Plowing snow

J

john2189

501 Club
What speed do you go to plow snow? First is too slow, I normally use second about half throttle. Never tried third.
 
3rd gear is a "road" gear. I don't believe it is designed for doing work. I have used it to take the top off side piles when l need to throw the sides back further, but l keep my blade up about halfway when doing that so l don't snag anything at that speed. I normally use 2nd gear at full throttle for regular plowing, but l know my drive and am sure l won't be hitting anything hidden under the snow. I also keep my left foot hovering over the clutch just in case. If you do snag something, as you potentially come to an abrupt stop, inertia will force your foot forward to push in the clutch.
 
Generally 2nd gear, 3/4 throttle.
With the 320’ section of the shared driveway now asphalt pavement, I’ve done it in 3rd on the 3 inner passes. The edges are done in 2nd. I too have my left foot hovering over the clutch pedal.
 
I enjoy seat time on my Cub, so I just use first gear at 3/4 throttle or so. I think first gear is about 2mph and second is about 3mph roughly. I wouldn't use third gear for doing any work.
 
I run my old Cub pretty much the same way. Second gear is the money gear for most snow. I only use first for pushing into a big pile or if the snow is super heavy and wet. I'd stay away from third. On a little Cub, that's road speed. It's likely to break something real fast if hitting a hidden chunk of ice.
 
I have a 850' long paved driveway that doesn't have any cracks. I don't plow with a Cub anymore, but long as there weren't any ice blocks or snow boogers frozen to the surface, I would happily do my long runs up and down it in 3rd at 1/2 throttle as the snow would be thrown rather than piling up against the blade. If the snow was too deep for 3rd to have enough power, I would make multiple passes as different blade heights. It is risky though as the blade doesn't have much give if you snag something.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top