Snow Is PT 425 enough machine for snow removal?

[macdad]

Hi everyone.

The PT 425 seems almost perfect for what I'm going to need (a machine that is stable on uneven terrain, able to help with processing firewood, able to do brush mowing, tilling, dig post holes, quickly change implements, remove snow, all for under $15k).

It's the last job I'm concerned about. I will have 2,000+ feet of driveway to clear of snow with about 275' vertical change. Snowfalls greater than 6" at a time are unusual, but do happen and they can be heavy snow. It is south facing, so the snow tends to mostly melt off between storms.

My alternative would be a CUT such as a New Holland TC30 with FEL and backblade that could be had for about the same price and weighs in significantly heavier.

I'm hoping to hear from those of you with experience clearing long driveways with the PT 425... Will the crabbing issue be a big factor? I'd be happy to put chains on all 4 wheels if I need to.

I know the PT would be handier for my non-snow-removal jobs. Also, I can't afford to upgrade to the 1430 with attachments.

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[duane]

One of the earliest posters I can remember that owned a PT425, PTRich previously known as Willmingtonpizza, has a post where he is plowing somewhere in the neighborhood of 2 feet of snow. He lives in Conn and plows his driveway as well as his business parking lot. He had good success, a little crabbing, but 2' of snow is alot. I am amazed at the ability of my PT422 to move snow. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Duane

 

[425trailer]

I use my 425 on turf tires for snow removal and have no traction problems unless there is ice underneath, however I am mostly on flat terrain. If you have the opportunity to plow downhill the 425 will perform well. Plowing a 2000 ft driveway uphill would certainly be frustrating. In my opinion a truck mounted plow would be much more efficient, not needing to take as many passes. Then again if you're looking for a single machine to do all these different chores I doubt you will find a better solution for the money than the 425.

 

[FOURTEEN]

"" a machine that is stable on uneven terrain, able to help with processing firewood, able to do brush mowing, tilling, dig post holes, quickly change implements, remove snow, all for under $15k ""

Do buy the BAR TIRES option! They will help with all of the above!! Also, the Grapple Bucket is amazing!!

 

[Rip]

Welcome to TBN!!

I too have a rather long (3/4 mile) south facing "natural" driveway at 8000 ft SW of Denver and have both a TC-30 and a PT-1845, but also a Western 7 1/2' blade on a 3/4 ton PU.

In my opinion, a truck plow is the way to go regarding primary snow removal, but I do use the loader bucket and tractor blade for "clean up" and close quarter work. It is not that either of my tractors could not perform the task to some degree, but they would take MUCH longer on your routine snow falls and probably not be able to handle the bigger ones.

I think the PT-425 would be a good choice for the other tasks you mentioned though, and would also be useful to clean up after the plow truck has done the "dirty work".

There are some decent new lighter-weight "homeowner" plows from the major brands suitable for the newer 1/2 ton PUs and many SUVs that may work for you if you do not have or want a full size 3/4 ton PU or Suburban.

While you would have significantly more power and weight with a PT-1430, it is still less than ideal for major snow removal in my opinion.

By the way, if your drive is dirt or gravel, a rubber edge (purchased or home made) will be Much easier on the drive and your equipment.

Just my two cents worth.... good luck whatever you choose.

Rip

 

[pajoube]

I live close to the mountains in Montana whiich get allot of snow. I plow over 150 feet in my driveway and also do the neighbors 200 feet. I use the turf tires and have never had a problem moving 2 to 3 feet of snow. When it gets very wet and heavy I will raise the blade and push and then go back to take it down to the pavement. This machine will out perform most other CUT's in snow removal but you may want to consider the truck option for the long length. If it were my 2000 feet I would still go with the PT425.
PJ

 

[PTRich]

If your driveway is paved you will have no problem at all. You will be able to plow at full speed unless the snow is very wet. My driveway is gravel, it is sometimes difficult to make it up the driveway (it is all uphill) without crabbing in deep or wet snow but is still easily managable. My cousin has a 24hp yanmar with a rear blade and I run circles around him in the snow. Even if I have difficulties because the tractor changes direction so easily it more than makes up for it. I run 4 chains on my PT and they do sometimes rub off the paint a little but do not do anything else bad. They do help in ice and wet snow.

 

[MossRoad]

6" of snow is not much for the PT to handle. I have the 60" snow blade. It works great on our paved drive. Don't know about gravel, though. Our driveway looks to be a normal width drive, so it takes 3 passes total. With your drive being almost half a mile, you are looking at a 2 mile trip with 4 passes; down, back, down, back. At 4MPH it is going to take you 1/2 an hour. 6MPH will take 20 minutes. I plow at full speed(8MPH) on the pavement and it never has troubles. If you could maintain that speed, you'd be done in 15 minutes. While a pickup truck would do it faster, just how much faster do you need to go? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif And will a pickup do the other jobs you need to do? Also, the plow is pretty reasonably priced, in my opinion.

As for the tires, I use turfs. I believe they provide superior traction on pavement due to the fact that there is more rubber on the ground. Since you are following the plow, the pavement is always clean. On gravel, I would imagine bar tires would be superior. No science to back this up, of course, just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Also, can a pickup plow do this? (see attached). That's about 6' high. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[pajoube]

Forgot to mention that I also plow a neighbor who is all gravel. What works great on gravel or pavment is the rubber edge that I put on. I got a horse mat and cut it full length (60 inches) and bolted on. Took some time but very much worth it.
PJ