Snow Equipment Buying/Pricing How are these things in the snow anyway?

[Woodworkerman]

Thanks for all the replies. I already have a pick-up with a plow, but I find that as the winter progresses, and the snow piles melt and freeze, it becomes harder to push snow away from the road. The roadway begins to narrow to say the least. I'm hoping that a blower will send the snow far enough away from the road to avoid this problem.

I planned on getting a rear mount blower so that I could use the loader to help slow or stop if I began to slide while going down the hill. Will this work or is it unnecessary? One section of my driveway is about a 35-40 degree incline.

 

[Ductape]

I've been both rear blower w/loader and front blower route. For me..... front blower is absolutely the way to go. Looking ahead, not over your shoulder. My front blower throws snow 40+ feet in the right conditions...... snowbanks building up and making your driveway narrower are no longer an issue. Ever. For me.... with a blower on, i never find a need for the loader. Some peoples' landscape will differ.

 

[Woodworkerman]

I can see how it would be much easier to use the blower on the front. I guess it would also help to hold you back from sliding when coming down a steep grade.?

 

[Ductape]

I've never had any issues on steep grades, but i don't clear anything i'd consider terribly steep. I feel that a set of tire chains would take care of any sliding issues if your driveway is that steep.

I will admit i'm able to clear snow when its best for me. We had several storms last winter that turned to rain after a foot of snow. I was able to wait out the rain and let become a little crust on top of the snow..... no problem blowing. Someone who works "regular" hours may not have that luxury, and end up with glare ice on their previously cleaned driveway. Slipping and sliding just wasn't much of an issue for me.