I have a bx2370 that I bought primarily for removal. I got the fel and the bx5455 snowblower. I also bought the ballast box but only attached it today for the first time. I have done some light loader work without the ballast. So, I don't really care for the extra length and clumsiness of having the ballast box on the back. Is it necessary to have a ballast box for the heady duty snowblower? Also, if I used the fel to stack some snow,miss it necessary? Of course I will use the ballast box if I ever do heavier loader work.many input would be appreciated.
Is ballast box needed for snow removal?
- Thread starter Hedgehog
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85Hokie
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BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
Ok - think of it this way, you have a good deal of weight behind the front end under normal circumstances - but when you place a snowblower (500 lbs) or you have a load of gravel in the bucket - ALL the weight is NOW transferred to the front end.....with a ballast box (400-600 lbs) you are now placing more load on the rear end, and better stability and grip. Next time you have a full load in the bucket, raise it about 2' off the ground and then move forward and then stop suddenly, you will feel the rocking effect - now do the same with the ballast box, still there a bit - but much more stable.
bmblank
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Equipment
2020 L3901HST, LA525 Loader, 66" Q/A Bucket, PFL2042 Forks, Meteor SB68PT Blower
I wouldn't be surprised if the ballast box would help with your traction. Snow is slippery. But it's easy enough to put on and take off, no sense in not trying it out both ways. See how you like it either way.
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I have to assume that you have R4s on the old gal so as far as traction you should be pretty OK. However one thing you haven't mentioned is if you have wheel weights or the tires are filled. In MHO the box would be a PIA though it will move the pivot point of the tractor a lot farther back, there's lots of people running around with set ups like yours, and not using the box, but then again they have filled rear wheels and wheel weights. I don't have a box on the back of my BX , but filled the wheels and weights on her and have never had a problem. Only problem I have is some times she aint big enough to do the things I ask, but she tries anyway
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RCW
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BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
Is your driveway flat or steep, paved or stone? Loaded tires? Tire chains?
Used my BX2360 w/snowblower, loaded tires, chains 2 years without anything out back. Struggled on steep parts of the driveway and lawn. Do some lawn for the dog.
Last year, carried boxblade and it helped, but it does stretch it out.
If everything was flat, I probably wouldn't bother, but would still have loaded tires and chains.
Used my BX2360 w/snowblower, loaded tires, chains 2 years without anything out back. Struggled on steep parts of the driveway and lawn. Do some lawn for the dog.
Last year, carried boxblade and it helped, but it does stretch it out.
If everything was flat, I probably wouldn't bother, but would still have loaded tires and chains.
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I have turf tires. My driveway is asphalt and mainly flat, just a slight incline down to the street but not bad. I don't have wheel weights or loaded tires as of now.
RCW
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Equipment
BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
I would definitely load tires. You might get by with that.
Lot of snow?
I know parts of Massachusetts got hammered last year.
Since you will be pretty much scraping the driveway clean, I would try with just tire weight.
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Lot of snow?
I know parts of Massachusetts got hammered last year.
Since you will be pretty much scraping the driveway clean, I would try with just tire weight.
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Grouse Feathers
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BX2370, FEL, Snowblower-BX5455, Homebuilt Forks, LP RB1560, LP GS1548
I also have a BX2370 with a BX5455 blower. My rear tires (turf tires) are loaded and I carry a rear blade all winter. A rear blade in combination with a snow blower works really well if you have snow removal around building. You can drag the snow away from the building and then blow it away. There are several options to keep the blade from damaging your blacktop. I use the blade backwards and cleared some of the lawn with no damage. With loaded turf tires and a cheap lite weight rear blade I have never needed chains and I push the blower up a 9 degree hill.