Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Clearing snow from a pond

[beenthere]

I think the only way to really know if the ice is 'thick' enough is to try it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Bottom line, is I wouldn't try it unless I was willing to risk the consequences. New ice has more strength per inch of thickness than 'old' ice. When does new ice become old ice? Good question that no one knows the answer to.
Undercurrents as well as snow covering both have eroding effects on the thickness of the ice. Just no way of really knowing, other than to try it or follow someone else that has already tried it. Somewhat like Russian roulette, IMO.
I'd plan on the hockey gang to warm up with shovels, and don't pamper them anymore. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[ronjhall]

Wally World has Yardman snowblowers for less than $800. Use your CK30 loader to take it out to edge of the bay. Then blow all the snow off your Hockey Rink. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[rdln]

Well Brian, I actually read your post /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif and realize its your pond you want to clear off, I would wait for 10" of non porous ice. In the past 7 winters of having a pond, only one had conditions to make myself confident enuff to take my tractor on. I left the loader off and did not putter across.

And yes, I'll agree shoveling 6in of snow off of a regulation rink is not fun even with help.

I am guessing you are on Palms road? you dont have to reply but how good are you guys? I would like to play but am not a good skater and it wouldn't work out if you guys go balls out.

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> I would like to play </font>
Steve
<font color="red"> Father Tip #344. Don't try to play kids games with the kids. You will hurt for a long time. </font>
Need you at The Michigan Brunch on 1/29/2005.

 

[rdln]

Ron, I am not that old, there are pro hockey players still older.

I am contemplating the brunch. good chance I will be there.

 

[Noodlearm]

Actually, I am on Starville Rd. Very close guess. Our abilities vary from beginner to a few who play in leagues twice a week. We just split up the teams and try to have fun. Where are you located? As for our ages, 28-38 generally. As for going balls out, the few of us who are not as good go balls out to keep up with those that are much better. No checking or stuff like that though.

 

[rdln]

I am near Yale, have a brother acroos from tip's bait on m25, a friend and a cousin on marsh

 

[Adirondeere]

There's a chart on this website.

http://www.wildmed.com/ice_safety.html

 

[JeffSpencer]

Being that I am originally from Georgia, and now residing in North Carolina...I find it fascinating that you guys are discussing how and when you should drive your tractor and/or other stuff on frozen ice. That is so cool, (and scarey). /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Jeff

 

[jiggs]

Back in my early ice fishing days We always figured 6 inches was safe to drive a car on, this was in the days befor compact cars. so most of them would weigh in about thirty eight to forty five hundred lbs. We always drilled test holes to verfiy the thickness over the place or lake end that we was fishing, At six inches you could see the ice sink if you stood back and looked at the car moving across the pond. It never did break but it was a little spooky the first time each year. Last time out we spent the nite on the ice fishing and it was thirty two below. left the car parked all nite beside the tent. loved it then and now. Jiggs /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif