Snow:blade/blower tradeoff

[Dutch445]

Do you have a loader on the tractor?
you could use the bucket to scrape after you snow
blow, even if just the steeper parts.
If it doesn't scrape it clean, the chattering
of the edge of the bucket while backdragging
might scuff it up like the chains do and add a little more to bite
with the tires.

 

[MMagis]

I have a similar situation, though I’m guessing my driveway is much steeper, and very uneven. I take a much more “obvious” approach than everyone else. I clear the big snow with the rear blower. Then, if needed, I take the blower off, put the blade on and get the last little bit, as well as rough up the gravel. Takes an extra 10-15 minutes, but having my hill as a skating rink isn’t an option.

 

[wvpolekat]

No matter how you scrape/blow/plow your driveway, when there is a grade, there is no way around treating it with salt/sand/cinders.

I don't know what grade my driveway is, but there is no way to mechanically get it clean enough to be able to drive up it. The more you scrape it, the worse the glare ice gets. Doesn't matter if you use a plow, back blade, FEL, snow blower.

Possible exception to this would be a rubber cutting edge to squeegee this surface, but I wouldn't bet on that.

On more level surfaces, it's not a big of a deal. But with a grade, you have to treat it or get studded tires.

 

[idaguide]

I have tried using the loader to scrape. Doesn't seem to do as much as the chains, though. I was surprised at the added traction just by scuffing with the tires/chains.

I think we've come to the same conclusion...

grade=sand, at least eventually, and sometimes...

thanks all.
g

 

[JMynes]

Thanks so much everyone. Sounds like the ice is part of the trade-off, and sand is part of that, too. Several great ideas here. I have been driving up and down some to scuff the surface, but hadn't thought of two wheel drive to scuff even better.

I wondered about the 'angle of attack' on my blower. Will look at that, as I haven't yet sheared a bolt...

Thanks again.
grae

If you haven't sheared any bolts yet, you must be tipped back a bit. I shear a fistful of bolts first storm or two of the season until all the rocks get launched off the driveway.