Farmall 450 sidewalk snowplow

Bob M · Feb 12, 2015

One of my kids moonlights from his day job (he's a high school teacher) plowing sidewalks in downtown Rochester NY this week.

Tractor is a modified (narrowed) 450.

IMG_5678%20color%20adjusted_zps19djzss3.jpg

Janicholson · Feb 12, 2015

Very interesting. I imagine it has been in service since new. Choice job (if not 20 below) he looks happy! Jim

DeltaRed · Feb 12, 2015

Several years ago in 'OliverHeritage' magazine,there
was an aeticle about two brothers who did the same
thing in a big eastern city.Plowed the downtown
sidewalks.They used a fleet of four 77/770/880
tractors.They were narrowed/modified to be less than
5ft wide overall.Pretty interesting.

Bob M · Feb 12, 2015

The contractor has a fleet of 40 or so of these modified tractors for sidewalk plowing. Most are M, Super M, 400 and 450's. But there's a few 300/350's, and at least one each 460, 560 and a lone Oliver 770(?).

They are a clever, modern adaptation of 60+ year old technology

fastfarmall · Feb 12, 2015

So do u get cold behind the heat houser if it's 20 below ??

Bob M · Feb 12, 2015

The air blown back thru the houser gets warmed somewhat by the engine. However Carhartt jacket/overalls, Sorel boots, a snowmobile helmet and gloves are still recommended!

Charlie M · Feb 13, 2015

I've seen those tractors as I live in the area and I always wondered how they ever got them warmed up enough to plow snow. My M seems to take for ever to warm up enough to run right when its cold before I can move it. My H on the other hand only has to run a couple of minutes and its ready to go.

D Slater · Feb 13, 2015

Interesting pictures Bob. Do the operators catch heck sometimes for snow spillover to house sidewalks and other stuff?

antiqueIH · Feb 13, 2015

Bob M, my question is how in the heck did they get the Farmalls so narrow??? Will you explain a little more, please?

dhermesc · Feb 13, 2015

Looks like the only "modification" is that after the wheels are dished in they cut the axles off. I would hope the Ms have a live hydraulic pump added on.

Bob M · Feb 13, 2015

Several modifications are made:

- Rear wheels are reversed and moved in as close as they can go. The excess axle length is then sawed off.

- Right brake pedal is bent in to provide wheel clearance (the right pedal winds up directly above the left pedal)

- A heavy plow underframe is added to transfer plow forces to the drawbar. Supplemental ballast (plate weights) are added atop the rear end of the underframe.

- A 12 volt alternator, halogen front lights and flashers are installed.

- A turned down exhaust stack is installed to limit damage from low hanging branches; also to direct exhaust away from the operator.

- "Special Commercial" license plates are added to satisfy the thieving b@stards in Albany.

----

AFIK all the tractors are equipped with live hydraulics - thus the preference for stage II "Super" and 3xx/4xx numbered-series machines.

sflem849 · Feb 13, 2015

I still can't believe the city pays to plow all the sidewalks. Here in WI we have to shovel them within 48 hours (?) or the city will "come do it for you" and send you a fine.

antiqueIH · Feb 13, 2015

Thanks for the excellent explanation, Bob. Those modifications are very interesting. Also, good to see all those old horses still working.

Farmaller · Feb 13, 2015

That's amazing, and to think in this day and age, they are using 50's era tractors, I would think unless they had power steering, it would be a workout with the weight on the front. That's just so neat!! I bet he is wore out after he gets done.

Farmall 450 sidewalk snowplow

Bob M

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DeltaRed

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