Rambling Thoughts after the Blizzard of 2016

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

After getting through one of the worst snowstorms for this area (amazing that this area shutdown the other day with 7/10" of snow!) with 35.2" by me, I started to put together a wish list for being prepared next time. I managed to get by with my plow-equipped 518xi and my Ariens 924DLE (24" with 9 hp TECHY) as the 523Dxi didn't get prepared because of someone's procrastination! 

 

I have cleared two neighbors and my driveway, so far. At least one more, but possibly two more at the end of the block, once I can access them. It comes out to about 1,600 feet of driveway in length.

 

 Items in red are needed. Ideally what I should have is:

1. 523Dxi with cab and 79366 Two-Stage Snowblower
2. 520xi with cab and 79365 Single-Stage Snowthrower 
3. 518xi with 79355 48" Snow/Dozer Blade
4. C-105 with 06-42BC02 42" Snow/Dozer Blade
5. Walk-Behind Tractor with Snow/Dozer Blade
6. 24" Walk-Behind Snowblower with cab
7. 24" Walk-Behind Snowblower (without a cab for tight areas)
8. Generator in case of power outage

 

Then I look across at my neighbor behind me. They have a brand new little MTD snowthrower - and kids! Their driveway is cleared as well. This is also an area where we didn't have snow two out of the seven winters we have been here!

 

I could hire a contractor - or move somewhere warm too!!!

 

 

Edited January 25, 2016 by shallowwatersailor

[Ed Kennell 42,269]

I get the feeling you're looking at option #3.   You moving South John?     BTW, sounds like the Bee Hind blower is pretty good PT for the ankle.

                                                      

[AMC RULES 37,220]

When the next emergency happens by...            

how will having these "ideals" help to aid your friendly neighborhood procrastinator? 

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

Live and learn. 

 

Glenn

[Ed Kennell 42,269]

Some of us "Old Dogs" don't take instruction very well Glenn.   

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

42 minutes ago, AMC RULES said:

When the next emergency happens by...            

how will having these "ideals" help to aid your friendly neighborhood procrastinator? 

When the first snow that needs to be removed doesn't happen until January 23 and the season is over in another 60 days, one gets lulled into planning on the mowing season! The trouble is, with my ideal "crew" I need a "magic shed" like you have.  

 

1 hour ago, ekennell said:

I get the feeling you're looking at option #3.   You moving South John?     BTW, sounds like the Bee Hind blower is pretty good PT for the ankle.

                                                      

Yes, it has been good PT using the walk-behind. Daily walks with the dog, and using Bee Hinds are great to keep it from tightening up. Actually I found the rocker pedal on the 5xi in the cold was a bit uncomfortable going in reverse. 

[WHX?? 51,939]

Quite the wish list John...

2 minutes ago, shallowwatersailor said:

I found the rocker pedal on the 5xi in the cold was a bit uncomfortable 

 

Maybe you should put that xi up for sale then...in my area!!!

 

Well maybe not ...the under the wheel lever is probably good PT for my shoulder!! ...Whoops.... guess I shouldn't ordered that Matt's pedal kit...

[AMC RULES 37,220]

I hear you John...           

I only reset my plow tractor up the night before the storm.   

 

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

3 minutes ago, WHX6 said:

Maybe you should put that xi up for sale then...in my area!!!

 

I was a bit disappointed with my ankle. The rocker wasn't bothering me when I was just moving the tractors around but trying to work with it was awkward. I ended up just using my toe instead of the heel. It defeats the ease of the rocker. Actually last summer after my accident I did start thinking of a hand control!

 

If I sell, it's times three 5xi!

[stevasaurus 23,319]

I was thinking John...if you just had a couple of kids, you would only need the generator. 

[Tankman 3,523]

Snow? I had 'bout 30" for the grandsons.

They love the Horse "play" and the white, wet, cold, junque. 

I once had a neighbor say he didn't want to get involved but, "Your sons drive your Wheel Horses all over when you're not home."

So?

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

45 minutes ago, stevasaurus said:

I was thinking John...if you just had a couple of kids, you would only need the generator. 

MORE kids! How about GRANDkids. They go home at some point.   

 

With Exelon buying our local Pepco, realiability will go down to be like ComEd. I guess I will need the generator!

[Wishin4a416 2,192]

You have quite a Wish List there John, but the best part of a year to start acquiring.  Best of Luck!!! The show should produce some things maybe.

