Thank you all

[graybeard451]

I have been reading the discussions for quite a while here on TBN and everyone here helped me decide on the BX 23. I love it and it will do more work than I thought it would. I have about 20 hours on it so far. I have about 3 acres to mow around lots of trees but the FEL and the BH are great also. My one question so far is about snow removal. I went there to buy a snowblower attachment also but was talked out of it by the dealer. He suggested that the FEL would work fine. I have three driveways, two are paved between 160 and 200 feet long and one gravel drive. The JD lawn tractor I traded in had a snowblower. I'm not sure I made the correct choice NOT to buy the snowblower. Your ideas? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Junkman]

I hate it when someone talks you out of purchasing what you feel and know that you need or want. I have no idea why the dealer might talk you out of a snowblower, but I can tell you that last year, there wasn't a snow blower to be had for the BX tractors. Common sense will tell you that a snowblower will do more snow clearing in less time than you can do with a loader bucket. If you want a snowblower, then go to the dealer and tell him that you are giving him one chance to get your business. If he starts to talk you out of it again, then go to another Kubota dealer. There isn't much discount on the snowblowers, so you will be paying the same wherever you purchase it. They run about $2400 for the snowblower, quick hitch, and PTO kit. I wouldn't wait, because once the snow starts to fall, they will sell out quickly. If he doesn't have one in stock, then look for a dealer that has them in stock. Dealers have to order snowblowers in the spring for summer delivery. If he doesn't have it in inventory, then there is a good possibility that he won't have it later on. I don't know what the present situation is for inventory in the Kubota system, but I know that most dealers already have their allotment delivered.

 

[botalvr]

Snow? I LOVE my plow on my ATV - not a tractor, but man is it fun!!!! For the price of the snowblower, you could get a whole new toy!!
/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[bellweather]

from my experience, the fel makes a poor snow removal tool. if you try to use it like a plow in deep snow, it quickly loads up and you have to lift and dump over and over...gets old real fast... trust your instincts...get the snow blower

 

[Jim_Becker]

I do use my FEL for snow removal, but it's not a constant thing and I don't have all that much to clear when we get the odd large snowfall around here. In your case, and with those driveways...no way would I want to use the FEL for that kind of job if you get "real snow" with any frequency.

As a matter of fact, I'll go on to say that if Dr. SWMBO and I put in the alternative driveway we've been talking about from the other end of the property for safer access to the southbound direction on the highway we reside on, the cost of a snow blower attachment will be figured right into the cost up front!

 

[Junkman]

Before someone asks or is too ashamed to ask, SWMBO is a popular acronym used frequently on the web for

She Who Must Be Obeyed

 

[BrianM]

I have a gravel driveway that is about 200' and I already had a walk behind snow blower and a plow on my little craftsman before I bought the BX23....The snow blower is great when the snow is deep but you can't go too close to surface unless you really like to shoot gravel...the craftman plows the driveway fine when the snow is not so deep. I did try the BX w/FEL and it was only really helpfull for moving the big piles made by the craftsman. I did see a post on TBN somewhere where the poster recommded putting a length of pipe across front of the FEL to avoid displacing all your gravel. I like the ATV idea ....Can't have enough toys.

 

[ByronBob]

I did my 635' driveway last winter with the FEL. It's fine but it takes some time to do. This winter I'm looking into a blower but if it doesn't happen I'll do fine with what I have.

I'm in WNY and we average 110" / yr. Last January I cleaned my driveway almost 3 weeks straight. It gets old.

How bad is it in RI??

For a Rear SB I got a quote of $1300 just a few weeks ago. That will allow me to keep the FEL on and help with the drifting. I'm completely wide open at my place. Was an old wheat field before I built. Snow fence is going up this winter for sure.

Congrats on the workhorse. Wish I could upgrade to the 23 but not yet.

 

[Will_C]

I'll agree with Bob. I do quite a sizable area with my FEL, and it does take time. I would like to buy a blower, but it is down the list behind some other things that I want. If you can financially handle it, and you get a fair amount of snow, get it. If you don't feel you can or want to spend the money, you will be fine with your FEL. I can't imagine a dealer talking you out of one though /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Will

 

[firec]

I would highly recommend the blower unless you have alot of time. My neighbor uses a FEL and if we have a snow drop of more than 8 inches I can usually clear my 2 driveways and then help him. The other problem that he has is as the winter progresses he cannot move the snow over the banks so I end up cutting them back. He is retired so he has the time, unfortunately I'm not. I would also recommend a cab.