I'll pick up a pair, gets old snapping them off on banks and objects the blade will otherwise fit underneath . Good catch, thanks.

 

Sarge