Is this going to work?

[Catfish Man]

Just a thought here...would you have to add chains to all four wheels to keep the rolling diameter the same so the front axle gears don't get chewed up? The front and rear tire diameters are set up so the front actually pulls the back by a few percent. When I plowed a lot I kept chains on all four wheels of the pickup for that reason and plowed as much in 2WD as possible. I'll add that my truck never left the snow of the farm.
One other thought I already mentioned is to try to find someone with the exact setup you have to see how it works for them. When I lived in big snow country, it was all about HP and lots of guys didn't have enough. You will likely have warmer and wetter snow and that will handle differently than cold and fluffy. Just my two cents here.

all the dealers are telling me only to run chains on the back because of warranty, they don't want to load the front tires either. After the warranty is out I will re-evaluate whether I need them or not.

 

[JoeL4330]

Different part of WV here, but long, long, steep, steep driveway. No problem for my L4330 and 7' blower (rear)...loaded galaxy turfs and chains on all 4 wheels (for ice, mainly)...I believe the key is hydrostatic drive so even if nominally underpowered, you can attack big, hard drifts slowly, slowly. Anything with a clutch and be prepared to replace it if you are underpowered (as you will be, it sounds like)...My second piece of advice is poor man's cab: get a canopy (large and removable) and throw a $100 golf cart cover over it ...a little duct tape here, a bungee there, and your are good to go, and so easy to remove when you want your open-station back.

And, a plugged-in block heater ensures the tractor is ready to go when you are (and, I have a trickle-charger on the same plug).

As for novices driving backward, at the speeds you will go, no sweat ...and, younger necks are less aggravated by looking backward ...as for little driving experience, the less frontward driving experience you have, the better: fewer bad habits to unlearn when going backward ...less is better, here, (IMHO). And, with hydro, any backing error is ever so easy to correct (assuming 4-wheel chains).

One other thing I would do, as a favor to my alternate drivers, is to put in reflective wands (before the snow flies) along the side to mark the driveway, especially at any zig-zags ...flat white expanse of snow can be very confusing...and, if you are only blowing, not plowing, you can set the wands in tight.

if you are contemplating any night-time plowing, work lights front- and rear-facing are pretty essential ...but, while it's generally advised that you "plow with the storm", I don't think that applies to blowing. The next day is almost always bright, and sunny.

Finally, learn to relax if it takes an extra day to get out. This is supposed to be fun!

 

[Catfish Man]

I would really like to go with a 84" rear mount blower so I can get a higher hp tractor for about the same price.

But the wife is adamant about the front mount. The boys won't be living at home much longer, so a lot of the snow removal will fall on her.

 

[aczlan]

I would really like to go with a 84" rear mount blower so I can get a higher hp tractor for about the same price.
But the wife is adamant about the front mount. The boys won't be living at home much longer, so a lot of the snow removal will fall on her.

Has she seen a rear mount pull type blower? Something like: SNOW BLOWER Rear Pull - Tractor 3 PT Hitch Mt - 7.5 Ft | eBay
That would allow you to blow going forward without the limitations of a front blower. You could even put a loader on the front to help with big snowbanks.
Another option would be a Lorenz or Erskine front mount kit.

Aaron Z

 

[tcreeley]

Listen to your wife re front snow blowing if you are expecting her to clear snow. Get a cab and heater. She'll be out there for hours and freezing. You just can't keep that warm on an open tractor because you can't move around enough to warm up and stay warm like when you work outside. Hydo sucks hp -8hp drop I've heard. Buy bigger. Loaded ag tire. Expect her to get stuck. People always find a way. Plan out your strategy before hand!
Good luck. The wind can easily catch blown snow and bring it back across your face, cutting visibility and alertness.

 

[smfcpacfp]

Catfish Man,

You said you were new to snow country, so what are you doing this winter for snow removal?

 

[Catfish Man]

I had a deal with a guy to keep it cleared, but it hasn't worked out to good. He has health problems.

Luckily it has been a very mild winter.

 

[RFB]

I plow and blow over 2 miles of road at 3500 to 4500 elevation with multiple clearing passes, sometimes 12 hours worth in a day.

My experience:

HST only for blowing. It is capable of infinite speed variations while maintaining full pto rpm without slipping a clutch. Full pto rpm is crucial to avoid chute clogging; always spool up before attack, and spool down only when fully clear of snow.

MFWD/4wd, loaded R1's, H chains on all four if on ice.

You will not stay warm on an open cab while blowing; if your wife is going to be the majority shareholder for the duty, spring for the cab. She will love it regardless of the extra $$.

I use a B3000HSDCC with a front blower and rear blade for light duty around the ranch. I use a GL5740HSTC with a 7.5 power angle FEL front blade and a 7' Loftness rear blower for road clearing. Your wife wants the front blower; that makes that mandatory.

Power, traction, and comfort. You wife will be better able to perform the task if her comfort level is optimized.

 

[Hollow]

Have you considered a front 3pt?

http://mkmartin.ca/products/front_mount.php

Beaver Valley Supply Company - MK-Martin 3 Pt. Front Mount Kit & Snow Blades

Zuidberg also makes them, they're a little more expensive but the front PTO is independent from the rear.

http://www.frontlinkinc.com/

 

[aczlan]

Have you considered a front 3pt?
Beaver Valley Supply Company - MK-Martin 3 Pt. Front Mount Kit & Snow Blades

The downside to that kit is that it requires a mid PTO. The ones I linked earlier work off the rear PTO which would widen the selection of tractors that will work.
Having a front 3 point and PTO could make bush-hogging interesting in the summer and could allow you to get a sweeper or other such fun implements to put on the front.

Aaron Z