Go BottomKubota L3010HST with LA481 loader with Curtis mounted front blade
 | Jim Thomson
Join Date: Posts: 1 
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2000-11-08 21323
I am looking at purchasing a Kubota L3010 HST 4WD with FEL and 6' curtis front mounted blade for snow removal. Has anyone any experience with this set up? How well does it work? Any info would be appreciated.
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 | Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7252 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada 
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2000-11-08 21324
We use a similar set-up for snow removal work on our Kubota's, it works fantastic. The big thing you MUST be careful of however is to avoid the temptation to plow at the speed you would in a pickup, if the blade catches on something you will very likely bend the loader frame, this is an EXPENSIVE mistake. Once you have plowed snow this way you will never want a truck-mounted plow again. Best of luck. ....
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 | Art White
Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 6898 Waterville New York
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2000-11-08 21325
About to assemble one as soon as the cab comes in. Have done others and it is a nice outfit. Depending on the amount of snow you get the front may get pushed around some by the snow with the blade angled. With 6' you should be safe had one guy had to be bigger than the neighbors and he got a 71/2' which was to much for the snow we have here. ....
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| Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7252 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
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2000-11-08 21331
If you are not plowing a paved or concrete surface, try putting V-bar type chains on all 4 wheels. The V-bar type chains (not regular style) will do a LOT to stop the front-end from sliding sideways and will make the whole operation much easier on your tires, since cold hard tires spinning on frozen ground will quickly remove a lot of expensive tread needlessly. Best of luck. ....
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| JeffM
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2000-11-10 21363
Art and Murf, I'm considering the Curtis plow also with a JD4400 for snow plowing my crushed stone driveway and parking area. The location is in the northern Adirondack mountains in NY, so, like Art's neighborhood, we tend to get a heavy amount of snow and drifting. I would love to hear your thoughts or tips on how you think the Curtis plow would work on compacted crushed stone? My 4400 has turf tires and I plan to put conventional chains on the rears and possibly the front tires if necessary. I've heard that you shouldn't have chains on all 4 tires with 4WD engaged - tough on the front end. Truth or BS? There was also a post some time ago on one of the boards that implied you could plow the snow pretty high by raising the plow into the snowpile - any experience on this? Luckily I have plenty of space to put the snow. Thanks for any input. ....
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| Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7252 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
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2000-11-10 21369
Jeff, I'm not sure of the logic to the argument that 4 sets of chains would hurt the 4wd system, I've chained all 4 wheels (with V-bar chains) on all my tractors (at least the ones used 'off-pavement') every year, for many years, with no problems, it makes a huge difference in keeping the tractor going straight with the plow angled. As far as plowing gravel goes, it is no problem if your plow is equipped with skid-shoes, as you would a truck-mounted plow, if not you will end up with a lot of gravel piled up in the spring where your snowbank used to be. If you are in tight quarters, yes the 'stacking' abilities of a loader-mounted plow are unbeatable. In fact they are also handy in that the plow is far enough out front to do things like cleaning out ditches, so that they don't ice up and flood the road or driveway. Best of luck. ....
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| TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley
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2000-11-11 21383
The logic about chains I've heard is that chains on the front only of 4wd tractors is hard on the front drive. The idea is that most front wheels are somewhat over-driven. Having more traction on the front can have the effect of forcing the front wheels to partially drag the whole tractor along. The effect is stronger if a loader is used to stack snow. The added weight on the front gives even more traction and drags the tractor into a pile while pushing down on the front. I guess there's an assumption here that the front drive isn't as strong as the rear and can't tolerate as much stress.
The only logic I've heard about chains on all wheels is similar to the idea that 4wd shouldn't be engaged on pavement. The idea is that a tractor is operating on frozen gravel with chains may have a lot of traction--maybe even more than a tractor on the highway. Again, the notion is that an over-driven front drive is hard on things when all wheels have high traction.
I don't know how much difference this 'over-driven' thing makes, mechanically, but at least it is logic. ....
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| Art White
Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 6898 Waterville New York
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2000-11-11 21391
I would not worry about the lead lag ratio of your tractor for the use of the chains. If you didn't have wheel slip to begin with than you wouldn't need the chains. I normally also peice the cahins for people but tell not to buy unless they find they need them. Haven't sold a set for snow removal yet. With the four wheel drive and the ability to use the loader or a blade for those moments in distress I haven't had a customer call for chains other than those doing woods chores. ....
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| TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley
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2000-11-12 21418
Yes, this 'logic' I mentioned slowed down my chain purchase last year until it started snowing. Then, I found that I really don't need chains. 4wd with turf tires and mild ballast weight works OK. I would have a problem with a heavy snow with just a loader, but I mostly use a blower anyway. At worst, I can say that I could use a bit more steering sometimes. I guess that since I don’t have chains, I don’t have to worry about the front axle lead logic. However, I think it’s still good to remember to disengage the 4wd on pavement. ....
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| JeffM
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2000-11-13 21458
Murf, Art, and Tom: Thanks for the info. I will hold off on the chains until it is clear that I need them. I always appreciate advice that can save me spending money. ....
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