What's your ideal snow removal tool?

[NS Gearhead]

pushing snow case ih steiger stx535 quadtrac leon 4000 6 way blade - YouTube

Yes please! Probably enough room for the wife in there too! LOL

 

[mangus580]

I still haven't seen a storm yet though that can stop my F350 diesel and 9' plow.

I pretty much agree with this statement.... I had 2 storms stop my old 86 Chevy plow truck, but we are talking 4' of snow in each storm ;-) and really it was more of a 'slow down' than stop.

I now plow with a 95 Suburban Diesel... which does a decent job. MUCH Better after I added limited slip to the rear axle.

Probably my favorite plow truck was my ex military Chevy Blazer (also diesel). It has limited slip in the rear as well, but even though its shorter, it weighs almost as much as the suburban! Plus the 'shorter' really helps to maneuver. Especially in short driveways.

Honestly, the plow vehicle I have always wanted, is pretty much what you already use! I always wanted a decent jeep with a plow on it. I would think for doing subdivision driveways it would work awesome. Especially if you had a 'back blade' edge on the plow.

From what you describe, it doesnt sound like you get enough snow to really worry about long term snow placement either. But for that, a decent CUT with loader would be a nice addition to allow you to move banks if needed at a later time in the winter. I know mine has certainly assisted this winter (although it wasnt NEEDED, just desired).


Curious, how long is the average driveway you would be plowing?

 

[NS Gearhead]

Normal driveways around me are about 100' with a parking/ turn around area. We're a pretty wooded subdivision with lots averaging 2 acres... I'm lucky with 4. : )

Pardon my greeness, but what does; CUT stand for? I'm guessing mid-size?

I do envision myself with a 1/2T, reg cab, short box 4x4 in my retirement... suppose a decent set of tires and some weight in the box and she could be one of two, or the back up. Don't know how realistic it is that the Jeep still be around in 25 years... although I treat it as though I'll keep it forever. Maybe a set of homemade tracks for the jeep and a front mounted blower! He he he!

 

[mangus580]

Compact Utility Tractor

And realistic.... 25 years from now, a whole lot will have changed technology wise... Makes it kind of hard to plan if you want to look at it like that

 

[JohninCT]

Unless they've improved it... the Toolcat's 4WD system sucks... other then that I'd consider one.

Well then... Get one of these for the vehicle you already have

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xXd1K8jqgYg

 

[NS Gearhead]

I always thought of trying to mount a 3pt PTO blower to my plow frame, supported by big casters, powered by it's own engine on the PTO shaft. Just tilt up on the casters with the winch. I think that's how the ATV ones work.

A 6 or 7' blower can be had used for $1K, 30- 40hp engine's what... $2K? Hmmmm : )

 

[vtsnowedin]

Pardon my greeness, but what does; CUT stand for? I'm guessing mid-size?

!

You are correct. CUT = compact utility tractor SCUT = sub compact utiluity tractor, FEL = front end loader, 3PH = three point hitch, SSQA = skid steer quick attach and the list goes on.

 

[Scooby074]

This is a nice LARGE inveted machine

 

[Scooby074]

But for driveways, this sure would be sweet!!! A Bidirectional with a Pronovost PXPL. Although with our milder winters a plow might make more sense

 

[lostcause]

25 driveways in a subdivision pretty much spells out the requirements right there.

25 driveways means some time involved, so an enclosed cab and heat is needed.

subdivision (usually) means people who like their lawns neatly manicured. that pretty much eliminates plows, because a smart person with a plow knows they have to push the snow back far enough across the lawn so that you have room to plow the rest of the winter's storms because once you have a large frozen bank you won't easily move it. many people don't like plowing across their lawns because of the damage potential. this means a snowblower is the weapon of choice.

i see it as a tractor with a heated cab and a snowblower. front or rear depends on your wallet and preference.