Plowing County Road??

[LD48750]

As the last house on my private road, I have been clearing it since I moved in 30+ years ago.
We now have two other homes served from the road & I get their driveways as I'm doing the road.
Both residents of the last house built (2 different owners) have offered to pay but were refused.
None of the 4 owners of the first house have offered.
Plowing gets done when the storm stops & it's daylight.
Maybe when it warms up. When I get to it.

 

[NoTrespassing]

We're the last house on a 3/4 dead end tar/chip road. There are about 8 houses before it turns to a private 1/4 mile drive with another 5 houses. I plow the 1/4 mile every time we get over 3 inches of snow. On occasion I have plowed the 3/4 mile stretch after it blows shut between plowings. I never gave liability a thought, just how to get out when I need to. I did turn my flashers on when plowing though but for my own safety.

 

[deezler]

I live in Whitman County, just South of Spokane. Our county has a population 47,000 of which half live in the City of Pullman. The county is responsible for 2000 miles of roads and 300 bridges to maintain and keep free of snow. It has a budget of $373,000 a year

Um, what? You guys pay less than $8 per person per year to maintain your roads? Thats ridiculous.

Pretty sure my property taxes include a few hundred dollars per year for our local roads. 8 bucks ain't gonna maintain jack ****

Edit: saw the correction, lol.

 

[Avenger]

Well, today was the big storm. I already had the day off work, which was a good thing. I spent 7 hours on the tractor blowing snow. I started with my driveway, with about 10 inches on the ground and snowing hard. The blower worked well, but slow. Range 2, gear 1. Not sure how fast, but slow enough I really wanted to go faster! About half way though doing my driveway, my phone rang. Neighbor called and asked if I was available to pull her out of the ditch on that steep hill. It has begun!!

I snow blowered my way to her, about half a mile down the county road. Took a while to get there. She almost made it up! Along the way, another neighbor came running out and asked if I could do his driveway. I responded with "Yep, on my way back. Might be a while." And it was.

I didn't go all the way to the hard ball road (and hindsight, probably should have.). Just to the bottom of the hill, just after it straightens, and levels out. Figured people could probably make it on the straight flat with no issues, its the curves and hills I'm worried about.

By the end of the day, I did 5 driveways and pulled 4 vehicles out of the ditch. Managed to get to that turn around just in time for people returning home from work, and they couldn't handle the deep snow.

My wife called me just as I was about to shutdown the tractor after finally finishing my driveway. She said that someone was blocking the gravel road just at the intersection to the hardball. They were stuck. She had to turn around and go the long way around on the loop. I did that blowing mostly for her! Knowing she would be coming home, with my two young sons in her SUV, I wanted that road cleared. In the end, she had to drive around my work. Maybe if I had gone all the way to the hardball, that truck wouldn't have gotten stuck. Oh well, she did get home safe and sound.

At last check, it's still snowing. We got about 15 inches so far. Love the snow!! I enjoyed every minute of the seat time. I provided a service to my community, got some hours on the meter, burned about 10 gallons of diesel, no breakdowns or plug ups, and feel like I have actually accomplished something. It was a great feeling watching neighbors come out on their porches and wave, take photos while I clear their driveways, and text me telling me that I'm a hero. I'm not a hero, just a guy who loves to drive his tractor.

 

[ovrszd]

Well, today was the big storm. I already had the day off work, which was a good thing. I spent 7 hours on the tractor blowing snow. I started with my driveway, with about 10 inches on the ground and snowing hard. The blower worked well, but slow. Range 2, gear 1. Not sure how fast, but slow enough I really wanted to go faster! About half way though doing my driveway, my phone rang. Neighbor called and asked if I was available to pull her out of the ditch on that steep hill. It has begun!!

I snow blowered my way to her, about half a mile down the county road. Took a while to get there. She almost made it up! Along the way, another neighbor came running out and asked if I could do his driveway. I responded with "Yep, on my way back. Might be a while." And it was.

I didn't go all the way to the hard ball road (and hindsight, probably should have.). Just to the bottom of the hill, just after it straightens, and levels out. Figured people could probably make it on the straight flat with no issues, its the curves and hills I'm worried about.

By the end of the day, I did 5 driveways and pulled 4 vehicles out of the ditch. Managed to get to that turn around just in time for people returning home from work, and they couldn't handle the deep snow.

