Thanks for all the adivice! I looked into used trucks with plows on Craig's List in my area. 5K or 6K looks like will get me a nice set-up. I was also considering a Cub Cadet walk behind snow thrower like the 945 SWE looks like I could get one of those for little over 2k and then I would have it for around the house and back-up for big snows if I run into problems with the truck plow. All together would cost about 8k versus the 21k dealer wants for CC/Yanmar SC2400 with SB45, FEL, and enclosed cab.
Snow Equipment Buying/Pricing No snow experience
- Thread starter Inland NW
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Lt CHEG
Platinum Member
I agree with Duffster. I am not a fan of the buy a beater plow truck idea. The biggest reason for that is that a vehicle needs to be operated at least on a semi regular basis to be dependable enough to count on. If you're just getting a beater plow truck you should register it and drive it around a little as it sounds like there isn't enough land to be able to exercise the truck enough without going onto a public road. I know that I wouldn't depend on a truck that was only going to be used to plow my 1000' driveway when it snows.
As for adding a plow to your current truck, it's certainly an option but there's also reason to be concerned about the added wear and tear on your truck. Also 1000' is a pretty long driveway and you'll have to be really diligent about keeping the snow pushed way back off of your driveway or else your driveway will shrink. Doing heavy push backs because you didn't keep the snow pushed back enough will definitely add a lot of wear and tear to your truck and plow combo. This is still a much more viable option in my opinion than buying a beater truck.
I personally really like the idea of a tractor and blower combo. As has been mentioned you can buy used iron pretty reasonably especially now. You don't have to get anything too fancy if you're only using it for snow removal. You don't need a cab, just get a set of snowmobiling bibs, a snowmobile helmet and a decent parka. You won't be on the tractor in the blowing snow for that long and as long as you're dressed properly you'll be fine. The nicest thing about a tractor and blower combo is that you can make a couple of passes and then be done. You'll blow the snow far enough off the driveway that you won't need to worry about push backs so once you make the pass the blow the snow, you're done. The other nice thing is that a tractor has a heck of a lot less stuff to keep maintained than even a 15 year old pickup and is useful for a lot more tasks. So it'll be easier to keep ready for use and most likely you'll get enough other use out of it to keep it running properly.
Honestly I think it comes down to two things. If you can afford a tractor or not and the length of your driveway. If you can't afford the tractor and blower combo, even a decent used one then most likely the plow on your current truck is the way to go. However if you can afford at least a used tractor and a blower I think that it will be the easiest solution for you. Even though moving the snow is slower once it's moved, it's moved you don't have to worry about cleaning things up as much nor do you have to worry about push backs. You're not talking about a 75 or 100 foot long driveway so removing the snow is not a trivial task. If you really want to be self sufficient with respect to snow removal it's going to cost you some money to do it right.
doall
Platinum Member
I say move. tie a snow shovel on the front of your Dodge and drive south, when someone ask what it is you have went far enough.
Egon
Epic Contributor
Inland, you are in some pretty nice country now.:thumbsup:
Now if you head farther north like say Sitka snow will not be a problem!
Now if you head farther north like say Sitka snow will not be a problem!
American Bulldog
Gold Member
Man do you have it out for me.... lol.
We didn't get as much snow up here as south PA for sure, but we did get two big ones late in the season. It does take about a half an hour. 2 passes back and forth is 4000 feet. If you can go 2 mph, which isn't that fast, you will be done in 25 minutes. If we get really heavy stuff, it is going to take longer, unless you go out every few hours.
Believe me, I like having a ***** extension snowblower as much as the next guy. I have a Woods SS84 that I use at the factory behind my Deere 5520. The Ariens was quick enough that it wasn't worth it to me to move the Deere. Plus I could use the exercise.
I did not like snowblowing on gravel that much. Asphalt is so much better....
American Bulldog
Gold Member
Hey I am busy this weekend, but I will take out the snowblower and time it down and back in one of the middle gears. I will let you know the results.
BeeferMan
Gold Member
The only way I'd consider a tractor solution to this site is if it had a real nice cab with heat, stereo, and place for a cup of coffee. Spent too many years doing my around-the-farm plowing sitting out in the cold, no more of that for me, thanks...
What good is a truck that you're afraid to put to work? If the truck can't handle a plow without falling apart, then get another truck. That's what a truck is for - to do work!
So I'll add my vote to a plow on the truck. The only caveat being if you get more than say 120" of snow a year you might need a loader to push back bankings at some point.
