Farmall Cub

I would rather break traction than parts.

I only use 3rd for going down the road. But that could be just me. I much prefer 1st or 2nd for doing any work. In fact, I almost always mow in 1st, but I never mow anything like a lawn. Mostly I rely on 'gut feeling', if it feels wrong, it probably is. If you are comfortable with it, should be fine.

How does going faster in deeper snow work better?

I'm surprised you can move 2' of snow, even fluff, with a Cub in 3rd gear. Last time I got in deep snow with my Cub it barely had enough power to crawl through the drifts in 1st. I can't imagine pushing 24" of snow in front of me in 3rd.

I don't think you're abusing a thing. I used to plow a skating rink down at the lake. I took about 8 passes forward and back--enough so I could then go in a circle--and then angled the blade all the way to the right and went round and around in third. I could throw the snow pretty good. Lots of fun, too. Didn't hurt the Cub one little bit.

Matt Kirsch wrote:How does going faster in deeper snow work better?

Matt:

I am not capable of explaining the physics of it but it simply does. The faster the snow comes up the blade the faster it will flow off the blade. Have you ever watched a highway plow? They boogie, at least up here they do - 80 - 90 kmp two plows in echelon on a 4 lane highway moving a foot of snow or better like it was simply feathers. Heavy snow that is wet is a lot harder to get to move, but speed does help it get over the shoulder embankments.

With Ellie and my blade angled, in 1st gear the snow will roll but pretty tight. In second the snow will roll higher, looser and faster. In 3rd well the snow just flies off the blade. Over 10 years now of plowing snow with Ellie both with a home built plow and now my Cub-54. Since I put the hydraulics on the blade, plowing snow is not only easier but it is a heck of a lot more fun