Weight transfer of snowblower to tractor

MacWorld

MacWorld

Tractorologist
Senior Member
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If I didn't dream about this, I think lately I saw a discussion somewhere about adding springs between a front mounted snowblower and the tractor to transfer part of the blower's weight to the tractor when it's on the ground to help with steering. I would like to find the thread, someone know where it was?

Also someone has seen this successfully done on a John Deere Quik Tatch?

I wonder what specs of spring I should use for this purpose; How much weight to transfer in fact
 
My Ariens has springs on the front from the blower to the tractor but it's to help with lift not weight transfer. You'll have to add weight to the back of the tractor for what you are wanting.
 
If you set the blower on the ground, you won't see any extra weight on the front axle. To have some weight there for steering, keep it just off the ground!
 
KennyP said:
If you set the blower on the ground, you won't see any extra weight on the front axle. To have some weight there for steering, keep it just off the ground!
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In fact the springs would transfer part of the weight. Using extension springs when lifted the springs must be relaxed. When the blower is lowered the springs gets extended which will transfer their load rating to the tractor. This will simulate having the blower partially raised. Using lets say a 10lbs/in rated spring that can be stretched 10", once fully extended it will transfer 100lbs of the blower's weight to the tractor.

It's the same thing as trying to lift a car from the ground with your hands, you probably won't be able but you will still increase the pressure on your shoes!

The advantage of this concept is that the operator doesn't have to bother about the relation between the blower and the ground. The hydraulics could be used to raise the blower a bit and transfer weight but it must be constantly adjusted given the terrain and if the wheels gets on something or a lot of other factors.
 
the Ford LGT series has springs that do exactly that... the full weight of the blower is never on the ground.
 
MacWorld said:
In fact the springs would transfer part of the weight. Using extension springs when lifted the springs must be relaxed. When the blower is lowered the springs gets extended which will transfer their load rating to the tractor. This will simulate having the blower partially raised. Using lets say a 10lbs/in rated spring that can be stretched 10", once fully extended it will transfer 100lbs of the blower's weight to the tractor.

It's the same thing as trying to lift a car from the ground with your hands, you probably won't be able but you will still increase the pressure on your shoes!

The advantage of this concept is that the operator doesn't have to bother about the relation between the blower and the ground. The hydraulics could be used to raise the blower a bit and transfer weight but it must be constantly adjusted given the terrain and if the wheels gets on something or a lot of other factors.
Click to expand...
Never seen a blower down here, so I'm going off the cuff!
 
I think mine has springs, but I run it in the raised position.
 

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This is one I sold about a year ago, the springs carry most of the weight so there isnt much more than 20 lbs on the ground, you can lift the blower with one finger...

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Its true that it adds weight to the tractor. The spring are trying to lift the snow blower , but the blower weight over comes the springs. so not all blower weight is on the ground. But I believe the springs are there to help with lifting the blower, not to add weight to the front tires to help with steering. I would say the ford that Lance has pictured needs the springs for lift because of the length of the lift arm under the tractor. The lifting cylinder is behind the front tires of that ford. So the blower and linkage hangs out a long way, which makes it a very heavy lift. So it depends on lifting design of the tractor as to weather it uses lifting assist springs for the blower or thrower.
My John Deere 140 with thrower has no springs. The hydraulic lifting cylinder is mounted on the thrower, no linkage is used so its easier to lift and no springs are needed.
So you could add springs to what ever unit you have and try it. But you still need weight to keep the blower or thrower down. You would have to use the trial and error method to get what you think you need for steering help.
Front wheel weights and loading the tires will help with steering, plus put on tri-rib tires, they work great. Most of my tractors have those tires.

Noel
 
The Ford LGT blowers weigh a ton, need those springs. It does lift prettu easily with those help springs.....I can see how they would put some weight on the front tires when it is down.
 

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