My wife called me just as I was about to shutdown the tractor after finally finishing my driveway. She said that someone was blocking the gravel road just at the intersection to the hardball. They were stuck. She had to turn around and go the long way around on the loop. I did that blowing mostly for her! Knowing she would be coming home, with my two young sons in her SUV, I wanted that road cleared. In the end, she had to drive around my work. Maybe if I had gone all the way to the hardball, that truck wouldn't have gotten stuck. Oh well, she did get home safe and sound.

At last check, it's still snowing. We got about 15 inches so far. Love the snow!! I enjoyed every minute of the seat time. I provided a service to my community, got some hours on the meter, burned about 10 gallons of diesel, no breakdowns or plug ups, and feel like I have actually accomplished something. It was a great feeling watching neighbors come out on their porches and wave, take photos while I clear their driveways, and text me telling me that I'm a hero. I'm not a hero, just a guy who loves to drive his tractor.

Great story!!!

 

[NoTrespassing]

Well, today was the big storm. I already had the day off work, which was a good thing. I spent 7 hours on the tractor blowing snow. I started with my driveway, with about 10 inches on the ground and snowing hard. The blower worked well, but slow. Range 2, gear 1. Not sure how fast, but slow enough I really wanted to go faster! About half way though doing my driveway, my phone rang. Neighbor called and asked if I was available to pull her out of the ditch on that steep hill. It has begun!!

I snow blowered my way to her, about half a mile down the county road. Took a while to get there. She almost made it up! Along the way, another neighbor came running out and asked if I could do his driveway. I responded with "Yep, on my way back. Might be a while." And it was.

I didn't go all the way to the hard ball road (and hindsight, probably should have.). Just to the bottom of the hill, just after it straightens, and levels out. Figured people could probably make it on the straight flat with no issues, its the curves and hills I'm worried about.

By the end of the day, I did 5 driveways and pulled 4 vehicles out of the ditch. Managed to get to that turn around just in time for people returning home from work, and they couldn't handle the deep snow.

My wife called me just as I was about to shutdown the tractor after finally finishing my driveway. She said that someone was blocking the gravel road just at the intersection to the hardball. They were stuck. She had to turn around and go the long way around on the loop. I did that blowing mostly for her! Knowing she would be coming home, with my two young sons in her SUV, I wanted that road cleared. In the end, she had to drive around my work. Maybe if I had gone all the way to the hardball, that truck wouldn't have gotten stuck. Oh well, she did get home safe and sound.

At last check, it's still snowing. We got about 15 inches so far. Love the snow!! I enjoyed every minute of the seat time. I provided a service to my community, got some hours on the meter, burned about 10 gallons of diesel, no breakdowns or plug ups, and feel like I have actually accomplished something. It was a great feeling watching neighbors come out on their porches and wave, take photos while I clear their driveways, and text me telling me that I'm a hero. I'm not a hero, just a guy who loves to drive his tractor.

Was this all on your dime? Was it all neighbors that you pulled out?

 

[Gee Ray]

Just wondering where the human compassion has gone. The man helps his neighbors and maybe some strangers. He is doing the right thing maybe not for money nor notoriety. It was simply the right thing to do and the best part of it is he enjoyed doing it.

So I’ll say thank you for being a good neighbor and a good human being, and helping your neighbors.

 

[Avenger]

Was this all on your dime? Was it all neighbors that you pulled out?

Yes. It was all on my dime. People offered to pay me something, but I of course refused. "Just help the next guy." was all I responded with. I didn't do it for the money.

3 of the 4 people I pulled out of the ditch were neighbors, and they called me. The other guy, in a Jeep SUV I watched go into the ditch up ahead of me.

 

[NoTrespassing]

Just wondering where the human compassion has gone. The man helps his neighbors and maybe some strangers. He is doing the right thing maybe not for money nor notoriety. It was simply the right thing to do and the best part of it is he enjoyed doing it.

So I’ll say thank you for being a good neighbor and a good human being, and helping your neighbors.

I'm not saying he did the wrong thing. I've done the same and have never charged anyone. I will say I hope the neighbors repay him in some way in the future besides a wave out the front door. He did burn over 50$ in diesel and 7 hours tractor time. Even back in the 70's when I was pulled out of a ditch the farmers expected some compensation on more than one occasion.

