Library
I refurbish a handful of tractors and snow blowers as a hobby and labor of love. This site reflects sample restoration projects I’ve selected, some of which I hope to complete in the future, and the ethical approach I take in selling selected finished machines from my collection. I perform service and repairs only on power equipment I’ve sold, and occasionally to help someone out.
This Library contains articles that inform the homeowner on how to better shop for, care for, and store his/her machine.
Article 21: Are Tractor Snow Blower Attachments a Good Choice?
In this article, I talk about whether two stage snow blower attachments make sense. Single stage units are dated and no longer sold. They place the outlet and chute directly over the augurs and rely on those augurs to discharge the snow out the chute. Two stage snow blowers employ the augurs to chop up and feed the snow into the snow blower (stage 1) and an impeller to throw the chopped-up snow up and out the chute (stage 2).
For the most part, I do not recommend using snow blower attachments on homeowner lawn, yard, or garden tractors because they are so cumbersome to install, operate, and store. Unless the buyer has a completely flat and consistently-shaped surface to blow, a garage with direct access to that surface, sufficient space adjacent to the surface to blow the snow. and a tractor with adequate power (V-twin preferred) and foot pedal-controlled hydrostatic transmission, this setup will not work well. Further, the user has to be willing to go out before any heavy snow accumulates beyond 4- to 6-inches, since the blower attachment can’t handle a lot of snow, especially heavy snow.
From a functional point of view, most two-stage snow blower attachments have a 40- to 42-inch intake width, yet the snow coming in that wide box is fed into a barrel with impeller that is the same as or marginally larger in diameter than a traditional 24- to 28-inch walk-behind snow blower. Further, that snow must be thrown by the impeller out of a chute that is almost identical in size to its smaller counterpart.
The snow box contains a center worm-gear that propels augurs on each side, which together span the width of the box. This is called the first stage of a two-stage snow blower. The augurs feed the snow into the barrel where the impeller throws the snow up through an outlet, on which the chute is mounted, and out the chute. This is called the second stage. Each of these transitions in the movement of the snow presents a potential point of failure in any snow blower. In the snow blower attachment, since all the snow-processing components, starting with the barrel, are not proportionately increased in size to match the enlarged width of the snow box, these points of failure are magnified compared to a walk-behind snow blower.
As mentioned earlier, the augurs feed the entire 40- to 42-inch intake width of snow into the comparatively small barrel and impeller, for the impeller to in turn throw out through its similarly-sized chute. Firstly, the blower attachment is more likely to clog when the larger incoming capacity of snow meets the insufficiently-sized barrel and impeller. The barrel is flooded with snow and the impeller cannot move it quickly enough to expel it out of the snow blower. Secondly, the impeller outlet is significantly more likely to clog. When the snow coming from the impeller exceeds the capacity of the outlet, a rim of packed snow rapidly builds up at the intersection of the outlet and the base of the chute, i.e., the edge and underside of the chute mounting surface. The snow quickly packs the outlet forming a severe blockage. Basically, the barrel, the impeller, the outlet, and the chute do not have the capacity to handle the wider snow box. These problems are amplified when the attachment encounters anything more than light, powdery snow. Excess capacity and clogging become even more likely when the snow is wet.
Throughout this article, I point out many issues that in part are attributable to inherent design weaknesses in tractor snow blower attachments. However, there are some specific items I’d like to address. Many of the parts in these blower attachments are the same parts as those used for walk-behind snow blowers. As a result, these components are not adequately sized and upgraded to withstand the demands and wear and tear that comes with a big attachment that will be powered by a tractor. As already mentioned, the snow barrel, impeller, outlet, and chute are generally comparable in size and structure to their smaller walk-behind sibling’s components. In fact, such items as the worm-gear box that propels the augurs, the actual augurs when mounted in sets on the augur axle, the impeller, and the chute are often drawn from the walk-behind blower parts bin. These items are not heavy enough in grade and quality to handle the increased demands both in capacity and usage of these blower attachments.
The tractor on which the snow blower attachment is mounted has to push and power this heavy piece of equipment under slippery and harsh conditions. Compare a tractor with a front snow blower attachment to a walk-behind snow blower. The engine in a walk-behind snow blower resides directly over the drive wheels. Except for the snow box itself, almost all the weight of the snow blower is on the drive wheels, ensuring outstanding traction. On the other hand, the tractor is propelled from the rear where there is very little weight compared to the front where the engine and heavy, suspended blower attachment are located. Even with rear tire chains and rear weights, the tractor has a tough time moving in the least slippery conditions. Also, noticeable engine power is drained off to run the snow blower, leaving less power to move the tractor. In the absence of a 4-wheel drive system, a front engine tractor is not at all suited to propelling and maneuvering a front snow blower attachment.
