Snow Snow plowing recommendations for gravel road

[rcraigpt]

I’m in the process of building a new home off the beaten path in NE Missouri. I’ll live back on a hilly and currently uneven gravel road about 1 mile off the paved road. I’m looking for the best snow plowing set up for my situation.

I am fortunate to own a SVL90-2 tracked skid loader w/cab, an M7060 w/ cab and a Can Am 850 ATV.

We only get maybe 2-3 “plowable” snows a year, the last of which was about 6”. I recently plowed with a buddys atv with a plow and it did well but took awhile and I’d sure like to take advantage of one of my cabbed vehicles if possible.

Any recommendations on which vehicle and what type of implement (plow, snow pusher, etc)?

Thanks in advance

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

I’m in the process of building a new home off the beaten path in NE Missouri. I’ll live back on a hilly and currently uneven gravel road about 1 mile off the paved road. I’m looking for the best snow plowing set up for my situation.

I am fortunate to own a SVL90-2 tracked skid loader w/cab, an M7060 w/ cab and a Can Am 850 ATV.

We only get maybe 2-3 “plowable” snows a year, the last of which was about 6”. I recently plowed with a buddys atv with a plow and it did well but took awhile and I’d sure like to take advantage of one of my cabbed vehicles if possible.

Any recommendations on which vehicle and what type of implement (plow, snow pusher, etc)?

Thanks in advance

I mostly just use my tractor bucket with edge tamers. First year here in snow country and according to locals, this has been the worst winter in a decade or more. I have a half mile of driveway and have had to clear the snow several times. Other than getting a cab to get out of the wind, I'm fine with what I have, but unless you are clearing a parking lot or have short push runs, I think I would prefer a plow over a pusher.

 

[seville009]

I'd say just put a snowblower on the skidsteer. Could put one on the tractor, but you'd have to drive backwards (unless you get an inverted blower)

 

[Tropical Jack]

I use my 3 pt blade. I plow about a mile of gravel roads several times a year. One of the problems with plowing on gravel in our area is that the ground here does not freeze hard all winter. If you use the grading blade by itself, you are often throwing gravel to the side of the road with snow. I have been bolting a 2 x 10 PT board to my blade. My board is 2’ longer than my blade so that I have some leeway beyond my tire width. This allows me to plow to the edge of the road without running my tractor real close to the edge of the road. The board also is a blunt edge rather than a cutting edge, so does not throw gravel with the snow. The result for me is that I am able to plow almost down to the gravel without moving the gravel. I just drilled 2 holes in my blade, and attach the board with 2 bolts. When I want to use the blade for grading in the spring, I just take off the board. I believe I heard about this from someone on this forum, but I can’t remember who.

There are others who have fashioned PVC to on their cutting edge or steel pipe to bolt on. The wood board works well for me. I have a much smaller tractor than you, but don’t see why it wouldn’t work for yours.

Jack

 

[mikester]

Tell the wife you HAVE to buy a six way dozer attachment for the SVL to clear snow

 

[5030]

I’m in the process of building a new home off the beaten path in NE Missouri. I’ll live back on a hilly and currently uneven gravel road about 1 mile off the paved road. I’m looking for the best snow plowing set up for my situation.

I am fortunate to own a SVL90-2 tracked skid loader w/cab, an M7060 w/ cab and a Can Am 850 ATV.

We only get maybe 2-3 “plowable” snows a year, the last of which was about 6”. I recently plowed with a buddys atv with a plow and it did well but took awhile and I’d sure like to take advantage of one of my cabbed vehicles if possible.

Any recommendations on which vehicle and what type of implement (plow, snow pusher, etc)?

Thanks in advance

What I use. I too am about a mile from the pavement. 10 foot wide power angle repurposed county plow on a Quick attach plate on my M9000 with chains on the front tires only. Put the blower on the back, just in case. If it gets too much to push, I flip around and blow it off. We have a skid steer as well but I find it don't have the 'balls' to move snow on the road. Fine for the drives but that's it. I would never own a snow pusher. You can only 'push' is so far and then you are screwed.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I've been plowing my 1.25 mile rough gravel private road for 30 years with a tractor FEL plow. I use plow shoes to keep the blade about an inch off the surface. It leaves some snow in spots but not enough to cause problems. Sure, I plow a bit of gravel off to the side but it's easy to rake it back with a rear blade in the spring.

 

[diesel85]

I use the combination of the FEL and my rear mount blower.

I was going to get a front mount blower, but I have 4 foyer entrances on my buildings that require back dragging or digging out with the loader. I also need the loader for firewood and other tasks on a regular basis.

Heck, I just bought a washing machine, and it goes in my basement, and I used my pallet forks to bring it down there. It's nice having my setup.

I know, I know, twisting and turning while blowing can be awkward, but there is a trick to doing it not turning your head... I turn and sit on the seat at 90 degrees. It's actually comfortable if you do it right.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I know, I know, twisting and turning while blowing can be awkward, but there is a trick to doing it not turning your head... I turn and sit on the seat at 90 degrees. It's actually comfortable if you do it right.

When using my rear blower, I have these Jeep Wrangler mirrors bolted to the FEL support tower:

With a little practice, I don't have to turn around at all.

 

[Fxfymn413]

I use a tractor mounted 9' Meyers commercial blade and I have found that if I just drag the blades backwards it is heavy enough to stay down and clear the snow without moving the gravel. Not really practical for a long road like yours.

Skids are probably the easiest solution as long as your mount will allow the blade to float to match the roads contours. That's the downside to a rear mount blade since the three point hitch will not float.