Snow Equipment Buying/Pricing Rear blade vs. front mount snow blower

[dave1949]

I have about a two and a half foot drop off on either side of my drive (only 200' long) I have not encountered the problems you are describing and get about 2-3 storms worth before the ditches are full. I do depend on melting to reduce amounts but you raise a valid point about locale. Your place is more parallel with the ops weather and thus your view point more valid than mine. Where we do agree is that there is seldom one solution to tackle any problem and a p.u. with an 8' plow is something I would insist on having for a 2000' drive.

My worry is once the ditch is full and level with the blade, where does it go? If you have 2' of snow forecast, do you go out 2-3 times during the storm?

I'm with you on the pickup - wish I had one - and my driveway is only about 800'. They come with a heated cab too.

Ditto DaveinNH on the chains no matter what else you have.

I find I might get about 50' with my bucket in a normal snow before the diminishing returns set in - more is coming over and around the bucket than is getting pushed away. It's just way too tedious and time eating.

Dave.

 

[Thomas]

Welcome to TBN neigbor.
Heck of driveway,I'm betting your out there cleaning driveway after sun light gone,if so front blower would be easier operatering also easier on upper half of your body...could always use the back blade for those hard to get places or tidying up.

 

[dave1949]

Welcome to TBN neigbor.
Heck of driveway,I'm betting your out there cleaning driveway after sun light gone,if so front blower would be easier operatering also easier on upper half of your body...could always use the back blade for those hard to get places or tidying up.

Thanks for the welcome Thomas. Are you on the VT side of NH?

Yes, I really need to improve my snow equipment. Been here 3 winters now so I have a feel for it. Have read and lurked a lot on blower/blade/plow threads. Seems like there are lots of TBN'ers around New England that really prefer blowers.

I tend to let it snow until its done with, it can mean some late or early hours. Ever notice how storms hardly ever end at 2pm? Why is that?

Dave.

 

[Thomas]

"Are you on the VT side of NH?"
Yes Sir..about 5 miles from border..view apporching storms.

"Ever notice how storms hardly ever end at 2pm? Why is that?"
You notice that also seem like 8-10pm here and that's if the wind not blowing..drifting snow.

 

[dave1949]

Exactly. It seems like I am always trying to decide if I should go out late or get up early. I hate getting up early so I usually opt for midnight plowing.
Dave.

 

[Thomas]

"I usually opt for midnight plowing."

Same here..if the stars shining w/moon I like plowing w/no lights on going slow enjoying cigar on the long runs. ..of coarse depending on the temp.

 

[dave1949]

"I usually opt for midnight plowing."

Same here..if the stars shining w/moon I like plowing w/no lights on going slow enjoying cigar on the long runs. ..of coarse depending on the temp.

You make it sound like so much fun

If I am lucky, the town plow goes by before I finish.

Dave.

 

[smfcpacfp]

I have only used front snow blowers, so I can't compare the two. However I don't think anything would get me to change.

We get 15 to 30 feet of snow a year, and it gets quite cold here, so I am on the tractor a lot. I also help out a neighbor whn he is out of town. My driveway is 400 feet long, and getting longer (I am having a post and beam building built).

With my heated cab and lots of good light, I snowblow anytime, in any conditions. As a matter of fact the nastier, the better.

YouTube - Kubota B3030 snowblower

 

[moosehaven]

I appreciate all the advice you've shared in your endeavors to get rid of snow. Like the leaves, the $$ tree is a bit bare so I've decided to get a 7' rear blade and see how it goes. Best case, I get to spend extra time on the tractor, worste....we'll then I'll haveto get that front mounted snow blower next year

 

[OrangeJbird]

I just saw this thread and I use a 5' front mount snowblower w/7' backblade.
I put tractor weights on the back blade for traction for the blower. I scrape w/blade as I blow snow. The back blade cleans and widens what the snowblower leaves plus leaves a windrow for the blower when I go back up the drive. Down and back clears 12'. I can pull snow out from tight spots and then blow it away.
My pic shows my setup before I got the blower. The FEL and blade worked well too!
Gravel driveway - drive on it first to pack a thin layer that will prevent stones from being bladed or blown.
MF1533 is a nice tractor - Good luck!