Hydraulic powered snow blowers, not all they're cracked up to be.

Hydraulic-Powered Snow Blowers: Not Always the Best Fit

Mounting a snow blower to the front loader of your tractor might seem like a smart idea—after all, you’ve got a powerful machine, so why not? But when it comes to hydraulic-powered snow blowers, what looks good on paper often doesn’t translate to performance in the field. Here’s why these setups fall short and what options will actually give you better results.

Why Hydraulic Flow Matters

Hydraulic implements need adequate flow and pressure to perform well. A snow blower with a slow-turning auger won’t throw snow—it’ll just dribble it off to the side. Even high-end skid steers sometimes struggle unless they have enough hydraulic horsepower. A typical high-flow unit might require 42 GPM, which equates to roughly 60 horsepower. Without that kind of flow, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

What Most Tractors Can Actually Deliver

Take a machine like a Kubota MX Series tractor. It puts out about 9.5 gallons per minute (GPM) of hydraulic flow from the front remotes. Using the formula for hydraulic horsepower (GPM × PSI ÷ 1714), this setup provides only around 15 horsepower at the front loader—far less than the 51 PTO horsepower the same tractor puts out from the rear. So while the engine may be rated for 60 horsepower, only a fraction of that power actually reaches a front-mounted hydraulic attachment.

The Efficiency of PTO Power

To get the most out of your tractor’s capabilities, using the PTO is the way to go. Shaft-driven power transfers energy far more efficiently than fluid-based systems. Rear PTO setups can easily deliver over 50 horsepower to your attachments—more than triple what a hydraulic motor on the front loader can offer.

How Front-Mounted PTO Snow Blowers Work

Several manufacturers make front-mounted snow blowers for compact and utility tractors by transferring PTO power from the rear of the machine to the front. This is usually done using a subframe-mounted driveshaft that routes power from the rear PTO forward. It’s a well-engineered solution that lets you clear snow efficiently without sacrificing power.

Mid PTO: A Deluxe Feature for Front Attachments

Some tractors come with a mid PTO—another shaft pointing forward from the transmission. This is commonly found on more deluxe models and is specifically designed to drive front-mounted implements like snow blowers and brooms. Budget or economy models often don’t include this feature, but it can make a big difference in performance and versatility.

Alternative: Hydraulic Power Packs

Hydraulic power packs can boost the output of a tractor’s hydraulic system. These systems mount to the rear 3-point hitch and come equipped with their own pump and reservoir, offering independent hydraulic flow that can drive front implements. They're especially useful for high-demand attachments, but they come at a cost—both financially and in efficiency. With each pump and motor adding about 10% loss, you're only getting around 80% of your original power at the implement.

Can It Work? Yes. Is It Worth It? Probably Not.

Sure, you can rig up an MX Series tractor with a 25 GPM power pack and technically run a large snow blower from the front loader. But it won’t be cheap, and the performance likely won’t match what a shaft-driven setup would deliver. You’ll spend more for less output, and that’s rarely a winning formula.

The Smarter Option for Snow Removal

For reliable, efficient snow clearing, shaft-driven blowers—whether front- or rear-mounted—are the better route. Rear-mounted, forward-facing blowers are another smart option that eliminates the need to constantly look over your shoulder. They’re becoming more popular and represent a practical solution without requiring high-end hydraulics or expensive workarounds.

Need Help Finding the Right Setup?

Choosing the right snow blower setup depends on your tractor's specs and how you plan to use it. Whether it’s parts, service, or help choosing the right implement, we’re here to support you. Call 800-222-3373 or visit messicks.com to talk with our team.