Stalled plow project restart

[Lt.Mike]

I barrowed a sand blaster from a friend once and after looking at it said, "I could build my own". After using it I decided I'd rather pay someone to do my sandblasting.

I would pay someone else to do it but it’s more than I want to spend (I’m cheap) and it’d push the time frame back on getting this done. I don’t want to lose my momentum.
Looks like I’m not done welding as in the better light this morning I found 2 cracks in the front of the frame.
I can’t ignore it so I’ll have to open them up to get penetration with the weld.

[ricky racer]

Good catch!

[Lt.Mike]

Good catch!

If I hadn’t stripped it all down I’d never seen it. Probably only known when it finally snapped.
I really should have done this in the warmer weather, even with the heater in the garage the paint isn’t drying very well.
Probably have to set it aside to finish after Christmas now.
It’s ok all the figuring out is done and I had it together and working before stripping. It won’t keep up at night wondering if I’ve got it all put together right now .

[ricky racer]

[Lt.Mike]

It’s all built, all little parts are on hand and it’s painted. Just have to let it sit overnight to harden up.
I was originally going to just the frame but decided to strip and paint the blade and extension too.
Painting in 40 degree temps required me to think outside the box though

https://youtu.be/b3XF0tYSJ00?si=wPMbwdiWFrsERU03

[Lt.Mike]

DONE !!!
Got it all back together today and it’s finally finished. I looked back in my records and I’m about one month over 4 Years since I stared this project gathering parts and planning to get this done.
Now all I need is snow

https://youtu.be/t9KZVuA_5PQ?si=ZLch-KJfAUXGk_Du

[dgrapes59]

Good job, looks fantastic! If it works half as good as it looks, you should be in business!

[Lt.Mike]

Thank you !

[ajhbike]

Looks good. So you are going to use the auxiliary valve lever to actuate it?

[Gary Dotson]

Good looking set-up!

[Lt.Mike]

Looks good. So you are going to use the auxiliary valve lever to actuate it?

Yes its all hooked up and works beautifully !

[Lt.Mike]

Well we had our first snow of the year though it’s only 2-3”.
It did allow me to go give the new setup a try.
Wow ! What a difference !
Besides the convenience of not having to jump off the tractor to adjust the blade angle I found because it was so easy to adjust the angle I could take advantage of it better to optimize it and it really sped up the entire job. I wouldn’t have believed it but it really did. Instead of trying to get a mound of snow where I wanted it working with one blade setting by making little adjustments really made a difference.

I am going to have to figure out a way to float the blade and still have lift height though. I’m working out some ideas in my head

[49willard]

Mike, I can't tell for sure, is the short link (about 4 inches long) from the vertical lift members coming up from the plow frame in there?

[Gary Dotson]

For mo, the real advantage in having power angle, is being able to change blade angle on the fly. You can start a pass with the blade straight ahead and as you near the end, change angle to roll it off to the side, or whatever. I have one place where I start angled left and finish the pass angled right. It’s a total game changer!

[Lt.Mike]

For mo, the real advantage in having power angle, is being able to change blade angle on the fly. You can start a pass with the blade straight ahead and as you near the end, change angle to roll it off to the side, or whatever. I have one place where I start angled left and finish the pass angled right. It’s a total game changer!

It really is !
I knew it would help with not having to get off the tractor to pull the pin but I was surprised on how it cut plow time down.
It’s kinda like going from a conventional riding mower to a zero turn .