Snow Equipment Owning/Operating What's the best way to go?

[JJZ 109]

Thanks Todd,
I think I was pretty sure, but it was something I was kicking around. And yes I really do get my driveway plowed for $20. My neighbor used to charge me $25, but his truck was getting worn and he decided to quit the snow business so I had to find someone else and yes, I found a guy who does a great job for $20. Thanks for your response.

That's what this place is for. Get some opinions and then make your own call. Many times someone will come up with an angle that you hadn't thought of.
Bottom line: Do whatever makes you and/or your checkbook happy. Some like the convenience of having the ability to do things whenever and wherever they want. Others not so much. If your guy is giving you a bargain like that and showing up to do the job when you think it needs to be done, then that isn't such a bad deal at all.

 

[94BULLITT]

Is the person that does it for $20 doing a satisfactory job?

The fun factor if worth quite alot but you will also bet out in the cold so the fun factor can wear off fast.

 

[tomwo]

Bullitt,
Thanks. The guy does a satisfactory job. I'll probably just stick with him and if I have a need for fun move some snow with the loader. Thanks for the sensible reply.
Tom

 

[flyingcow]

But, it could be a good hobby to look at classifieds/craigslist and find a good deal on a blower. Once in great while someone will need to sell a blower and you could get one on the cheap.

But $20 is really cheap to get your driveway plowed. Most guys around here push $70 an hour with a half ton pickup. minimum quick drop is $35.

 

[Piston]

Flyingcow,
Is your blower a pull behind?

 

[flyingcow]

Flyingcow,
Is your blower a pull behind?

Nope,

 

[High Compression]

I am all for doing snow removal myself, for the fun factor and all, but I can't believe you can have your driveway plowed for $20 a storm, and it's 200yards long! That is incredibly cheap.
If it were me, I'd have it done, and I NEVER say that! But for that price, you can sit in your nice warm house with a glass of whatever you please, and when you wanna go play in the snow, go out and play with your front end loader.

I'm shocked you can get it done for $20.

Ditto! That drive around here, would cost you a min of $75 and probably lookin more like $100 per push.

 

[LD1]

IF you are happy with the job you are getting done for $20, stick with him. No way would I drop $3500 on a blower. As others have mentioned the ROI just isnt there.

Those that mention fun-factor. It certainly adds to that, but you also have to consider cost of maintaining equipment and wear adn tear. So at the moment, I would say equipment upkeep would offset evenly with fun factor.

On a side note, have you looked at other (less expensive) alternatives to keep your drive plowed? Like a truck mounted plow? (do you have a 4x4?) I assume that is what the $20 guy is using? Also, have you considered a rear blade. They are great for more than just snow, cause you can use it year round for various things? If you have a rear blade, maybe just hit the light snows with it, and leave the bad ones to the plow guy?

Also, for the $20 rate, are you in a contract with him so that he is out there everytime the trigger snowfall amount is reached? or do you just do this per-occurance? Cause if you decide to do some of the plows youself and not ALL of them, make sure you communicate that with your plow guy. Nothing would be more frustrating than making a trip out to plow your drive only to find it has already been done.

 

[crashz]

For that price and service, keep the plow guy. I could not do it for that price myself ( I plowed snow for many years).

For the fun part, ask the plow guy to stay on the pavement. When the storm clears or you have time, push the banks back with your loader. This held the both of you.

 

[MarkF48]

I went with a 5' rear blade from Tractor Supply (used a discount coupon they had) on the back of my Mahindra with chains on the rears. You could likely use a wider blade on your tractor. Works well, but for me my drive is much shorter than yours and I run out of a place to put the snow at the top of the drive. If you should get one, watch the backend when you turn. I have yet to hit something, but the potential is there.

Found this on Youtube....
John Deere 1026R plowing snow - YouTube