John Deere 1025R Plowing 12+ Inches of Snow with the Bucket. Is it A Waste of Time??

[@Ragamuffinpiper]

Watched all the way to nighttime and clearing around the trash cans. Nice to see what ths little green machine can do. New one coning this week, excited. 🤠

[@user-ni6em4hz5r]

I have an X758 and it’s a beast. I do have a snow blade and it can push like a mule. I do have weight bracket and weights. I also added rear tire chains. I figured why beat the hell out of the machine if you don’t need too. I previously had a X738 which was also a beast and had no problems. Never had any problems with either one but just recently upgraded to the diesel just for the fun of it. Moves heavy, wet snow no problem at all. Pure joy!

[@pacoal]

Frank, a bucket, while extremely versatile is a PITA to plow a big snow like that but we've all done it. Do not "float" the front bucket, snow pusher or plow. You want as much weight as possible on the front wheels. Having said that, is all about weight and leverage. Load one side and off to the side you go no matter how big the equipment is. Make fun number one and enjoy that beautiful John Deere.Take care of her and she'll reward you for many years to come.

[@dougkildsig975]

Yes, I am curious. So you would NOT recommend using float mode when moving snow with the bucket due to the loss of front wheel traction? Just set it down gently, and let it rip?

[@frankwrogg2515]

Made it to the end. Love watching this.

[@SteveHerrick-yi4md]

Hi Frank, this is a great video to watch, weather someone is considering a new compact tractor, or has one. I have a 2025R , and the small tractors are light in the front end, and do not steer well. Lift your bucket a little and that may help. I have a Frontier 54" rear PTO blower for the rear that is rugged and will handle about anything in short order. the tradeoff is your always looking behind you to work. This also leaves the front of the tractor free to use the bucket or add a front mounted blade. On that subject, i would recommend the quick attach blade over the bucket mounted blade. Im not a fan of snow pushers, , My road is like yours and gravel. These are great little tractors once we understand them fully. I woud suggest on a storm like that to plow twice. Enjoy your new tractor!

[@FrankDiNardi]

Hey Steve sorry for such a late reply in your comment here. Yes I have learned that the tractors are pretty light in the front. I would love to get some kind of a snowblower or what it was for the front or rear but a too much for my budget at this point. Would definitely be interested in a front blade. I think that would serve me really well especially in the 7 to 8 inches and above range of snow!

[@rgsawmill]

I know its an old video but i just had a chance to see it. Nice job. Sounds like you have gotten some good advice. I have a fork attachment that i made to replace the bucket . The best atachment for the tractor for moving logs, brush big rocks ect ect. I live in haddam and picked up an old JD 770 a couple years ago and loving it. What a back saver. Jave fun. Bob G.

[@s.carroll9741]

always fun on the tractor seat, nice video

[@WisconsinDIYGuy]

Thanks for all the effort into this video. I made it to 17:30 btw. In Wisconsin snow sticks around a bit and can soften and refreeze a lot. I wouldn't bother with a bucket here or in CT. A blower, front plow, back plow, anything has got to be way more productive. My preferred setup is going to be a front snowblower with a smaller receiver mount backblade on a heavy hitch. Costs less than JDs green back blade. What do you mow with?

[@davidhypes5228]

It’s very easy to push down a little too hard on the bucket which raises your front wheels slightly. That’s probably why it’s doing that. If you lift up just a little bit your front tires will make better contact and not slide like that.

[@rishi-m]

Cheers, KZbin recommended this randomly, watched all of it lol! Nice tractor, good on ya for helping your neighbors

[@FrankDiNardi]

Thanks so much!

[@D2500R]

When I used an ATV to plow I had chains on the front tires to "steer" the snow where I wanted. Worked great. Not sure how much strain you want on the smaller front axles though. Could chain all 4 tires and add fluid in the rear and then you'd never have any issues. I love plowing in the dark!

[@rodbagley1686]

I have the 60 inch hydraulic angle plow. Also have an old Cub Cadet with a 44 inch blower. We had two big snow storms last year. One 18 inches and one 22 inches. The plow was OK but the snow blower is in my opinion the way to go with a lot of snow.

