Is this going to work?

[JimP]

We live in CT with about 1/2 mile of paved driveway and private road. The driveway is very steep but the road is pretty flat. We tend to get 5-12 inch storms, usually wet snow. Usually most of the snow melts before the next storm. Last year was seriously weird with multiple 24+ inch storms and accumulations over 4 feet with even higher banks. So I have some seat time moving snow.

If you already have a 4wd pickup can you add a plow? It will be faster and more comfortable than a tractor. If you want to go the tractor route consider a plow instead of a snowblower. A plow will leave banks while a snowblower won't. BUT - if your snowfalls don't accumulate too much the banks aren't a problem and the plow will cut at least 1/3 off your clearing time. Don't go by last year only as the east coast had abnormal snowfalls last year. Also, don't underestimate the importance of a cab. Is your wife going to want to spend 1-2 hours on an open station machine, in the dark (plowing usually happens before leaving for work or after getting home), in the cold getting snow blown into her face and dripping down her neck? I did that for years and it gets old. Last year we moved to a L5240 cab and I would never go back to an open machine. Good luck in your decision and that property looks beautiful.

 

[tcreeley]

For your wife's sake get a cab with a heater. You are looking at this as an adventure. She sees it as work to get done. Don't assume she'll be able to stay warm. Then throw in the days when a person isn't feeling so great, but that drive still has to be cleared! It is a lucky person that enjoys their chores, but not everyone does. I don't have that much to clear, use a 7' plow with an open tractor. Takes me 3-4 hours to do the house and barn. I dress warmly and I still freeze for the last two hours- and that is in 15 degree weather. I wouldn't ask my wife to do it the plowing though she has asked about it. The cab will hold the heat in from the heater.

 

[Catfish Man]

at this point (after yesterdays tractor shopping)
I'm leaning toward the Kubota L4240 with a cab
options and attachments, undecided
mostly likely the front mount blower,

 

[sixdogs]

at this point (after yesterdays tractor shopping)
I'm leaning toward the Kubota L4240 with a cab
options and attachments, undecided
mostly likely the front mount blower,

Pick up a camera, too. We're going to need plenty of pictures to go with the story.
And before I forget, check your Kubota front axle oil after an hour or so--they always seem to need a fair amount even though they show full when you first get them. Beats me.

 

[Catfish Man]

I've got a couple of real estate deals that I have to finish up before I make the purchase, it may be a few weeks yet.

 

[JoeL4330]

did you think to check the wheel clearances on the tractor you are about to buy...and which, it sounds like, will want chains on all four feet.

 

[Catfish Man]

yep i already thought about clearances, some need spacers some don't,

thanks for reminding me though

 

[smfcpacfp]

at this point (after yesterdays tractor shopping)
I'm leaning toward the Kubota L4240 with a cab
options and attachments, undecided
mostly likely the front mount blower,

Sounds like a good choice. The front blower does add a little cost but this setup should last you a lifetime and the comfort factor of having the front blower will be something you will appreciate over time and the additional initial cost will be forgotten.

 

[JimP]

The 5240 with R4s has clearance for rear chains only if the wheels/rims are set all of the way out. The 4240 is (I think) the same frame size so it probably needs wheels/rims set out also. Have the dealer do this as these tires are heavy - before you add any weight to them. Can't help with front chains as I don't have them. 500 lbs hanging off the three point was not enough weight for rear traction. I added 50% fill of Rimguard to the rear tires (400lbs-tire, 800 lbs total) and that helped some. Rimguard and weight in back was better. The tractor does leave depressions in wet ground though. I am going to try siping the tires for next winter. Good luck.

 

[sixdogs]

Regarding extra weight, I have no experience with blowing snow but wonder if you get the same effect in snow of wheel weights as opposed to loaded tires. I have bad memories of loaded tires and won't do that again. Wheel and front end weights work for me in dirt so how is it with snow? Is "weight" weight no matter how you get it?