Snowblower Snowblower trade?
- Thread starter snowman
- Start date
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We moved into this current house from a development rather quickly and in the middle of winter, so I didn't have too much time to plan out my snow removal options; I knew that I would need something capable to handle keeping the driveway clear. My father in law had a tractor (Yanmar) with a front blower, so that was what streered me towards the tractor for snow removal.
I had/have a 1999 Ford Expedition, which Ford does not recommend plowing with, so that kind of put me off of getting a plow back then. If Ford said it was "okay", I probably would have done it then. However, after three years of mulling it over, I'm comfortable putting a plow on it and I've comfortable with the quality of the plow that will go on it (Snoway). The other hurdle to overcome was the cost, but, as with the tractor, the plow will pay for itself over time.
Speed and convenience are woth alot too - when coming home from work at night after it snowed during the day, I would think what a waste it was to drive up the driveway in the truck and then getting all bundled up to chug back down the driveway with the tractor with the blower.
As I mentioned before, I still want a blower as a backup in case the plow fails or we get whomped with a storm that may be too much for the plow, which is what prompted this whole "swap" idea.
I had/have a 1999 Ford Expedition, which Ford does not recommend plowing with, so that kind of put me off of getting a plow back then. If Ford said it was "okay", I probably would have done it then. However, after three years of mulling it over, I'm comfortable putting a plow on it and I've comfortable with the quality of the plow that will go on it (Snoway). The other hurdle to overcome was the cost, but, as with the tractor, the plow will pay for itself over time.
Speed and convenience are woth alot too - when coming home from work at night after it snowed during the day, I would think what a waste it was to drive up the driveway in the truck and then getting all bundled up to chug back down the driveway with the tractor with the blower.
As I mentioned before, I still want a blower as a backup in case the plow fails or we get whomped with a storm that may be too much for the plow, which is what prompted this whole "swap" idea.
ducati996
Banned
Snowman,
I know your mind is already made up. If my .02 cents can be added without upsetting you than I offer it.
I think you have the ultimate setup with your Kubota and snow thrower and should keep it like it is. Your Exepdition is not designed for heavy Plowing, and with 260 HP is underpowered for that size SUV. Lots of reason why Ford dosent want Plows hooked up to their Explorer/Expediton lines. Not sure how much snow you get, and in general Snow plowing/throwing is a pain in the ****. Winter in general is a hassle when clearing the white stuff. But you already have the best setup, and should be used as your primary removal. And let that SUV be just that an SUV not a plow...
There I said it....
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I know your mind is already made up. If my .02 cents can be added without upsetting you than I offer it.
I think you have the ultimate setup with your Kubota and snow thrower and should keep it like it is. Your Exepdition is not designed for heavy Plowing, and with 260 HP is underpowered for that size SUV. Lots of reason why Ford dosent want Plows hooked up to their Explorer/Expediton lines. Not sure how much snow you get, and in general Snow plowing/throwing is a pain in the ****. Winter in general is a hassle when clearing the white stuff. But you already have the best setup, and should be used as your primary removal. And let that SUV be just that an SUV not a plow...
There I said it....
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ducati996;
You're absolutely right in what you say; that's why it took me three years of thinking it over to finally decide to do it.
I'll only be plowing my driveway, so there won't be any heavy duty use involved (ie: I won't be out there plowing for three or four hours at a time).
I'll "know" my driveway so that won't be any curbs or other obstructions that I'll be ramming into.
If the snowbanks get too high or icey, that's where the FEL comes into play - I'll use that to move the banks back if necessary.
If we get a Nor'easter with alot of heavy wet snow, I'll still have a blower to use.
The truck can handle the weight okay - I've loaded the back up with easily 1,000 lbs of material (concrete, pressure treated lumber, etc). The plow is easy on/off, so I won't be driving around with it constantly (subframe is always on - only about 100 lbs though).
Finally, I know enough to be gentle with the truck, since its mine - plow slow in low. I won't be ramming any snow banks or anything like that.
I also follow a website "plowsite.com" - very good information over there. I've asked them questions regarding this set up and have had positive comments.
If I had alot of free time, I probably wouldn't change. As it is, I go to work at 4 am, so if it's snowing, I have to get up at 3 or so to clear out the driveway; gets tiring!
You're absolutely right in what you say; that's why it took me three years of thinking it over to finally decide to do it.
I'll only be plowing my driveway, so there won't be any heavy duty use involved (ie: I won't be out there plowing for three or four hours at a time).
I'll "know" my driveway so that won't be any curbs or other obstructions that I'll be ramming into.
If the snowbanks get too high or icey, that's where the FEL comes into play - I'll use that to move the banks back if necessary.
If we get a Nor'easter with alot of heavy wet snow, I'll still have a blower to use.
The truck can handle the weight okay - I've loaded the back up with easily 1,000 lbs of material (concrete, pressure treated lumber, etc). The plow is easy on/off, so I won't be driving around with it constantly (subframe is always on - only about 100 lbs though).
Finally, I know enough to be gentle with the truck, since its mine - plow slow in low. I won't be ramming any snow banks or anything like that.
I also follow a website "plowsite.com" - very good information over there. I've asked them questions regarding this set up and have had positive comments.
If I had alot of free time, I probably wouldn't change. As it is, I go to work at 4 am, so if it's snowing, I have to get up at 3 or so to clear out the driveway; gets tiring!
ducati996
Banned
Good luck in your decision either way !! seeing how this summer was a total wash out with the rain, I cant help to think the winter will be busy for us ( Lots of snow for the east coast) Snow removal ( either plowing or thrower is usually fun) but when you have to get up too early and do your driveway, neighbors and family ( I did last year) it started to wear on me quick!! I feel your pain!!
Anybody have the latest Almanac??
/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Anybody have the latest Almanac??
/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
B7500
Platinum Member
ducati996,
Are you saying with all three options:
1. Front mount snowblower
2. PTO Rear mount snowblower
3. Plow
That a front mount is the best choice?
-Terry
Are you saying with all three options:
1. Front mount snowblower
2. PTO Rear mount snowblower
3. Plow
That a front mount is the best choice?
-Terry
ducati996
Banned
B7500,
IMHO << Disclaimer, very important!!
A front mount Snow thrower is one of the most expensive attachments on a C.U.T ( Besides a back Hoe)
Rear mounts thrower work well, but in reverse ( neck pain)
He wants to mount a plow on a SUV (Expedition) thats not really designed for that ( he agrees and so does Ford)
He does have the ultimate attachment right now, which most parties out there with a CUT probably wished they had, myself included ( I know I'm searching hard for a front mnt. for a JD 4100)
I DO NOT want to turn this thread into which is better slam fest, B7500 so please dont take this as an opening as such...
I thought it was the the best choice to what Snowman was thinking...and not a comparision to all the different tools out there to remove snow
IMHO << Disclaimer, very important!!
A front mount Snow thrower is one of the most expensive attachments on a C.U.T ( Besides a back Hoe)
Rear mounts thrower work well, but in reverse ( neck pain)
He wants to mount a plow on a SUV (Expedition) thats not really designed for that ( he agrees and so does Ford)
He does have the ultimate attachment right now, which most parties out there with a CUT probably wished they had, myself included ( I know I'm searching hard for a front mnt. for a JD 4100)
I DO NOT want to turn this thread into which is better slam fest, B7500 so please dont take this as an opening as such...
I thought it was the the best choice to what Snowman was thinking...and not a comparision to all the different tools out there to remove snow
