Selecting equipment. primarily for snow removal

[chim]

Since building here in '89 I've had one tractor with a front blade, two with FEL's and rear blades. Last year I bought a used 64" Pronovost rear blower. I also made side extensions ( like a snow pusher) that work well. So far I really like the extended FEL bucket and rear blower with remote control for the chute. Only thing I need to exit the warm cab for is to replace a shear bolt every now and then.

We have a QD plow for a tractor at work but nobody likes it, so this past year I hired a plowing contractor to do the largest part and we do cleanup. This area certainly doesn't compare with western NY or this year's Boston snowfall amounts, but I have always loved playing in the snow. I do several driveways for nearby neighbors and the church about 1-1/2 miles away.

I had a CJ, K5 Blazer and Dodge Power Wagon with plows before getting into tractors. The best non-tractor setup for me was the Blazer and Western power-angling blade.

 

[dakotagun]

I can't imagine trying to move snow using a rear blower, but my gravel drive is curved. I know the front blower is spendy, but having that and mounting a rear blade allows me to get tight with structures and avoid tunnels. Using the front hydraulics is way simpler that trying to adjust the 3pt arms, at least for me. Each case is different, as is everyone's priorities, but I figure over the lifetime of the tractor and frequency of using the blower, the difference in spend ain't that much at all...

 

[chim]

I can't imagine trying to move snow using a rear blower...........................Using the front hydraulics is way simpler that trying to adjust the 3pt arms, at least for me. ..............

A front-mounted blower would be nifty, but the rear blower isn't much of a challenge for me. I'm 65 and in decent shape. Maybe some older guys could have trouble [grin]. It isn't as though you need to swivel your head 180 degrees to watch the entire width of the blower. It works quite well to see one side or the other.

Adjustment of the 3 point arms? couldn't be easier. Last Fall I hooked up the arms, PTO shaft and toplink. Parked it on a hard level surface (concrete bridge), set the toplink and locked it in place. No fooling with any adjustments all Winter. Use hitch lever to raise and drop. I did add electric motors to control chute "elevation and windage".

 

[RoyJackson]

Another Vermonter here and I also recommend the rear snow blower with a QD plow on the front. If funds are tight, go with the plow and ballast on the 3PH. Just make sure you plow wide enough for subsequent snowfalls.
I'm a fan of rear snow blowers for moving deep snow. Biggest downside is you will get covered occasionally in an open station tractor.
BTW, I also suggest (if you buy new) R-3 tires...they're really good in the snow and if you use the tractor to mow too, easy on the lawn (relatively speaking).

I'm on my 4th John Deere...all were used when I bought them...don't be too nervous about buying a used tractor.