Help Choosing Machine for First Timer- Big Lawn, Long Driveway

[Madams135]

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You didn't mention a budget, but the best costs more due to the quality.
A machine that could handle both duties is the Toolcat from Bobcat. It is used by many commercial snow removal companies.

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I don't need it for snow removal, but do use a 5610 for Mowing with a 6' finish mower:
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Or the 7' brush hog:
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See what else it can do here: Toolcat 5610 F and 5610 G Series Pictures

You had me until i saw the price tag hahaha. Maybe someday. That's an amazing machine, thanks for sharing!

 

[Madams135]

I also live in upstate NY but near the NY/VT/MA border on the Taconic range and we average about 80"-100+ of snow a year. i have lived here 30+ years. My driveway is well maintained gravel about 1100 feet long. I mow about 4 acres of lawn, snow blow the driveway after the snow stops. I do it all with a JD 2032R with 59" snowblower and 60" finish mower.

That's great, thanks for the input. How long does it take for a mow for you? And to snowblow, say 6"?

 

[Xfaxman]

One thing that I should have mentioned in my first post, when you are comparing a Toolcat to a tractor, it has a cab with heat, air conditioning and a passenger seat.

And: Toolcat Utility Work Machines - Bobcat Company

 

[nikerret]

I’ll second the idea that no tractor will mow as fast as a zero turn. For reference, my 38” zero turn is faster than my 60” Kubota BX, in places with obstacles. However, my BX MMM (mid-Mount more) is incredibly versatile. I’ve mowed things in places no mower should ever go.

I guarantee your 54” zero turn is faster than my 60” tiny tractor.

As far as snow removal, I have the best results with a rear blade and bucket. I have a front mount blower, but never have used it. For some reason, since I bought a tractor, the snow has stopped falling (not really kidding).

 

[JJT]

I'm also in upstate NY, with similar driveway and mowing requirements. I've plowed with a tractor, and with a truck, but 23 years ago switched to a 7' rear mounted snow blower on a 40hp tractor. I'll never go back to a plow. I'm mowing with a 60" Kubota ztr. I could switch to a 72" belly mower or a rear finish mower, but the 40 hp tractor is too big/heavy for the lawn and too slow.

The nice thing with a blower, you have no snow banks and you only move the snow once. It doesn't care if there is 3" or 3', one and done, with a plow you need to keep after it, 12" of wet snow or 18" of powder is a lot to plow.

 

[jeff9366]

How long does it take for a mow for you? And to snowblow, say 6"?

Here is a mowing calculator. Works equally well for snowplowing, just reduce speed:

Mowing Calcuator | How many acres can I mow in an hour

www.landscapecalculator.com

 

[KennyG]

With 6 acres I would say keep the zero turn, no question. I would get a tractor for snow removal just because it would have other uses, while an old plow truck would just be in the way most of the year. I get along fine with a plow on the tractor and we have similar amounts of snow. You will have to figure out if you really need a blower.

 

[herm0016]

how about a grasshopper or other front mount mower with a snow blower and a 72 in deck. should speed up the mowing, a larger zero turn with more traction. and it will move snow when you need it. one engine to maintain. will mow pretty much anything grass based.

if you don't have all that many uses for a loader and 3 point implements, i don't see the need for a compact tractor. I think its crazy to mow that much if you have better things to do. my Dad is the same way though, he mows about 3 acres with a 52 in exmark. I leave my pastures for hay for the neighbor and mow around the house. maybe 3/4 acre of the 5 is mowed on the regular.

we are upgrading our tractor to assist with installing greenhouses, an orchard, and a steel building, and for snow. if we were not planning on major infrasturcure we would be looking at something more like the grass hopper.

edit, the other manufacture i was thinking of is Walker, which are made just up I25 from us in Colorado.

 

[dodge man]

For snow removal I think a front blade is by far the fastest on a tractor but will you run out of places to push it. A snowblower is best when the snow gets deep. I think a cab would be nice but adds to the cost. A mid mount mower will cut the grass but not any better and probably slower than what you have. Keep what you got.

I have a John Deere 2025r. That would be the smallest I would look at, larger if you can afford it. There is lots of brands that make a similar tractor.

Last, I think you would be surprised at how often you would use a tractor.

 

[yooperdave]

I have had my Toolcat since 2005 and would highly recommend. It does many things well. The attachments connect in seconds or maybe a couple minutes. Very tough and well built. Buy a used one if budget is a challenge.

Yooper Dave