Add into this already compromised equation that the driver not only has to operate and maneuver the tractor, but must also operate the snow blower controls. The snow blower attachment has one or two handles with multiple controls to engage the augurs, direct the angle of the snow blower, and lift the snow blower. In addition, there are controls to rotate the chute and possibly to adjust the chute deflector. It becomes readily apparent that operating these controls in addition to those of the tractor can present real challenges. When the user tries to maneuver the tractor and operate the snow blower at the same time, he or she must steer and adjust the speed of the tractor while controlling the augurs, snow blower position, and chute direction. So, it’s clear that operating a tractor with a snow blower attachment is cumbersome and difficult even if the tractor has a foot pedal-operated transmission (with pedals for forward and reverse).
At this point, we haven’t even discussed the surface that has to be cleared. Owing to the many limitations outlined under the Configuration topic, it’s obvious that the tractor will not be able to handle any kind of incline, even when the tractor is properly set up with weights. In addition, there must be sufficient space adjacent to each side to direct the snow. Changes or limitations in this “adjacent blowing space” will require increased use of the chute rotation and deflector and other controls. If the surface is irregular in shape, the operator will face greater challenges to maneuver the tractor-snow blower along a non-linear path. If the surface is rough or inconsistent, the operator will have to adjust the snow blower height as he covers the surface. The operator wants to avoid having to adjust the snow blower cutting edge height as much as possible during use. The operator must also ensure that he or she adequately navigates around and through any obstructions, such as lawns, bushes, curbs, statuary, and fence gates. If the area is wider than the combined throwing distance to the left and right, then multiple passes will have to be made to move the snow from the center outward and then to move that new larger and heavier snow off the respective sides of the surface to the adjacent blowing area. Each of these deviations from a perfectly flat, smooth, single-wide, rectilinear surface with sufficient, unencumbered, adjacent blowing space will require the operator to work harder at maneuvering and operating the tractor-snow blower system.
Lawn Tractor Snow Blower vs Walk Behind: Quick Comparison Table
There are several key differences between a Lawn Tractor Snow Blower and Walk Behind. Time to take a look.
Lawn Tractor Snow Blower vs Walk Behind:
| Features | Lawn Tractor | Walk Behind |
| Appearance | Larger in Size | Comparatively Smaller |
| Weight | Heavier | 80-100 lbs. (41 kg) |
| Manoeuvrability | Not That Much | Better |
| Speed | Much Quicker | Comparatively Slower |
| Required Space | Due to its large size requires more space. | Requires less space, as size is comparatively small. |
What’s The Difference Between Lawn Tractor Snow Blower and Walk Behind Based on Features?
Appearance:
The lawn tractor snow blowers are larger. As with the lawn tractor, there should be a space for a person to drive the tractor.
The walk-behind snow blowers are comparatively smaller. As no additional space is required for driving, it is controlled by walking behind.
In case of appearance, the walk behind the snowblower has the advantage because of its small size which eventually helps to control the snowblower more comfortably.
Weight:
Depending on the type of snowblower the weight varies greatly. The lawn tractor snowblowers are the heaviest. Cub Cadet makes the biggest tractor-mounted snowblowers with a weight of 277 pounds (126 kg).
The walk-behind snow blowers are comparatively lighter. They generally weigh around 80 to 100 pounds.
When it comes to weight, the walk-behind snowblower has the benefit of being lighter, which allows for a more comfortable operation.
Maneuverability:
The lawn tractor snowblower is more efficient and convenient to use. However, mobility is limited. Due to its bigger and heavier dimensions, this kind of snowblower has less maneuverability.
The walk-behind snowblower, on the other hand, will bring you improved mobility and performs more detail work.
While the lawn tractor snowblower is quicker and simpler to use, the walks behind can assist you with detailed work. As a result, walk-behind snow blowers have the edge in terms of maneuverability.
Speed:
The lawn tractor snowblowers operate at a high rate of speed. Because it is operated as an automobile, it has a faster pace than walk-behind snowblowers.
Whereas, the walk-behind snowblowers operate at a relatively slow speed. Because it is controlled by walking from behind.
Therefore, in terms of speed, the lawn tractor snowblower outperforms the walk-behind snowblower. The primary benefit of a lawn tractor snowblower is that you can ride rather than walk.
Required Space:
Lawn tractor snowblowers demand more space due to their bigger size.
Whereas, the walk-behind snowblowers are smaller in size, they take up less space.
That is why I will recommend you the walk-behind snowblowers over lawn tractor snowblowers since they are easier to maintain and take up less space than lawn tractor snowblowers.
Lawn Tractor Snow Blower or Walk Behind: Which One to Choose?
