Snow Snow removal: LMB or plow

[Marks481]

One of the reasons I chose to move to MD from CT was to get away from all the snow. I wasn't ready for the 24" dumped on us this weekend.

All I have is the 4N1 bucket for snow removal... which I have never used in snow. It is a bit small. It did me no good in this case, since the bucket is in the shed about 50' behind the house and the tractor was in the garage. I should have hooked it up as soon as it started snowing.

So after 2-3 hours shovelling the driveway, my wife said the magic words "maybe you should buy something to put on the tractor to move snow". I am thinking I should use this opportunity to get both the LMB and the snow blade. Maybe that way I will save on shipping.

Is it worth buyimg the wheel attachments for the blade for use in snow?

 

[beenthere]

Why rush into it. The snow is going to melt.

 

[Marks481]

By buying a snowblade, I will ensure that it never ever snows again for the rest of the time that I live here.

It is a physical law of the universe...

Actually, I only have another year in the "snow free zone", good chance of ending up back in the NE. The snowblade would probably get more use up there.

 

[coolconnection]

Oh man I love my snow blade. We got 15 inches of snow here and my PT pushed it like nothing. I don't use chains and I have black top and concrete and it worked so good. I have the caster wheels and the rubber lip from PT and it works sweet together. I cleaned it right down to the surface. We usually get around 100" a year here in ohio so the snow blade was a necessity. I thought about a blower but the blade works really good for me. On my old steiner I had a small bucket and I used it for the snow but it was a real pain. You constantly have to push the snow to the side with the bucket but with the plow I just angle it and go. I do everything with the blade. Anyone want to buy a slightly used 9 horse snow blower? (seriously) Have good one.

 

[Bob999]

If your location allows you to plow the length of the drive pushing the snow to the side a plow is a lot faster than a bucket. On the other hand if you can't make runs with the plow angled to push to the side then for pushing snow straight ahead a LMB and plow are pretty much a wash. If you need to pick up and carry the snow the LMB wins hands down.

 

[whistlepig]

I have a loader on the tractor and a blade on my ATV. I tried pushing snow with the loader one time. After that I have always used the blade on the ATV. It's so much easier for me to use the blade than the loader.

 

[bp fick]

If one lives in a geographic zone that only sees snow on a freak basis, the secondary result it that such snow also melts in a few days. Investing in more than a $3-400 back blade is an extravagance, perhaps.

However, if one lives in the true snow belt, the joy of front mounted, hydraulic controlled front blade is an absolute joy and not a frill at all, but a real tool. Tilt that blade, push forward on the HST, and go for it! Priceless.

 

[tracdoc]

Hi Tim_in_CT (now MD). I used to live in CT, too, and sw VA was appealing because of low snow. In my neighborhood we've gone over the 50" mark for this season and it ain't over yet. So much for a low snow area!

I have the LMB and the 5' blade. Without question go with the BLADE. I have to clear a 900' drive, most of it uphill to the street. The LMB, takes a bite and then you have to find a place to offload, and that requires a lot a shaking, especially when snow is dry. The blade has 6 motions, and you can use all of them effectively to clear your way. You can scoop up a goodly amount by curling the blade up as you also lift it, and then use the right/left to "chute" the load to the side---very effective.

I don't have the wheels and don't think that they would help in my situation which is an asphalt drive that is crumbling and very lumpy in sections. I use float or micro-manage the height of the blade where I need it to be.

I hear you on "being prepared" . Our first snow was a 26" whopper. The PT was in the shed and I had to back it out....that was a bad setup. You need to be able to get the PT out forwards to forge your way through deep snow, otherwise the tub will (I said will, not maybe ) get hung up. I have chains on all four wheels and I had a heck of a time getting out, and turned around. Right now, my PT is on the driveway, covered w/ tarp and I'm using one of those KATS magnetic heaters (350W) to heat the hydraulic tank area. That's thanks to a tip from Gravy who lives near me. Now I'm ready for the next storm which is supposed to arrive ~02/10.

 

[whistlepig]

If one lives in a geographic zone that only sees snow on a freak basis, the secondary result it that such snow also melts in a few days. Investing in more than a $3-400 back blade is an extravagance, perhaps.

However, if one lives in the true snow belt, the joy of front mounted, hydraulic controlled front blade is an absolute joy and not a frill at all, but a real tool. Tilt that blade, push forward on the HST, and go for it! Priceless.

This is the set up I would really like to have. Maybe in a couple of years. I'm not sure but I think this set up runs about $2,000.

 

[BobRip]

I have the blade and LMB. The blade is better for snow. I rarely use the LMB. The 4 in 1 loads so much easier, and I get a full load easily. The LMB actually holds less because it is hard to get fully loaded. Forget the LMB, maybe for firewood, but then I use my forks and the racks I made.