4200 and 59" snowblower

[sleepyhollow]

Hi,

I live in the northeast US where we have wet heavy snows for the most part. I have a 2.7 acre property with a 600 ft. driveway. I am looking at a 4200 4WD, HST, R4 tires coupled with a 59" JD front mounted snowblower to clear the driveway. The drive is mostly flat with the exception of a 75 ft. section with a grade of about 35 degrees. My concerns are mainly whether the 4200 is a good match for the blower and I was hoping anyone who has had experience with this combination could tell me what they think of it. Does it bog down or clog? Does the engine get overloaded? How fast can you go with it? In wet snows, how far does it throw?

I am also planning on outfitting the 4200 with a 420 loader w/heavy duty 61" bucket and a 47 hoe for landscaping around the yard. The yard is about 1/2 wooded and half grass. Is this too much tractor or not enough for these implements? I started out by looking at the 4100 but decided against it due to the smaller snowblower, inability to use a hoe and its 1000 lb. or so weight differential with the 4200. The 4100 seemed a little chinzy and you can see where JD cut corners to meet a certain price point. At times though, I have questioned whether I need something as big as the 4200. Any thoughts on how the 4200 has performed with the above implements would be much appreciated. Also, what total packages prices have you seen for this combo? Thanks,
Jonathan

 

[toddler]

Jonathan,
Don't have an exact comparison, but I use a 60" 3pt hitch snow thrower on my B2710 with no problems. Didn't bog down once this winter, despite several 24" storms. You won't go too fast when the snow is wet and deep, but you should do OK. How long is the driveway, if it's not too long, or too curvy, you could save money with a 3pt hitch blower and get to leave your loader on. That's what I did, and the bucket does come in handy at times in the winter.
Todd

 

[tanuke01]

Last fall I got a 4200HST with a 59" blower. We had a lot of heavy snow. The 4200 did not have the power needed. I had it back to the dealer 3 times. They adjusted the pump to increase power. Nothing really helped and the winter was over. I cleared my drive about 300' and our trail about 1/2 mile, by taking a lot of time and moving very slowly. I put on a 60" mid-mount mowerand a PTO Trac_Vac. I could hardly mow up hill. Had to stop to allow the motor to get back up to RPMs. I talked to the dealer and he made me a deal on a 4300HST. I does a good job on the mower and I have high hopes for snow blowing.

I you get anything less than the 4300 you will not be happy with the speed you can blow snow.

Can't help on the FEL
DPR