mygoatboy,
(I'm going to try to respond to your last 3 posts at once so this may get long)
First, I want to get a couple things out.
Going back to your original post, you want to eventually get a tractor and the budget is currently tight. Can you give us a $ amount you're considering for a ATV, UTV or tractor?
Also, although I currently have plows for my ATV's, I normally use the tractor with a 6' blade and FEL. Just a personal preference (for the reasons at the very bottom of my post).
"What size ATV would you recomend? What size plow? And last but not least, is it better to buy new or used?"
and
"I meant to say is a 300-500cc ATV really big enough to plow well? I would not mind going to a 700-800 if it would plow better... "
I've had no problems plowing with a 300-500cc ATV. I run plows around 52". Traction will be a factor in any sized ATV. A more aggressive set of tires may be wanted/needed for winter use.
The 700-800cc ATV's are relatively new (2003-2005). You're probably going to start in the $7000 range for new, $5-6000 used. If you're in this price range, I'd consider looking for a used tractor. I found my 700 to be overkill for most yard work, firewood gathering and such. I don't need a 70 mph machine to get this stuff done.
A new 300-500cc name brand ATV will probably be $4500-$6000 as well. (again, you may want to consider a used tractor).
A used ATV is probably fine. Just my personal notes but a couple things. For the type of things you're doing, a gear driven may be better than belt.
I'd definitely go with a name brand. (again, a personal preference but I like the Suzuki Quad Runners). Built like a tank and run forever.
For a "guideline" on a used ATV's value, I found by starting with the list price new, subtract $1/mile and $100/year for a name brand machine will get you in the ballpark. (yep, I believe they depreciate at close to $1.00/mile).
"I would have just edited my last post but the time limit expired... Do you find that your ATV does a good job of stacking the snow high enough? I am concerned about the width of my driveway because even when plowed with a truck it gets very narrow towards the end of the winter."
For your driveway, is there room to push the snow back away from the driveway 5-10'? Unlike a truck, an ATV (ot tractor) won't (normally) get stuck nor tear up the lawn when driven off the driveway. I just make it a point to push the snow farther away than the edge of the driveway.
"How long does it take most of you guys to do your plowing?"
Not very long... Like when using a pickup with plow, when pushing snow, you'll want to have a bit of speed behind you to force the snow to roll off the plow instead of pushing. I'll let others that have a similar sized driveway give you a better estimate on how long it may take for yours. With my tractor, I'm going a lot slower than an ATV would but it takes me about 1/2 hour. My driveway equates to approx. 550' long at 8' wide.
One thing (at least for me and this goes back to why I use the tractor). Generally, I don't care how long it takes. I'm out there having fun and enjoying being outdoors. Just playing in the snow and getting some seat time. (in the mornings, to get to work, we just drive through it although all our vehicles are AWD).
After I do my driveway:
- I'll drive up and down the road looking for neighbors driveways to do. Might do some pushing back of piles or whatever with the FEL.
- I'll cut trails through the yard so I can get from the house to other buildings without having to walk through deep snow.
- Take a lot of snow out of the yard and make a little mountain for the kids to play on.
- Make a luge (sp?) for the kids to sled down
- Clean around all the out buildings.