Dearborn snow plow / scraper

[Bob Purinton]

I found a front facing blade today that can be used for moving dirt or snow. (I guess)
The blade is about 5 foot wide and has a pull pin to turn the angle of the blade just behind it where it fastens to the frame assembly. Also in this area is a data plate that says Dearborn something or other. It's kind of an oval shape.
The frame assembly goes under the full length of the tractor and uses the lift arms to raise and lower the blade by means of cables that run up each side and attach to the tractor somewhere after passing through a pulley on each side of the frame. The frame looks like a piece of 3 inch tubing bent double with the blade brackets mounted to the bend of the tube and both open ends of this tube at the rear of the tractor with something that looks like a pair of bicycle handlebars inverted between them. CRS may be creeping upon me now but I think I got the form right if not the function.
There are alignment "Pads" that mount to the front axle to prevent the frame moving from side to side and other brackets that mount under the rear fenders to provide a place to lock chains on either side for moving the tractor without using the hydraulics to hold the blade up off the ground. Also, in these brackets are notches where pins fit in.
Does anybody care to hazzard a guess as to what I've found and is it worth the $600 the owner wants for it. Can replacement parts be found for this?
Everything is there except for one of the brackets that goes under the rear fender. the owner said he would take the remaining one and have a machine shop make a mirror image of it to go on the other side. Both cables will have to be replaced as the are frayed and unusable. Will these have to be bought somewhere or can they be made up?
Thanks for any help.

 

[KCM]

Wow! That is a very descriptive post with lots of details. One of the best I've read. What you have is a Dearborn 19-1 universal frame with most likely a 19-2 dozer blade. Other blades were available to fit the universal frame including a larger V-blade for plowing snow. Parts are no longer available, but then again there is not that much to it. The cables can be replaced with ordinary wire rope. On the cable ends there originally were studs crimped onto it, with the front stud going through the front bracket with a nut, and the rear attached to a clevis. But if you don't want to spend the money to have the ends crimped onto the cable, a loop can be made in the cable and simple rope clamps can be used. For the rear bracket, having one fabricated would work just fine. There are manuals online if you do a search for the model number.

As for value, I haven't seen one sell for a long time, but $600 does not sound outrageous, but I wouldn't go higher. Maybe I'm off on price, and hopefully others will chime in. If the owner will get the bracket made for you, that is great. That model is desirable and works well. It does tie up the tractor a little depending on the implement you want to use. The blade comes off real easy from the frame so you can leave the frame on the tractor.

Good luck.

 

[Ultradog MN]

They are not uncommon but you don't run across one every day either.
They are very effective plows.
As KCM states, they made 3 different blades to fit on that universal frame. The V plow, the dozer blade and the snow blade. The snow blade is a bit taller and has trip springs on it which makes it the most desirable for moving snow.
They are all 6' wide.
$600 is a bit on the high side but as effective as they are they are still worth that IMO.
They work much better than a back blade and don't leave you with a sore neck from using it.
Mind you, to be really effective you will need tire chains and rear ballast - either wheel weights or fluid in your tires.
But properly set up as above they turn your tractor into an awesome little snow mover.
I enjoy plowing snow. It gives you an opportunity to get a little seat time during the dreary winter months when otherwise your tractor just slumbers in the shed.

 

[Kirk-NJ]

I have this system on my 2n. IMO the price is too high. I usually sell them for $350 complete. For snowplowing the Blades with trip springs are more desirable and are higher and wider the the dozer blade. The dozer blade can push over a lot of bush and more dirt on the off season with is a plus for them. Sold three this year (two dearborn and one ARPS). They don't last on CL for more than a week or two. There has been one for $400 on CL for the past month or so but there has been little snow here with plays a big part in the price.
You can buy cable by the foot at tractor supply and make them up yourself.
You did not mention condition of the edge? Most are worn down sometimes even into the bolts. Does it also come with skid shoes which could be a plus if plowing a gravel driveway. There are square blocks with holes in the center used to attach to the rear brackets. Not a big deal to make up but should be included with a complete unit.
At the end of the season you can pull the pins and square blocks out and disconnect the rear three pt rod and disconnect the cable at the front bracket and the whole unit will come off leaving only the front and rear brackets on the tractor.
You can also drop the blade and leave the frame on and raise the 3pt up and and hook the chain up so you can use other implements without having to lift the frame every time as seen in my photo.
Another thing to look for is cracks in the steel where it pivots to raise the 3pt. I just welded my up at the beginning of the season.

Kirk

 

[Kirk-NJ]

One more thing to consider if you are going to be pushing deep snow you're are probably going the need wheel weights, or possible chains. On level ground you might not need them but my driveway is a hill so I can push down without a problem but pushing back up won't work without them

Kirk

 

[steve19438]

I have had three of those set ups over the years and I think all were on 9N's. they have their uses but I found them to be limited in their usefulness. on level/flat found they work good. if you have bumps and valleys they left me disappointed. also the blade would only lift about four to six inches. the set up makes the front end heavy so you would at the very least need chains. chains and wheel weight is best way to go.

like I said I had three of em. I now have none. I prefer a good heavy back blade.

 

[Bob Purinton]

I may pass on this then. I thought it was overpriced for the amount of work that had to be done to make it functional. It's located on North River Road in Bridgewater, VA. If anyone is interested. It won't disappoint me if it is gone.

 

[Thomasthetankengine]

Great description. You learneded me somethin. I was wondering what those chains were for. Had to be reason to go to all that trouble and Ford always had a reason.

 

[Bob Purinton]

Thanks for the answers. I am not fooling with it. It wasn't in the greatest of shape anyhow. If anyone wants to check the place out; go on www.craigslist.com/harrisonburg,va. Look for about anything from; "Bridgewater." I saw a set of wheel weights for a 9n/2n there. It's not a tractor dealership but more of a yard sale specializing in old tractor stuff. The overall look of the place is rust. Phone Number is 540-448-7022.

 

[BrianLivingstone]

I have the Arps snow blade and I am very pleased with it . I don't have weighted tires but I do have chains and as others have said it is useless without them. As far as price goes you may want to go for it . I looked for a long time to find mine.
Brian