Setting up tractors for snow-Wise men come forth!

[cdlong]

I'm setting up the 1450 & 582 for snow duty. The 1450 will have the QA-42A & 42 inch rear blade. This is my 1st year with a tractor mounted snow thrower. The 582 will have a 42 inch front blade after I remove the hydraulic angle kit. I intend to load the rear tires on both tractors with RV antifreeze as soon as I research how to do it. 582 has tubes, 1450 does not. I have 1 set of 2 link V-Bar chains and 4 wheel weights. I think the weights are 75 pounds each. Should I split the weights between the 2 tractors? Chains on the 582? I clear driveways in the subdivision so I'm not sure the QA-42A will work. If not, I'll put the front blade back on the 1450.

[olds45512]

I would put one set of weights on each tractor and the chains on whichever tractor will have the plow.

[J-Mech]

How are you going to put the rear blade and snowblower on the 1450 at the same time? They will both raise and lower at the same time.......

[cdlong]

Yes, both will be mounted at the same time. I added a 3rd hydraulic circuit to operate the rear blade. It only works with the rear blade. My neighbor welded brackets to the rear blade so I don't use the angle iron that's bolted to the blade arm. I need to get 6 inch longer lower hydraulic hoses.

[J-Mech]

AH....... I see.

[DoubleO7]

As far as chains go, better check with your clients as some might have a tizzy with chains marking up their precious driveways.

And you do not often run out of room for the snow with a thrower like you might with only a blade.

Pushing the snow half way across the front lawn might cause tizzies too, lol.

[cdlong]

Thank you Double07,
I had one that complained about the chain marks when I spun the wheels. Her driveway is an extreme up hill & I had to back up as far as I could, pull the snow down, then plow it away and continue this until her driveway was clear. 4 car driveway that takes about 1 1/2 hours to plow. When I didn't plow with the next snow, she called and begged me to plow, no worries about the chain marks.
I warn them now about possible chain marks. No one has refused snow removal.
I'm loading the reat tires on the 1450 & putting the chains & weights on the 582 with the 42" front blade. Down the road, I want AGs for the 582 then I'll load them too and keep the turfs off the 582 for mowing with the 1450. Don't want to chance loaded tires tearing up the lawns.

[cdlong]

Getting there slow but sure. I'll have to check the mounting bracket in the spring. I think both arms are bent that slide beside the frame. Had a devil of a time getting the QA-42A attached. Have an extended lift bracket & HD u joint for chute rotation. Waiting for the drift hood, then it'll be complete.

[ol'George]

There are different methods of attaching the snow throwers and most will swear
their way is the best, but guaranteed, most swear @ the process.
I prefer to do it on cement in a heated building.
I separate the thrower from the mule drive/gearbox, by removing the lower bar/shaft, it is only retained by a cotterpin on each end., and only one need be removed.
I slip the mule drive into it's home and attach the belt & adjust, it is easily handled as far as weight.
Don't forget to put the chute adjusting crank support rod, in it's pocket in the mule drive before you put the mule onto the tractor ( some will not allow you to do it after it is on the tractor,
( and you don't need the practice of repeated installations)
Then slide the thrower/auger assy up to it, aligning the drive shaft in it's proper orientation of the yokes first .
next slide the thrower closer to where it should be to insert the pin.
Then just wiggle and slid in the pin, marrying the units together.
It helps if you put a chamfer on the pin and lube it slightly.
( Things always go easier with lube)
Then finish by attaching the upper links with hair pins/attaching pins, cotter pins, bent nails, bailing wire or other what-have-you's from the previous owner

Beats the hell out of skinned knuckles and trying to align everything up @ the same time for me.
Your results will vary, no guarantees, and no dogs will be kicked during or after the process.

[cdlong]

Thanks Ol' George!
Got the tires on the 1450 loaded today. 7 gallons per tire. Was going to mount the tires and rotate the valve stem to 12 o'clock and see if I could pump more in, but didn't want to run back to Wally World for more RV antifreeze. Metal tire valves came from Advance Auto Parts, $7.00. Total of $93.12.