BX23S Snow Blowing With Backhoe Removed

SEF

New member

Equipment
Kubota BX23S, Kubota BX2816 Snowblower
Jan 31, 2025
3
1
3
Sandy Point, NL, Canada
Does anyone use the front snowblower attachment, in my case the BX2816, with the Backhoe attachment removed? If so, would you recommend counterweight?
 

GreensvilleJay

Well-known member

Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
12,401
5,365
113
Greensville,Ontario,Canada
This will be interesting to follow, as neighbour has BX23xx with blower ( no loader version), doesn't have any weight in back. heck he's only got 3 hrs on 'winter duty'...due to lack of snow here.
Snowblowing is easier on the tractor than blade as blower does the work. I can see maybe 200-400# on the back for traction. Having 4WD will really help. Curious as to HOW the weight is added ! Ideally you'd like enough but not too much. Too much puts uneccessary stress on the machine and wastes fuel.

I just use the bucket for 'snow detail' so BH is on.
 

DustyRusty

Well-known member

Equipment
2020 BX23S, BX2822 Snowblower, Curtis Deluxe Cab,
Nov 8, 2015
6,465
5,097
113
North East CT
When I first got my BX23S, I used a BX2816, which had about 600# in a weight box in the rear and turf tires. I never had a problem blowing snow. I have now switched to a BX2822 Commercial snowblower, and it works great with the weight box in the rear. My 20 years of experience snow blowing with a BX22 and BX23S have taught me that without the weight in the rear, the tractor will lose traction, and you might get stuck.
 

SEF

New member

Equipment
Kubota BX23S, Kubota BX2816 Snowblower
Jan 31, 2025
3
1
3
Sandy Point, NL, Canada
Thanks for the replies so far. I have chains, I use 4WD, the driveway is flat and loose gravel so I'm confident that I won't get stuck. I'm just wondering if I would cause premature wear on the front end if I didn't leave the backhoe on or use a counterweight. I'd like to remove the hoe to get into a couple of tight spots and I don't want to spend any additional money on counterweights. I'd like to have my cake and eat it too!!
 

DustyRusty

Well-known member

Equipment
2020 BX23S, BX2822 Snowblower, Curtis Deluxe Cab,
Nov 8, 2015
6,465
5,097
113
North East CT
Thanks for the replies so far. I have chains, I use 4WD, the driveway is flat and loose gravel so I'm confident that I won't get stuck. I'm just wondering if I would cause premature wear on the front end if I didn't leave the backhoe on or use a counterweight. I'd like to remove the hoe to get into a couple of tight spots and I don't want to spend any additional money on counterweights. I'd like to have my cake and eat it too!!
So how has that worked out for you previously in life? It is one thing to be thrifty, and another to be downright cheap. Spend the money because you can't take it with you, however, caskets now have a drawer in them for the family to put mementos into it.
 

GreensvilleJay

Well-known member

Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
12,401
5,365
113
Greensville,Ontario,Canada
re: I'm confident that I won't get stuck. ...... :rolleyes: :(
hahaha...sigh, BTDT
will you post pictures of shame WHEN it happens ???

I know the odds are you won't but...........................

I was pushing inches of fluffy white, wet base here for 2 hours, cleaned out the firehall paved lot and almost got stuck,so I know ....EMS offered me a treat, but since they saved mu life back in '14 I feel I owe them 'one'.
 

Henro

Well-known member

Equipment
B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini Ex., Beer fridge
May 24, 2019
5,849
3,050
113
North of Pittsburgh PA
Does anyone use the front snowblower attachment, in my case the BX2816, with the Backhoe attachment removed? If so, would you recommend counterweight?
I would recommend the backhoe as a counterweight on your BX23S.

What can it hurt being on the back? Is there a reason why you don't want the backhoe there? Just wondering...perhaps clearance issues when turning, or something?
 

SEF

New member

Equipment
Kubota BX23S, Kubota BX2816 Snowblower
Jan 31, 2025
3
1
3
Sandy Point, NL, Canada
I would recommend the backhoe as a counterweight on your BX23S.

What can it hurt being on the back? Is there a reason why you don't want the backhoe there? Just wondering...perhaps clearance issues when turning, or something?
Yes, clearance issues in a couple of spots. Keeping the backhoe on for now, may do a trial run without the hoe later on. I'll post how it goes, thanks.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

GreensvilleJay

Well-known member

Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
12,401
5,365
113
Greensville,Ontario,Canada
rotate the how full right might get you more 'wiggle room'
Any 3PH store bought weight unit will probably be 2-3 ft out anyway.
Should have 4-500# out back ( BH is 700+).
 

Henro

Well-known member

Equipment
B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini Ex., Beer fridge
May 24, 2019
5,849
3,050
113
North of Pittsburgh PA
Yes, clearance issues in a couple of spots. Keeping the backhoe on for now, may do a trial run without the hoe later on. I'll post how it goes, thanks.
I don't have a snow blower, or any experience with snow blowers. BUT I would think if the snowblower actually contacts the ground, with wheels or skids, then the concern of added stress on the front end components would be minimized.

Just a thought...
 

GreensvilleJay

Well-known member

Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
12,401
5,365
113
Greensville,Ontario,Canada
when(if) there's enough snow I use a dedicated rider/snowblower. 2WD and 100# out back.The big issue is STEERING, so I plan long straight runs. I dump my driveway snow across the street on neighbours grass and vice versa,so there's 80' of the road cleared off for EMS. I'm the hidden driveway on a blind curve, makes it kinda 'interesting'.
 

BX25D Rookie

Member

Equipment
2011 BX 25 TLB (dirt work, snow, and brush hogging) 2013 BX 2370 (mowing lawn)
Mar 21, 2019
94
69
18
upstate, NY USA
I agree with all the above. The backhoe mounted is a clumsy form of rear weight.
I, like you, wanted to get in closer to buildings and other snow removal obstacles.
I ended up building a ~ 450 or so pound rear weight ballast barrel myself.
It's close enough to the weight of the backhoe that I have great traction.
It doesn't stick out behind the BX very far. I use the FEL with a set of Edge Tamers, not a snowblower.

IMG_20230908_144139291 by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr

IMG_20230920_164800040_HDR by cee_Kamp 32ACP, on Flickr