10 hours ago
The Challenge of Winter Conversion
Track loaders like the ASV SR-80 are built to tackle tough terrain, but winter introduces a whole new set of demands — especially when converting them to run high-flow attachments like snow blowers. Adding a snow blower may seem straightforward: plug in the hydraulics, hook up the controls, and let it rip. But the reality is far more complicated, especially when dealing with machines that weren’t originally engineered for cold-weather hydraulics or complex electrical interfaces.
Hydraulics at Their Limit
The heart of any snow blower attachment is its hydraulic motor. These motors require consistent pressure and flow — often 30–40 GPM (gallons per minute) at pressures exceeding 3,000 PSI — to run effectively. The ASV SR-80’s auxiliary hydraulic system, while capable, often finds itself strained when tasked with powering aftermarket snow blowers.
In one well-documented case, an SR-80 outfitted with a high-flow snow blower began experiencing immediate issues: surging pressure, overheating oil, and inconsistent auger speed. The problem? An improperly matched hydraulic coupler and flow restriction due to a quick-connect fitting that was too small for the application.
Similar incidents are surprisingly common. According to a 2020 report by Bobcat’s engineering team, 41% of snow blower malfunctions on compact loaders are traced not to the blower, but to improper hydraulic setup — from mismatched flow ratings to incompatible case drain lines.
Electrical Integration: A Puzzle of Connectors and Controls
Modern snow blowers rely on electric solenoids to change chute direction and control the deflector. Many are designed with universal 14-pin connectors, which don’t always match up cleanly with older machines like the SR-80. Users frequently find themselves modifying harnesses, bypassing switches, or running temporary lines to make everything work.
In one case, a frustrated operator ended up rigging a toggle switch to the cab ceiling, wired directly to the battery, just to rotate the chute — a workaround that worked, but bypassed the machine's safety protocols. It’s a stark example of how aftermarket attachments often outpace the OEM’s original electrical design.
John Deere and Case have responded to this widespread issue by offering proprietary plug-and-play control kits for their attachments. ASV, while offering rugged hardware, has lagged in this area, often leaving integration up to the creativity (and risk tolerance) of the end user.
Cooling Under Pressure
Snow removal may seem cold, but hydraulic systems heat up fast under strain. Snow blowers present a nearly continuous load, and in deep snow or during long runs, the SR-80’s hydraulic oil can overheat, leading to reduced efficiency or even system shutdowns.
Some owners have reported fitting auxiliary oil coolers or increasing reservoir capacity. One DIYer even mounted a trans cooler from a Chevy Suburban behind the cab with a 12V fan, reducing operating temps by over 30°F. These kinds of modifications, while not factory-endorsed, are becoming increasingly necessary as winter attachments become more demanding.
A 2019 article in Compact Equipment magazine noted that in extreme conditions, some snow removal crews run two identical loaders in rotation — one working while the other cools down — a costly but effective workaround when system cooling is inadequate.
Track Loader vs. Skid Steer: A Mismatch in Torque
The SR-80’s rubber tracks offer incredible floatation, but snow removal isn't just about grip — it's about torque, maneuverability, and control. Unlike wheeled skid steers, track loaders often experience more resistance on icy surfaces. Operators report difficulty turning sharply, which slows down snow-clearing operations and adds extra stress on the drivetrain.
One municipal operator in Minnesota switched from ASV SR-80s to wheeled machines for sidewalk snow work after realizing that the track machines were "overkill" and too clumsy for tight turns near curbs and planters.
On steep, icy hills, tracked loaders can even become liabilities. Without enough bite, they can slide — especially when hauling a heavy snow blower on an incline. ASV has addressed this partially in newer models with more aggressive track patterns, but for older SR-80s, the solution often comes down to operator finesse and added ballast.
The Case Drain Controversy
Perhaps the most overlooked — and dangerous — detail when adding a high-flow attachment is the case drain. This small return line relieves excess pressure from the hydraulic motor. Without it, pressure can build internally until the motor seals blow, or worse — the motor itself splits.
Several SR-80 users have learned this the hard way after connecting snow blowers without confirming proper case drain routing. One machine destroyed two snow blower motors in under 10 hours of use. The issue wasn’t the machine’s fault — it was operator error combined with poor documentation.
Modern loaders from Bobcat and CAT now include brightly labeled case drain ports with built-in restrictors. ASV models require more diligence during setup, particularly if retrofitting older attachments not originally designed for high-flow systems.
Conclusion: Preparation Prevents Pain
Outfitting an ASV SR-80 with a snow blower is entirely possible — but it’s not plug-and-play. It requires an understanding of hydraulic flow, case drain function, electric control interfaces, and the operational nuances of a track loader in winter terrain. When done properly, it can transform the SR-80 into a winter workhorse. When done hastily, it can lead to blown motors, fried circuits, and costly downtime.
As one seasoned operator put it, “The snow doesn’t care if your fittings match — but your bank account will.” And that’s the lesson buried beneath all the white: in snow removal, success favors the prepared.
