Keeping your garage floor dry when the snow melts off your tractor.

furnone · Feb 10, 2014

Our garage has no floor drain, even though I clean as much snow as I can off my tractor and snowthrower, it always leaves a big puddle on the garage floor.

A google search turned up some containment systems for about $300, but there were several negative reviews. I made my own for around $40 and tested it today and it works like a charm.

I made a frame from 4 lengths of 3/4" EMT electrical tubing and 4 sweep EMT elbows making a frame about 8" around the footprint of the tractor and snowthrower. I then covered it with 6 mil. (I think, I had that in stock) clear poly sheeting, wrapping it around a foot over size and taping with masking tape. I then flipped it over and it makes a nice containment. If it fills up before evaporating, I will suck it out with a wet vac.

If you try it be careful, it is very slippery when there is snow on it.

dave1949 · Feb 10, 2014

Looks like a good idea. Low-cost, gets the job done.

jgayman · Feb 10, 2014

I store my 2720 in a 14x32 pre-fab wooden storage building. Given that the floor is wood I was concerned about the melt from my front blower and rear blade. I ended up purchasing a heavy duty rubber garage matt off ebay. It is 9'x17' and is large enough to fully contain any drippings from the equipment. It is like 75 mils thick, weights about 70lbs and has grooves running lengthwise. The grooves fully contain any liquid from the melting snow which is then easily squeegied out the door.

skyhook · Feb 11, 2014

Looks like a big diaper.

LOL

ray66v · Feb 11, 2014

I would caution you, to keep in mind that if water containing salt is able to pool under, or around something, on a concrete floor, it can have a detrimental effect.

I once used a heavy rubber mat to park my car on, because it leaked oil. The snow melt was able keep the areas around and just under the edges wet for long periods of time, which led to the concrete being damaged in those areas.

The tractor by its self should not be a problem, but if snow melt from a vehicle containing salt, is getting over there, it could be.

Your floor is painted, that will help to protect it.