using a WB mower for plowing??!

[qualitylandscaping]

I'm thinking about making a straight blade plow out of steel for my 48" WB mower. Dimensions would be 50" long x 20" high.. My mower has 14hp. I would have someone make some kind of brackets to attach it to the mower. Do you guys think it would work??

Thanks!

[Scaper-S2k]

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It won't work with any measurable snow. I wouldn't waste your time or money. If you go that route, get a 4x4 quad with a blade.

[qualitylandscaping]

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Scaper,

I'm considering buying a Quad for next season. Some of my jobs have very tight spaces that I cant get my plow into, so I'm looking for something smaller so I don't have to use my snowblower.

I have talked to a few dealers about ATV's, and this is what I came up with.

2002 Honda Four Trax Rancher (4x4) $4,895
2003 Suzuki Vinson 500 (4x4) $5,999
2003 Yamaha Kodiak 400 (4x4) $5,595
2003 Yamaha Wolverine (4x4) $4,995

I checked plow prices and came up with $600-$800 installed w/ hydrulics.


Which make & model do you have Erich?

I have seen some good one's on Ebay w/ plows in my area, I'm going to go look at them today and tomorrow. I have alot of dealers around here, so prices are pretty competitive and I think should be able to find every brand..

Thanks for your help!

[Zack.]

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I have a Rad blade on one of my Tracers & it works quite well even in deep snow. You may want to add tire chains or a more aggressive tire if you experience slippage, so far I have only added improved drive tires. Also a rubber edge. Good down pressure, manual angling & excellent maneuverability with the Tracer. I wouldn't add it to a belt drive.

http://www.agro-tec.com/exmark2.shtml

[Scaper-S2k]

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We used a Polaris Sportsman 500 4x4.

Skip the Vinson 500, we have the Suzuki Eiger 400 4x4 that is almost dead on to the Vinson for over $1000 less.

Kodiak 400 is not a great choice because I think they are full time 4 wheel drive...which is horrible on turf.

The Wolverine is not going to be up to the needs of plowing. Great engine, but not setup for a true utility quad.

My choice would depend on the spending limits. I had brake problems with the Polaris. I also had a Yamaha Bear Tracker last year for working as well...good machine, but small. I will be looking into the Kawasaki 650 this upcoming year. As of now, I can't complain about the Suzuki Eiger 400 4x4 we have. Strong and light.

They are not as handy for snow removal as many think. They'll get the job done of course, but a good quick snow blower will do it just as good and possibly quicker.

I would stay away from the large blades if you plan on sidewalk clearing. I would also consider skipping the hydraulics, and simply hook it up to a winch.

[Zack.]

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Depending on the areas you will be plowing a hydro WB w/plow will be much more versatile & maneuverable than any ATV. Obviously larger areas with heavier snow amounts are better suited to a truck or ATV but for tight spaces, sidewalks, small drives with push points, a hydro WB will compliment a blower quite nicely.

[qualitylandscaping]

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Thanks for the info guys!

[mariner]

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Why would you even try that? Imagine what that would look like.

[FeartheDeere]

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Hey Steve,

If you would spend that much money on an ATV, I'd say you could better invest in a John Deere lawn and garden tractor in my opinion. You can attach a front end blade on those plus so much more value in versatility!

Look at something like a 345 l&g tractor. 20 hp kaw. v-twin, liquid cooled.

you can put a 48" front end blade on this one (it hooks on and off in less than 5 min. like every other attachment once you're good at it) get a rubber gaurd for the bottom of the blade so it doesn't damage the surface.
Get rear wheel weights to set yourself down. + chains if turf tires

This is only the beginning though my friend. You can Put a tiller on this and do custom tilling for people. Also put a good 54" deck on it and you can mow many of your larger props with it. Its also good for general purpose stuff like hauling your stuff around on a landscaping job or hauling a load of wood out of the woods. You can also get a snow blower for this too. There are many other attachments that I haven't listed either that will make you money. This is all in one machine Steve! It'll probably save you space in the garage instead of buying a separate machine for everthing.

Although this was in '97, We got our 345 (they were 18 hp back then) for $5150 w/o tax. Had a 48" deck included.

Check it out bud!

John Deere may not have the commercial Mowers down as well Exmark or Scag and the like, but when it comes to tractors...you got yourself the best.

If you have any questions about John Deere Lawn and Garden tractors, just ask because I run 3 and they are quite my forte!

[Bobby D]

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I personally would never do this. There are somethings that are not meant to be used for certain purposes. A WB mower is not meant to move snow. Get a toro for about $600 and don't waste anymore time and money into converting your mower into a snow plow. Go buy a Dingo if you like the all in one feature, but it won't cut grass.
Let me add this, doing residential Steve like what I am assuming you are doing, plowing is useless. Driveways and sidewalks/walkways are all you have to worry about. Also, think of this, how will you get a mower around down in the snow. You can't go hauling your trailer around in the ice and snow. Thats why we use light, one man snow blowers. Don't try and recreate the wheel, go with what already works and save some money too.

[Mow Pro]

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Just got a honda rincon 650 with a 50 inch county plow. bad to the core.Put a warn 2000# winch on it. Cost a little over 8 grand

[qualitylandscaping]

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Thanks for all the input guys!!

Fear,
I'm definiently thinking about buying some kind of tractor. The biggest reason I would rather have an ATV, is because of all the woods in my backyard. It would be fun to be able to build some trails and ride around back there with my friends. A tractor would be great for what you said (plowing, mowing, tilling, grading, aerating, dethatching, rolling, and I know there is more).. But an ATV can do all of that too, plus go faster and be a better in the other places I would want to ride it.

Bobby D,
I do agree that most people with leave snow on their driveway if it snows, but after a while or a bigger snow storm, like we had last week, the piles from the town plows are so high, without doing something there would never be a way to leave home.

I'm still thinking about this.. In no way is anything I say a final decision yet, I'm just trying to get some input..

Thanks!

[FeartheDeere]

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Bobby D,

In my area we don't endure such heavy snows that often, but I load up my 345 with 48" plow on the trailer and do my jobs. I do have to watch it though! Hey, trailer trucks have to pull their trailers in the weather. Just my input.

[FeartheDeere]

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Steve, I didn't know you could put a tiller on an ATV! wow!

[qualitylandscaping]

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Fear,

I haven't checked yet but I think some of them have PTO's and hitches so I think its possible. I know people make mowers for ATV's..