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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 12:58
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Hey folks, I need some thoughts / suggestions.
Basic Backstory:
I built my place to live out my last days where I wanted. It's been great but getting tougher as my health continues to decline. IF I am lucky enough, I may manage to get to my Birthday in Sept. 2023 and that is being optimistic. I have a rather long driveway, parking spot and such and up until this year, I've managed it with shovels & my Ariens Deluxe Snowblower but now even manhandling the snowblower is getting too much.
I need to find a solution that could give me more time here... Summer is no issue but Winters are gnarly up here...
Option 1) Hang a snowplow on my old 1997 Ford Ranger 4x4 (which is tired and not a great candidate). I also have no intention of buying another road vehicle.
Option 2) Replace my existing lawntractor with one that can take a snowblower attachment. A better candidate as that can go with the property when sold too.
Option 3) Look for a mini tractor like a Cub Cadet or similar. I think anything like Kabota is way out there in cost & of course serviceability is always a factor too.
Are there any options I am missing that may be worth consideration ?
I am in Canada and quite "out there" from Urban Containment Zones and subject to real & serious winter storms 12" snowfall is not unusual and drifts are a whole other game too.
Thanks in Advance
Steve
The BUDGET... ohh the fugly part.... I may be able to squeeze together about 4K give/take a bit. I'm open to used but only checked over and known good (so I am talking to a few of the local boys who are "in the know" and do this type of work.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 14:09
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Steve, at one time I considered the snow removal work good PT, helped keep me limbered up and in shape. That worked until it didnt.....temporary issues for me, like my surprise kidney stone the size of Texas one winter and quad bypass in Dec 2019. But each year just gets harder to deal with.
Can you pay someone to come clear it all, or the worst of it, for you? Tough for a formerly self sufficient guy to do sometimes but it sure makes a diff. And the money 'over time' beats all 'up front' for costs.
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jhp
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 14:16 - Edited by: jhp
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If you're looking at options with less commitment than new equipment, is it possible to just hire out the clearing for a season?
Cost obviously varies but I would think it's on the cheaper end of all options.
Edit: I see I took too long to hit reply after typing it out.
Something to consider though. I pay someone to keep my place clear, all I have to do when I get there is shovel a little in front of the door, and the door to the outhouse. Worth it 100%.
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 14:31
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My location does make this quite difficult, contracting out for someone to come and do the work may be possible but I am on a 3rd tier road so snow clearing is after primary & secondary roads are done.
Up till about 1-1/2 yrs ago I was managing everything pretty well even with the deteriorating health but after some injuries which would not heal properly my health took a real downturn, sadly as expected but much quicker than I expected.
When I was healthy, I weighed in @ 190Lbs and you could bounce a dime of my tummy then and now down to 107 Lbs and a lot of flappy sagy stuff and I am already past what the doctors said would be my Danger Point. The 5-7 Years I was given in 2014 has now expired.
Maggie & I talked it over and I will make every attempt to squeeze another year out if I can. We are considering options and TBH If I can get through next winter independently that would be great.
I dunno if anyone makes an ATV Mountable SnowBlower... I'm open to ideas... If I leave my home, I might as well just stuff myself in the bodybag and be done with it.
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jhp
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 14:47
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I did just run across this video the other day, they do make ATV blowers.
If you had an ATV to use, I think this would be a better option than a lawn tractor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfEBBwiHxfo&t=132s
They're made in Finland but they do have US distributors:
https://rammy.fi/en/rammy-dealers/
Some Googling says they're in the $5k range
Here's another option, Canadian company
https://us.bercomac.com/taxons/category/snowblower/atv
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 15:04 - Edited by: ICC
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Keep ample supplies on hand so no snow storm will leave you in need of supplies. Then hire someone to do the heavy work after the public roads are done.
I don't mean to be such a pesimist, but I have watched the steep decline that can occur with prostate cancer with two family members. Sounds to me that even with good power assisted equipment, at this point you may not be able to perform the work satisfactorily.
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NorthRick
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 16:09
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Sadly, and it sucks, there does seem to come a time when you have to move to town. I know several people that have had to do this after spending decades "out there" and doing things for themselves. Attitude about the change seemed to be the driving factor in dying shortly (months) after the move or living much longer.
I wouldn't wish this decision on anyone.
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FishHog
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 17:04
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Steve, I seriously think I'd be calling around to local snow removal guys. Being remote it will definitely cost more, and you may be a day or two after a large storm, but if you supply that might not be a big issue.
