How to Use a Tractor Snowblade
Shoveling snow can be a back-breaking exercise, especially when Old Man Winter is in a bad mood and leaves your driveway looking more like a ski slope than a place to park. A tractor-mounted snowplow can be a big help, but only when it's used properly. Follow the simple steps below and you'll be well on your way to enjoying snow---or at least tolerating it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tire weights
- Tire chains
- SAE or metric socket and wrench sets, depending on your tractor.
- Pliers
Instructions
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How to use a tractor snowblade
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1
Mount weights to the rear tires; most tire weight sets are fastened in place through the tire rims with three or four bolt and nut sets that pass through the rims. Tighten the nuts according to the specifications in your tractor manual or the instructions that came with the weight set.
To mount the chain sets, lay out the chains lengthwise in front of the rear tires. Drive the tractor over the chains until the wheels are just past the center of the chains. Lift the back end of the chains up and drape them over the tires and let them hang down; lift the front of the chains to meet them, then hook them together. Many chain sets use a hook and latch system; some use bolts and nuts. Check your manual for specifics. If you have the hook-and-latch system, close the latches using the pliers. -
2
Angle the snowplow to the left or the right, get the tractor into position at the top or bottom of the driveway, and lower the plow as far as it will go. Start in the center of the driveway and make your first run. First or second gear usually works best. If the tractor has a hydrostatic transmission, keep the lever in a lower (slower) position. The snow should roll/push to the right. (For these instructions, we'll assume you've angled the blade to the right.)
Note: if the snow is very wet and heavy, or if you find the tractor is spinning a lot and the snow is bogging you down, proceed to Step 6.
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3
When you've made your first pass, raise the blade and back up the driveway. When you've reached your starting point again, position the tractor roughly halfway to the right of your first pass. Lower the blade and make another pass. When you reach the bottom, raise the blade and back up the driveway again. Repeat until the right side of your driveway is clear. Don't worry if there's a little snow left on the ground; a plow does not usually clean the surface completely.
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4
Starting at the top again, angle your blade to the left, lower it and make another run. When you reach the bottom, raise the blade, back up and position the tractor about halfway to the left of your last run. Lower the blade and plow. Repeat this process until the left side is clear of snow.
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5
If you've done this correctly, your driveway should now be free of snow. Don't worry if you don't get it the first time; snowplowing takes some practice, but once you've figured out how your tractor and blade work best, you'll be clearing that snow in no time.
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6
Sometimes it's easier to clear deep or heavy snow by keeping the blade straight or only slightly angled and making runs across, rather than down, a driveway. If you angle the blade, be sure to angle it toward the down side of the direction you're pushing. For example, if you're pushing snow off the left side of your driveway, angle the blade to the right.
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Tips & Warnings
A garden tractor is better suited for plowing than a lawn tractor. If the snowfall is heavy, don't wait until it stops to start plowing. It's usually much easier to plow several times than it is to try to move a large amount of snow at one time. Always plow downhill---it's easier, and reduces the risk of a rollover. When you're done plowing, it's often helpful to salt your driveway to prevent ice.
Be aware of your surroundings: watch out for children playing in the snow, and always look when you're backing up. Be aware of the danger of a rollover: Don't plow steep hills. Loss of traction could cause you to lose control of the tractor, causing injury or even death. If you must plow a steep hill, back up the hill to reduce the risk of a rollover. Don't drive your tractor sideways on a steep hill, and don't change direction suddenly on a hill. Doing so can upset the center of balance and cause your tractor to roll over. Be aware of your municipality's regulations regarding snow removal. Some don't allow you to push snow onto the street. Make sure you're pushing snow onto your own property, or that you have your neighbor's permission if you're pushing it onto his. Be aware of icy conditions - you can easily lose control of your tractor on ice.
