Yet another snow thread: which would you choose?
 

Well since the winter bug seems to be biting people around here, I thought I'd throw this question out; I've got a decision to make for this winter.

A short bit of backstory; During any given snowfall, I am responsible for clearing my driveway (duh), 2-4 neighbor driveways, as well as a large amount of sidewalks where I work. There is very little gravel in the driveways I clear, so that is not a problem. My big concern is, however, reliability. When it snows, I HAVE to be out there moving snow at work, at very least. So this is where my question comes in; I am in a position right where I have to decide between a 451 or a 54" blade for my 1864. I have my concerns with each one. I've never used a 451 so is there a lot that can go wrong with them if they've been taken care of? The more complex it is, the more that can go wrong, of course :biggrin2: My other concern with the blower is do I really want to use it after a light snow fall? May be a bit overkill, or would it? :biggrin2: How would it handle small amounts of snow? :bigthink: My concerns with the blade are it's limits; I know how much snow it can (and can't) push through. This was a rare problem last year during the heaviest and coldest of snows. It couldn't get through some deep drifts or some frozen snow. Also, and not a deal breaker, it's manual angle so I do get up and down quite a bit.

I do, however, have a backup, if you could call it that. Worst case, I have a 24" walk behind snow blower I could use in a pinch, but I would rather not even consider that. Then there are shovels, but that's just mean :biggrin2:

So, what do y'all think? I've got a good tractor to run whatever I choose, a cab to keep warm, and plenty of lights to see what I'm doing. Now, I just have to decide what to do :BlahBlah: Do I want a big blower or a big blade?

There is only one "reliable" answer to snow removal, I learned that during a big snow in 1995.

The answer is four wheel drive,,,,,

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...ps396b3ade.jpg

Everything else is just hoping it does not snow too much!! :bigeyes:

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0ad66c09.jpg

It works, if there is not too much!! :biggrin2:

lol CAD, that 2nd pic makes that Cub look so lonely and tired. Like it knew it wasn't going to finish the job so it just told you to go on without it then you snapped one last pic as you walked away. Never leave a man behind!! :biggrin2:

Honestly I'd go with the plow and if you need to switch to the thrower, I can switch from one to the other in about 30 minutes.

I agree Ryan. You really need both. Especially for what you are needing it for. Doesn't mean you have to keep them each mounted up...... but blowers are no good for wet snow, or light snowfall. Blower's are obviously more complex, and can break down. A blade is a nice backup. You really, really need both.

I am (was) facing the same dilemma. Mine isnt a Super though.

The blade works for the heavy stuff, when its not as deep. And does a better job scraping it clean.

But when its deep (New England) the blade wont push it. Out comes the blower (a 450). But I find it a pita to put the blower on/off - its heavy, and when its cold out just not something I want to be wrangling with.

So I have two tractors.

I know it doesnt help your question since you said you have to choose. I think if I had to choose, I would give up the blade and go with the blower. (they are pretty durable and not all that inclined to break, unless you run a log through it or a rolled up newspaper as I once did). The 450 is pretty good at slinging wet stuff. But I havent been able to make the choice myself and am holding onto them both.

I have both but plan to sell the blower and stick with the blade. Paver comes tomorrow to finish the driveway so that blade is gonna work nice :) Then I have a standard push blower that a swear by and has never let me down to help get rid of the stuff as well.

For me I'll stick to the blade. If the snow is too much for the blade. I can drop the blade and use the bucket. So far even in a New England wet 24" snow fall the blade has done the job. 1st pic is from when I lived in CT. 2nd pic is from last year in VA.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...1.jpg~original

( the 122 has been replaced by another 125 )

Can you scratch up the $ to grab another wideframe to throw your plow on? I kinda think you need both too. Especially if this winter is anything like last years. I'd think you could probably score something like a 129 or a 1250 for $3-400. Big plow on a hydro should cruise through the light snows and use the blower when it gets deep.