BX Snowblower or walk-behind?

[RayCo2]

I'm pondering getting a snow blower for this winter. My driveway is approximately 1,000 feet long, and has parts where it is a cattle chute, in that I cannot divert snow to either side because of embankments. I've been using the loader of my BX24 since I got it in 2007, and it's been ample. But, there are complications when the snow is deep, so I'm thinking about getting a snow blower to do the job more easily. My driveway has a steep incline and a steep decline, and it also has a circle in it, which is a little awkward to do with a FEL. I also often to my in-laws' driveway next door, which is another 1200 feet or so.

So, the question is, do I get a nice walk-behind snow blower (have my eyes on an Ariens Professional 28 Hydro Rapidtrak (can't post a link with a new account)) or put a snow blower on my BX? I'm leaning toward the walk-behind, because it's more maneuverable, so I assume, but I also like the increased efficiency to be found with having a snow blower on my tractor. Pros and cons?

Thanks

 

[BoylermanCT]

The answer depends a lot on where you live, and how much snow you get. You should add your location to your profile. Are you are thinking of a front mounted blower on the BX or rear mounted 3 point blower? The tractor blower will be faster overall, as it wider and ground speed should be faster, but probably a lot more expensive. Walk behind is more maneuverable and cheaper. If you have the money, I would go with the tractor.

I have a 7.5' plow on front and a 64" blower on the back. If it is up to 6" I use the plow. If over 6", the blower. And I have a 28" blower as backup in case the tractor is down for some reason.

 

[atitus74]

I can share my experience. For me time was the factor. I have an 800 foot driveway, paved, one part has an incline. Since I bought this house a few years ago I was using a similar size blower and it worked fine but my issue was TIME. Regardless of how much snow I'd have to make four passes at least to clear the driveway. If I occasionally had to help a neighbor ... yikes. This year when I got my BX1880 I opted to get the front 50' snow blower. I should be able to clear enough to get in and out with two (much faster hopefully) passes. My wife is a teacher and gets up early and when she has to leave, I need to be able to get it done quickly. It comes at a cost though. The snow blower was expensive and comes by default with only MANUAL controls for rotation and you have to get off the tractor to change the deflection angle. For me that wasn't going to work. Once you add in the hyraulic controls it was close to $4000 for the blower. Yeah I could have made it closer to $3000 with electric controls but when you are in that deep, might as well swim for the gold medal :laughing:

 

[CalG]

With 1000 feet to clear, A front mounted blower would be my ONLY option.

50 inches at a pass, down and back gets a car out. Cars don't need pristine, just clear enough!

Walking behind a blower for four passes at 6 in the morning just would not do. Well, maybe, if the walk behind were well situated, and had electric start. The neighbor has one and clears quite an area. Only using his B series tractor with blower when the snow gets deep.

My wife also teaches, and I need to be on the mountain by 7 all winter long. Tractor Blower is the way to go, even if you need to come back and finish up in the evening

 

[sd455dan]

Agree^^ ^ 1000 feet on a bad day with the snow blowing back in your face is no fun.

I do use a track drive walk behind blower , but only for trails to buildings / walk ways.

They have a place but imo long driveways are not it

 

[Howling]

I went from 30" walk behind to BX w/ front mounted blower couple years ago. Faster and easier to do driveway and paths around house. Only thing I miss about the walk behind is the heated grips.

With steep drive I suggest also getting a back blade. Front blower requires removal of FEL. In light storms (~1") the blower will act more like a plow.

Remember to not let rear tire chains get too close to wife's car.

 

[srossman]

Is the driveway paved or stone? I used a walk behind for several years on my stone driveway and I usually broke at least 1 shear pin each time due to sucking up a rock. I've got a 50" 3pt blower now on the back and it makes it so much easier.

 

[diesel85]

I have a nice Snapper walk-behind for those touch up/light snow days when a tractor is just overkill.

I have a 50" Braber on the back of my BX2200, and it was another one of those "best" investments. I don't look back on buying it. I absolutely love it. Does a heck of a job.

 

[Kubota 2350]

I had a front blower on my BX2350 and it worked great, I also have a walk behind snow blower, I'll take the tractor mounted blower any time over the walk behind.

 

[JWR]

The answer depends a lot on where you live, and how much snow you get. You should add your location to your profile. The tractor blower will be faster overall, as it wider and ground speed should be faster, but probably a lot more expensive. Walk behind is more maneuverable and cheaper. If you have the money, I would go with the tractor.

Agree with BoylermanCT. It depends... and only you know the terrain, the surface, how much snow you get how often, etc.

For my 2 cents worth, DO NOT remove the loader and buy the expensive and more complex front blower. I have far less to clear than you (vacation place in WV mountains) but I find that the loader is indispensable. Never be without it. If the snow is not a major storm I get by with just the loader and often a rear blade. It is a BIG advantage to be able to work "both ways" with a tool on both ends of the tractor. I find that true here at home too where I use a BX2200 but do not have very much snow ~ 3-4 times a year. If there is a big storm in the mountain location (worst cases are packed down accumulations, sometimes over 2 feet) then I put on the 60" rear mounted blower. I'm using a B2150 Kubota up there which has the wonderful feature of a creeper gear ideal for blowing heavy snow. With your BX, the hydrostatic should be great for blowing as well. Blower in back and loader up front is a pretty robust combo unless you have huge snows and huge removal demands. If that were true, you need twice the size tractor too. I see the walk-behind as nothing but a backup and something for sidewalks and special cases.

If you are in a frequent deep snow location (or deal with packed down accumulations often) you are going to be into a set of chains before long. Clearance is tough in the rear. Front chains are not seen that much but I feel they avoid getting stuck while being MUCH cheaper and easier to put on.