Track loaders like the ASV SR-80 are built to tackle tough terrain, but winter introduces a whole new set of demands — especially when converting them to run high-flow attachments like snow blowers. Adding a snow blower may seem straightforward: plug in the hydraulics, hook up the controls, and let it rip. But the reality is far more complicated, especially when dealing with machines that weren’t originally engineered for cold-weather hydraulics or complex electrical interfaces.
Hydraulics at Their Limit
The heart of any snow blower attachment is its hydraulic motor. These motors require consistent pressure and flow — often 30–40 GPM (gallons per minute) at pressures exceeding 3,000 PSI — to run effectively. The ASV SR-80’s auxiliary hydraulic system, while capable, often finds itself strained when tasked with powering aftermarket snow blowers.
In one well-documented case, an SR-80 outfitted with a high-flow snow blower began experiencing immediate issues: surging pressure, overheating oil, and inconsistent auger speed. The problem? An improperly matched hydraulic coupler and flow restriction due to a quick-connect fitting that was too small for the application.
Similar incidents are surprisingly common. According to a 2020 report by Bobcat’s engineering team, 41% of snow blower malfunctions on compact loaders are traced not to the blower, but to improper hydraulic setup — from mismatched flow ratings to incompatible case drain lines.
Electrical Integration: A Puzzle of Connectors and Controls
Modern snow blowers rely on electric solenoids to change chute direction and control the deflector. Many are designed with universal 14-pin connectors, which don’t always match up cleanly with older machines like the SR-80. Users frequently find themselves modifying harnesses, bypassing switches, or running temporary lines to make everything work.
In one case, a frustrated operator ended up rigging a toggle switch to the cab ceiling, wired directly to the battery, just to rotate the chute — a workaround that worked, but bypassed the machine's safety protocols. It’s a stark example of how aftermarket attachments often outpace the OEM’s original electrical design.
John Deere and Case have responded to this widespread issue by offering proprietary plug-and-play control kits for their attachments. ASV, while offering rugged hardware, has lagged in this area, often leaving integration up to the creativity (and risk tolerance) of the end user.
Cooling Under Pressure
Snow removal may seem cold, but hydraulic systems heat up fast under strain. Snow blowers present a nearly continuous load, and in deep snow or during long runs, the SR-80’s hydraulic oil can overheat, leading to reduced efficiency or even system shutdowns.
Some owners have reported fitting auxiliary oil coolers or increasing reservoir capacity. One DIYer even mounted a trans cooler from a Chevy Suburban behind the cab with a 12V fan, reducing operating temps by over 30°F. These kinds of modifications, while not factory-endorsed, are becoming increasingly necessary as winter attachments become more demanding.
A 2019 article in Compact Equipment magazine noted that in extreme conditions, some snow removal crews run two identical loaders in rotation — one working while the other cools down — a costly but effective workaround when system cooling is inadequate.
Track Loader vs. Skid Steer: A Mismatch in Torque
The SR-80’s rubber tracks offer incredible floatation, but snow removal isn't just about grip — it's about torque, maneuverability, and control. Unlike wheeled skid steers, track loaders often experience more resistance on icy surfaces. Operators report difficulty turning sharply, which slows down snow-clearing operations and adds extra stress on the drivetrain.
One municipal operator in Minnesota switched from ASV SR-80s to wheeled machines for sidewalk snow work after realizing that the track machines were "overkill" and too clumsy for tight turns near curbs and planters.
On steep, icy hills, tracked loaders can even become liabilities. Without enough bite, they can slide — especially when hauling a heavy snow blower on an incline. ASV has addressed this partially in newer models with more aggressive track patterns, but for older SR-80s, the solution often comes down to operator finesse and added ballast.
The Case Drain Controversy
Perhaps the most overlooked — and dangerous — detail when adding a high-flow attachment is the case drain. This small return line relieves excess pressure from the hydraulic motor. Without it, pressure can build internally until the motor seals blow, or worse — the motor itself splits.
Several SR-80 users have learned this the hard way after connecting snow blowers without confirming proper case drain routing. One machine destroyed two snow blower motors in under 10 hours of use. The issue wasn’t the machine’s fault — it was operator error combined with poor documentation.
Modern loaders from Bobcat and CAT now include brightly labeled case drain ports with built-in restrictors. ASV models require more diligence during setup, particularly if retrofitting older attachments not originally designed for high-flow systems.
Conclusion: Preparation Prevents Pain
Outfitting an ASV SR-80 with a snow blower is entirely possible — but it’s not plug-and-play. It requires an understanding of hydraulic flow, case drain function, electric control interfaces, and the operational nuances of a track loader in winter terrain. When done properly, it can transform the SR-80 into a winter workhorse. When done hastily, it can lead to blown motors, fried circuits, and costly downtime.
As one seasoned operator put it, “The snow doesn’t care if your fittings match — but your bank account will.” And that’s the lesson buried beneath all the white: in snow removal, success favors the prepared.
