n8586m
Member
A topic that has been hashed over many times but maybe some different approached. First, this is on concrete and asphalt only, it does not apply to gravel.
In my area, mid Michigan, we typically get 100" a year so I figured a rear blade alone would get me through as we maybe get more than 8" once every other year. I took the load off to help with maneuverability around the cars. Also plowing three other driveways (for pay). I am averaging $60 to $75 per hour with loader only running in mid range @ 1800 rpm. I can go much faster but I have a cast on my left hand at this time.
So, because of global warming, we get 50" in December, an all time record. About half way through the month I realized that the rear blade was not going to handle the snow banks so on goes the loader. Then we get a 14" dump and I find that the loader pulls the snow away from the garage door better than the rear blade because I can see the door and ease up to it much easier. (The hydro drive can't be beat in a situation like this.) Also since none of the driveways are longer than 100', the loader bucket does just as good or better than the rear blade. And the loader can pile it up where the rear blade can't.
The first photo show pulling show with the loader, front edge curled down. The second shows the same thing. The third shows the pulling results. Number four shows my helpers. They watch my back to keep me safe from the rabbits, squirrels, ducks, geese, deer, ect., and they do a good job too. The fifth shows one job where it is difficult to put the snow and the sixth shows it cleaned. Seven shows my storage security, eight shows the chain bucket and the last shows the pre-heater. The tenth, out of sequence, show pushing snow with bucket edge tipped down. A work of caution here. Go very slow on concrete as you will find the expansion joints, they can cause a sudden stop.
Anyways, here are the photos for what it's worth.
Doug
In my area, mid Michigan, we typically get 100" a year so I figured a rear blade alone would get me through as we maybe get more than 8" once every other year. I took the load off to help with maneuverability around the cars. Also plowing three other driveways (for pay). I am averaging $60 to $75 per hour with loader only running in mid range @ 1800 rpm. I can go much faster but I have a cast on my left hand at this time.
So, because of global warming, we get 50" in December, an all time record. About half way through the month I realized that the rear blade was not going to handle the snow banks so on goes the loader. Then we get a 14" dump and I find that the loader pulls the snow away from the garage door better than the rear blade because I can see the door and ease up to it much easier. (The hydro drive can't be beat in a situation like this.) Also since none of the driveways are longer than 100', the loader bucket does just as good or better than the rear blade. And the loader can pile it up where the rear blade can't.
The first photo show pulling show with the loader, front edge curled down. The second shows the same thing. The third shows the pulling results. Number four shows my helpers. They watch my back to keep me safe from the rabbits, squirrels, ducks, geese, deer, ect., and they do a good job too. The fifth shows one job where it is difficult to put the snow and the sixth shows it cleaned. Seven shows my storage security, eight shows the chain bucket and the last shows the pre-heater. The tenth, out of sequence, show pushing snow with bucket edge tipped down. A work of caution here. Go very slow on concrete as you will find the expansion joints, they can cause a sudden stop.
Anyways, here are the photos for what it's worth.
Doug
