Cub vs. 100 and Grader vs. Trip in the snow

[ShawnAgne]

Ok gave both tractors a workout although the amount of snow and wetness meant the 100 got more of a workout, also tried both blade configurations so here are my thoughts.

Cub vs. 100
Cub Configuration: Front and Back (1set) wheel weights and chains (on Agg tires)
100 Configuration: Front and Back (1set) wheel weights and chains (on turf tires)

Snow Pushing
When I went out to plow yesterday at around 2pm the snow consistency and amount was the same as a year ago. 6-8" of the wet heavy stuff is about the most the Cub can push going straight at it. When blade was angled it would do better as it would roll off but eventually wheels would spin. This was noticed right as I was going out the barn in my driveway. Drove down did the neighbors was mainly drifts and were 6 or less and it did well. Once I got it pilled up i could still move them just had to take the top off and go that way. This was all in first gear. I could have rammed it in second and probably would have moved more but thought better of it. 1st works good for pushing can use 2nd but as stated just didn't wan to ram. Doing the backroads 2nd it so slow and 3rd works but need to get going before you're in the snow kinda bumpy with chains.

The 100 went right through the 6-8" of stuff like nothing. It can push snow forever. Only time it had issues was when the snow drifts were higher than the blade. You can definitely tell the 100 has the extra mass and power. 1st works ok but 2nd works a little better in deep stuff as you have a little more momentum to break through stuff. 3rd gear was a comfortable gear grading the road with chains on. 4th gear with no chains makes you feel like a regular snow plow.

With both I feel a second set of rear weights would have helped when each were getting bogged down but then we also had a layer of ice. While the amount this year was greater this was the type of snow we had nearly a year ago that made me want to get a bigger snow pusher than the Cub and was glad I had the 100.

Maneuvering
As expected the Cub is able to be put in tighter spots easier since its smaller. I was able to use the 100 and get it in the same spots but had to be a little more careful as its a tad bigger.

Blade Configurations
Trip- Worked as advertised yesterday when plowing. Hit a concrete lip or something it tripped. Definitely a nice piece of mind when cruising down the backroad in 3rd gear plowing the snow. However today it had its issues. In the Drifts that were 10" plus or more when I went into it there was enough pressure on it that it tripped as if hitting something hard/dense, which it should. In theory this would be fixed with stiffer springs, BUT I already have double sets of the heaviest springs I could get for the 10" travel from McMaster Carr. This morning the Trip configuration was holding the 100 Back. with the Cub I was pushing as much this year (Trip) as I did last year (Grader).

Grader- Definitely no give, and actually lets the 100 show what it can do snow pushing wise. Issue is you have to go slow and be careful that you don't hit anything. However in the big drifts going faster in 2nd was working better. So had to run it higher above the ground so didn't hit something.

Which tractor?
The 100 (or the entire A-140 line) is definitely a better snow pusher. However if you don't always get a bunch of the wet heavy stuff a Cub will do just fine. To be honest I would have been able to do what I did with the Cub just had to be smarter. A second set of rear weights would probably help me with the Cub and may never have had issues to get me to want/need/get a bigger tractor for snow. Also I did notice I didn't feel as comfortable getting as close with the Cub as I did the 100. Ok that was going to happen anyways and is just silly. If you get the A-140 you definitely have the superior snow mover, however finding that A60 blade is tougher and not cheep.

Which Blade Configuration?
Well I'm going to come right out and say BOTH. Personally I'm going to have the 100 setup with a grader to push the masses, then use the Cub with a trip for the cleanup. If you just have one tractor set the blade up for a trip, but you can quickly change back and forth. If you get powder use the trip blade or 3-4" of the wet stuff teh trip is fine. However if you get a lot of the heavy hit it first with grader configuration then when you want your clean up pass set it up as a trip.

One thing that is NOT questionable
Do the power angle it is awesome regardless of tractor or blade configuration.

[69ranger]

It sounds like you got a lot of good out of both of your tractors. I have two complete cub blades, with the exception of the square blocks that go in the bolster. Probably be easy enough to make them, some time.