[953 nut 60,465]

We seem to have been right on the line where the storm was turning from rain to snow. Wednesday we had a few inches of light fluffy snow, plowed it Thursday right down to the pavement.   Friday was a whole different story, it went from rain to snow back and forth all day, about 4 PM it seemed to have stopped so I plowed the slush away and hoped for the best. Friday evening the "Wintry Mix" resumed as the temperature plummeted. Saturday I had an inch of ice all the way down our steep curvy driveway, then the snow resumed. Plowing snow became a real thrill ride at that point, as I went down the steep portions with chains on in first gear and the right wheel skidded while the left freewheeled. Next pass I decided to try third gear, no skidding this time but it was going so fast that the snow plow was doing the steering, first gear only from then on! We couldn't go anyplace Saturday or Sunday but we are all thawed out now.   I don't mind snow, but the ice is the pits.

[squonk 43,980]

After getting sick last winter and not having anything ready without help,  I had every thing ready by Halloween this year and we just keep getting these "dustings"  I have had the Stihl Yard Boss with the Power Sweep head out to clean the walk a few times but that's it

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

1 minute ago, squonk said:

After getting sick last winter and not having anything ready without help,  I had every thing ready by Halloween this year and we just keep getting these "dustings"  I have had the Stihl Yard Boss with the Power Sweep head out to clean the walk a few times but that's it

 

I learned about an additional method to clear snow when I moved to this part of Maryland. For two winters, my MAIN means of removing snow - was my leaf blower!

[russellmc301 601]

you guys sound like it was harsh and i see my yard  . i wish i would have got some snow.

 

btw if looks like you had some fun with the snow.

Edited January 25, 2016 by russellmc301

[rmaynard 16,391]

Interesting thoughts John. Having a disability, albeit only temporary, I found myself creating a list of wants myself. I helplessly sat by and watched my neighbor plow my driveway with his humongous pickup truck and blade, while my wife shoveled the walks. Though I am not complaining, I expect that I will be doing a lot of lawn reconstruction after I am able to move about a little better. So I begin my list of wishes.

 

A snow plow for the front of my Tacoma;

An electric start walk-behind snow blower that doesn't clog every 5 minutes;

A snow blower and cab for the 416-H;

And though we didn't lose electric this time, I still want a 22KW whole house generator.

[953 nut 60,465]

2 minutes ago, russellmc301 said:

i wish i would have got some snow.

Got to be cautious about what you wish for; you might get it! Just ask the folks in Boston how much FUN last winter was.

[DennisThornton 4,771]

14 hours ago, shallowwatersailor said:

 

I learned about an additional method to clear snow when I moved to this part of Maryland. For two winters, my MAIN means of removing snow - was my leaf blower!

I'm surprised I don't read, see and hear more about using backpack leaf blowers for snow, well at least light snow falls!  I love my RedMax backpack for steps, patio stones, the vehicles and even the drive if it's only an inch or so!

 

Love it!

Edited January 26, 2016 by DennisThornton
d

[russellmc301 601]

well that true i would settle enough to get the plow wet. the poor tractor has only got to plow 2 times and that was like 2 inches.

 

 neither of the blowers on the horses are hooked up so the plow could only take so much.

[Theroundhousernr 590]

Dido on the back pack leaf blowers. Use them all the time for snow removal. Its a real treat, unless someone walks down the path and packs the snow at work! Then i get angry and have to find out who did it.... lol 

[DennisThornton 4,771]

12 minutes ago, Theroundhousernr said:

Dido on the back pack leaf blowers. Use them all the time for snow removal. Its a real treat, unless someone walks down the path and packs the snow at work! Then i get angry and have to find out who did it.... lol 

 

Yes indeed!  I just used mine a few days ago but made the mistake of letting my Labrador out ahead of me.  White footprints everywhere!  Just like someone driving down the drive in fresh snow before I get a chance to blade or blow it, really messes things up.

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,362]

My thoughts so far after having dug paths for 15 year old dog with 6 inch legs with 13 inches of snow by hand.

1. Put chains on tractor - stupid

2. Make shovel for dog so he can dig his own paths.

3. Put chains on tractor -stupid

4. Try to get 11 hp generator started

5. Find used generator with electric start.

6 Put cover on El Camino before snow storm

7 Buy new insulated coveralls

8 Put chains on tractor -Stupid

  Get off A_ _ and get to work

[Ed Kennell 42,269]