{"id":11075,"date":"2021-12-07T09:37:25","date_gmt":"2021-12-07T09:37:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=11075"},"modified":"2021-12-07T09:37:27","modified_gmt":"2021-12-07T09:37:27","slug":"how-to-move-snow-with-a-front-end-loader","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-move-snow-with-a-front-end-loader\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Move Snow With A Front End Loader?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you already have a front end loader in your home or farm<\/a>, you do not need any other equipment to clear and move snow.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The loader bucket does a great job pushing snow to clear roads, driveways and paths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A front end loader does have its limitations when it comes to moving snow, but it works well enough for occasional snow clearing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is a Front End Loader The Best For Clearing Snow?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Is<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Front end loaders are powerful and versatile. But they are not the best equipment for clearing snow, at least not with their standard bucket attachment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, any kind of loader with a bucket is not the most efficient way to clear snow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loader buckets push snow inefficiently, leaving small rows of it on the sides that you have to come back and push. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, you cannot create windrows with a loader bucket. Windrows are a great way to pile snow on the sides of the driveway or road as you clear it. Windrows make for quicker snow clearing and they save space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a front end loader, your only option is to create a pile at the end of the path you are clearing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also a higher risk of damaging the ground when moving snow with a loader bucket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, a front end loader is good enough if you only need to occasionally clear snow. There\u2019s no need to invest in another expensive piece of equipment unless you have to frequently clear deep snow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good thing about a front end loader is its weight. It makes it easy to push a lot of snow into a pile. The weight also gives you a lot of traction, making it easier to push snow without sliding or spinning the wheels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A front end loader long reach is another advantage. It\u2019s easy to stack snow into piles, lifting the bucket as the pile gets taller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you find that the loader bucket is limiting, you can always buy attachments designed specifically to plow and move snow. We\u2019ll touch on a few of these later on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving Snow With a Front End Loader: Preparation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Moving<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before moving snow with a front end loader, you need to prepare yourself, the loader and the area to be cleared. Here are the steps to take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Make sure you are comfortable operating a loader <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been operating the loader for some time, this step is not necessary. You\u2019ll need to learn some techniques for moving snow, but we\u2019ll cover those in the next section. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this is your first time using a front end loader, don’t make the mistake of jumping in and getting to work right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Front end loaders may look easy to operate, but they are not. It\u2019s easy to tip over, injure someone or damage property if you don’t know how to operate the loader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend taking the loader to an open area without people or buildings and playing around with different controls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get a feel of the steering, shift gears up and down, raise and lift the boom, curl and lower the bucket, and so on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go for a few trial runs clearing snow, so that you know what to expect especially when the bucket is loaded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Loader checkup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next, you want to make sure the loader is in a good condition. Even if you\u2019ve recently serviced it, it\u2019s still a good idea to check the tires, hydraulics, brakes, oil, and other essential components. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure everything is functioning properly before you put the loader to work. If something goes wrong while moving snow, you could easily get into an accident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When checking the tires, make sure they are ideal for snow. This is especially important if the snow is deep. Consider if you need to put on tire chains or switch to snow tires to improve traction.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t forget to check the lighting. You\u2019ll probably be working during the day, but you need to remain visible to other people. If necessary, add auxiliary lights to improve visibility. Plus, you never know when an emergency strikes and you need to move snow at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Prepare the cab <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First of all, I hope the loader or tractor has an enclosed cab. You don’t want to be outside exposed to cold temperatures, wind, and snow in an open cab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But even with an enclosed cab, there are some preparations to make. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first thing to check is heat. Make sure it\u2019s working properly. Also, check that there aren\u2019t any leaks around the windows or door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something many people don’t prepare for is windows fogging up and frosting. Some loaders come with window defrosters, but in most cases you have to buy it separately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The loader likely has a front wiper, but not a rear one. When the rear window starts to fog up, it\u2019ll greatly reduce your visibility and that\u2019s dangerous. We highly recommend adding a rear wiper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Dress for the job<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dress as warm, including a heavy coat, thick boots and socks, a hat, and a pair of gloves. Even if the cab will be toasty, you\u2019ll still need to get out now and then to inspect your work.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s sunny, wear a pair of shades as well to reduce glare, which can affect visibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Mark the path\/road\/driveway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With snow covering everything, it\u2019s easy to damage plants, flowerbeds, and curbs. You need to mark the area you\u2019ll be clearing, whether it\u2019s a driveway, path or road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for snow plow flags online or at a local store. Use them to mark the edges of the path, so you know where to avoid. You can also use them around flower beds, ponds and other areas you want to stay out of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: <\/strong>Plant the flags early before too much snow falls, so you know exactly where to place them.  <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

6. Determine where you\u2019ll pile the snow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, determine where you\u2019ll pile up the snow without causing any obstructions. You can\u2019t do windrows; piling is your only option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t have a lot of space at the end of the path or driveway, you can make a series of small piles along the side. You\u2019ll need to maneuver the loader expertly to move snow to the side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Clear Snow With A Front End Loader?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now you are ready to start moving snow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you are comfortable with the controls and have planned the job well, the rest is actually pretty easy. You\u2019ll be repeating the same thing over and over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
https:\/\/youtu.be\/zxYIzVo5HAA<\/a>