Select the Right Snowblower for Your Compact Tractor
Whether you’re a professional snow removal business or just a compact tractor owner who needs to get out of your driveway after that last winter storm, we all know how important efficient snow removal is. The right tool for the job will depend on your existing equipment and the job at hand. So, before you head to your local dealership or check out an online attachment retailer like Ignite Attachments, ask yourself these three questions.
Can My Compact Tractor Handle a Snowblower?
When working with any attachment, it’s important to know your carrier’s limitations. When it comes to a snowblower, this includes your tractor’s PTO type and capacity. It’s important to know if your tractor uses independent PTO or live PTO when engaging snowblowers since these attachments typically have specific requirements for PTO operation. Some snowblowers are designed to work best with independent PTO (IPTO), where the ability to start and stop the PTO shaft independently of the tractor’s transmission is advantageous. Others may require live PTO, where a constant power supply is needed for the blower to operate smoothly. Using incompatible PTO types can lead to increased wear and tear on both the tractor and the snowblower components. This can result in higher maintenance costs and reduced equipment lifespan.
Talk to your dealer about your carrier’s specifications. There are also online tools, like the Fit Finder from Ignite Attachments, that allow you to simply enter your carrier’s make and model for confident online purchasing.
Once you’ve worked out your PTO-based requirements, you’ll want to look at other tractor specs. For example, you’ll want an attachment that is wider than your compact tractor to minimize the number of passes required to clear the area.
Is a Snowblower Right for My Application?
Snowblower attachments for compact tractors are a great choice if you’re looking to clear a large, relatively level area — such as concrete or gravel driveways and parking lots. They can also make short work of clearing paths around acreages or barns. Unlike snow pushers or plows, snowblowers give you the ability to accurately propel snow up and away from your work area.
Adjustable skid shoes can help minimize the risk of gouging on gravel or non-paved surfaces. It’s important to note that most snowblower attachments can compensate for small changes in topography, but you will still want to assess any obstacles that might be hidden under the snow, such as curbs, manhole covers and other immovable objects. Hitting hidden objects that are under the snow could injure the operator, as well as damage your machine and attachment.
How Do I Maximize My Efficiency with a Snowblower?
If you’ve considered the above questions and determined that, yes, a snowblower is the right choice for your compact tractor and the job at hand, there’s just one more thing to consider — getting the best ROI. Be on the lookout for something that is durable and built to handle heavy loads and frequent use. Finding equipment that is well-built yet cost-effective allows you to focus on your operation.
Some Additional Points to Consider
Opt for a snowblower with a hydraulically operated chute. This upgrade saves time and effort when blowing snow, allowing operators to change the direction of snow placement without stepping off their tractor. Look for manufacturers that offer reversible and replaceable skid shoes to extend equipment lifespan.
Corrosion-resistant coatings can help protect equipment from salt and other deicing chemicals.
Lastly, make sure your attachment manufacturer’s service and support is top-notch. Partnering with a reputable company always pays off in the end.
Am I Ready for Winter?
Colder temperatures and snow will be here sooner than most of us would like to admit. Make sure winter is “snow” problem by carefully researching your snowblower attachment purchase now.
Darin Gronwold is a product manager for Ignite Attachments.
