L175 Loader for snow removal

[dpm2384]

Hello again all. After I decided against a B1550 DT at a local dealer I have found a much cheaper priced L175 with a loader in NY state. I see these are 2WD as compared to 4. With a set of chains do folks feel this be suitable for snow removal in Northeastern Pennsylvania? At $2500 the price seems very fair for a diesel tractor although again, I have zero experience with anything beyond your average riding lawn mower. Any help is appreciated.

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[bearskinner]

Personally I don't think I would own a 2WD tractor, I have chains but haven't had to use them yet because if 4WD. You need to speak with some locals and see if their issues mirror yours, and their opinions on needing or wanting 4WD. Just like a pickup, I wouldn't own a 2WD. That's just my humble opinion

Out of curiosity, did you ask the gentleman selling the 2WD why he is selling? Could it be he is going 4WD?

 

[dpm2384]

Thank you for the response and advice! It's actually listed for sale through an auction company. I've done checking with some knowledgeable friends today and echo your statements to stay away from a 2WD.

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[bucktail]

It should get things done within reason; it will just take longer. Front wheel assist really makes a loader tractor act a lot bigger than it is, and it isn't very big to start with. In addition to chains, you'll probably want to put some weight on the 3 point hitch and probably fill the tires if they aren't already filled. HST or shuttle shift would make things nicer for a loader tractor as well.

It's kind of hard to answer your question without more details. If you've got a short driveway leading into a garage, it should be fine. If you've got a half mile driveway with a bin site, hay lot and feedlot, you need more tractor.

 

[coss]

I used my family's L175 for snow removal back in the mid-70s. It had turf tires with chains, and a weight box on the 3 pt hitch.

It was only fair at snow removal. The bucket for the FEL was not as wide as the tires, so it didn't do a good job at pushing snow for long distances. Also, the bucket capacity was pretty small. Most importantly, the entire machine was too light to drive very far into an expanse of snow deeper than about 6".

It was OK to clean up after a plow truck did most of the work, but it wasn't up to primary snow removal in a cold climate, in this case, New Hampshire.