[@fiorevitola880]

Liquid ballast would have been a great addition to the tires for traction, I have a JD 1023E and it is a great machine for me to move dirt on my 1+ acre farm property especially moving tons of composted horse manure, plus for tilling and farm use. That size is perfect for 5 acres + also. 1025R and 1023E are = in horsepower.

[@Oscar-mc8gj]

If you are like me, you are on a budget, and the rear mount Frontier blowers are a great investment!

[@tgilldesign]

Congrats on your new mower! Just an FYI - John Deere will not honor a warranty repair on your two front 4X4 wheels if you do not have the recommended weight of ballast on the rear to counteract the extreme weight in the bucket, which may cause 4X4 gear failures. If you have to replace 'one' of your front 4X4 knuckles, it will cost you $2k plus. I use a JD Ballast Box, which weighs about 100+ lbs empty....and filled it will 'sand tubes' that I bought at Lowes. Total rear ballast weight is somewhere around 650 lbs. John Deere will MAKE YOU PROVE that you have and used proper ballast weight when doing heavy bucket work, or using any implement (grapples, etc) where there is a lot of weight exerted on the front wheels. Enoy!

[@jesseahner8473]

Always take the center of driveway out first and put bucket down all the way with it tipped just slightly back with the joystick pushed all the way forward in float mode. Start pushing snow. Enjoy the ride.

[@robertbanas3332]

Please slow down for more control of your front end and use the float position for your bucket

[@troyharding309]

Hey Frank , wow this tractor is a beast. I made it to the end of the video just so interesting on how much these tractors can do. I've heard filling the tires and chains just for the rear would help you alot but what u were doing with all that snow was really impressive. Mine was delivered back in the end of December and really haven't used it , we really haven't had alot of snow here in iowa. I plan on getting a rear straight blade to help with snow too and think that could be a option for u maybe. well keep the great videos coming man great job 👍 👏

[@FrankDiNardi]

Hey Troy, thanks so much for watching. I save all the time. I’m so impressed with these machines!! I really couldn’t be much happier with it. I have seen a little bit about the straight blade but don’t know a whole lot about it. I’m gonna look into it. Hope you guys get some snow so you can go out and have a blast!

[@markschmaus5580]

If you load the tires. You wont need any chains.

[@rhettabney2838]

Rhett

[@ActiveJoe]

Perfect example of why you need a plow instead of a bucket. Surprised to see you do as well as you did. Do yourself a big favor and get the plow and when you do watch the weather forecast so you can hit the snow every 6 inches of snow which should do the job way easier for you too. Thanks for sharing.. 🚜 ❄ All the best and God Bless. 🙏❤🇺🇸

[@eroceze]

I had the 1025r for a year and loved it, but got the itch to upgrade to a 2038r. I always felt I was pushing the 1025r to the limit, not with the 2038r. If you ever get the itch for a little bit bigger of a tractor, look into it! These little tractors are awesome!

[@FrankDiNardi]

Hey Eric, Ive watched videos about the 2038. It looks like an awesome machine! If If I had some more money in my budget I may have considered it. Although it might be a little too big for my property but nobody complains about extra horsepower right!?

[@randyfredericks348]

2325r👍

[@johndenver8574]

Should have bought a snowblower attachment for that awesome machine. Or atleast a triangular plow. Great video. I have a x700 series. It's got the 2 stage snowblower attachment and it goes though it like butter. I also worked at a john deere dealership, and do know alot about these machines. The 1025R is the best selling tractor out there. The yanmar diesel engine is unbeatable. No issues. Just make sure you keep up with greasing all your points.

[@FrankDiNardi]

Hey John thanks for the info. I would love to get a snowblower someday. Still out of the budget for me right now. When I bought the tractor I didn’t expect to buy it with the backhoe on it so I spent more than I wanted to so if we get a Big snow like that again I’ll plow at least twice maybe three times. Happy to hear that the Yanmar is a powerhouse engine!

[@mikedimarco4702]

You could try applying the opposite brake peddle (of where your heading) every so often to put you back on track!

[@brianerickson9849]

I have the same tractor. A 60 inch plow works much better than a bucket.

[@bobnarrus3218]

Me too!! Great set up!

