Snowblowing in Canada!!??

SnowSeb · Oct 7, 2004

Living in a city in New-Brunswick, Canada. I just finished my 1st year in lawncare and will be getting into lanscaping next year. I want to do Snowblowing this winter. I have no experience with running/buying a tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Anybody could help me narrow down the choices. Dealers within a few hours away are John Deere, Kubota, Kioti, Belarus, case-IH, massey ferguson, steiner, new-holland. I looked at Kioti DK45 and am going to look at a used JD 4200 (could take over lease) any help for this newbie is appreciated.

Egon · Oct 8, 2004

What type of snow clearing are you looking at. Private sidewalks/driveways, commercial parking lots? Will you have to haul the snow? Does the tractor need to be transported frequently to new sites?

The type of equipment required is going to depend on the area, accessability, and snow disposal requirements. The time required to clear such as on a commercial lot is also a factor.

Many use a front blade on a P/U. Other locations require a shovel and strong back [ steps ] In some cases a walk behind will be required for access.

Egon

slowzuki · Oct 8, 2004

I live in Fredericton, and one of my friends has a snow clearing/landscaping company. He uses 1/2 tons with plows for driveways and lots. He also has a snowblower and JD4310 for removing snow from tight areas.

He leases larger equipment depending on what bids he wins.

BigEddy · Oct 12, 2004

Really depends what you intend to do. The only snow removal done with tractors / heavy equipment in my area is parking lots - and they are done with Ag equip with 12' blades.
IMO tractors are too slow moving place to place (either driven or trailered) to be the best choice for anything other than your neighbours or a campus. An old 4x4 and a blade will set you back a lot less too! When it snows, everyone on your list wants it cleared right now. So speed from site to site is important.

SnowSeb · Oct 12, 2004

I will be doing residential driveways in my neighborhood. I expect to be within a 2-3km(1-2 miles) from my home. Others are doing the same with tractors/snowblower in my area and are already booked for this winter. I also want to use tractor for summer work such as mowing, landscaping and possibly brushcutting, tilling... as part of landscape company.

huskerpilk · Oct 12, 2004

It snows in Canadia? Hmmm...somethin' new everyday.

SnowSeb · Oct 12, 2004

Not snowing yet, in case your not familiar with our weather. Should only start in December.

BigEddy · Oct 13, 2004

For Residential driveways in one neighbourhood, I believe a CUT with blower would be a good solution. While I have a rear blower, I would recommend you consider a frontmount if you plan to do a lot of blowing each snowfall. They are a lot more expensive, and unique to the tractor models, but they provide better visibility. A rear blade will be handy for pulling snow away from garage doors, steps, walkways etc. And you'll want to seriously consider a cab, soft or hard.

Consider the width of blower you want and plan on approx 5 PTO HP per foot width. Narrower will get you into walkways and around parked vehicles, but will mean more passes per driveway.

Get Insurance! Both for the equipment, and liability insurance. It'll only take one time when you fling a stone into a picture window to make you wish you had.

Any of the big brands would work for you, so I won't recommend one. I think Hydro would be preferable, but it depends on your personal preferances. Given that you are dependent on the tractor to service your customers, make sure you get a block heater and possibly a hydro trans heater as well.

Good luck