Please weigh in: Curtis plow or rear snowblower?

[bxowner]

I have a B2920 and live on a private, dirt road. The plow-guy that takes care of us is somewhat unreliable and rarely cleans the road to the full width (it sometime seems as though he goes down the middle of the road in one pass, then goes over the same path - so, it's only plowed one-car-width).

I've priced out a 5' hydraulic Curtis loader-mount plow and a 54" rear-mount snowblower. Both are the same +/- a few dollars.

Which would you get and why?

I'm prepared to be slow and patient - so, I'm not terribly concerned with torquing or damaging my loader arms. The Curtis is made for this reason with tripsprings and I've seen a number of them used commercially on Kubotas locally without a problem. I also see the ability to get closer to the edge of the road (there are ditches along each side) with the blade as a benefit.

But, I also recognize the benefit of being able to shoot the snow out of the way and not having piles freeze up. I have space, but definitely see this as a benefit to the blower.

Thanks!

 

[Thomas]

Keeping snow banks push back extra time plus wear and tear on machine,and let's not forget about snow drifting.

Rear blower after while raise little heck w/neck..might consider some type snow shield from blowing snow..like you said one shot deal.

One can get ditch hung just as quick w/plow,but there's times much easier getting unstuck w/plow than blower.

Will plow service still continue?.if so I would go w/plow...plow guy would already have hole punch thru,and just tidy up that's left,but than again plow guy might relax his plowing efforts than I would pick blower..not much help I am I.

My gut feeling saying plow.

 

[dmay]

I have a B2920 and live on a private, dirt road.

How long is your road?
How steep is your road?
Will you enjoy the required backward looking seat time a rear blower takes?

IMO on a compact tractor a plow is good for clearing light snowfalls. A blower is good for clearing heavy snowfalls. In deep heavy snow you can inch worm a blower through just about anything going slow and safe. In the same conditions a plow requires LOTS of traction and momentum. To me this is not as safe and I've helped a few neighbors with plows get themselves unstuck after sliding sideways off driveways/roadways into ditches.

I run a front mounted blower and rear landscape rake. Light snows I just rake/blade away. Heavy snows I blow.

 

[JimP]

I used a Kubota 2410 with the front 6 foot snowblower to do a steep driveway and part of a road. After two years I bought the front plow and seldom used the snowblower again. I found the plow is at least twice as fast as the snowblower. In heavy snowfalls I just take smaller bites.

Keep in mind snowblowers don't like wet snow (chutes clog) or sticks/stones (pins shear). Plows work in any conditions. Snowblowers in dry snow conditions are pretty amazing - as long as the wind is blowing away from you.

I extended my plow to 6 feet. With a 2920 and traction you should be able to push a 7 foot plow.

I am only getting a plow for the next tractor.

 

[closs2sx]

i would go with a used 6 foot plow quicker less pain on the neck I have a 400ft dirt drive my dad has a 1/4mile dirt drive plow mine in 10 min his in 25min would never think of having a blower as my only option especially a rear mount

 

[closs2sx]

if you go on craigslist there are 2 one in excellent shape for under 600 in nh both 7ft

 

[SeymourBota]

I have a 5 foot rear blower and a front blade on my 2410.

I use both, but mostly the blade. If the snow is deep, it is convenient to plow up a pile and then use the blower to send it well out of the way!!

As mentioned, rear blowers do challenge your neck and back.

I have a 6 foot Curtis set up for my loader arms I'm not using- it is a heavy unit.
It's for sale!!!

Having both on the tractor is ideal.

 

[fredhargis]

I decided to get the rear blower for my 2920. Last winter we had drifts across the drive that were 5' deep, even though we aren't in heavy snow country. It seems to me I need the loader for the drifts when they occur and the blower for the other stuff, having the rear blower gives me both. This will be my first winter with it, and I may wind up regretting the decision. But one day last year the drifts took 3 hours with my Bobcat 743 to clear. It's gone now, and I wasn't going to give up a having a loader to dig through them if they happen again. I have to admit, if it weren't for the drifts I get I would have bought the front mount blower though.

 

[nybirdman]

Tough call for Vermont.I use a FEL mounted 8ft.Curtis plow and a rear(7ft) blade,my tractor weighs 6500lbs.Quick attach plow so I can remove and reinstall the bucket in minutes.Our average snowfall is about 100 inches.
I know parts of VT. average way more snow than our area.
My take
50 inches average.......rear blade
100 ''' '' ......front blade&rear blade
200 '' ''...........blower,your choice of front or rear
front blower and sub-frame the most costly
Might add ,if I was useing a blower a cab would be required.

 

[NHbotanut]

I have both, a 6 1/2 curtis plow & a 5' rear blower & use both. For small quick storms, or wind drifts, I use the plow. When the snowbanks start filling in the driveway, in comes the blower. If I could only have one, it would be the plow as most storms are not that bad to deal with.