tractor choice-snow and steep driveway

[bher]

I am looking for recommendations and feedback on the selection of a compact tractor. First, I would like to say thank you for all of the great information that I have learned at this site. I am in the process of buying a 14-acre property to southeastern PA. The land is wooded and quite steep and hilly in many places. The driveway is asphalt and about 550 feet. The drive is very steep, with some areas about 40% grade. I plan to use the tractor for snow removal, general loader work, firewood gathering/skidding, light backhoe work, and landscaping/blade work. I do not plan on any finish mowing work, and rotary cutter work is possible but not too likely in the near future. I would prefer not to buy a snow thrower due to cost. I have not decided on a color yet, but I am leaning toward New Holland because in my area the Deere dealer is arrogant and the Kubota dealer is incompetent. I have thought about something with rubber tracks like the ASV RC-30, but the limited versatility and cost are negative factors. Can I safely and effectively remove snow on my driveway with a tractor? I am looking at least about a 30-hp machine with filled ag. tires and probably chains. I would appreciate any feedback, especially from anyone with snow removal experience on very steep slopes.

 

[Hillbilly]

If it was me and a snowblower was not an option,a front blade on a 4wd and a set of tire chains would be the way to go.A front blade will push the snow,where as a back blade does not work as well in snow in my humble opinion,you are kinda of dragging the snow around,I have used both types of blades and I much prefer the front blade.I have a JD 4400 and you have hardly any clearance between the back tires(R-4 tires) and fenders for chains. If you could find a tractor that you could get tire chains on it you could really move the snow,but with chains you have to keep them tight and pay attention to them. I know what your hills are like,I live in WV. Hope this helps.