Buying Advice Gravel driveway snowplowing and maintenance -- small tractor recs or alternatives?

[TJP89]

6-7k is definitely more than I want to spend given the use cases, but it might have to be a reasonable compromise given the lack of options available in my current budget. Not seeing too much locally on used BX's, but will keep my eyes peeled. There is a dealer up the road a bit from me that sells lots of Kubota equipment; not sure what their used inventory is like, and suspect they'll be priced high, but might be worth a look?

You don't necessarily have to go Kubota. I just used the BX as an example because they are the best known. There are other brands out there that make a good SCUT for often less money.

Also, couldn't an ATV with a front plow and pull behind scraper of some sort do the trick? I have no idea on the price but it seems that it would be less than that of a tractor.

 

[woolyAcres]

I was in a similar situation last year- fairly limited budget, long gravel driveway (only 700'), in snowy NW PA. I ended up with a Wheel Horse 520H. I didn't get this setup until about 1/2 way through the winter and haven't had it a whole season, but as far as snow removal, it works fine. It's not supper fast, but I didn't have the money for the fast solution.

Although Wheel Horse tractors are no longer made, the ones they did make were very well made, pretty easy to work on, and more capable than I expected. For $1000 I got a 20HP gas tractor with a 60" mowing deck and a dozer/snow blade for the front. I bought a set of chains for the rear tires and does a pretty decent job clearing the driveway. I really bought it for snow removal (with a front mounted blower on my wish list) but the mowing deck has proven quite useful so I got rid of my other mower.

It's admittedly limited- with a plow on the front you can't really get too far behind the accumulated snow or your in trouble- part of the reason I want to get a blower. Parts aren't hard to come by but I haven't really needed any. Basic stuff (filters, plugs, belts) can be found locally and don't seem un-reasonably expensive. Since it's gas, and I don't have a heated garage, I don't have to worry about starting even in cold weather.

Mid-mount grader blades are available for them but I've never used it for that. You can push a certain about of dirt/gravel with the snow plow but I'm not sure how well it would do for repairing a washed out driveway. There are other attachments available for it. They have a side-mount PTO that will work with tillers, sickle bar mowers, even front-mounted mowing decks. The series I have does NOT have a rear 3-pt lift/PTO.

Maybe something to consider, especially if you don't have any other uses for a larger more expensive tractor.

 

[terryknight]

i would think that $3000 or slightly should get you a fairly clean 8N (or MF135) and 5' blade, you can do what you want with it. is it as nice as a new tractor, no, but it's much cheaper. parts are easy to find and they are easy to work. is saving some money worth potential problems and your labor? that's something only you can answer

 

[GPintheMitten]

I don't know where Louisa is but I did a quick check on Craigslist for somewhere in VA and saw 2 tractors that looked like they would do the job but each are $4000. That's what they want, probably will take less.

I recommend you do some searches. Post back for opinions if you find something that you want opinions on

 

[LD1]

I'd try to get something a bit better than an 8n. With primary purposes being plowing and grading, I would want something with live hydraulics.

And an 8n sized machine is not overkill. For 1500' of plowing and maintenance, I wouldnt want anything less.

Start with a rear blade. It will do both snow and grading. Then decide if a boxblade is what you want. I personally dont like a BB grading a drive. I like an angled blade. Roll everything to the middle, then fan it back out with the blade in reverse. Leaves a nice crown. If you cant get good with a rear blade, get a land plane grading scraper. For driveway grading and plowing, I see no use for a boxblade.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Here's one on craigslist in your area. Looks like a good unit but is a little over your budget.

KUBOTA diesel tractor,5ftmower/blade

Here's another
John Deere Classic 63 1010 Tractor

 

[BigRol]

I'm getting ready to purchase my first tractor, but for the past 4 years i have used a 1992 cherokee and manual blade for snow removal, total cost 1400.00 heat and air included. your snow fall would be considered flurries up here, I had to get a loader in once when it dumped over 3 ft but usually stay ahead of it. I'm sure the old jeep would handle a box blade as well. Have you consider a truck? Take care.

 

[D7E]

This is what I have for 1/4 mile driveway . Clear probably twice a week but definateley would not want any less .

 

[dclynch]

For what you are doing why not get a 4 wheeler or side by side with a plow at least that way you would be able to use it for multiple purposes. I know you will need to add more money to the pot as 3,000 isn't going to get much.