This has been my snow removal journey.
I have a sidewalk, 300' driveway, 1/2 mile private road, neighbors to help. Typical snowfall 4-8" Some 10-15" Occasional 15-20". Here is what I have used over the years.
- 2 cycle paddle snowblower - sidewalk light fluffy snow
- 8hp 2 stage snowblower - sidewalk 6"+ snow
- ATV w/5' blade - Driveway up to 8"snow
- 4x4 Plow Truck - Driveway/Private Road - any amount of snow
- Rear Blade - Driveway/Private Road up to 8" snow
- Rear facing Snowblower - Driveway/Private Road - 6"+ snow
- Rear Pull Snowblower - Driveway/Private Road Up to 24" snow
Those bolded are what I still have
- 2 cycle paddle snowblower - Light and easy
- 8hp 2 stage snowblower - Didn't get used enough
- ATV w/5' blade - Quick way to move snow
- 4x4 Plow Truck - nothing faster but Disintegrated from lack of use
- Rear Blade - Not great at rolling snow well off to the side
- Rear facing Snowblower - Removes any amount of snow, but comes with a stiff neck
- Rear Pull Snowblower - Fast and efficient - why didn't I do this sooner
I've had:
- R4s - racing slicks in wet snow
- Turf - Better than I expected
- R1s - Best traction in snow or dirt
If I regularly had drifting or 24"+ snowfalls, I might want a front mount snowblower.
I don't mind not having a cab as long as it is above 0 (I do like beig out in the open air in the Wisconsin summer)
No one tool is perfect. Your list might look different.