Standalone vs SCUT front snowblower

[mccash40]

RB, I live in Queensbury. Welcome to the forum. I saw on CL today a Kubota front blower with a quick hitch for sale near Burlington, VT. The price was OK. I was tempted, but I just bought a rear blade and my wife is beginning to question my need for all the toys.

 

[rbaevergreen]

I saw the Burlington ad too. The BX18XX mid-PTO drive kit is different than the others. What I should have done was called the person selling a BX2750 (not A,B,C,D) for $1000 in September and see if it included the quick hitch, etc. My parents bought a Troy Bilt walk-behind on Long Island. Emerich's has a used Deere snowblower and two Ariens ones (Tecumseh engines on Ariens).

 

[farmeratheart]

I saw the Burlington ad too. The BX18XX mid-PTO drive kit is different than the others. What I should have done was called the person selling a BX2750 (not A,B,C,D) for $1000 in September and see if it included the quick hitch, etc. My parents bought a Troy Bilt walk-behind on Long Island. Emerich's has a used Deere snowblower and two Ariens ones (Tecumseh engines on Ariens).

Over the years I feel like I've been all around this issue too! I just told my wife this week that if we got the snow that her family gets in central NY (we were there for Christmas) I would have a blower for the back of the 2305. I use the bucket nearly every other day moving firewood into the house so wouldn't want front mount. You can't beat a blade for quick removal of the 6" to 10" snowfalls. However, depending on how much open space you have, a plow can easily run out of room when you don't get sufficient thawing between storms, The blower eliminates that worry. We do have a 724 Ariens walk behind blower for my wife to use should one of our snowfalls happen when I'm away for work. She doesn't want to use the tractor!?! I've used the 724 for right in front of the garage doors when there is quite a bit of snow. I have to tell you though that I would not look forward to doing our whole driveway with it.

For me, in our current situation, the rubber edged back blade with a FEL to move large piles and cut back banks (if necessary) works best.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Frank

 

[VitaBene]

I'd be more concerned about that rear blade damaging the asphalt...more so then the loader bucket (I've used both, but on gravel).
Your BX 1850 has about 14 PTO HP. That will limit you to a smaller PTO driven blower (48") which aren't too common used...but watch Craigslist for upstate NY, Vermont, New Hampshire...better yet, use Search Tempest (SearchTempest Online Classifieds Search - All of craigslist, eBay & more in one search.).
Personally, I'd go for the 3PH blower and maybe add a Bxpanded plow (Snowplows). The snow blower on the 3PH would provide adequate ballast for the plow...and you will need ballast using a plow.
I assume you have turf tires. They're pretty good in the snow (especially with rear ballast). Some guys are going to suggest chains. I have them, but I haven't used them in some pretty substantial snows here in Vermont. They can damage (scuff) your asphalt if you're not carefull. If you feel you must have chains, go for the two or four link ladder type....they're the easiest on pavement.

Hmm... will have to check out that search temepest!

I have loaded turfs on mine (front mounted snowblower) and I am happy in the snow overall, though chains would be nice now and then!