Lawn Tractor and Walk-behind snowblowers both have a devoted following. Someone is used to operating a lawn tractor snowblower, while others like walk-behind ones. Both these two groups of people choose their snowblower selections based on their work preferences.
I mention several times in the article that I do not recommend buying lawn tractor snowblowers due to their difficulty to install, operate, and maintain.
These types of snow blowers will not work unless the buyer has a completely flat and consistently shaped surface to blow.
Even if the buyer has a perfect ground to blow, he also needs a garage with direct access to that surface, and sufficient space adjacent to that surface to blow the snow. And surely a tractor with sufficient power (V-twin preferred) and a foot pedal controlled hydrostatic transmission.
Again, the buyer must be vigilant in ensuring the amount of snow is accumulating. It must be blown if it gets up to a height of four to six inches.
Since lawn tractor snowblowers are incapable of handling a large amount of snow, particularly heavy snow.
After evaluating all of the conditions, I recommend that you can get a lawn tractor snowblower if you have the facilities mentioned earlier; otherwise, I recommend that you should purchase a walk-behind snowblower.
How Many Types of Snowblowers Are There?
In certain regions, snow blowers are categorized as single-stage, two-stage, or three-stage. Though three-stage snow blowers are capable of quickly removing heavy or frozen snow, they are often only necessary in areas with a significant amount of snow.
However, if you are cruising around on a riding lawn mower, clearing knee-high snow is simple. The appropriate alterations might even make you feel at ease.
You do not really have to get out of your chair to clear the snow with a snow blower mounted to your lawn tractor.
Bercomac 48″ Compact Tractor Snow Blower Attachment
This item is currently on backorder but you can still purchase it now and we’ll ship as soon as more become available.
Bercomac 48” Tractor Front Mount Snowblower Attachment Kit
Kit includes subframe, drive mechanism, electric chute deflector kit, and hydraulic adapter
Made to fit Branson 1905 and 2505 and TYM T194H compact tractors
For tractors with Mid PTO of 16 to 25HP, gear up your compact tractor with a Berco Front Mount Snow Blower and take a bite out of winter!
Go through any type of snow and any amount of snow. Berco products make your life easier.
The quietest snowblower from it’s category; installed on tractor‘s mid-PTO electric controls
Turn the chute from both sides using the control box (supplied with the electric chute option)
Revolutionary belt drive system with a synchronized timing belt avoids any vibrations Heavy duty gear box assuring performance and requires no maintenance and no chain lubrication
MORE CHOICES: We are offering this model with the electric chute rotation, in choosing the electric option, it leaves a hydraulic connection for other applications
ELECTRIC CONTROLS: Turn the chute from both sides using the control box (supplied with the electric chute option)
HYDRAULIC LIFT:(uses the PTO of the tractor) Was designed to reach an optimal height which allows easy access on a loading ramp
EASY TO INSTALL: Quick attach system Pre-assembled at the factory.
Results for “lawn tractor with snow blower” in Buy Sell in Ontario
- Barrie (1)
- Belleville Area (1)
- Brockville (1)
- Chatham-Kent (2)
- Cornwall (1)
- Hamilton (1)
- Kingston Area (1)
- Kitchener Area (3)
- London (2)
- Ottawa / Gatineau Area (7)
- Owen Sound (1)
- St. Catharines (1)
- Sudbury (1)
- Thunder Bay (1)
- Toronto (GTA) (4)
Deutz allis 611 lawn tractor with mower and snow blower. Hydrostat drive. Comes with tire chains as well. New 12hp briggs engine. Does need drive belt replaced. Old one was misplaced so do not know.
John Deere 445 lawn tractor, 22hp fuel injected twin engine, traction control, full hydraulics, New Front Tires, Quick Hitch with Angling Kit, Rear Weight Ballast Box, Rear Tire Chains, Service.
FREE PICK UP. I WILL PICK UP METAL OF ANY KIND.- Appliances, lawn tractors, mowers, snow blowers, car parts, automotive batteries, copper. galvanized and steel pipes, hot water tanks, BBQ’s.
New Old Stock Lot of 105 NGK Champion Spark plugs includes display stand For lawn mowers lawn tractors snow blowers 475 takes the lot
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Best Lawn Mower Snow Blower with Manual Lift—Husqvarna Two-Stage 42-inch Snow Thrower Attachment
For less than a foot of snow, this two-stage Husqvarna attachment fits the bill. Able to throw snow up to a whopping 50-feet away, this attachment is compatible with most Husqvarna riding lawn mowers and has an electronic lift.
Additional features include skid shoes and a replaceable wear plate and the ability to adjust the chute and deflector pitch from the tractor’s seat. While some customers noted that there was no user manual included, an online video walks users through installation.
“This works amazingly well when used with the chains and tire weights,” raved one reviewer. “No more slipping on ice or jamming my wrists with a walk-behind blower. This worked well all winter in both wet and dry snow.” They also added that they didn”t have to clear the chute once and that it’s a very powerful, reliable, and effective tool.
Throwing distance: 50 feet
Best Garden Tractor Snow Blower Combinations—Cub Cadet 42-inch Snowblower Attachments
This brand is well known for its quality snow blowers, and this two-stage tractor snow blower attachment is no exception. Able to attach to a Cub Cadet, MTD, Toro, Troy-Bilt riding mower, among others, this tractor snow blower combination will turn your tractor into a riding snow blower to tackle even the worst snow storm.
Features of this high-quality and easy to use unit include a 220° chute rotation, adjustable skid shoes, scraper blades, and a clearing width of 42-inches
One satisfied purchaser who was unable to remove a wall of four feet of snow from his driveway prior to purchasing this tractor snow blower combination unit, wrote, “This unit easily punched through that wall. My driveway gets cleared in about a half-hour, instead of it being a five-hour ordeal with a push blower, and overall I”m pretty happy about it.”
Throwing distance: 40 feet
Best Lawn Mower Snowblower Combo for Heavy Snow—NorTrac Snow Thrower Attachment
This beast of a machine can tackle even heavier snow in the dead of winter. With a massive clearing width of 60–64 inch intake and throw distance of 40-feet, this tool is best for snow removal on large properties that tend to get a lot of snow per year.
What’s more, the strong steel frame ensures this attachment will last. “My drive is stone and 1,000 feet long,” explained one reviewer who used it in 12–14 inches of snow. “The machine works perfectly.”
Throwing distance: 40 feet
Best Two-Stage Snow Blower Mower Combo—Husqvarna Two-Stage Snow Thrower Attachment
Another heavy-duty unit that fits on most tractors and has a throw distance of about 80 feet, this 42-inch attachment is excellent for land with an incline if used with wheel weights and chains. Some customers noted that installing the pulley frame brackets took a few hours but was well worth it.
Additional quality features include adjustable skid shoes, a replaceable wear plate, and the driver’s ability to adjust the chute and deflector from the tractor’s seat. This attachment is compatible with Tex-style tractors from 2006 onwards.
One shopper described, “If you get a lot of snow throughout the winter and especially if you have a bad back like I do, this is a must. You will need tire chains, tire weights, and weight brackets on [the] back if you”re doing more than a flat driveway. I have a big incline driveway and city sidewalks. This beast throws snow big time!”
Throwing distance: 80 feet
Best Fast Three-Stage Mower Snow Blower—Cub Cadet Snow Thrower Attachment
Able to clear a driveway or property 25% faster than a two-stage blower, this Cub Cadet, three-stage snow blower can easily handle almost two feet of snow. The high-volume accelerator and durable steel chute save time by quickly moving snow through the blades to be cut and chopped up.
This snowblower attachment comes with adjustable skid shoes, a scraper blade and fits the XT1/XT2 Enduro Series lawn tractor.
One happy consumer wrote that this unit is “better engineered from every standpoint of mounting to the controls, belt routing, etc. You can now lift the blower with ease. The one control arm is more out of the way, so you can climb on and off the mower easier. The lifting pin clicks in cleanly. It is twice the construction of the old one.”
Throwing distance: 40 feet
Best Single-Stage Mower Snow Blower—Briggs Stratton Snow Blower
While not compatible with a lawn mower, this 22-inch Briggs Stratton is an excellent investment for those who need to tackle smaller walkways that get snow that reaches up to a foot. This single-stage snow blower works on paved areas and has a throw distance of 30-feet.
Easy to control, and with a compact design, this tool won’t take up too much space in a garage. In addition, this unit is light enough at under 100 pounds to be easily handled by just about anyone.
One customer described, “The electric start is amazing, and it lit instantly with the first push of the starter button. It arrived right before we got six inches of snow. On my first use, I cleared the entire driveways, entry walkways, and sidewalks for seven of my close neighbors.”
Best Mower Snow Blower Attachments—Ariens Snow Thrower
While not an attachment, this two-stage thrower can handle some heavy snowfall up to a foot high. The skid shoes provide a more firm grip on wet and slushy snow, and the self-propelled feature makes going up and down a driveway a cinch.
The clearing width of this tool is 24-inches with a 20-inch intake height. The chute can rotate 205°, and the variable speeds, with six forward speeds and two reverse speeds, make this one of the easier tools to control.
“After using the Ariens 2 Stage, I will never go back to a single-stage,” reported one satisfied reviewer. “Being self-propelled is a plus as it easily plows through deep snow with little effort.”
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