They will have a 4x4 and probably be able to travel through all but the worst roads anyway, and if they have to wait for the roads to be plowed the odd time you can probably wait that out.
I feel for you in your situation and it sure sucks but adding more equipment that is bound to need maintenance might not be the right solution either.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 17:05
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A friend here used to have a nice Kubota tractor c/w loader for his long gravel driveway, of course it worked well. Then he sold it thinking he was moving....and didnt move. So he got a used Bobcat with tracks and says it works better than the tractor did. Doubt it was within only $4k though.
My young neighbor that I granted easement for his new house quite some years back shares my driveway. He started with an atv and snowblade, did ok, but the past couple years has a utv with blade and loves it. He graciously has expanded what he does as we have have become older and less able than we used to be.
Thing is, at 107# from 190# manhandling equipment in adverse conditions may be a stretch. The mind is willing but the body......?
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 19:33
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Sorry to hear about your prognosis Steve. If it's that bad I would be looking to hire it out as next winter wont be any easier.
Are you retired?
I use to plow snow with my own truck as a winter side business. The first few years I took every and all customers. I slowly shrunk my customers to only the good ones. Turns out they where all retired or a prety high up employee of a college. None of them needed to get out every day by 7am. Point being the perfect customer is the retired person.
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 19:54
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Ahh yes, the Mind still thinking it can do things but the body just says NFW ! Ohh I've kinda gotten used to that, most especially after I ripped the ligaments out of my shoulder last spring...
I'm always stocked up and have a food storage that would last 6 months easy ! I do a run down to the village once a week for my basics and my weekly treat.
I've got a few good lads here who know "who is who" and I'll tap them for a possible winter duty thing next year. But I still have to look at options.
Retired, yes. I was forced into early retirement via disability.
Maggie and I are also discussing maybe getting in a helper once a week or something as things continue. I really just want one good final year with nothing to do but enjoy my place without any projects (other than what I feel up to and small). I have tasks to complete this spring and then I have to coast.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 20:27
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My friend, I think you have Well Earned the enjoy time, get as much of it as you can now.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
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travellerw
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2022 22:03
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Why not a blade on a quad? By the comments it looks like you do have a quad!
We have lots of people around here that use a quad blade and push some pretty big stuff (Alberta winters). It takes some planning as you can't push giant piles at one time, but works well if planned.
I know it sure beats sitting on a tractor with a snowblower blowing snow back into your face!
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2022 05:12
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I have a Lawn Tractor no ATV or Quad, it's not something I got into.
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Tim_Ohio
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2022 08:40
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Steve,
I saw your post about "ripped ligaments". I too had
damaged the ligament and attachment points in my foot. I went to a doctor and they started with putting me in passive restraint ( a boot). It didn't work. I started searching the internet for other types of therapy. The covid thing started and I didn't want to
return for further doctor treatment. I read a small scientific study on rehabilitation of ligaments and tendons in athletes, without invasive surgery. I followed the protocol and it worked. It took 6-8 months of following the protocols. I am a runner and couldn't run on the foot for almost 18 months.
After the following the therapy, I'm running again
without any problems.
This is the study: tps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161220140904.htm
As you will see when you read it, it involves the use of plain powdered gelatin, vitamin C and the short exercises targeted at the part of the body with the injury. The way I did it was to add three packages of the gelatin to my oatmeal every morning. I'd also take the vitamin C. Then, after waiting an hour, I'd do the short exercises. Mine involved standing up on my foot like doing a calf raise and holding it for thirty seconds. Then, I'd rest the foot for 30 seconds and repeat. It took a whole ten minutes of exercise each day after eating the gelatin. Keep in mind, I had to keep this up for about 4 months before I started to notice less pain in the affected area.
Read the study for yourself. It could be that you could do a push-up like stance and hold it for 30 seconds to get the reaction in the ligament.
I hope this helps you because it did save me from surgery and expenses. My wife is a physical therapy and she is sure that my approach was the reason I healed.
Best regards and good luck.
Tim_Ohio
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2022 08:55
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Pay someone.
Anything you can get cheap to comfortably plow with will get stuck or breakdown. Wrighting a check may mentally hurt but it wont physically
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2022 09:48
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Steve, wish I could help, you've helped me so much with my solar. Alas I have no experience in snow but if you have a go fund me page going for your needs I'll certainly kick in.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2022 11:08
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Id love to buy your 'book' Steve, it would be a fantastic reference 
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2022 12:16
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My Book ?