I like my 140 for pushing snow. Its heavy enough that it dont really spin much.
The power angle for the blade would sure be nice. Not sure if I want to go to all the trouble to source the parts for the conversion.

However I have a 12 volt electric over hydraulic pump that I wonder if I could retro fit that on to my tractor? I have the two cylinders, that went with it but they are only one way cylinders. Hydraulics are not really my thing.

[inairam]

I learned to plow with a jeep with the 225 v6 which I loved. Really good power in a small package. Pickups are too big and too long a lot of time in tight spots. That changed when I plowed with my 140 and the A60 blade. I really loved it. Small and plenty of power at least for SE PA snow.

Like Shawn recommends, the cub and the A-140 are a nice combo. The cub is smaller and able to get into tighter places. I have been using the Cub for the tight work and used the 140 to manage piles.

My setup ( 2 cubs and a 140) are all turf tires with single weights with chains and snow extensions. One cub has two snow extensions for weight. I tried Ag with chains but did not like the ride and thought it did more damage to the driveway. I also started using plastic edges. It is quieter and does not ripe up the grass as much as you build your piles. I have 600 feet of paved drive with a circle by the house and separate 150 feet of a gravel drive (use a steel edge on that)

I do not see a need for double wheel weights (like I do with a loader) with the snow I have had the past few seasons But we have not had real challenging snow in my area the past few years. I have been in some piles that were below / downhill of the driveway that really took the weight off the rear and I was still able to back out.

[Mainely Saws]

Good morning folks ,
This is great information ,thanks Shawn . In my area we had 18" of dry snow last week and mostly ice crystals ( 4"} with yesterdays storm . The cub with weights and chains { a must in my opinion } did a good job on multiple driveways with the 18" storm but really struggled with the white granular ice pellets in yesterdays storm . To be fair ,everyone was having problems with the ice pellets. I have a 130 with weights and chains that I would love to put to use for snow plowing but finding the A60 plow and mount has eluded me for a number of years now . If I ever find one , I will definitely report back .
Thanks again Shawn.

Bob

[ricky racer]

There's no doubt you're very well prepared for any snow winter can throw at you, Shawn! Thanks for the detailed explanation of the performance of both tractor and plow setups.
I know when I first did the trip conversation on my Cub I went through several spring configurations before settling on my current configuration. I think you need heavier springs on your trip plow since it trips too easily. Once you have heavier springs mounted on it, it will not trip while plowing unless it hits an obstruction. Having done both the trip and power angle convertion to my plow, I too can say both have added to my enjoyment of plowing snow with my Cub. If I had to choose only one modification to my plow though, I would choose the trip. After years of plowing without the trip I know the value of plowing without the worry of snagging something under the snow and almost sending me over the steering wheel.

[RDJ]

Thanks, Shawn. Great information. Was wondering if your plowing was mostly done on level grades or if some slopes were also involved. I never considered a Cub or 100 for my 7% driveway slope, but now I'm not so sure.

[ShawnAgne]

All of my plowing is done on level surfaces or relatively level. I wouldn't see why they couldn't plow on slopes. Cub can push a lot of snow, 100 just pushes more.

[ajhbike]

We haven't had any snow this year but last year we had a good 8 incher and it was funny....tried to start the big tractors and hadn't maintained the batteries or they were being tempramental...but the cub started up right away. Ag tires with chains and the bottom spring trip had the job done in about 20 minutes...and a couple of neighbors. Maneuverable, easy to turn (I put a rear wheel weight on the drawbar) and comfortable. Should be better now with a new hip!

[inairam]

When I plowed with my 140 for the first time I started to push the piles deeper and deeper into the fields away from the driveway. I was having a lot of fun. It just would not stop.

I do like the cub for close work where the smaller tractor is an advantage. But when you just need to get the snow out of the way the big bother is the way to go!

[ShawnAgne]

Yeah its opened up some eyes of people around here, first thought was oh Shawn is out having fun playing with his nice redone tractor in the snow. Second thought, Oh Shawn's tractor can push a lot of snow and he's having fun doing it LOL

The only problem I ever have is if its super cold like around here Christmas with that artic air and wind chill that was -30, then that sucks. But I just waited to go plow.