Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Clearing snow with FEL

[RoyJackson]

good advice.

So where's the "real central PA...", PA Hayseed?

Outside of Red Lion here...

 

[Rod in Forfar]

If using a FEL/snowblower combination, beware piles left by the loader. One gravel-ball last March wore my Lucknow more than six years of loader-less snow removal.

 

[puckgrinder85]

Thought I'd add a little more, since the OP (mdelmarcelle) is in Wisconsin...

I was in Appleton WI last year on a supplier visit. One stop I had to make was in Antigo (about 100 miles NW of Appleton (for other readers, it's about 100 miles NNW of Milwaukee)).
Anyway, during my drive to Antigo, I observed smaller farm tractors (seemed like most old Fords) and some CUTs on virtually every parking lot. Most had rear blades rigged to them and were obviously for snow removal. Can't say I saw one snow blower rigged (since this was Apr or May 2009, those implements may have been stored).
So, looks like most smaller lots (convenience stores and such) use a rear blades for pushing snow.

You'd be pretty close in that, I live between antigo and appleton, 30 miles west of green bay. Most places out of town have something a little more than just a snow plow. In town though there are quite a few large front end loaders that do the huge lots, everyone else has trucks. I know we have a tractor for stacking snow as we quickly run out of room. Seems the plow will push it but the loader can get it much higher and seemingly compact the snow more? The piles get higher but they seem to shrink with working them into those piles too. I agree with the "let it compact" for the first few storms, after that crap freezes we can plow or box blade right over it without issues.

 

[nuffer460]

Snow removal with anything is a loaded question.:confused2: The only two things I don't have is a snowblower and a front snowpusher. I have a snow blade on the fourwheeler. So, technically I have a snow plow. I also help out my neighbors, when they need it. For the most part I use the FEL and the box blade. Sometimes it's slower, but it always works. Some neighbors may just need the 4wheeler / snowblade. It seems that every driveway, is just different enough to need something different. Also believe me, I can screw up my lawn with the 4wheeler and plow just as easy as with the tractor. Guess that's why I have a tractor. In the spring I can fix the lawn. If there is a perfect tool I havn't found it. It sure is fun trying though. I do have to say. The best tool for any snow machine is a cab. I need one.:laughing: So the only advice I can give. Use what you have watch watch what others do. Then add or subtract implements as ($$$$) allows, until you get what works for you.:thumbsup:

 

[PILOON]

I agree, it's definitely a learning curve(i'm still practicing).

But one tip(and I've been preaching this to my son), know where everything is. Make mental notes, driveway is 6 feet from this corner, 8 feet from this corner, flowers 10 inches from drive at this point, mailbox here...........etc.
It can and will save a lot of heartache later on.

I drive colored stakes while the ground is still soft.
Around here that means 4" stakes and I spray them bright colors so as to spot them in blowing snows. Day glo paint is best.

 

[Haywire]

The local TSC has a 6' rear blade for $299. I had a hard time leaving it there. I had to keep reminding myself that the snow we had the last couple days is the exception rather than the rule around here and the cost, even though cheap, was not justified.

Ian

 

[LBrown59]

I do have to say.
1*The best tool for any snow machine is a cab. I need one.:laughing: So the only advice I can give. Use what you have watch watch what others do. Then add or subtract implements as ($$$$) allows, until you get what works for you.:thumbsup:

1*No CAB sure TAKES MOST of the fun out of winter seat time.

 

[bp fick]

The local TSC has a 6' rear blade for $299. I had a hard time leaving it there. I had to keep reminding myself that the snow we had the last couple days is the exception rather than the rule around here and the cost, even though cheap, was not justified.

Ian

Last year, I went ahead and picked up one of those TSC (KK, CountyLine, Tarter Gate) rear blades. $249, and I had 10 dollar coupon from online.

No regrets. It's darn handy. Used it on my BX last year, and on the B2320 now.

 

[SensibleNick]

I drive colored stakes while the ground is still soft.
Around here that means 4" stakes and I spray them bright colors so as to spot them in blowing snows. Day glo paint is best.

I'd like to second (third?) the "mark your edges" suggestion... after ending up - heart in mouth - driving along one of our ditches (right wheels in, left wheels out) to be able to get out of the end of it. I had been *utterly* convinced that I knew the layout of the driveway: there's only 2 corners, how hard could it be?

The back-blade caught a hard lump and pushed me 6" off track, and in we went. I thought I had at least 3' to go... turns out I was in the wrong place and had been plowing 6" from the ditch for 2 weeks. Had my ROPS up and seatbelt on... Didn't roll... but the steering wheel still has my fingernail marks in it. :ashamed:

Here in Scandinavia the authorities use 1" plastic poles in bright orange, and they have reflective bands around them to make them show up in even the worst conditions.

Not me, Not my kid (don't have any) ... just a random photo....

I've now marked the relevant points on my driveway with a few of these... Don't want that pucker-up moment again thanks!!

 

[etcallhome]

Agree with putting markers, post or what ever you need so you know where are removing snow.
Sidewalk curves around the drive over in church parking lot. I can't tell you how many times I have hit the last part of the side walk while plowing snow.
Since I have the snowblower not near the problem compared to plowing Stops you very quickly when you hit the sidewalk.
The one lawn I've been mowing has a 1/4 mile drive with a L about half way to house. A friend came in last year with 7' blower ,owner tried to tell the guy he was off the drive by 4-6 ' N O can't be Well there are big ruts where his large farm tractor was . One side of tractor was almost on the edge of drive.