Need snow removal tractor advice

[hawk258]

Looking for inexpensive options for snow removal machine for 300 foot concrete driveway that is on a slope with a drive across bridge at the bottom going over a creek. Need ideas for something reliable, works well, easy to operate and drive, won't flip over and isn't huge. My 15-year old son will likely be using. Thanks - Single mom tired of shoveling snow - any advice would be greatly appreciated! bearpittsburgh@aol.com

 

[Muhammad]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[bcb]

u have many options u have the snownblower u can get a snownblower in front of your lawn tractor u can get a tractor whit a blade u can get a truck whit a plow on it theres many things out there for the hard winter all depends on your budget

 

[rekees4300]

Are you thinking about a walk behind or a riding mower?

 

[RoyJackson]

If your vehicle is 4WD, adding a plow might be your cheapest, safest and most reliable method.


If you don't have a 4WD vehicle, a lawn tractor with a front blade or snow blower might be a good choice. You can buy new, which would probably the most reliable way to go, or buy used (look on Craigslist) for less money...but those can be a gamble.
Although you don't see the lake effect snows like Erie, Pittsburgh does get hit pretty hard on occasions. Any lawn tractor based removal is going to be of limited value in an accumulation exceeding 4 or 5 inches.
How much of a slope? You'd probably want chains on the rear tires, at minimum.
How have you been removing snow on this drive in the past (or is this a new home for you and your son)?

Personally, I'd go for the plow on your 4WD vehicle, if you have one and learn how to install and remove the plow.

Good luck in your decision, Hawk258!!

 

[PILOON]

Also where you live is a big factor as snow conditions vary a lot.

 

[whistlepig]

A used Honda Rancher with a snow blade.

 

[RoyJackson]

Also where you live is a big factor as snow conditions vary a lot.

Look at her e-mail...pretty sure she's in Pittsburgh, PA

 

[Egon]

Perhaps a little more detail on budget would be helpful.

A walk behind snow blower may be one of the first items on the inexpensive list.

 

[whiskywizard]

Perhaps a little more detail on budget would be helpful.

A walk behind snow blower may be one of the first items on the inexpensive list.

Agreed. A moderately-long drive, and sloped, in an area with ample snowfall may not permit another "inexpensive" option. A used Honda, with tracks, would be my suggestion.

 

[scesnick]

I agree with the walk behind blower.

 

[RoyJackson]

I agree with the walk behind blower.

A 300' drive is a pretty good chore with a walk behind blower....beats shoveling though!!

 

[scesnick]

A 300' drive is a pretty good chore with a walk behind blower....beats shoveling though!!

True, but she said she had a bridge at the bottom of the driveway. she would most likely need to be able to throw the snow over the bridge if it has any type of railing at all. Not to mention she said she had some of the best free labor around (a 15 yr old son)

 

[Lloyd_E]

Largest walk behing blower you can afford. Both electric and manual start. Or an attachment to your ride on mower if you have one. If you do have one, you should budget chains and extra wheel weights. Another option would be to budget cost of having someone else do it. If you are going to buy a good blower you should probably budget around $1800. If you paid someone $75 per plow(or less)... $1800 can go a long way... 24 units.

Keep us posted.

 

[Briana03]

WELCOME to TBN

I moved your thread to the Snow Removal Forum.

 

[groundcover]

I'll go along with with the hire it out plan,unless you have other uses for the tractor . Worth checking around and asking the neighbors, half the guys on this forum would do it for the fuel ! ( the other half would do it just for fun I think ):laughing:

 

[Lloyd_E]

I'll go along with with the hire it out plan,unless you have other uses for the tractor . Worth checking around and asking the neighbors, half the guys on this forum would do it for the fuel ! ( the other half would do it just for fun I think ):laughing:

Yup, I would do it for fuel cost and the fun!!!

 

[Egon]

Yup, I would do it for fuel cost and the fun!!!


You've got a cab don't you!

 

[Lloyd_E]

Yup... that's what makes it fun! ;| ... and a little music too!

 

[JB4310]

As far as inexpensive goes, it would have to be a large good quality snow blower. or hire a company to do it. Hiring it out would be the least amount of cash layout. Would take a couple of winters to break even with the cost of a good blower.

A tractor has to many residual expenses, and would not be practical IMO.

JB