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Hi all - brand new to the forum. We're moving to Maine (White Mts.) and need snow removal advice. We have a 500' very steep driveway which we'd like to plow ourselves. We have two choices: a pickup truck with plow (an old beater we'd buy that wouldn't even be street worthy and would be used exclusively for plowing) or a small tractor with a snow blower atttachment. We currently have an opportunity to buy a Cub Cadet 1440 with 700 hrs (ca. 1995) in exc. condition that includes a 44" 2-stage snow blower, weights/chains. This tractor is ready-to-go condition, and is 14 hp, hydrostatic drive. Would this be as good or better than a pickup w/plow? Am I making a mistake not getting a 4x4 drive? I am concerned about the steepness of the driveway and the quantity of snow. Is this thing going to be hard for me to learn to operate? I am a total novice, female, and not exactly a youngster (to put it mildly)! Is there a cab available as an add-on for this size tractor?
Anxiously awaiting your two cents - the seller has many interested folks and is "holding" it for us til tonight.
Price is $2175 (also includes 42" mower deck w/3 rear bagging system) - is this fair?
G. Berry