Questions re: pipe on loader cutting edge

[RichM752]

This works for me on gravel drives and on asphalt I can see blacktop when I'm finished.

 

[grey goose]

I've seen a number of posts where members are using steel and Sch80 plastic pipe on the cutting edge of their plowblade and loader to keep from digging up gravel driveways. From what I've learned that's the go to method to save the driveway from being torn up.

But, how does it work out if the entire driveway is not gravel and part of it is paved? My driveway is 350' long but only the 40 feet directly in front of the garage is paved. Will the pipe covered edge on the bucket still remove snow down to the pavement?

Is there a better way for combination paved/gravel driveways?

Thanks

The pipe method works very well for gravel. The downside on pavement is the remaining thin layer of snow freezes/thaws/freezes into a thin layer of ice, unless the sun melts it off. YMMV of course ;^)

I push snow for myself (concrete) and 3 neighbors (asphalt). I'm a firm believer in putting pipe on the plow blade to protect the pavement. Don't need to be real fussy at the driveway/road borders. I used to use 2" Sched-80 PVC (2 pieces per season) but am trying 1-1/4" thinwall conduit this year. After 4 snows so far, there is some wear on the metal but it's holding up ok at this point. I used a metal blade on the table saw to cut out a 3/4" section of the conduit to create the gap required to fit it over the steel edge. With PVC, it just needs a saw kerf. PVC flexes enough to force it in place.

If the conduit holds up, s'all good but if not, I'll be putting on a 1" x 6" UHMW strip in place of the steel blade.

 

[PILOON]

I brief search will reveal a member that makes 'edge tamers' which in effect are mini clamp on small skids or shoes.
Price is reasonable IMHO.
No fuss no mess and for sure they will do the job.
Just clamp them on as needed.

I also have some paved and mostly graved drive and made a similar pair for both my pusher blade and as well installed oversized skids on my blower (I weld).
Naturally once my base is well frozen I can remove them.

Must add that first snow was not on yet frozen ground and I have to yet replace a sheer bolt on my blower this year.
Tamers do work!

 

[SpringHollow]

My plow has skid shoes like the edge tamer only even wider and they still dig in when the ground is soft.

Ken

 

[PILOON]

My plow has skid shoes like the edge tamer only even wider and they still dig in when the ground is soft.

Ken

It is a complicated balance between firmness of the ground and the weight of the blade.

Just like snow shoes.
Small bear paws are great for packed snow while large (awkward) ones are needed for powdered light snow.