I don't see anything discouraging in the utility/L4479 model - does anyone else? We get 200-300" of snow a season and this looks like a beast of a blower. The L4474 commercial model, I think is geared toward parking lots? It was strange that the PTO requirements go up to 80HP while the largest mid/front PTO Kubota is ~51HP PTO (L6060)?
I think the L4479 will be just fine for the average homeowner. The heavier one might be better for someone trying to make a living blowing snow.
I didn’t realize they published these types of specs so didn’t know to ask for them. The dealer recommended the L4479 and they are 200 miles south of me and don’t get the same kind of snow falls we do.
The utility version was recommended to me by my dealer based on amounts of snow we get here in N. MD. It made sense to me. When I first saw it up close and felt it, it's certainly is a beast IMO. The utility version weighs in at 900+ lbs. The commercial weighs in about 300+ lbs heavier than the utility. I used it for the 1st time a few days ago with @4" of snow on the ground (hardly worth using a snow blower, but had to try it). When I went slightly off the edge of my driveway a time or two, I ran the left (from drivers seat) skid shoe into the dirt (which wasn't frozen). When I got back to clean the snow blower before putting it in the garage I noted a very large amount of dirt/grass and some snow which the chain pulled into that left side. Also, after doing the driveway again (same amount of snow) forgot to add it's @1/3 mile long and I was in the float position, it happened again with the chain really pulling in the dirt. Also, I noted the skid shoes were worn more towards the front vs the rear of the shoe; both sides were equally worn and I'm not sure if there is enough shoe to do the driveway again! So I might have to buy another set soon. To me that's not right.
shop.kubotausa.com
shop.kubotausa.com
Yeah, the weight is lots for two small shoes to ride on; an engineering flaw - or perhaps was engineered that way so new $36/ea shoes have to be purchased frequently. I just purchased a few replacements until I have a chance to get some harder steel and weld to the bottom of the existing shoes. I'm also looking for steel that is at least 2x wider, if not more, to help distribute that weight. The wheels are a good suggestion too, which I'll look into after this winter. I don't want to do anything to it that would void its warranty, since it is brand new.
