Looking for advice on snow removal attachments

[senecak19]

I currently own an L3200 Kubota with standard 5 1/2' FEL on the front. I have a retired couple living across the street from me that's asked me to start plowing their driveway. It's rather hard to say no when you have a tractor. You all get it. My driveway is the polar opposite. Mine is flat and 3/4" stone/gravel. I'm struggling to figure out the best method to deal with the two driveways. I have no issues investing in another attachment if it makes my life easier and reduces the time it takes to get these done. The neighbors driveway poses new challenges for me since it's paved and uphill.

Neighbors driveway pic below.


Questions for you fine folks. Should I be looking at purchasing a 3pt blower? Will I be throwing 3/4 stones out of my driveway? What size would you recommend, 5' or 6'? Used ones around me are in the $2000 range and at that price, I just assume go all the way to a new WoodMaxx.

Am I better off with a grader blade in the back? Once again, 5' or 6'?

Is there some other attachment I should be looking at???

 

[Reb954]

The neighbors driveway doesn't look long enough to deserve a separate implement. Just use the FEL and be done with it. It looks like maybe a 10 minute job.

 

[senecak19]

Most days I'd agree with you. We received 14" the other day and I couldn't get out to plow at night (single dad of an 18 month old) and battled it all at once which significantly lengthened the duration to get it done. There's a stone wall in that photo somewhere. My thought is a grader blade in the back may be a nice to have to pull the snow away from the garage and stone wall and then just plow it all into the woods. I wouldn't use it for much else since I have a landplane to manage my own property. And at $500 for an entry level one at TSC (that should be up to the snow task), it's not a lot of money if it has merit.

 

[Reb954]

The back blade isn't a bad idea.

How often do you get the 14" snow storms? If it is a once a year storm then it probably wouldn't justify the cost of the back blade but then I also understand there is a difference between justifying something and just wanting something.

 

[ruffdog]

If I was them, I would have a walk behind blower.

 

[wdchyd]

I use a boxblade to pull the snow from the cars/house to the street, then stack it to the side. A back blade would work if pushing everything to one side but I do like a boxblade.

 

[airbiscuit]

My recommendation is a 6' back blade.

• They are available and reasonably priced used (less than $300)
• It gives you a little weight on the back for traction
• A 6' blade will extend beyond your tires when angled
• It will get up close to the garage doors to pull the snow away
• It scrapes the pavement/gravel nice and clean
• It's faster than the bucket
• You can use the bucket to widen the banks later if you need to

 

[nybirdman]

My recommendation is a 6' back blade.

• They are available and reasonably priced used (less than $300)
• It gives you a little weight on the back for traction
• A 6' blade will extend beyond your tires when angled
• It will get up close to the garage doors to pull the snow away
• It scrapes the pavement/gravel nice and clean
• It's faster than the bucket
• You can use the bucket to widen the banks later if you need to

Spot on answer!