...... Here I am in -30*f Fairbanks, Alaska trying to picture a 'soft' snow covered driveway 
. That is something that just doesn't happen here!
. That is something that just doesn't happen here!Decreasing Down Pressure 3 Point
- Thread starter fikey
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I am happy to have my problem rather than your temp!...... Here I am in -30*f Fairbanks, Alaska trying to picture a 'soft' snow covered driveway
North Idaho Wolfman
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I've seen pull behind blowers that use large lawn mower tires with hydraulic lift cylinders to adjust the height and allow them to float over soft ground.
That is probably the road I am going to take (similar). I have two gauge wheels I mounted to the back. I think a couple of heavy duty compression springs and shims, will allow me to do the same thing.
In the meantime, I'd adjust your toplink. Even up here with pretty frozen ground, the difference in bite angle (driving backwards with a 3pt Hitch blower) makes a big difference if it 'digs' down towards and sometimes into the driveway surface, or 'floats' up on the snow a little. Most of the time I'm trying to get my little baby one to dig more, but when I'm 'widening' out driveway entrances and the edge is soft dirt and rocks under the snow I retract the top link to raise the bite edge of the blower and it has a tendency to leave more snow and float up. I'd think lengthening your top link would lift the forward edge and create the same effect. But......heavier blowers and 'soft' snow covered ground isn't something I've dealt with. My blower is probably in the neighborhood of 480lbs. However the snow surface is 'soft' and it will definitely float much more with the bite edge of the blower tilted up.
I'm sure someone can fab up gauge wheels attached to gas charged struts or pneumatic cylinders. Simply pressurize the struts/cylinders just enough to lighten the load and you'll still have a bit of float action.
Could probably use dock wheels if you want them to be able to skid laterally during cornering.
Could probably use dock wheels if you want them to be able to skid laterally during cornering.
I like the idea. I am trying to decide whether wheels or a "shoe" would be better. I can make an argument for either. Any thoughts?
As long as you don't turn much, either may work without mods. For turning you're better off with wheels that swivel or skis with sides curved up.
One of the snow plows I used had skid plates that looked much like disks. The "bowl" shape rode up over stuff in any direction without needing to rotate.
One of the snow plows I used had skid plates that looked much like disks. The "bowl" shape rode up over stuff in any direction without needing to rotate.
Surplus Center is one place. A double acting cylinder would work , just need a filter on the upper port.
Double Acting Air Cylinders | Air Cylinders | Air & Pneumatics | www.surpluscenter.com
Double Acting Air Cylinders,Air Cylinders,Air & Pneumatics, 3/8" x 1/2" x 3/16" DA DOUBLE-SHAFT AIR CYLINDER New HUMPHREY model
www.surpluscenter.com
You could use air shocks for vehicles mounted upside down. Random example-
North Idaho Wolfman
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one major issue with using air for this is as you load the snowblower it's goiung to get heavier and when it does it's going to squash the shock and dig in.
Isn't that what your trying to avoid?
Use a single or pair of simple hydraulic cylinders.
Isn't that what your trying to avoid?
Use a single or pair of simple hydraulic cylinders.
RCW
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BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
If the link works, there's some technical drawings and photos provided by member @Dave_eng in 2021. Uses guide wheels with hydraulic cylinders.
His parts start at Post #14 and after. Very nice design.
Inverted Snowblower ..Yes or No | OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota
I'd probably still try making the top link a little longer first just to try it.
Nothing ventured nothing gained.
His parts start at Post #14 and after. Very nice design.
Inverted Snowblower ..Yes or No | OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota
I'd probably still try making the top link a little longer first just to try it.
Nothing ventured nothing gained.
North Idaho Wolfman
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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
All of this is going to be a moot point till next year as we have gotten cold enough to freeze the ground solid.
I can say this because the OP is 5 miles north of me.
I can say this because the OP is 5 miles north of me.
Donystoy
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GreensvilleJay
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still curious what tractor he has, sounds like it doesn't have 'draft control'. That would keep the blower,say 2" off the ground.....no need for 'training wheels'.