skid shoes or not

[TimSullivan]

I have found that skid shoes on unfrozen gravel can be a problem. The fixes are to use over size dishes from commercial plows and a light hand. The next hint is to adjust the plow so that the edge is perpendicular to the drive. Most blades and shoes are set to have the blade dig into the dirt. That is not good for the driveway. I had to really shorten up the top link and remove and reset the shoes. If there is not much snow, pulling the blade concave side forward does work well. This is also a good way to level out any new gravel you put on the driveway. However it does do a number on the paint.

Once the driveway is frozen the shoes and the attack angle of the plow take care of the most problems.

 

[snowman]

For what it's worth, was able to use my rear blade yesterday for the first time for snow removal.

Not alot of snow; about two inches of heavy wet stuff.

Still cleared the driveway though because I wanted to see how it would do. Was also concerned about not using skid shoes on it, as I paved over the driveway during the summer and did not want to tear that up.

Worked great. Cleared the slush right down to the pavement, no tearing up of asphalt at all.

Was much easier than working with a snowblower on a gravel driveway like last winter (still use the snowblower, just not enough snow yesterday to be of any use).

Took about 20 minutes to clear a 600' long 11' wide driveway and 50'x40' turnaround. It amazes me how easy tractors make life!