Snow Deciding between UTV or Compact tractor

[gaheadrick]

Being a complete novice in the area of UTVs and compact tractors I've read a lot of literature and many forums to better understand the issues and I'm still undecided as to which I should choose for primarally snow removal. Secondarily, I would use the machine as a shuttle to the highway for mail, garbage, and haul gravel, stone etc. I live in E. WA State, have approximately 150 feet of 22 degree sloped asphalt drive and another 400 feet of gravel service drive up to the highway to keep clear. There is some room but not a lot of room to push snow out of the way due to the terrain on either side. We usually have just a few inches of snow with each storm but friends remind me that we can, and do, get 2-3 feet at times. As in most areas, snow quantity is variable but I need to be prepared for the worst conditions too. I'm trying to decide between a JD 2520/2720 with a blower on the rear and FEL or a Gator with hydraulically operated plow on the front. It would be great to own both machines but its not financially feasable. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[Don87]

Being a complete novice in the area of UTVs and compact tractors I've read a lot of literature and many forums to better understand the issues and I'm still undecided as to which I should choose for primarally snow removal. Secondarily, I would use the machine as a shuttle to the highway for mail, garbage, and haul gravel, stone etc. I live in E. WA State, have approximately 150 feet of 22 degree sloped asphalt drive and another 400 feet of gravel service drive up to the highway to keep clear. There is some room but not a lot of room to push snow out of the way due to the terrain on either side. We usually have just a few inches of snow with each storm but friends remind me that we can, and do, get 2-3 feet at times. As in most areas, snow quantity is variable but I need to be prepared for the worst conditions too[/B]. I'm trying to decide between a JD 2520/2720 with a blower on the rear and FEL or a Gator with hydraulically operated plow on the front. It would be great to own both machines but its not financially feasable. Any suggestions appreciated.

Tractor

 

[madmax12]

I second the tractor vote. What an amazing tool!

 

[Cpjlube]

Count three votes for tractor. Remember three feet of wet heavy snow will overwhelm most small snowplows. But a front end loader can dig through if needs be. Plus with the loader you can stack the snow vertically which might help with limited space to plow snow. I also think you may find a few more uses for the tractor that you haven't considered yet. I seem to find a few more everytime I use mine. And I grew up with one.

Chuck

 

[SSdoxie]

A tractor won't fetch the mail quite as fast as UTV, but will surpase the UTV in all the other applications mentioned. I bought both at same time and tractor has 120 hrs. on it while UTV has 18 hrs.

 

[madmax12]

A tractor won't fetch the mail quite as fast as UTV, but will surpase the UTV in all the other applications mentioned. I bought both at same time and tractor has 120 hrs. on it while UTV has 18 hrs.

Now that's a vote that counts!

 

[ljohnson778]

A tractor won't fetch the mail quite as fast as UTV, but will surpase the UTV in all the other applications mentioned. I bought both at same time and tractor has 120 hrs. on it while UTV has 18 hrs.

X2... Not exactly a utv, but since I've had tractors, my 4 wheeler sits mostly idle.

 

[kneedeep]

If you need to mow, work the dirt:shovel:, haul:dumptruck:, push, pull:steeringwheel:, etc - Tractor with FEL :thumbsup:

If you need to play :fishing:- UTV :thumbsup:

 

[crazyal]

I have both and can tell you that IMO the UTV is great for lots of stuff around the house but it's not ideal for what you want to use if for. The garbage can just as easily go into the front bucket as it can in the back of a UTV. The UTV will be a little more fun driving to get the mail but both can do it. That's about it for the UTV. While it may move gravel you still need to load it into the bed, the loader does all the work. When spreading gravel on your road the bed on the UTV will just dump it (with a power lift you could gate spread it but I think it would be difficult). The loader will allow you to put the right amount of gravel down and then if you have no other attachments you can use the bucket to back drag and smooth the gravel. With a UTV all you can do is plow. The CUT can plow (with a blade), scoop with the fel, and blow snow. Understand that unusually wet snow doesn't blow well and when plowing it takes lots of weight to push and quickly piles up.

If part of your plans were to use the UTV for play, hunting, or some other purpose then I would say it's a harder decision but for what you've said I have to agree, a tractor would be a better fit.

 

[nybirdman]

The both have their uses:I have one of each and couldn't choose between them.I use the UTV(Yamaha Rhino) almost every day;recreation and my business.I use the tractor to put in ten acres of food plots and garden,plow snow in the winter and move anything heavy.
Your uses;another tractor vote.You will be amazed how usefull it is.