[@kenmcgahee3707]

Get a plow for next season or a snow pusher. Floating the bucket might help but unless it's fairly heavy you'll probably need s little down pressure. You could get a blade for the 3 point in rear and run it on angle, too. Looks great bro!

[@FrankDiNardi]

Hey man! Plow is on the list for sure. I think next season I’ll scoop one up. Used if I can find it. I was floating the deck as I don’t like to dig up the dirt driveway but I need to get more precise with that!

[@rhettabney2838]

Rhett

[@bobnarrus3218]

I went back and forth on whether to get the plow of snow blower. Went with the frame mounted 60" plow because where I live the snow often turns to rain and we end up with wet heavy slushy snow, which is not optimal for the snow blower. The frame mounted plow is quick and nimble. The negative is that the plow doesn't go that high, so if moving or stacking is required I have to put the bucket back on, which takes me ten to fifteen minutes. Never even came close to getting stuck with the weight bucket on the back. Purchased chains, but never put them on or needed them. I added the weight bucket on the back because the tires are quite small, I didn't think loading them added enough weight, although it helps!! If your considering a similar ser up I hope that my experience helps you!

[@ethanh9535]

I plow snow the same way… With the bucket. I love how I can pile the snow up bc if we use an actual snow plow, it could only push snow so far back. I have a 2022 with a heated cab. Love it. I recently moved 18 feet of snow with my bucket. I get big time snow drifts out in the country. If your not a fan of the bucket method, I’d suggest a snow blower for the tractor considering what I saw what you have to clear. Your also operating it wrong. Too much down force on the bucket which will raise your front tires making it where you can’t steer. Use less pressure or angle to the point where you see your front tires touch the ground.

[@noworriesmate5903]

You definitely need a plow. The deere 1025r is a very nice machine.

[@michaelbrooks5111]

Hi Frank, I have a 54" snow blower on my 1025 it would work great for that driveway it be faster for you to.

[@amandalafferty5133]

I had a 1026r the problem with chains on the front of that machine was when turning sharpley the chains would hit the fluid lines for the power steering cylinder. They may have redesigned it but I'm thinking it's still the same.

[@garypower9024]

I know this video is from a while back . Im sure you would find a snow pusher or blade much better. Once your bucket is full, you just keep dumping the extra right back in the drive and you just going back and forth pushing the same snow over and over again. Loading your tires, lots of ballast and chains would be a major difference.

[@robertmeader4065]

I have the Quick hitch plow it work very good

[@OO-by2jl]

I have a plow and haven't used it in 2 years . We've had a fare amount of snow this year also

[@ryanv3751]

I have a 45hp tractor, and put chains on my front tires. Not the back, the fronts will help maneuver out of a tight spot and it’s easy to lift the loader and get weight onto them

[@ThePurposeFullLife]

I’m getting mine delivered next month!!! So excited!! Are you in the Midwest?

[@FrankDiNardi]

Congratulations. No I’m in Connecticut

[@ThePurposeFullLife]

@@FrankDiNardi I realized that after watching a few more of your videos! 🤣😆😂 my tractor is in at the distribution center for my local dealer! Should be at my house in a couple weeks!

[@TractorHoarders]

Digging that camera angle! :)

[@FrankDiNardi]

Bro! No bullshit, you are one of the reasons that I bought my tractor. I originally wanted one to plow my driveway. So I started KZbin videos of “snow plowing 1025r.” Little did I know how much other stuff I would do with it! I came across your videos and loved watching them. I was mesmerized! Yeah I ended up getting a jaws clamp, works perfect in that spot you were telling me about and that’s the camera angle that I like the best!

[@TractorHoarders]

@@FrankDiNardi That's awesome! Glad you're having fun with your 1025R. They are really great machines. I think it's the handiest thing I have. Keep up the great videos!

[@FrankDiNardi]

@@TractorHoarders thanks so much man, I’ve never really been much of a winter guy but as I get older I don’t mind it. Wish we got snow out here like you did!

[@cashxx]

Far better and quicker with a plow. I would like to get the front 60" quick attach but learning today that JD may have brought over the European version and doing a 3 point hitch in the front now and doing a plow instead of the quick attach! Some rim guard in rear tires and maybe chains if really needed, not sure and you would be set. Not a fan of loader mounted plows.

[@barryleslie3188]

That driveway needs a blower! I have the 54” quick attached front mount blower and it is awesome. Would make light work of the job you just did.

[@philvessa1069]

Barry, could not agree with u more! I have a 47 quick hitch, for my 1025r. Put the snow where ever u want it. I wanted the smaller blower for sidewalk use of the machine. We have 48-inch walkways here in NJ!

[@outdoorswithcorbs9231]

I agree. I have the 54” QA Blower and it’s great. A lot of people complain it’s hard to connect. It’s not. I’m in snow country central New York. We get snow all the time. He said he only gets a couple of big snows a year. It may not be worth the expense to get some serious snow attachments. A lot of people get buy with the FEL. Good video.

[@michaelbrooks5111]

Hi Frank, You need chains on all four tire I had to make my front one and both the back one.

[@Xan2k]

Just gotta know how to operate it right, and you can do pretty good piles! Well done.....

[@pauljcomp6621]

Agreed. The no control thing with the front wheel thing is typical. I tried chains, Meh. A plow truck is faster but I get the front bucket. Also 12 inches was a lot, just invest in time instead of money and keep the bucket on IMO. I have a rear blower on my kubota. Saves maybe 20-30% of time. Their expensive. Id rather use the money for an Austrian Rifle etc...In your case your going to be investing in a little more time then money with that bucket. Neighbors love you now so why not.

[@pauljcomp6621]

Quick Detach is BS during the winter. 😁

[@pauljcomp6621]

In order for you to really make a difference. If you got Ching but short on time, a truck with a plow is best. If you don't have Ching to burn then stick with the tractor. JD and Kubota Tractors seem 2 b as reliable as Glocks. Trucks ain't.

[@dougkrause8036]

Which go pro are you using and what is your mount setup? Thanks

[@FrankDiNardi]

Hey Doug so I am using a GoPro 10. I’ve got the lens mod on it to get that super wide angle with the horizon leveling set. Filming at 1080 P at 60 frames per second. I usually like to film in 4K on the GoPro‘s because the image quality is mediocre but for long video like this the file size would be unnecessarily big. I have it mounted to the GoPro brand jaws clamp. Funny that you ask me that because I asked another guy on KZbin what his mount set up was because I liked it so much. You can definitely get them cheaper on Amazon but I watched video and they said that the mount wasn’t as tight as the GoPro brand one.

[@dirtbeard108]

i had more luck pushing snow backwards with a box blade than I did using the loader. This year I'll have a front plow.

[@skateeatlive101]

whats up, im in CT as well. what dealer did you buy your machine at?

[@FrankDiNardi]

New England Power Equipment in Old Saybrook

[@karlwouters8088]

Side you need a front mount snowblower!!

[@jamescapps6201]

Tilt bucket to were it just meets the top of drive then put in float, that way you only move the snow if you put pressure on it will dig up drive.

[@gettingoutthere4839]

Chains onnall tires help however turning with chains can mangle things up if they're not put on right

[@dwaynezaluski6370]

You Don't need chains for your front tires but you would be wise to invest in a Snowblower for that machine a 54" would be Perfect! I have one and I wouldn't be without it! You don't leave high piles along your driveway that will stop more snow and make bigger drifts for you to plow!

[@dallasjohnson3809]

I don't know if your tractor has split brake pedals but, that is what I use with my kubota lx2610 to steer in situations like that, mud or snow.

[@FrankDiNardi]

We only have one pedal!

[@barneyhall5246]

did you have the loader in float position

[@FrankDiNardi]

I did not and I am ashamed to say I didn’t know much about that prior but I was using it yesterday and it worked pretty good!

[@dougkildsig975]

Hey Frank! I've watched your videos before, and appreciate this one. Are you still running with the bucket for snow? I have Edge Tamers, and would recommend "float mode" on the FEL. Were you using "float" mode in this video?

[@FrankDiNardi]

Hi Doug, thanks for watching! I still have the bucket for snow. I have seen the edge tamers but never used them. Was thinking about getting some. I was not in float mode in this video. I was controlling it manually. I think I’m going to stay with the bucket. Moving anywhere from 5 to 7 inches of snow I think it is totally manageable but when you get more than that it can be troublesome. So if we get a big storm like this again I’ll go out and plow twice!

[@dougkildsig975]

Hey Frank! Yes, most guys are going to criticize using your bucket, not me. It makes a lot of sense, and Edge Tamers from R2 are outstanding, as they won't let the bucket dig in. I'm still trying to decide if float mode puts STILL too much down pressure on the FEL and lifts those front wheels off and causes loss of steering control. Playing around with it. My best guess would be to NOT use float, and just very gently lower that bucket to the ground, and the Edge Tamers will keep it from digging.@@FrankDiNardi

[@FrankDiNardi]

@@dougkildsig975 yes I have seen some criticism for it before. I didn’t intend on buying the bucket with a backhoe on it but when I went and saw it I couldn’t say no so that pretty much put me out of buying any accessories for a while. I’m looking forward to getting out there and using it more this winter. I hope we get a little bit of snow in here in Connecticut so I can tinker with it more!

[@dougkildsig975]

Hey Frank! Very good, I run a TLB as well, and no regrets. It isn't how much you use your equipment, having it is very valuable!@@FrankDiNardi

[@briankreitzbender8871]

You will hurt the front diff if you put chains on the front. If you are not putting the bucket in float, that would be causing your no steer issue. Get some edge tamers to keep the bucket up a bit to use the float

[@eastcostguy374]

Good reply, fload the bucket and edge tamers. With the edge tamers you can tip the bucket down just slightly and get a good clean cut with out digging in or riding up.

[@johndennis3181]

What did you get for the 22k, loader and mower?

[@FrankDiNardi]

Loader and backhoe

[@OShackHennessy]

@@FrankDiNardiah I see, I thought that price was a bit hefty for that little tractor when you said that but now I understand.

[@chrisswartzwelder8494]

I bought the 1023E without the bucket on the front I bought the plow package do you plow in low gear high throttle or high gear? Hi throttle.

[@FrankDiNardi]

Hi Chris, I plow in high gear 90% of the time. And I have to throttle around 2500

[@chrisswartzwelder8494]

@@FrankDiNardi thank you so much I appreciate the info

[@marioruscitti1724]

Weight to the tires will help you also in the back

[@benoitcorbeil618]

You need a snowblower Frank.

[@FrankDiNardi]

Yes for the big 12 inch plus storms definitely. I’ve made other John Deere videos and you probably haven’t seen them but I talked about how when I bought the tractor I had no intentions of buying the back hole on it. So I spent thousands extra on that which cut out my budget for any other attachments. The tractor will easily move seven or 8 inches of snow at a time so if we get big storms I’ll plow twice

[@jimmerrithew453]

You may be pushing your bucket down too much, which would lift your front wheels. Or, the front lip of the bucket is tilted up, causing the bucket to ride over the snow and lifting the wheels from the solid surface.

[@rastagrastag7784]

Your bucket is pushing up the frontend

[@shaw5485gmail]

Tractor doesn’t weigh enough. With the blade on the ground and not floating, it’s essentially taking the weight off the front tires and lifting. Try some mounted wheel weights if it’s payload can handle it

[@FrankDiNardi]

Hey Chris. So I definitely float the bucket. I am one of those people that refuses to tear up my driveway when I plow. I don’t mind leaving an intercell on it because I don’t wanna tear up the dirt, grass or any rocks.

[@johngersna3263]

​@@FrankDiNardiA set of Edge Tamers can help with keeping the bucket from gouging the gravel.

[@roadking8337]

Get a rear blade for it. Can push or pull.

[@gregbetts8057]

is that price usa or can bucks ????

[@FrankDiNardi]

US

[@adamd4218]

Made it the whole way. 17 min and 32 seconds. lol. plus the rest.

[@FrankDiNardi]

Thanks bro!

[@markkrauss5994]

Your putting to much down pressure on front end. Is why tires on going sideways

[@Justin-1025R]

You need a snowblower!!

[@mrbubetube]

on a 1000 foot driveway? I'd want a front blade to plow it.

[@mikekowal4944]

Try lifting the loader up a little bit.. put weight on your front axle!!

