Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Tractor to blow lots of snow
- Thread starter klausb
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JoeL4330
Platinum Member
Just updating.... OP did some homework.
Almost everyone up here uses a skid steer. Most of those started with a tractor, then moved to the skid steer and were happier. They said the skid steer was much more maneuverable in the narrow roads and really tight turnarounds. H.P. ranges were in the 40-60 range, high flow, heated cab, and front blowers no matter what. Chains all around. 72ish inch blowers were the standard.
So.. I put money down on a used Bobcat S185 Turbo High Flow full cab and heat and should have it in a week or so. It's exactly the machine a guy down canyon uses in his commercial plow business. So not worried there. With some extra lights, a trickle charger, and oil and/or block heater, the machine is set. Blower wise, I'm thinking a 73" Erskine. Anybody wanna chime in on new vs. used? I would really like a new blower, but they are somewhat pricey. But I need reliable, either way. Comments?
And thanks again for everyone's input. It was like drinking from a fire hose but really helped me home in on important issues.
Almost everyone up here uses a skid steer. Most of those started with a tractor, then moved to the skid steer and were happier. They said the skid steer was much more maneuverable in the narrow roads and really tight turnarounds. H.P. ranges were in the 40-60 range, high flow, heated cab, and front blowers no matter what. Chains all around. 72ish inch blowers were the standard.
So.. I put money down on a used Bobcat S185 Turbo High Flow full cab and heat and should have it in a week or so. It's exactly the machine a guy down canyon uses in his commercial plow business. So not worried there. With some extra lights, a trickle charger, and oil and/or block heater, the machine is set. Blower wise, I'm thinking a 73" Erskine. Anybody wanna chime in on new vs. used? I would really like a new blower, but they are somewhat pricey. But I need reliable, either way. Comments?
And thanks again for everyone's input. It was like drinking from a fire hose but really helped me home in on important issues.
MarkV
Super Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2000
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- 5,636
- Location
- Cedartown, Ga and N. Ga mountains
- Tractor
- 1998 Kubota B21, 2005 Kubota L39
It is hard to beat the local proven system. Glad you found what you need and I'm glad I don't have to do it. 
MarkV
MarkV
JDGreenGrass
Veteran Member
Well alrighty then....Good for you. Thanks for following through with the update.
Always pays to get the local knowledge. Sounds like you got the right machine for the job. Impressive snowfalls in that area.
Now, do you have a couch for like 7 nights.??.....First week of March......I'm thinking 6 days, 2 at Alta and 4 at Snowbird. Wait, maybe all 6 at Snowbasin.??
edit:...I just looked at the Bobcat s185 listings. Sure looks like a heavy duty rig. As for the blowers I hear those Erskines are great. Pronovost might be another to look at. Those Canadiens make a good snowblower.
Maybe Pronovost doesn't offer skid steer attachments.??
mjncad
Super Member
We want pictures of that skid steer when you get it!
crazyal
Super Member
So I have to ask. Are you, like me, someone who enjoys doing things like blowing snow? With that much snow you are going to get plenty of seat time. I didn't bother offering advice since your snow and what I get are two very different beasts. I've gotten 3 feet in a single night of heavy wet snow. I have a Kubota l4240 with a front mount blower coming this summer so if you asked next year I could have helped.
The only thing I would of asked as far as a skid steer vs. tractor would be do you have any use for the tractor in the summer time? For me I'll be using it to brush hog (maybe you could do it with a SS), maintain the driveway (should have no problems there with a SS), and things like skidding logs for firewood (no way a SS could get into the woods).
At the end of the day I'm just happy that I live in a place where most people couldn't even think about living and will never know what they are missing.
The only thing I would of asked as far as a skid steer vs. tractor would be do you have any use for the tractor in the summer time? For me I'll be using it to brush hog (maybe you could do it with a SS), maintain the driveway (should have no problems there with a SS), and things like skidding logs for firewood (no way a SS could get into the woods).
At the end of the day I'm just happy that I live in a place where most people couldn't even think about living and will never know what they are missing.
Why do you say that?
My SS with over the tire steel tracks will go places you could never get a tractor.
crazyal
Super Member
I don't live near you but here in Vermont a SS in the woods is way too tippy, tracks or not. SS and track loaders have the weight in the rear set up for maximum lifting. Plus you'll have to deal with weight. Every hill you would need to climb you would want to do so backwards. Then you'll have to deal with the short wheel base and the low ground clearance. Again maybe I generalized too much but it's just not the right piece of equipment for logging IMO.
