Snowblower 3 point snowblowers

[Piers]

Who spends a lot of time with a 3 point snow blower?
I have a 1/2 mi long, steep gravel driveway. I am considering a snow blower for snow removal.

I have just upgraded from an 8N to a NH TC30 FWD. I have done OK here for the last 9 years using a 3 point scraper. My 8N has filled (weighted) tires, and I have tire chains. We have only had one snow that was heavy enough that I could not clear the driveway with the tractor.

Of couse I start plowing wide, and by end of winter have a narrow lane after moving stuff to the side again and again. I also plow a lot of gravel off the side of the drive each winter. Even if I have the blade 1 or 2 inches off the surface, the gravel sticks to the snow as I pull it.

The 8N would not work with a snow blower, because reverse is not a low enough gear. Most of the time The blade was good for the amount of snow we got. Snow would stick a couple weeks and then melt. Last winter it stayed for 4 months.

My main concerns are ease of use. Sitting backwards for extended periods, while clearing. Picking up gravel. Is there someone who uses a 3 point blower on a long gravel drive? I am also considering a snow plow for my truck. I don't know which way to go and would consider any thoughts on any aspect of my situation.

Thanks, Piers

 

[beenthere]

I put the 'truck' snowplow (7' Western) on a quick tach on the front of my Deere 4300 (32 hp) tractor. I don't like looking back and wanted something that would work well, be fun to use, and allow me to quickly (5 min) switch to the FEL for using it when needed (have not, in 5 winters, needed the bucket to move any snow, even in the big snows with lots of drifting). Have only needed the chains on one winter, when the combination of snow, melting, rain, and then freezing caused an ice layer underneath.

Search on "Western Plow" to see pics.

 

[Piers]

Hi:

Your set up sounds interesting. I could not find the pictures you mentioned but did find several conversations about my same question, while I was searching.

If I plow I think I would prefer the comfort of a heated truck cab. The reason I'm considering a blower, is because the snow is gone once you have moved it. Even with a truck plow your faced with the berms building up on the sides of the drive.

After the additional reading I have done, I think I'm leaning toward the truck plow. If I come to a winter when that is not enough then I will spring for a blower.

If there was a truck mounted blower I would be all set.

Thanks, Piers

 

[SeymourBota]

We clear a half mile dirt (gravel) road with our B2410 with a 5 ft blower on the rear. I have worked out a plow to attach to the bucket for small snowfalls but the blower does a great job when we get 6+ inches. You hit the nail on the head with both points- it is a pain to reverse that much (thank heaven for the hydro!!) and the blower means no intruding snowbanks. It shoots the snow 50-70 feet out of the way.
BTW- I have seen snowblowers for the front of pickups- they are self-contained with their own engine and mount like a plow. Can't remember if they were 6 or 7 feet wide. Main problem was cost- about $7,000 if memory serves correctly.

 

[JerryK]

I've moved snow for many many years. Always was more 'fun' to shove it around with a blade, but if you wanted to move it and be done with it a blower is best. I have a 78" blower on the back of a 51 PTO hp JD, and a couple passes on the road is all it takes. You get less drifting with a blower, too. No big banks of snow for the wind to stack the snow up behind.