Snowblower Consensus

[Krice58 180]

What’s the consensus on the snowblowers? I have a plow already, works great but my the driveway at my new house is narrower and longer than my previous one and I don’t have room to push the snow to the sides so I figured a blower throwing it into my yard would be better. I’ve read that the single stage short chute can struggle with some of the slushy stuff and the 2 stages work well but take up more space and are much heavier. The sweet spot seems to be the single stage long chute based on what I’ve read. Any input from snowblower users? I’ll either stick it on my C160 or my 314. 

[ri702bill 12,903]

A heavy wet overnight snowfall of six or more inches can be a challenge to clean up. I have two tractors set up for winter use - the C81 with the plow and the 854 8 speed with the 32 inch single stage snowthrower. The plow is best for moving a small amount of snow quickly; the snow thrower can move a large amount of snow rather slowly. I tend to rough out the cleanup starting with the snowthrower and finish with the plow...However, dry fluffly snow is usually dealt with the plow only - If it is windy the snow thrower shoots the snow up into the air and it usually goes everywhere but where you actually want it to go...

 

Edited 5 hours ago by ri702bill

[Ed Kennell 47,105]

I've used all the blowers.  Short chute, long chute, and dual stage and they all work well in the dry deep snow but not very well in the wet small snows.    The single stage blowers must be kept full to  work properly and to prevent the chute from clogging.   This means the ground speed needs to be adjusted requiring a hydro transmission.

IMO, a cab is also a must when using a blower.     I now have 48" and 54' plows on my snow movers that I use to keep five driveways clean.    I have no problems pushing and stacking the snow on the lawns.

[Wayne0 1,630]

I have a 2 stage on a 520H for the deep stuff (over 6 inches) and a 48" plow on a Work Horse 1800 for light snow, slush and clean up. Works good for me. 750' driveway.

As Ed said, a cab is a big plus with a blower. (I don't have one)

Edited 3 hours ago by Wayne0

[Brockport Bill 2,468]

the key issue to me is the personal situation of the homeowners driveway - as well as the equipment -- i find the tractor with a blade can handle 8-10 inches comfortably - but over 10 then it makes sense to be sure to plow before it gets deeper - - especially if wet -- but clearly in your situation you have to have somewhere to put the snow -- not just for the one storm but for multiple storms over multiple weeks  -------

when i plow early in the season i always push the snow 5-6 feet off the drieway edge so i have a place to push and pile it for future storms -- but if necessary i use a walk behind blower along the edge of the driveway to throw it a distance clearing the 5-6 ft on the lawn for next storm............

- to me a modest storm of 3-4-5-6 inches is job for the blade ------ but it really depends on the driveway as much as any other factor - if as you say you dont have room and have to throw it a distance then thats a reality that cant be changed

[ri702bill 12,903]

I completely agree. I do the same....

I was away on business for a week years back - it snowed early in the week  & my wife paid a neighbor to plow the driveway & in back. He did not push the snow up onto the grass.... It snowed again when I got home - and had almost nowhere to put that snow.

[JCM 11,405]

Tough to beat a 520 - H with a cab for the big storms and clean up around the back of the shop and access to the basement. 418 or 417 with a 48'' front dozer blade is nice for the smaller amounts. C-160 and 314 will do the job as well.

[lynnmor 9,025]

 

I put the snow on the other side of that firewood row with the 520H and 2 stage.  

 

 

Of course a small amount of snow that is wet can bring things to a halt. 

 

 

A glass windshield with a wiper is essential.

 

[pfrederi 21,095]

Plow the snow into the yard. It is what I do.  I have a a 56" D series blade on a Charger 16 pushed it off ...Haven't had a need for my blower in a few years. If you have a gravel driveway get a sweepster to put the stones back in the driveway in the spring...