Buying Advice Need advice on snow plow

[ernemats]

Do you think the wheel kit is necessary on gravel? My driveway is about 300 feet long and all gravel. I guess I will have to try playing with different angles and tilts to see what works best.

 

[MossRoad]

I don't know, as I have never taken my wheels off.

I do know that when I ride on the wheels and leave the blade up one inch, I don't scrape off the gravel. Except, of course, when we have that wet stuff that makes great snowmen. Then any lose gravel will stick to it no matter what. But it doesn't scrape off the hard packed stuff. I make it a point to pile my snow in the same place every year, so it is easier to rake out the gravel in the spring.

When we build our new home, I will have a gravel "parking pad" for the snow piles. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[catsco]

Mr. Matson - -

For unpaved driveway plowing, I made an edge by cutting the sidewalls out of a tire, and stretching the tread across the blade.

The holes are in the middle of the tread; it therefore protrudes about 2-1/2" below the steel bottom of the blade.

Then, by plowing in 'float' (and using the tilt to keep the blade parallel to the ground as needed), the blade rides on the tread curled under the steel lip.

For me, this avoids tearing up the road surface (compacted road base here in Colorado). It still clears well, but doesn't damage the road.

Our driveway is about 800 feet long with several hairpin turns and pretty steep grade, so we always plow downhill.

I've plowed about 18" of our 'dry' snow with little difficulty.

25" means some pushing sideways off the road to make room for more snow, and occasionally plowing layers (8"-10" each) since the PT425 can only push so much before spinning the wheels.

Our worst snow in the last two years was a little over 5'. That required about 3 hours of work with the 4in1 to actually move the snow off the drive.

Fortunately, that only happens every 10 yrs. or so here.

18" is not uncommon, though.

I've attached a pic of the ugly, but useful blade.

When one edge gets chewed up, I just flip the tire tread over and get another few months out of the other edge.

Hope this helps. Apologies for the mess behind the tractor - sub zero temps & house under construction. Neatness disappears with those conditions. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Mark H.

 

[toolz_not_toyz]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Our worst snow in the last two years was a little over 5'. That required about 3 hours of work with the 4in1 to actually move the snow off the drive. )</font>

Now, I'd like to see a picture of that! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[FOURTEEN]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Our worst snow in the last two years was a little over 5'. )</font>


<font color="red"> Darn!! You guys are having all the Winter fun!!

When I lived in Rochester, Oswego, Chicago, Cleveland, or Detroit I got plenty of snow which I attacked with just a plastic shovel. Now in NC I sit inside and watch my cool season grass grow while my PT-425 sits in the barn with its bar tires itching to go!!

We haven't had any snow so far this year, only 1" last Winter, and only about 5" total in the last 3 years!!

Maybe I'll go out and push some leaves around!!

</font>

 

[MuncyBob]

14...we'll be envious of you and all those in the warmer climates soon. I know for me plowing is just like grass cutting...kinda cool the first few times but it wil get old after awhile. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[catsco]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( </font><font color="blueclass=small">( Our worst snow in the last two years was a little over 5'. )</font>


<font color="red"> Darn!! You guys are having all the Winter fun!! [image]

I know what you mean - we moved here (Colorado) from Greensboro, not too far from you. Returning to Colorado reminded me of why we should have stayed in NC! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BUT, then I wouldn't have a PT425 because 7 acres of woods with deep snow made a better case for buying one than 1/3 of level grass!

Next big snow I'll post some pics - the 5' last year was before we moved to the property, so I didn't think to bring the camera. Even here, 5' is a lot of snow. Waited several hours until I could get to the driveway to walk down & dig the tractor out. Walking to the tractor through chest deep snow took about 1/2 hour; the plowing (and bucket work) was much more fun!

Mark H.

 

[Rip]

Mark, After that nasty ice storm back in the Carolinas do you still think you may have enjoyed staying back there? I am originally from the mid-atlantic region, and personally would Much rather deal with our Rocky Mountain snow than sleet and ice storms common to that area... even with the occasional 5' dumps!

I admit to using my PU for most plowing (nice heated cab!!) and the PT for clean up only after the sun comes out and no blowing snow in my face. With a mile of drive it is nice to have a back-up in any case.

Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings, and Happy New Year to all!!

 

[johara1]

Ernie, i made my own, you can buy the feet ,shoes or what ever you call them at tsc. in latrobe. you are more than welcome to see how i put them on. they work way better than the wheels i'm home most of the time now.