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Rather than repeating any of the good info shared so far, I'd like to make a quick suggestion. It's that time of year that the ground will start freezing up pretty quickly - and no matter which snow removal method you decide is best for you, it's imperative that you know where driveway lines are.
Pick up some fiberglass snow stakes with reflectors and push into the ground all along the driveway, about every 6-10 feet apart on both sides. This way you'll know exactly where you need to be while removing snow. The reflectors will help with visibility when backing up or down the driveway in snowy or foggy weather. Same for any walkways you may have...
If your not old yet then I recommend shoveling snow. I have lived in Minnesota and now NE for 10+ years. I am a middle aged gym rat and yes a little nuts but its easily done. Plus, I love the challenge of beating my younger snow blowing neighbors (sad scene seeing them struggle to push the blower). Its a great workout for those times when we have alot of indoor time. Plus there is nothing better than a hot soup afterwards or a whisky to warm up!
I used a 24" Ariens to handle a 450 foot driveway with a 10% slope for 8 years before moving (I already had machine before moving there, I would recommend a larger size). As long as you stay ahead of it, that is, go out when you have six inches and remove it, you will be okay. I only ran into two problems in 8 years where it rained hard on top of the snow and then the temp dropped. One time I removed it before it rained and then the driveway was pure ice. However, my neighbors who had their driveways plowed had the same or bigger problems in those situations.
At my NH house I use a 24 inch track-drive Craftsman 6hp OHV (I already had the machine before purchasing the home, I would recommend a larger machine). It has removed up to 30 inches of snow. I am able to use the tracks to drive up and take it out in stages. This is especially helpful at the end of the driveway for removing piles up to 5 feet tall. Since it is a second home I don't always have the benefit of handling the snow as it falls. However, patience and strategic removal have never let me down. As others have said, my neighbors who have their driveways plowed have to deal with the piles. In some cases that pile will be there for 5 months and continue to grow. At times when my neighbors have had to pay their contractor to come in with a Bobcat and dump truck and have the snow hauled away. It was extremely expensive.
I personally, would err on the side of a larger machine than necessary and if you have a grade would seriously consider tracks. They work great on slopes. Ariens makes a great track machine as does Honda.
As others have said, my neighbors who have their driveways plowed have to deal with the piles. In some cases that pile will be there for 5 months and continue to grow. At times when my neighbors have had to pay their contractor to come in with a Bobcat and dump truck and have the snow hauled away.
Good point about dealing with the piles and how long they last. While not as large of a problem on private property, snow piles tend to be full of trash, grass destroying salt, and other things. The year I left Alaska, we still had snow piles where the town would dump it in July.
Picked up an Ariens 30" SHO Monday from a small reputable shop in Plymouth. I'm debating whether or not to get chains for the tires.
I have that same blower. It's a beast. The 414ci is rated for roughly 12.5HP and 20 ft-lbs of torque.
I bought chains, but never installed them. Didn't need them, as I've never lost traction. My property is flat and it's asphalt. The equipped tires are fairly aggressive and grip well. I've pushed through some pretty heavy plow dams with it and it always gripped and threw the snow 30 feet away.
I did add additional LED lighting to mine, and made my own front end weight out of a 24" by 3.5" by 1/2" thick piece of scrap metal. The front end weight definitely did help keep the front down. Mine weighed about 13.5lbs
Only downside to this blower is the small gas tank. It lasts roughly an hour before you need a refill. Other than that, it's just damn powerful.
Last edited by BostonMike7; 10-15-2020 at 11:05 AM..
Yeah, I wanted something powerful, and this seems to be a good one. Good info about the weight, gas tank, and chains. Especially the gas tank---I'll have to time my refuels to be near the garage.
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