What good is a truck that you're afraid to put to work? If the truck can't handle a plow without falling apart, then get another truck. That's what a truck is for - to do work!
So I'll add my vote to a plow on the truck. The only caveat being if you get more than say 120" of snow a year you might need a loader to push back bankings at some point.
RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
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No need to do that...I'll take you on your word.
You can work that blower a h3ll of a lot faster then I could!!
Yeah, we did get more then Honesdale...those storms came from the southeast and Honesdale was on the periphery of those snows. Mostly hit near the Mason-Dixon line from Hanover east to Philadelphia.
Y'know, I just spent $270 on chains (rear tires only) and related hardware and tools. This should guarantee no snow for about 5 years.
jbarker855
Silver Member
Inland NW-
Ya still reading after 5 pages of replies?:laughing:
You have no shortage of info here.
Since I also have a 1000 foot driveway with steep hills, sharp turns, and a 90 foot bridge, I'll toss in my opinion too. I live about 40 miles south of Buffalo, NY.
I use a beater with a plow but would very much like to get a bigger tractor and a blower in the next few years.
On buying a beater plow truck...be careful. You don't want a beat-up old truck to leave you stranded because it's fuel pump decided to give up the ghost in the middle of a storm. I drive a beater, but I am also a mechanic so I can fix it when it takes a dump. I would recommend putting plow on your new truck.
I think the ultimate combo (which you may or may not be able to afford) is a plow on your truck and then a tractor with a blower to get through monster storms or cleaning up snowbanks.
Truck is super fast, but when that monster storm comes, you may find some stuff that the truck won't get through. If your truck can't get through it, it will be a MAJOR struggle to get through it with a walk-behind blower. I've only lived here 2 years, and we have already had 2 storms that were an extreme challenge for my plow truck (read: I got stuck a bunch and it took a few hours to plow through it).
The business about keeping up with the snow before it gets deep is great advice, but there will be a time where you are not able to keep up with it, and the blower may get your rear out of a bind. I gotta go now so I can try to convince my wife we need a bigger tractor and a blower.
-Jay
Ya still reading after 5 pages of replies?:laughing:
You have no shortage of info here.
Since I also have a 1000 foot driveway with steep hills, sharp turns, and a 90 foot bridge, I'll toss in my opinion too. I live about 40 miles south of Buffalo, NY.
I use a beater with a plow but would very much like to get a bigger tractor and a blower in the next few years.
On buying a beater plow truck...be careful. You don't want a beat-up old truck to leave you stranded because it's fuel pump decided to give up the ghost in the middle of a storm. I drive a beater, but I am also a mechanic so I can fix it when it takes a dump. I would recommend putting plow on your new truck.
I think the ultimate combo (which you may or may not be able to afford) is a plow on your truck and then a tractor with a blower to get through monster storms or cleaning up snowbanks.
Truck is super fast, but when that monster storm comes, you may find some stuff that the truck won't get through. If your truck can't get through it, it will be a MAJOR struggle to get through it with a walk-behind blower. I've only lived here 2 years, and we have already had 2 storms that were an extreme challenge for my plow truck (read: I got stuck a bunch and it took a few hours to plow through it).
The business about keeping up with the snow before it gets deep is great advice, but there will be a time where you are not able to keep up with it, and the blower may get your rear out of a bind. I gotta go now so I can try to convince my wife we need a bigger tractor and a blower.
-Jay
You assume a truck will be faster. The plows that are made for 1/2 ton trucks are not that capable, once the snow get a little deeper the blower will blow the truck away. Not to mention once you plow with a small truck a couple of times there will be nowhere to go with the snow.
RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
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- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
Truck would be faster, as long as you keep on top of it (which might mean getting out there a few times at night) and you don't wait for a substantial accumulation. Would it be a PITA? Yep, but that's the price of having a 1000 plus foot driveway.
Now, running out of plowing room would definitely be a problem.
LD1
Epic Contributor
Plows made for half ton trucks are just as capable. You can get them up to 7.5' and a 26" tall board with power angle. I have yet to see any blower on a SCUT ore even a CUT that would blow me away, even in 10-12" of wet snow.
But jsut to clarify, I not talking about the junk homeowner plows that raise with a winch and you have to get out and angle them by hand and only have a moldboard that is about 12" tall.
