Buying Advice CC/Yanmar2400

[Inland NW]

I just purchased a home on 10 wooded acres. I have a 1000+ Ft gravel driveway. I have been told by several people to buy a used tractor and put a snow blade on it to keep the driveway clear in the Winter. I have also been told to use a snowblower and not a blade. I went to dealer to look at CC/Yanmar SC2400. They had it with FEL, Enclosed Cab, SB, and seven free attachment rentals per year for seven years for about $21,000. Of course they have the 0% for 48 Months too. Is this a good deal or should I consider other makes/models? I am not very mechanical. I already have a Cub Cadet riding lawnmower purchased from previous homeowner for mowing lawn.

 

[Hozen]

Sounds high to me... Actually, it sounds really high. Though, I don't know how much the cab costs. I picked my 2400 up with FEL, MMM, front brush guard, weights, and weight bracket for under 13,000 out the door. I use my tractor with the FEL to push snow off my 300'+ drive in the winter and I don't really have any issues. This last winter, we got a huge amount of snow... way over normal... It faired pretty well. Yes, a snowblower will work better for deep snow. However, if you don't get 2ft snow falls regularly, the FEL seems to work just fine. To get the front mount snowblower, it was going to cost me around 2500 dollars. Around 500 for the front quick hitch and around 2000 for the blower. I thought that was way to much money for what it was. The CC snowblower isn't very heavy duty and you can't have the fel on with the quick hitch... Which, I know, there is no time you'd have the fel and snowblower on at the same time, but it sucks to have to unbolt the quick hitch to switch between the snowblower and fel. At that point, there is nothing "quick" about it.

Best snow setup for me would be a rear mount snowblower (3 pt) with the FEL. You might consider something like that if you decide you need a snowblower.

 

[scoutcub]

First of all, welcome to TBN!

The age-old dilemma of blade vs blower.....one of the biggest factors to consider is how much snow you get. I personally like blades w/power angle, but I also have a blower in the event of more snow. The blade will be quicker, but the blower will get the snow out of the way of future snow stacking up on the sides of the driveway. I've heard blowers and gravel driveways don't mix very well, as you're inclined to run some gravel thru the blower...have to be aware of the blower height.
As for the Sc2400....will you be using it for more than the driveway? I'm assuming you're wanting it for upkeep on the property also? If the main purpose is clearing the driveway, you could get a smaller setup with a blade or blower, possibly even one for your current machine?
And.....21K sounds a bit steep to me also, although I know the cab is fairly expensive. Is the Cub dealer close? That would be a big benefit if you are not mechanically inclined. If you have other dealers around, you could also check them out to compare. I've driven the 2400 around, and was very impressed with it. I believe Cub is as good as any other manufacturer, and perhaps a bit less $$$. I've had Cubs for 15 years and always had great luck with them.
Soo...good luck shopping!

 

[gordyy]

I have an Sc2400 with Fel SB-45 front mount blower a 4ft McKee rear mount snowblower(because the front blower was junk it is supposed to be replaced for free this fall) a 60"mmm [I mower 25 hrs a week with a lot of straight up and down) RT=42 tiller (an awesome machine) a 60" boxblade and a cab
I payed about 22 for the tractor cab blower mower tiller and boxblade with 0% and 60 months last year I think they might be a lil high
also if you get the blower make sure it is going to be the model that will be available this fall the first one lasted me 12 minutes the first time, 3 hours the second time and 2 hours the 3rd time it was reapaired me bought a 35 yr old used 3pt model and used it for 50 hours before I picked up a chaise lounge took 3 hrs of work and cost $25. to repair the parts they ordered for the SB45 that never did work had a retail value of $375.

 

[gordyy]

I just purchased a home on 10 wooded acres I already have a Cub Cadet riding lawnmower purchased from previous homeowner for mowing lawn.

trust me try out one with the mmm unless you have a CC tank they dont make another mower anywhere close to this. It blows the garden tractors so far out of the picture it is not funny