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We're house hunting in an area that typically gets inches of snow at a time (not feet), and there can be weeks at a time with no snowfall at all. We're considering buying a home on a corner lot, which means we'd have more than twice the sidewalk to clear than with an interior lot...it's about 280 feet by about 5 feet (flat, no obstacles). Sidewalks run along the north and east sides of the property. How big of a job is it to keep that clear of snow? I'm talking time and effort. We're not getting any younger, so we plan to get a snow blower. Recommendations for one of those would help, too. Thanks!
No sooner did I post above than I found an old listing photo from the general area we're considering. Attached shows what I tried to describe as "inches" of snow. Guessing from the wreaths on the front of the house, the picture was taken December-ish.
A snow blower is pretty slow going, and it's amazing how the wind always seems to be blowing it right back into your face no matter how you aim it. It's main advantage is in areas that get a lot of snow that accumulates-- it helps to be able to blow the stuff up & over piles getting higher with each successive snowfall.
A 280 ft run is significant and will take you a while each time...I'd suggest a garden tractor with chains for the rear tires and a plow blade attachment... The tractor also doubles to mow your lawn, and if you're getting one for that purpose anyway, the additional cost of a blade is way cheaper than a good blower.
Neither a blower nor a blade will get a heavy, wet snow "right down to the pavement" and require some extra attention with a hand shovel or salt (if you're the OCD type )
I agree that a garden tractor as pictured would be preferable to a snow blower. It can also be used in summer as a mower.
As for how big a job, it not only depends on the amount of snow but also the wind. A section of my drive always gets blown over. By the time I get to the road, you'd never know I'd cleared the end closest to the house.
Thanks! Reps all around. I'm gonna show this thread and pic to DH. The property I asked about is probably off of our list, but we have another one in mind that we'll definitely need one of those tractors for to do the grass (lovely large lot). Not nearly as much sidewalk on it, but we'd definitely want one of those blade rigs for the driveway. I like the idea of having a multipurpose piece of equipment, too!
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I'm gonna show this thread and pic to DH. The property I asked about is probably off of our list, but we have another one in mind that we'll definitely need one of those tractors for to do the grass (lovely large lot). Not nearly as much sidewalk on it, but we'd definitely want one of those blade rigs for the driveway. I like the idea of having a multipurpose piece of equipment, too!