Unless they are predicting several feet of snow there is no need to go out and clear during the storm. I plow commercally and dont get a chance to. I'm out on lots until the snow stops, then when done with that I get to plow my own as well as friends and familys. I have never had a problem. And between the last 2 years here in north central ohio, we have had some pretty good snowfalls. Although nothing like in some parts of the country.
But jsut to clarify, I not talking about the junk homeowner plows that raise with a winch and you have to get out and angle them by hand and only have a moldboard that is about 12" tall.
Unless they are predicting several feet of snow there is no need to go out and clear during the storm. I plow commercally and dont get a chance to. I'm out on lots until the snow stops, then when done with that I get to plow my own as well as friends and familys. I have never had a problem. And between the last 2 years here in north central ohio, we have had some pretty good snowfalls. Although nothing like in some parts of the country.
RadarTech
Elite Member
I am a statistics guy.
If I have to spend time in the truck doing 3 passes a night...and it takes a total of 2 hours, and then it piles up and I have nowhere to push it... is it faster in the long run?
If I have a tractor with a blower and I can stay nice and cozy in the house by the fire until 6 am where I spend an hour or so, would that be the same?
With a blower, there is now snow pile to worry about.
J
RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
- Joined
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- 24,646
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- Bethel, Vermont
- Tractor
- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
Who was it said "Lies! Damned Lies! And Statistics!!!" (Benjamin Disreali)
Well, we've all written responses which, for the most part, are opinions (such as my posts).
I don't see anyway we can quantify any of this until next winter...(and hope for a blizzard!!)
JDGreenGrass
Veteran Member
I have been around here for about 6 short months.
There is more BS in this thread than I have seen in any other TBN thread.:confused2:
Later.
There is more BS in this thread than I have seen in any other TBN thread.:confused2:
Later.
Posts like this you mean?
:laughing:
I have been around alot of snow equipment and the last several winters we have had you would have been screwed with a half ton and plow.
Egon
Epic Contributor
Your talking "Big Snow" of course!:thumbsup:
flyingcow
Veteran Member
Inland NW,
I'm still curious.....Average total snowfall for your region? Average snowfall of a storm? I'm assuming it would tend to be wetter on your side of the country. This is info that would help your decision. Where i live is a whole different world as far as snow fall totals, compared to where you live.
I'm still leaning towards a plow mounted on your pick up. If the snowbanks get too much, hire a Big machine to push 'em back. Probably won't happen every few yrs. Just a guess. Than after a few yrs of experience plowing, you might not have to hire out again. Spent a lot of time plowing with a pickup. It's nice way to do it, and this was in the old days, before sattelite radio.
I'm still curious.....Average total snowfall for your region? Average snowfall of a storm? I'm assuming it would tend to be wetter on your side of the country. This is info that would help your decision. Where i live is a whole different world as far as snow fall totals, compared to where you live.
I'm still leaning towards a plow mounted on your pick up. If the snowbanks get too much, hire a Big machine to push 'em back. Probably won't happen every few yrs. Just a guess. Than after a few yrs of experience plowing, you might not have to hire out again. Spent a lot of time plowing with a pickup. It's nice way to do it, and this was in the old days, before sattelite radio.
studor
Veteran Member
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At my place in town we have a contract to clear the snow and after a number of incidents no one in the neighbourhood will contract with someone who has a plow. Last year the post office contracted with a plow to clear in front of the mailboxes. The damages were incredible -- all that speed is useless if you are damaging things in the process. Someone who tells me they plow really fast makes me nervous -- I used to do it myself and I know what a plow does when you hit something unintended
If you want to ensure that you can always get out (which is not a bad plan) get a contract and then a reliable backup of your own. Forget a plow on your own truck -- it is a PITA to have a plow on a truck or to take it on and off with lights etc. The beater truck is never a good idea unless you have lots of storage space and/or are able to fix your own without difficulty -- and they always seem to break at the wrong time. Speed is not essential -- in a bad winter you might have an issue 6 times -- get a blower, either on a small tractor or the Cub or a big walk behind -- you will always be able to get yourself out - JMHO
If you want to ensure that you can always get out (which is not a bad plan) get a contract and then a reliable backup of your own. Forget a plow on your own truck -- it is a PITA to have a plow on a truck or to take it on and off with lights etc. The beater truck is never a good idea unless you have lots of storage space and/or are able to fix your own without difficulty -- and they always seem to break at the wrong time. Speed is not essential -- in a bad winter you might have an issue 6 times -- get a blower, either on a small tractor or the Cub or a big walk behind -- you will always be able to get yourself out - JMHO
