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I found out that snow blower is not a good tool to remove snow, especially for wet snow. First, you have to push it hard to move forward during a heavy snow; Second, it gets clogged easily and now much useful for ice or wet snow.
I really envy the big snow pushing trucks running on the streets, also the more nibble Bobcat snow pushing tractors. However they are too big for household use. I don't care how far a blower can throw the snow, all I want is to push the snow to side of my driveway. Does anyone know any small snow pushing tractors on the market? Either electric or gas powered. So when you turn it on, it will push forward BY ITSELF, and you will just walk behind it.
I have a couple neighbors with ATVs fitted with snow blades. They seem to work quite well, and they'll take turns clearing the sidewalks on our block. They can clear my sidewalk (90 feet) in 15 seconds, while it takes me 15 minutes with only a light snowfall. They aren't cheap at $5K-$10K or more. These guys have them for mountain trails in the summer, so they stick a blade on it for winter months. "See Dear, I needed this so I don't get a heart attack shoveling snow."
Want something that can be used as a snowplow..... a mower....a tiller.......and various other implements around the house? Look around for a used Gravely Tractor. They have all kinds of attachments available including a snow blower that will blow dry snow about 30 feet. They are NOT something like a Sears anything, they are a piece of commercial grade equipment. They will last longer than you properly maintained. Here's one on Ebay but you don't need one this big or expensive for a plow. A Model L is all you would need but it looks like this one. No, they do not make these new anymore although they do make something similar only costing as much as a new Harley. You can probably pick one up in Jersey for 500 bucks or so in decent shape with a plow. This is NOT a unit that your wife can handle. If you have any physical impairments, you can't use one of these. It takes a little muscle to run one. But if you buy one, you can join the Gravely Club, it has a website of collectors/restorers. Gravely Snow Pusher with Blade Professional 14 2 Wheel Tractor | eBay
Can you tell us what you have now? As reed said, a 2-stage self propelled should do the trick.
If you go the tractor route, remember you need to store it the remainder of the year. They're a lot bigger than a snow blower.
On any snow blower (or blade on ATV or tractor), I recommend spraying the area in contact with the snow with Fluid Film. That helps to keep anything from sticking as well as being a rust preventative.
Edit to add: Can you tell us what State you're in so we can get an idea of snow volume? How big is your driveway (and sidewalks if you have them)? How big is your lawn? Trying to figure out if and how big of a tractor may be warranted.
I see TrapperL already suggested a Gravely, but I have to give it another nod. That's what we bought when we moved this past year and it's a beast! Our driveway is about 500 feet and the grade in spots is as steep as 13%, but it's no problem for the Gravely. Sure, putting the plow on takes some swearing and a few kicks, but that's part of the fun. Of course I'm able to say that because that's my husband's job.
Not sure what type of snowblower/thrower you are using but my 2 stage handles wet, heavy, and deep snow just fine. Even the chunky stuff at the end of the driveway is easily moved.
My neighbor has a steeper drive and invested in a quad with heated handlbars, a little vinyl cab, and a blade. It works pretty well so long as the snow is not too deep. My other neighbor has an old JD garden tractor with a 48" thrower attachment, that thing is powerful and does his driveway in two passes. He is also in his 80's so he should be allowed to take it easy.
The problem with a blade on a small machine is not just the power needed but also the weight to keep you planted and moving forward. Newer snowthrowers, especially 2 stage can have serrated blades that allow them to chop up the slush and ice better before tossing it.
Snowblowers are great, YOUR snowblower is not good
I have both a plow and a snowblower, but find myself using the snowblower more, if only because the plow tends to build a wall of snow at the edge and end of the driveway, so after a couple of storms you run out of places to put the snow.
Quote:
Originally Posted by artking09
I found out that snow blower is not a good tool to remove snow, especially for wet snow. First, you have to push it hard to move forward during a heavy snow; Second, it gets clogged easily and now much useful for ice or wet snow.
As mentioned, you have the wrong snowblower for the job. I have tried electric and battery powered units, and they just don't suck. My ancient 10HP 2-stage will suck up ice and slush and pump it out the impeller, is very difficult to clog.
If you go shopping, expect to spend $$$$ on a big heavy self-propelled 2-stage gasoline motor snowblower, ask to see a demonstration of how the unit is steered (some units have independent left/right powered wheels and can turn in place like a tank).
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Snowblowers are great, YOUR snowblower is not good