[@pauljcomp6621]

yes

[@gregbetts8057]

dont look too bad on paved drive , but i dont think they would be good on shale , gravel or grass drive ...

[@JohnSmith-ug5ci]

You need a snow plow or blower on that machine.

[@FrankDiNardi]

Hey John yes I understand that. I posted several other videos about my John Deere and I explained that when I bought my John Deere I wasn’t planning on buying the machine with the backhoe on it. So I spent a lot of extra money than I had planned on. The snowblower is out of my budget. I purposely let us know build up as much as I could this day because I just wanted to see what the John Deere was capable of. Instead of going out and plowing 18 inches of snow at a time in the future I’ll go out and do six or 8 inches at a time and break it up. the amount of work I’ve done with my backhoe trumps with the snowblower would have done for me 10 times over. I’ve cut down dozens upon dozens of trees at my property and I’ve dug all of the stumps out with the machine. So of course the back has been much more beneficial for me

[@davidsomero7337]

I spray my bucket with WD40

[@user-xv3ho8qb7p]

Need snowblower

[@audiemullarkey9973]

Put a snowblower on it

[@FrankDiNardi]

Maybe someday!

[@robertmeader4065]

You need a snow pusher or a snow plow

[@FrankDiNardi]

Plow is on the list for winter 22-23!

[@sewerman911]

You'll want to at the very least load the rear tires. Wheel weights are out of site out of mind as well. Quick hitch ballast box would be the cherry on top. These tractors don't weigh alot and need all of the above for what your doing and especially doing loader work. Dealer should have explained ballast. Your doing well for being a newbie. 👍

[@pauljcomp6621]

Or you just need more time

[@Captndarty]

Buckets are better than a shovel but they’re absolutely crap for efficiently and expeditiously removing snow compared to a plow.

[@FrankDiNardi]

Certainly are better than a shovel!

[@charleslynch908]

wrong tool for the job at hand. That is for scooping not pushing. A front blade for a driveway that long is the solution or a snowblower.

[@user-gg3bo4gq9n]

Не хрена не понятно,в следующих видео,говори на русском языке!

[@mattharmon3838]

Don't buy the john deere the yanmar 325 is much better and made in the United States.

[@eastcostguy374]

Yes, Yanmar made Ll of the subcompact JD tractors up until about 10 or so years ago. They were great machines. John Deere makes all of their subcompact tractors in the USA. The Yanmar engines are built in Japan, the loaders and backhoes are made in Mexico. I do believe that there is more North American input in John Deere than any other top tractor brands... that's not to say that non North American tractors are subpar. Research is key!

[@donaldlambert7819]

Honestly, in my opinion, I think with a driveway that long, maybe you should have considered putting a blower on that bad boy. You're pushing light snow there. Imagine if it were a heavy wet snow, how much you would struggle with it....Cool video though!!

[@FrankDiNardi]

I would love to get a snowblower on it someday but still kind of out of the budget for me. When I bought the tractor I didn’t expect to buy the backhoe on it so I spent more than I wanted to originally. My plan is going to be to go out and plow at least twice maybe three times if we ever get a big snow like that again!

[@donaldlambert7819]

I hear ya. Blowers are way overpriced. And as far as the backhoe, I hemmed and hawed for a while and decided to not get a machine with a backhoe. Most people/videos I saw said basically, once you get your digging done, you pretty much spent $5,000.00 for a lawn ornament. I still kick myself for not getting it anyway...lol... Great videos!

[@FrankDiNardi]

@@donaldlambert7819 thanks very much. I’ve actually used it a ton. I don’t know if you’ve come across any of my other John Deere videos but I have dug some serious stumps (and by serious I mean a lot, not necessarily big) out of my property and that thing has paid for itself a couple times over. I’m also glad I got it because I think it’s now thousands and thousands of dollars more than what I paid for it when it was new. if I didn’t get the backhoe the tractor would have been sitting around a lot more when I first got it. My wife and I bought a house a few years ago. It was a new construction home and the builder pretty much only cut the trees down needed to build the house so when we bought it I cut down a shit load of trees and dug out all of the stumps!

[@Miniscapes515]

Buid yourself a snow pusher from and old tractor tire cut in half.