Me and my Branson...dreaming of a white xmas

Dargo · Dec 24, 2004

Holy Cow! I've already had 4 calls this morning from "strangers". /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Yesterday when I pulled all those people out and cleared out the driveways of dozens of elderly people, I gave some of them my name. Today they are calling wanting to thank me and send me something for their appreciation. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I guess they looked me up in the phone book. Who said that a little Orange tractor couldn't make Christmas special for some people. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Oh well, back to work. One of the calls was a plea to help a poor family that lives back a long driveway in the woods near me to help them get out for food etc. They kept telling me that they would pay me "whatever" I wanted. Well, based on my last posts, you know what I'll charge. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif With the temp gauge on the outside of my barn showing six below zero, that cab sure will make this "rescue" easier! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

sassafraspete · Dec 24, 2004

Dargo, you are a good man. The size of this snowstorm is serious...and you probably have been a godsend to a bunch of older folks. People like my father-in-law who is 82, has heart trouble, and can't do any serious shoveling. There are many out there just like him. Unfortunately , he is 40 miles from me & my equipment. Our county roads are just now getting dug out. Some had one set of tracks....that were mashed down....but what do you do if you meet someone?

A question for you....how are you working your back blade...are you going backwards with blade turned around or what ?

Anyhow, the kindness shown to others will be returned many times over. How was that pumpkin bread? Little do they know that you are having a ball.....

sassafraspete

sassafraspete · Dec 24, 2004

Gene, I am guessing you are going to get a chance to try out that 4720 before the winter is over. I have been humbled by the size of this snow. I think I've worked on the 6-8 inch variety, but 20 inches is a whole other ballgame. I am learning a lot .

One thing I learned was that with this much snow, that instead of starting in the middle and working out, it is better to start on the outside , then do the middle, and work out... and make more passes. Starting in the middle working out....leaves too much snow piled up then you can't get up on that snow if you need to go wider. Also, I am thinking those wheels might be a good thing for gravel drives.

sassafraspete · Dec 24, 2004

Ron, I was a failure at yanking the bota out....so no bragging here, and no pictures. It took a JD to put me in my place. The bota was in a compromising situation, but I knew it could have easily been me in the same spot.

Rameye.... The tractors around here use the back blade quite well...most I have seen go backwards and turn the blade around. I suppose they would go forewards if the snow was not as deep. The biggest issue I have is digging up too much gravel...thus why I usually go use the back side of my blade a lot. Once the gravel gets frozen after the first snow gets packed in..it is easier to work.

sassafraspete · Dec 24, 2004

Feeding the birds ....tough to just walk out to the feeder.

ronjhall · Dec 24, 2004

We all have our day.
I didn't get stuck or try to pull someone out. Did get to plow 1/2 mile of road and 7 neighbors drives. Everyone called or sent a note of thanks for helping them out. It's great getting thanks while getting seat time. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Dargo · Dec 24, 2004

I just got in from my latest 1/2 hour (turned into 5 hour) trip on my tractor. Chalk up several dozen more pulled out of ditches, a half dozen driveways, and one large church parking lot whose members flagged me down telling me that they couldn't have their annual Christmas Eve service because their regular snow removal guy is broken down and no other service can get to them until the day after Christmas.

I'll admit that their 4 acre parking lot seemed really big with 20" or more of snow in it! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Oh well, it's done now. Momma told me that I've done enough good deeds and to go hide the tractor now. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Pete, I usually blaze a trail with the FEL and then use the rear blade while going ahead. About every 3rd or 4th pass, I'll drop the FEL while making a pass and push off the really deep piles I'm making. With the L5030HSTC I have with R4's, I seem to be able to plow through 30 to 35" of snow before I begin having problems being pushed sideways from the rear blade. That is when it is time to use the FEL and push my pile out of the way! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all! With 5 kids of my own, I need to make sure I can go round up Santa! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

sassafraspete · Dec 24, 2004

Dargo , must have been the day for churches. I just got in from cleaning the parking lot and drive of a little country church near my home. Although a small lot...It was a much bigger job than I thought with all that snow. I think I am getting a little better at dealing with the deep stuff though. Another beautiful day out there to enjoy.

I can't help but wonder what happens when this stuff melts....I hope it goes away slowly. Well time to kick back, put another log on the fire, and enjoy the family and the dog.

sassafraspete

rameye · Dec 26, 2004

Now maybe God willing it's our turn in the great white north!

Supposed to hit us tonite, not alot mind you, but enough to get the hang of the FEL/backblade snow removal combo!

I'm psyched! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

sassafraspete · Dec 26, 2004

Rameye, I hope you get to play soon. There seem to be several techniques in using the back blade depending on how deep the snow is, and what your driveway surface is, so I suggest you try different things. Some people go forward, some backward, some go against the back side of the blade, etc.

I got a shock this morning when I went to weather.com....it appears that we will have a high of 68 deg next saturday! Maybe winter is over all ready. In Indiana we say if you don't like the weather, just stick around as it will change. That is a big one...from below zero to 68 in one week. Also, rain instead of snow. There go my ice fishing dreams.

sassafraspete