Tractor Plowing Snow Tricks
- Most loader-equipped tractors have a float position. This is operated from the loader control, by the operator. When the loader is in the float position, hydraulic down-pressure is relieved from the system. This allows the front-mounted plow or bucket to follow the contours of the terrain, without digging into it. This works great for snow plowing over rough or gravel-covered surfaces. Keep the bucket level when pushing snow. If the bucket is facing down, even slightly, it will dig into the surface.
- If plowing snow with a loader-equipped tractor, pick up the snow and place it as far back in the plowing area as possible. Continue to pile this area with snow first. This eliminates having to move large piles of snow later. Use the bottom of the loader bucket to compress the top of the snow pile. This allows you to put more snow in each pile.
- Mount a scraper blade onto the rear three-point hitch. Angle the rear blade so that it pushes the missed snow to one side as you plow forward with the loader. This gives a nice, finished appearance to the surface. You can also turn the rear blade around so it faces backward. This lets you move snow in both directions, forward with the loader and rearward with the blade.
- Most loader-equipped tractors have a control known as a shuttle shift. This is usually located on the steering column. This control allows the tractor to "shuttle" back and forth between forward and reverse without using the foot clutch. Learn to use the shuttle shift effectively and it will greatly reduce the time and effort needed to remove snow.