 

[sandman2234]

I am sure glad you guys keep all that snow fun to yourselves! I have lived in the same house for 20+ yrs and have only pulled 3 vehicles out of the ditch near my house! Didn't charge any of them...
David from jax

 

[Dr_Zinj]

My suggestion is to get a copy of your county budget, find what they pay for plowing, and then show up at the highway department meeting, and county commissioner meeting with those figures and tell them they can either pay you for the plowing, or you will deduct that amount from your county taxes. If they refuse either, get a good lawyer, take them to court, and roast them. Oh, and roast them in your local, state, and national news media too. Name NAMES.

 

[tbear640]

My county road used to be on a school bus route, which meant that our road was plowed quite often. Since the kids that used to ride the bus not longer do so, our road is no longer plowed, like at all. We have had two separate snow events this winter. Each dumped about 6 inches of snow. For some, that's not a ton, for us, that's worthy of sending the grader down the road, which has yet to happen.

My county road is gravel, well, somewhat. Its mostly dirt with some old gravel they put down at least 10 years ago. Its about 3 miles long, with windy twists and turns and steep climbs. Everyone on my road has my phone number and call me when they inevitably end up in the ditch. Even when the road is plowed, they end up in the ditch. I am happy to pull them out using my tractor.

Here I am a few years ago pulling a truck out
View attachment 771827

Since we are no longer getting plowed out, at least in a timely fashion, I am considering running my tractor with my inverted snow blower down the road and back. What are your thoughts on this?

The county has been receptive of us doing our own road "maintenance" during the summer with washboard smoothing. We just cant use a steel blade for fear of sparking a fire, but they recommended dragging tires and chain link fence down the road. But snow removal might be pushing it?

I donno, just a thought. We are expecting another storm soon, that is forecast to dump about 9 inches in a few days.

They used to not plow our road much so get with the others on the road to take turns when needed that the road needs to be plowed because you need propane and the gas trucks won’t go down your road until it’s plowed and you’re dangerously low to running out.

 

[John_Mc]

Yes. It was all on my dime. People offered to pay me something, but I of course refused. "Just help the next guy." was all I responded with. I didn't do it for the money.

3 of the 4 people I pulled out of the ditch were neighbors, and they called me. The other guy, in a Jeep SUV I watched go into the ditch up ahead of me.

My neighbors and friends know I'll work for a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies... Whether it's plowing them or clearing trees for a barn they want to put up. If someone insists on paying, and just won't give up, I'll suggest they donate either firewood or cash to our local "WoodBank" firewood donation program, or show up for our next volunteer get together to help process logs into firewood.

 

[thirdroc17]

Man, I think some of you guys should lighten up. In rural area like ours, there are miles and miles of roads. and not many people. The county has limited equipment and very limited funds and are forced to prioritize road plowing. I find that the people who demand that the county to be out their to plow there road first when the first snowflake falls are usually the one who ***** most vehemently about having to pay taxes.
Others who demand cash payment from their neighbors every time they do a neighborly service are not people who I would want as my neighbor. I have often cleared several my neighbors drives for free. And I often get surprises such as a gift box full of beef or an expensive set of thermal cups, as a token of their gratitude. To me me that is much more rewarding form of compensation.

You've never met my criminal neighbors then. Yes, they have stole from me, they pollute in many ways, they make life here miserable and less than safe, the LAST thing I will do is do ANYTHING for them. If could afford to move, I would, but who's to say the next neighborhood would be any better.

 

[varmint]

A friend of ours recently bought a fix-er-upper house in blue collar part of Florida, to escape winter. His new neighbor was very happy to see the house get some love, and now takes care of their yard over the summers when the house is empty and watches it otherwise. This neighbor tells of the no good riff-raff that had lived there: basically, if he had ever seen one of them one his property, he would have shot them and pulled the body into his house. In telling them this, he brandished his chrome .44, to good effect, I am told. Some states have liberal gun laws, and I suppose that's not all bad.

On the other hand, it's just more pleasant to have neighbors who help one another, and all this talk about legal this and legal that is sad. If local government can't maintain a road, for whatever reason, then those who have to rely on it should have the right to maintain it, without ramifications, assuming they don't do something destructive. I am old enough to remember when common decency, and common sense, prevailed.

 

[sd455dan]

Yes. It was all on my dime. People offered to pay me something, but I of course refused. "Just help the next guy." was all I responded with. I didn't do it for the money.

3 of the 4 people I pulled out of the ditch were neighbors, and they called me. The other guy, in a Jeep SUV I watched go into the ditch up ahead of me.

