Can an L5740 handle a (7 ft) IH-80 snowblower

BobInSD

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L5740
Jun 23, 2020
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South Dakota
Hi All,

I just got an L5740 to replace a JD 3020 (and a Ford 4000). I've already got the IH-80 with the hydraulic spout and the 3020 did OK with it. Not great (reverse gear is too tall), but OK. The JD claims 70-ish PTO horsepower, but this one was gas (and obviously 50 years old). Surely the HST will help (I hope a lot), but will that be enough or do I need to start shopping for a 6 foot blower?

I also have a 7 foot box blade that I hooked up tonight. We'll see if the tractor is heavy enough to make that work in the morning, but it will be a few weeks before I get a blizzard to test the snowblower and would rather have a good guess prior to that.

Thanks, and apologies if this is a common question--I couldn't find any search function.
 

SDT

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multiple and various
Apr 15, 2018
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SE, IN
Hi All,

I just got an L5740 to replace a JD 3020 (and a Ford 4000). I've already got the IH-80 with the hydraulic spout and the 3020 did OK with it. Not great (reverse gear is too tall), but OK. The JD claims 70-ish PTO horsepower, but this one was gas (and obviously 50 years old). Surely the HST will help (I hope a lot), but will that be enough or do I need to start shopping for a 6 foot blower?

I also have a 7 foot box blade that I hooked up tonight. We'll see if the tractor is heavy enough to make that work in the morning, but it will be a few weeks before I get a blizzard to test the snowblower and would rather have a good guess prior to that.

Thanks, and apologies if this is a common question--I couldn't find any search function.
Depends upon the type and amount of snow and how fast you hope to move.

That's a lot of snow blower for 52 PTO HP.

Dean
 

BobInSD

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L5740
Jun 23, 2020
361
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43
South Dakota
Which blowers would be a good match for this tractor? Our snow normally isn't too heavy, but it can be deep at times. We do often get some heavy, wet snow in April. Needing to clear a 500 ft. driveway and a (guessing) 120x75 sq. ft. yard.

I'm thinking ($) I need to stick with rear mounted for now.
 

D2Cat

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L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
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Bob, I read this, ".... but it will be a few weeks before I get a blizzard to test the snowblower..." and I had to look at the date of the post! I can't help you with any information on snow blowers, but it is refreshing topic when it's in the upper 90's. :) :)
 
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BobInSD

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L5740
Jun 23, 2020
361
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43
South Dakota
After the last couple of winters I'll take the heat. It gets cold here, and fall is way too short. I probably have till October (most years) before I worry about serious snow. February is the worst physically, but March just grinds on your soul. Most folks are planting gardens and we're still pushing snow for at least another month.
 

D2Cat

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I know. As a kid is spend a few years in Sioux Falls! I just remember, once the ground gets it's like playing on cold concrete all winter.
 

RCW

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BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
Apr 28, 2013
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Bob - only my gut, but I think your L5740 will handle it under most "normal" conditions. I'm in upstate New York, but not in the severe lake effect territory. We still can get it pretty deep and heavy though.

You have the advantage of HST that you didn't with the 3020. I think you will find it to be quite different with the HST.
 
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UpNorthMI

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L3200, L3901, MX5800, SVL75-2, KX040
May 12, 2020
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Up North, MI
Bob,
I run an MX5800 which is similar in HP and weight to your tractor, I used to have an older 7' snow blower and it ran well even in heavy snow here in MI, I now have a newer 72" Woodmaxx rear snow blower, Woodmaxx also makes an 84" wide model and quotes 25-65HP for that model.

I also run a 7' wide Woods heavy duty box blade with no issues on my MX5800. My gut says you should have no issue with either attachment if used appropriately. Good luck with your L5740.
 

BobInSD

Active member

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L5740
Jun 23, 2020
361
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South Dakota
Thanks. I spent more than I was comfortable with for the tractor--if I can hold off on implementats for awhile that'd be great. I was planning on needing a snowblower, and a 6-footer would eventually be less awkward either way. It also seems like something breaks in the IH-80 every time I use it, ( but less hp and slower may help w/ that also.
 

Tim Horton

Active member
Mar 22, 2018
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Lake Superior
I suppose winter depends if you are east river or west river.....

I suspect you will find it easier to use your existing blower with the hydro than the gear drive..
That has been our experience..
 

BobInSD

Active member

Equipment
L5740
Jun 23, 2020
361
123
43
South Dakota
I suppose winter depends if you are east river or west river.....

I suspect you will find it easier to use your existing blower with the hydro than the gear drive..
That has been our experience..
I assume you're taking the 20 or so less PTO hp into account? And I'm so "east river" that I'm almost "Bob in MN". I wish I could see mountains, or even more trees, but it is what it is and I'm glad I live where I do.

Thanks,