First time plowing with SSQA plow, float mode just digs into the driveway

[CalG]

Cut a piece of pvc pipe and mount it on the bottom of the blade. Saves money by not having to buy ski shoes

How long did your piece of PVC last? At about 5 degree air temp, the piece I tried made it about 5 minutes before it shattered. Maybe CPVC, the grey stuff (or Non metallic Electrical tubing) would be a better choice.

 

[tradosaurus]

You guys are awesome! So much insight.

@Captain Dirty - you hit on the second issue I've run into that I was going to ask about once this first item was figured out:


- My driveway is pretty long and VERY crowned. It's almost 30 years old and has a nasty peak in the middle and the fact that this plow is so wide means that it only really skims the middle of the driveway. It moves most of the snow off but unforunately what's left behind is, ya know, what people drive on.

I had the idea of a heavily angled box blade dragged behind on a final pass, but now that you mention the angle when angled, I'm going to go measure the height and see if maybe there's a sweet spot I can find to get those nooks and crannies. Lots to learn here, thanks everyone!

I don't understand why you aren't using your box blade to level your driveway?

 

[MFowner]

Here is my suggestion for anyone who moves a lot of snow from soft or hard surfaces. I purchased a pusher for primarily moving snow, we get a lot in South Dakota. Easy to use on my CIH 5240 mfd. Skids,24 inches long, on the ends are adjustable to prevent gouging. I have a long driveway and a large yard that I clear. This attachment has cut time required to clear the driveway and yard in half versus using the 8 foot bucket. Definitely a top 5 lifetime purchase. I attached info on the brand I purchased, but many manufacturers make them.

 

[Fallon]

How long did your piece of PVC last? At about 5 degree air temp, the piece I tried made it about 5 minutes before it shattered. Maybe CPVC, the grey stuff (or Non metallic Electrical tubing) would be a better choice.

Same. I've tried ABS & PVC. Neither lasts minutes. Not sure how people make that work unless they use some steel pipe.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Here is my suggestion for anyone who moves a lot of snow from soft or hard surfaces. I purchased a pusher for primarily moving snow, we get a lot in South Dakota.

I got an 8-footer, primarily for using with a Unimog, then a 6' one that the L3800 can handle. They're great, I think.

Never used either on the driveway, but they sure are handy in the places where the snow needs to be "transported" for 100 feet or so. Like between buildings.

Also, I put cutting edges on both so they can be used for dirt, too.

 

[lsgreg]

Here is my suggestion for anyone who moves a lot of snow from soft or hard surfaces. I purchased a pusher for primarily moving snow, we get a lot in South Dakota. Easy to use on my CIH 5240 mfd. Skids,24 inches long, on the ends are adjustable to prevent gouging. I have a long driveway and a large yard that I clear. This attachment has cut time required to clear the driveway and yard in half versus using the 8 foot bucket. Definitely a top 5 lifetime purchase. I attached info on the brand I purchased, but many manufacturers make them.

View attachment 849858

I am trying to figure out my plan for the next winter. I have for years used an old pickup with a plow to clear my 800 ft driveway. The truck is gone (RIP), the tractor is now going to provide the brute force to do the job.

So, help me - why a pusher rather than a plow?

 

[Zork]

I don't understand why you aren't using your box blade to level your driveway?

To reduce the heavy crown in the center?

 

[Zork]

I don't have a pusher. And I do not have high banks or buildings blocking my snow storage areas. I do like the idea of a pusher since there is no bucket bottom to hold snow. I also like the idea of modding the sides of a pusher so they can power out and act as a plow. I might modify one of my plows to incorporate hydraulically powered sides that would give me the best of both worlds.

 

[oosik]

I don't know where you live. SO........ if you plan on plowing before the driveway freezes up - rock hard - you will need some type of shoes/skids on the blade. Probably a good idea for any time you plow snow.

I use a rear blade. If my driveway is still soft - reverse the rear blade 180 degrees and plow in a normal, forward direction. I have a heavy Rhino rear blade that works well when reversed.

I offset - I angle - I go like smoke and oakum.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

So, help me - why a pusher rather than a plow?

I wouldn't want to rely on only a pusher, but after plowing snow away from between parked vehicles and a carport in an area where it's about 100 feet to where the snow can be pushed off to the side, the pusher is great.

It's so much quicker to move the snow away with than a plow or a bucket.