Mmm similar storm story, grand daughter was descending a little hill headed home, Another rig got on her side and well this was the result.
Had to dig out the fifth wheel and drive the same road to retrieve the Jeep which was sketchy , but all ended well.
Old Grand 316 k mile Cherokee was fine after getting it up on the lift and checking everything cleaning snow out and rebalancing the tires. She did bump her head when the door hit her trying to get out. Just Glad she was OK.
Drive Careful out there folks and that was Really nice of you Avenger
I am sure the neighbors appreciated it.

 

[tjandrews]

I've ran a township grader for 35 years. I've got myself tangled up in this mess a couple times. I plow several rural driveways for people that don't have the resources to do so and their drives drift bad. Over the years I've had 3 complain about how I was doing it. I never opened their drives again. All other times I get cards in the mail, sometimes cash, even have people come outside when I'm there and give me a thermos of hot coffee or hot chocolate. I'm usually in their driveways in the wee hours of the morning. Might just be a blink, blink, blink of the porch lite. But I appreciate all of it.

That wouldn't fly around here. Back in the late 50's, early 60's, my cousin drove a snowplow for the township. One stormy Christmas he got permission to take his dinner break here, so he could enjoy Christmas dinner with the rest of his family. He was allowed to back the plow into our driveway so it was off the road, but he had to leave the blade up while he was here, even when it was parked. There wasn't to be even the slightest appearance that taxpayer resources were being used on a private driveway.
If anything, the powers that be are worse about that sort of thing now.

 

[bgr]

I live in a snowy part of the North East. Three comments:

1. Washington seems to do a lot less plowing than other areas of country, at least looking at the posts. In my area, the town crews get most areas done within a day unless storm is massive, but I think our taxes are higher too.

2. A story about getting plowing done. I lived at the end of a dead end street for several years. There was a large turning circle in front of my drive. The town plows would usually leave me with a 6 foot high wall of frozen packed snow at the end of my drive. I did not have any machinery to clear and was shoveling by hand. A problem I needed to solve right away.
I bought two quarts of Haig & Haig. Visited the town highway superintendent. Gave him one bottle and asked him to give the other to the driver who plowed snow in front of my drive because he never got any snow in the end, no matter how bad the storm was. I could not understand how he did it but he did. Made sure he knew my address.
I lived there three more years. The drive was always perfect with big walls of snow on either side. Much more effective than arguing about troubles in plowing.

3. Now I live more in the country and have plow equipment. I will do a neighbor's drive as a favor if they ask. I will never plow the public street because of the liability I would assume. If there is an accident, the town's attorney, the attorneys for the drivers and the town insurance companies, and any private parties' attorneys look for anyone involved and name them in the lawsuit. They are simply looking for every deep pocket they can find to throw in the mix. If you own a house, they would love to try to take it. I have been sued twice for things not my fault in events not under my control where I had only been present, not doing anything wrong. Good lawyering, not the truth, won the day, and I had to pay. Luckily only a few thousand. But it was a lesson. The court judgments did not find the truth in my case. This happens fairly often. The only thing that is complete protection is not taking the risk. Legal defense is very expensive and may not succeed. A defense attorney gets paid by the hour and has to sit through the whole trial, even if most of it has little to do with you. Don't think that you can tell the court you were experienced at the job and knew what you were doing. A good attorney can turn that completely around and a judge does not have time to be an expert in road maintenance.
I would not recommend plowing public roads unless you have a commercial liability policy for you and your machine.

 

[seville009]

That wouldn't fly around here. Back in the late 50's, early 60's, my cousin drove a snowplow for the township. One stormy Christmas he got permission to take his dinner break here, so he could enjoy Christmas dinner with the rest of his family. He was allowed to back the plow into our driveway so it was off the road, but he had to leave the blade up while he was here, even when it was parked. There wasn't to be even the slightest appearance that taxpayer resources were being used on a private driveway.
If anything, the powers that be are worse about that sort of thing now.

Grew up on the left side at the end of a dead end road in the 60’s and 70’s. Town plow would back up a few times to clear the whole dead end. Alot of the snow would get pushed into the end of the neighbor’s driveway on the right side. Then the plow would back into our driveway to turn around, so their tire tracks would help “clear” our driveway, plus we had no berm at the end if the driveway. Neighbors were never happy…..

This was in Fayetteville.

 

[TCGUY]

maybe a plow on your tractor?...blowers are great for deeper snow...but they are slow...