What is the most efficient snow removal machine?

[batwing]

we have about a 1/4 mile drive, angle plow on front, snow blower on back would work good for us.

 

[300UGUY]

I appreciate the expertise in evaluating the different technologies involved. However, a plane ticket to Ft Myers is pretty cheap. Just sayin.....

 

[JDgreen227]

Problem I have with snowblowers is that they are really expensive for a single-purpose attachment...I can use the FEL on my tractor year around, and grade dirt with the back blade as well as moving snow with it. A blower can be used for NOTHING but snow removal and only when going in one direction. Yes, a blower is most efficient, BUT if there is little snow they are a very costly device. I could have really needed a blower maybe six or seven days in the 1200 hours I have on my tractor. Perhaps I should have titled my thread "What is the most cost effective snow removal device?"

 

[Tor Arne]

Problem I have with snowblowers is that they are really expensive for a single-purpose attachment...I can use the FEL on my tractor year around, and grade dirt with the back blade as well as moving snow with it. A blower can be used for NOTHING but snow removal and only when going in one direction. Yes, a blower is most efficient, BUT if there is little snow they are a very costly device. I could have really needed a blower maybe six or seven days in the 1200 hours I have on my tractor. Perhaps I should have titled my thread "What is the most cost effective snow removal device?"

Not quite correct've seen one that used the snow blower to move grain inside a building to where the auger was. My father used an old v type snow blower to spread manure

 

[Piston]

Problem I have with snowblowers is that they are really expensive for a single-purpose attachment...I can use the FEL on my tractor year around, and grade dirt with the back blade as well as moving snow with it. A blower can be used for NOTHING but snow removal and only when going in one direction. Yes, a blower is most efficient, BUT if there is little snow they are a very costly device. I could have really needed a blower maybe six or seven days in the 1200 hours I have on my tractor. Perhaps I should have titled my thread "What is the most cost effective snow removal device?"

That changes everything! I feel the most cost effective is exactly what you outlined in your original post, a FEL and nice heavy rear blade.

 

[DeereMann]

Ahhhhhh.......I think it depends on the situation. I have shorter, wider pads with high banks. We have had a number of heavy snows too. I know I couldn't have handled it with an FEL or blade. So then what do I do?

For those with long narrow drive/trails, sure a blade works good - just like on paved roads.

So I don't think there is a "one size fits all" response to the question.

 

[batwing]

Quote Originally Posted by JDgreen227 View Post
Problem I have with snow blowers is that they are really expensive for a single-purpose attachment...

They are expensive but I just realized we have had ours for 20 years and put nothing into it! (I am knocking on wood)

 

[Mike476]

I'm a 7 foot rear blade / 6 foot bucket kind of guy. I plow our property and our subdivision road, we get a fair bit of snow and quite often it's heavy because of our Maritime climate.

 

[dave1949]

Problem I have with snowblowers is that they are really expensive for a single-purpose attachment...I can use the FEL on my tractor year around, and grade dirt with the back blade as well as moving snow with it. A blower can be used for NOTHING but snow removal and only when going in one direction. Yes, a blower is most efficient, BUT if there is little snow they are a very costly device. I could have really needed a blower maybe six or seven days in the 1200 hours I have on my tractor. Perhaps I should have titled my thread "What is the most cost effective snow removal device?"

I've never had a snow season here that could not be cleared with just a FEL, it's a matter of how long do I want to be out in bad weather on an open station tractor I guess. Since my retiree time isn't worth a whole lot :laughing:, sure a FEL is the least expensive solution in dollars.

For the folks in places that get buried in snow, a FEL alone either wouldn't get the job done, or they would still be scooping, shuttling and stacking when the next storm comes maybe.

 

[Danny C]

I appreciate the expertise in evaluating the different technologies involved. However, a plane ticket to Ft Myers is pretty cheap. Just sayin.....

I'm a 7 foot rear blade / 6 foot bucket kind of guy. I plow our property and our subdivision road, we get a fair bit of snow and quite often it's heavy because of our Maritime climate.

I agree. I bought a 7ft hydraulic angle plow for my loader and kinda regret it. I find myself using my back blade and loader bucket as much or more pulling the back blade cleans roads down to the gravel much better than the push plow.