Ok. Confused. Plow snow or blow that stuff.

[WayneW]

Thanks to all who replied to my last post. I think I'm convinced that I could use the extra size of the B7510 over the BX2230, especially if snow removal is involved. But now I'm not sure if I should spend $1100 (no power angle) and get a front blade to push the snow. Or spend $2500/$1800 for a front/rear snowblower. Or Forget the entire snow removal thing all together for this tractor and spend $2800 for a 7ft snowplow for my truck. (Dodge Dakota)

I know that blowing does a better job. But plowing in the truck is pretty darn fast. (as long as you don't get stuck) Does the B7510 have enough weight and oomph to push a good snowfall? Just don't want the spend 2 hours clearing my 1000 ft+ driveway with a snowblower if I can do it in 30-45 min with a plow.

Sorry to keep bringing the "S" word into this group. Though this DOES affect me decision on which tractor to get. With snow removal not a task for the CUT, maybe the BX2230 will work fine for everything else. And save me $1800 on the tractor setup.

I'm sure that others must have contiplated this same thing, so I'm interested in what your thoughts were.

-once again, I appriciate any help.

-Wayne

 

[shvl73]

I have 22 pto hp w/ a 64" blower & I can do my 600' drive + my turn around in about 20-30 minutes, that includes letting the engine warm up in the 0 degree temps we had in january. No having to go back & push bankings back in a high snowfall year. Mine's a Blizzard 3pth unit, good quality. Easy to use.

 

[PhilNH5]

Wayne,
I use a BX2200 with FEL to help clear a 300 ft drive. It is fun but can be time consuming. I have a 28" walk behind snow thrower and fine that much more efficient for the long straight away. I use the BX mostly up by the house and garage where snow placement can be an issue.

Phil

 

[astor]

I have been told (as I used my FEL and BB last winter) that my bx2230 will throw a lot of snow out of the way. I just visited my Kubota dealer and ordered a front blower for mine. I live in Northwestern lower Mi and we get around 160" a year so I am looking forward to this new implement /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[B7500]

I just made the plunge after debating all the reasons you mentioned.
-Terry

 

[Bob_Skurka]

If the snow is heavy and wet, no sub-CUT or small frame CUT is going to have either the power or the traction to PUSH very much snow. If you get considerable snows, FELs are very time consuming to use to remove snow. I find that a snow blower is the fastest easiest way to get the stuff off my driveway. My drive is short, but most of it is over 30' wide. I can blow it clear of 2' of snow in 30 minutes using a 3pt mounted 60" rear facing blower on a CUT, or I can do it in the same amount of time using a 54" front mounted blower on a Cub garden tractor. Front mount is easier to use, but typically costs 2 to 3 times the price of a rear mount blower. I think either tractor will power a 54" rear blower with ease, the front blower will be easier to use, but as you pointed out more expenisve. It might be worth getting a front blower if you have lots of regular snowfalls. I don't, so I didn't spend the money for the front mount on my CUT.

 

[Boondox]

Wayne -- How much snow do you get in western Mass? I live in northern VT next to a ski resort and find it a lot easier to just plow the stuff since most storms dump less than six inches at a time. We get a LOT of snow over the winter, just a steady supply. Maybe once every five years I wish I had a blower...the rest of the time I'm glad I don't have the tractor tied up with a blower for those piddly amounts.

And personally, if I could plow inside a heated truck I'd be there in a heartbeat!

Pete

 

[WayneW]

We can get a lot of snow. Sometimes (like the last season) we can get more than mid-VT. Went skiing to Okemo and I had more snow in my field then they had at the lodge. (Not on the slopes of course)

One problem is that my driveway goes from pavement (around the house - about 250 ft) to and oil/stone blend (for about 500 ft) then back to pavement to the street (about 300 ft) . When I plow now it's tkae the drag shoes off, put them on, then take them off again. I'm thinkin about if I had a rear snowblower AND a fromt blade (with drag shoes) I could use the blower for the paved sections and the blade for the stone part. Might save mu knuckles in the cold. It's a thought. I've had one or two....however brief.

 

[caddison]

Well the truck will be warmer! Remember with blowing snow comes blowing rocks and broken windows and then there is liability.....and then it is all down hill from there /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

If you get a lot of snow and it stays around for the entire winter, or a good part of it, then plowing will be a problem as the sides build up and you run out of room to push the snow. More of a problem with a CUT then the truck, but still a concern. If the snow is gone or melts a lot then is not a problem. The truck with a plow would be the way to go, nice warm cab, tunes on while you play/work. BUT if the snow stays the entire winter, THEN blowing is the only way to go. The PUMA as well as any good blower will throw the snow pretty far, thus no build up on the edges. The gravel section of the driveway will be a pain the first few times you blow until the snow gets packed and the blower will go over it fine. You can raise the shoes on the blower to prevent the stones from getting into the blower. As I said before, figure in the extra $$$ for a cab if you go the CUT route.