GC1705 - snow removal near Denver

[rossn]

With crazy hot weather currently, it seems like the wrong topic -- but we're only 6-10 weeks off from the early snow season.

Recently purchased my GC1705, and am contemplating snow removal options. I've surfed a lot of threads, but am looking for some insight as to what is best for my situation.

Live NW of Denver CO, and receive about 80-120" snow per year. Typically 3-8 storms/yr of 12-18", many days with less snow, and an occasional day with more. After a big storm, snow might be around for a week or two, but most typically snow is gone in a few days.

My concrete drive is about 225' long, single-lane for about 2/3 of it, and maybe 3 lanes wide for the last 65' near the house, plus 4 parking spots. Mostly flat with a gradual slope up to the street, though a few areas where it is more contoured (not flat). The home is North Facing, and the driveway in front of the garage that isn't going to see winter sun. Just bought the house this year, so haven't lived the winter in this home yet.

The options I've been considering are:

- Snow Blade/Plow (MF 2335 or 2340, or using an old 54" John Deere blade with a custom attachment to the frame (there are some posts and videos on this))
- Front Snow Blower (MF2360 or I understand the Kubotas will work)
- Using the FEL with a protective snow edge (I understand this would be tedious in the bigger storms)
- Rotary Broom (I understand this won't do deep snow well, though it could be handy in the warmer months, as well)

I do want to be reasonable about the money spent, as well as avoiding permanent damage to the drive. I also want to consider what will work best for the area that won't receive direct sunlight. Again, Colorado snow doesn't stick *that long*, though sometimes it could go a few weeks.

Thoughts on what is going to fit my situation best? I'm kind of leaning towards the blade/plow option at the moment.

 

[Snobdds]

A front mount PTO blower is the best.

A front blade is the second best. However will need rear ballast and maybe chains.

A front mount PTO sweeper is good for snow up to about 8 inches. Spring snow will be a challenge. However the sweeper can be used all year to sweep the driveway.

The bucket is the least favorable, but works in a pinch.

 

[coldsteelva]

I have a new GC1720 and will be in the same boat. My plan is to leave the bucket on and pick up a rear-mount snowblower. Blow the snow you can, bucket provides ballast; use the bucket to pick up and toss what cannot be blown, blower provides the ballast.

EDIT- read that wrong; thinking 1710.

Front blade is available from Massey: 2335 (54") or 2340 (60") and mounts to the front frame; definitely should shoot for a blower if you can though

 

[rossn]

Thanks.

The front mount blower may be the best for deep snows; is it overkill (given cost, maintenance, etc) for the amount of snow I've outlined in my post?

How close to the ground can I expect to clear snow with a blade vs the MF blower, provided I want to be careful about not tearing up my concrete?

 

[Snobdds]

The blower works best for snow depths 1" and above. There seems to be a misconception that the blower works best with deep snow. As long as it's deep enough to be above the runners, it works perfectly. In fact you can go pretty fast when there's not much.

I know the blower is expensive, but it's the best at removing snow. Blades work to, but note what I said about them above.

I live just north of you along the Colorado Wyoming Boarder, so I know how the snow acts in this area. The blower works for 90% of the snow falls. The other 10%, the sweeper would be perfect for those light dustings.

With the big spring dumps, the blower is the best thing since sliced bread.

 

[dickfoster]

The blower works best for snow depths 1" and above. There seems to be a misconception that the blower works best with deep snow. As long as it's deep enough to be above the runners, it works perfectly. In fact you can go pretty fast when there's not much.

I know the blower is expensive, but it's the best at removing snow. Blades work to, but note what I said about them above.

I live just north of you along the Colorado Wyoming Boarder, so I know how the snow acts in this area. The blower works for 90% of the snow falls. The other 10%, the sweeper would be perfect for those light dustings.

With the big spring dumps, the blower is the best thing since sliced bread.

When I lived there (Cheyenne and later Denver) the stuff was so dry you could probably have gotten rid of it with a big leaf blower. LOL
If I lived there now I'd have a front mounted blower and tractor with a cab. Here I'll make do with the FEL and a snow edge.

 

[Snobdds]

 

[jlgurr]

Never dawned on me how long that PTO shaft is until I saw this photo. Wow.

 

[rossn]

Thanks for all the thoughts on the topic. I'm just trying to make sure that the blower isn't overkill, since I don't have a 2000' driveway, like some, and given we get moderate, but not heavy snow. It's pretty pricey.

Curious, I know it was mentioned that the blower works best over 1" of snow. In practical terms, for most snow clearing, how close does it get? Mainly concerned that if I'm always leaving down 1/2-1" of snow, then it turns into ice -- especially since the tall garage is north facing.

 

[Snobdds]

The side runners determine how close to the ground the blower rides. You can have the runners all the way up and it leaves very little snow. The one inch threshold is more to keep the velocity of snow coming out of the chute sufficient, or it doesn't have the ability to thow the snow far.