Clearing snow w/ front loader

[MossRoad]

I currently have a JD 455 with the 47" blower. It's been amazing clearing some enormous lake effect snow falls. I am considering a new machine (something along the lines of the Kubota BX series.) I can't see being in a position to afford a front loader and a blower, so I am thinking it may come to clearing snow with the front loader. I would think it's going to be a little more time consuming and maybe not as clean as the blower but I'm getting to an age where lifting 8 yards of bark mulch and cords of firewood no longer agree with my back. What can you guys share with me regarding snow removal with a front loader? Am I going to miss the blower?

So why not keep the JD for winter duty?

My neighbor has a Wheel Horse with cab and blower for winter and a JD for mowing the lawn in summer. Keeps the current season machine in the garage and the out of season machine in the yard shed. Swaps them out spring and fall.

 

[MossRoad]

 

[coachgrd]

So why not keep the JD for winter duty?

My neighbor has a Wheel Horse with cab and blower for winter and a JD for mowing the lawn in summer. Keeps the current season machine in the garage and the out of season machine in the yard shed. Swaps them out spring and fall.

I understand what you're saying. Unfortunately, I don't have room indoors for two machines. Secondly, and probably more importantly, I'm hoping I can get a couple grand for the 455 on trade-in. I have loved the 455, but I've put in about $600 into her in the past 6 months, including new glow plugs (which I now fear are not getting power. I have to warm the engine with a propane heater before I can start it.) Thinking an electronic issue with a JD means only one thing: bring your wallet.

That being said, it will be hard to say goodbye...the 455 has been a great machine.

 

[Rustyiron]

Think about this?. 100' driveway X 15' wide X 2' of snow is 111 (cubic) yards, that's 111 buckets if you can squeak a yard in each trip, your drive is only 100' long, and you only have 2' to move.
I'd plan on looking for a used blower this summer.:thumbsup:

edit; just saw the 180' length, make that an even 200 yds.

 

[coachgrd]

Think about this?. 100' driveway X 15' wide X 2' of snow is 111 (cubic) yards, that's 111 buckets if you can squeak a yard in each trip, your drive is only 100' long, and you only have 2' to move.
I'd plan on looking for a used blower this summer.:thumbsup:

edit; just saw the 180' length, make that an even 200 yds.

Yep, all things are pointing to a blower for sure.

 

[LD1]

My driveway is ~80' long and pretty wide. Total ~300 sq yds. If we get a foot of snow, thats ~100 cu yds. With the tractor, it takes me all of 15 minutes to clear using the combination of a front plow and rear blade. These tractors are capable of pushing quite a bit of snow in a very short time.

 

[Ford850]

coachgrd, how much snow have you had this season? What's a normal snow event for you, and what about a big one? The little BX tractors don't have much clearance so if you have a couple feet of snow on the ground, your movement will be limited to what you can clear ahead of you.

 

[Ford850]

The early years of the ice age. Poor T-Rex.

 

[rkidd]

Jefferson, OH? Well then you know full well what Lake Erie is capable of! I swear if you travel across I-90, even in July, you'll hit snow somewhere near Geneva-Ashtabula-Jefferson, OH!

I see there was a 10 car wreck on 90 last night. Got 3-4 inches last night. Heading out this morning to clean up.

 

[TheMan419]

If you are getting rid of the one machine I'd likely get the machine you are looking at, try the FEL for snow removal and then get a blade or blower if needed.

I live in Indiana's land of lake effect. Since I have had the tractor we have not had a major snow event, so not sure what will happen there. My drive is 100 feet and it does not mean I am moving 100 + buckets of snow. Most of it pushes out like I am using a plow. I am sure a plow would be more efficient, but I am doing just fine with the FEL.

If we had a major event I would not be going to work so I'd have the additional time needed to clear the drive with the FEL.