Me, use a Go Fund Me for something like this ? hahaha that's hillarious.
Sorry but I have done far too Many a Good Deed over the past few years... There is an excessive amount of punishment I have to suffer for sharing information & helping people without asking for anything.
This IS the 21st Century where Rule 1 is that No Good Deed goes Unpunished and even moreso if you took no profit from the deed.
Tim in Ohio, I appreciate the thought but with the complexity of my deteriorating health it's like trying to handle a bag of rabid cats. My shoulder recovered pretty much without help from "them", hell it took them 3 months to get an appointment for scans & xrays... it only took them 1 month to figure I had torn ligaments and then they never even said what I should / should not do. Now THAT Hospitals Accreditation is in question !
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travellerw
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2022 13:35
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Quoting: Steve_S I have a Lawn Tractor no ATV or Quad, it's not something I got into.
That's unfortunate. A quad or SxS is a pretty good solution if you already had the power end. However, with 4K you could probably get a used quad with a blade (maybe, definitely before covid, but now people are crazy).
A SxS with a blade is what my elderly father uses to clear about 150 yard long driveway. Works very well, but I don't' think you could get setup on that budget.
I wished I had some other smart solution to offer you, but that's a tough one. Like I said above, if you do find a tractor/blower, I would find a cab (even the cheap fabric/plastic ones). Sitting on a tractor having that snow blowing back in your face really sucks. I can only imagine it worse if you are dealing with health issues.
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Tim_Ohio
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2022 15:47 - Edited by: Tim_Ohio
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I used to be able to find an old John Deere 110 with a snow plow and chains on the rear wheels that would do a good job, for about $500.00 (needing some TLC, of course). Now, they are fare and few. After having such tools, I sold them off. Then, after remarrying, my wife decided to get a place with a long, paved driveway. I've been scrambling to find something to push snow and thought I found a good deal, recently. I bought an old Craftsman GT5000 with a snow plow. I hauled it to the new place, unloaded it and there below it a puddle of oil collected on the floor. I'd given the guy 400.00 for it and he didn't disclose anything about the problem.
My guard was down, since it was freezing cold and snowing and he had it running when I got there. I drove it around, it sounded good and I decided it was cheap enough for a working machine. I didn't even think to pull the dip stick. I called the guy when I unloaded and said, "Hey, what the heck. You didn't disclose the oil drained out on the floor after every use". I said, "I'm bringing it back and I want my money back." He says, "I just spent 200.00 on groceries. You can have the 200.00 that's left. I don't want it back. It's of no use to me." I collected the money and now I have a 200.00 project. I'm hoping the rings and valves are not shot. It did run fine, though. I'm hoping I'll get lucky and just need to put a pto shaft seal in it after pulling the pto clutch. I hope you can find something to work with.
I know how it is to push snow, especially if it gets wet.
Good luck to you and I hope you are doing better.
Tim_Ohio
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2022 18:06 - Edited by: gcrank1
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This past summer we decided on a used utv sxs, a throw the leg over atv wasnt going to 'be enough' and awkward to me. Id been learning up on em, watching Craigslist off&on.....but when I looked again it was slim pickins and the prices were min 50% more!
Fwiw, we ended up with a 20yr old Toro Workman, kind of a pre-utv 2wd glorified golf cart (no way it would push any meaningful snow). Does have a New v-twin B&S engine though BUT it cost $5k cash ($2k was the new engine).
Any real used utv like a Mule or a Gator? were WAY more......
And we Know that with the inflation it aint ever going back to where it was  .
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 26 Jan 2022 19:34
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as to GCs point I paid 5k for a 800c rzr SxS about 4 yrs ago with 3,400mi. it needed things like a belt, axle and some brake pads but that's really just normal maintenance on these. If there selling for more than 5k now I would look at something else.
I wouldnt never want to plow with my sxs. Its turning radius is the same as my 24ft long suburban yet it has no power steering. Honestly as far as usability even with my home having a 400ft driveway not including the loop turn around I would use a big walk behind blowet.
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 27 Jan 2022 13:59
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Had a good chat with the boys down at the shop and they are leaning me towards an ATV with Blower (and cab/cover).
One of the lads knows my place quite well and actually came to do an Emergency Plowing last week, he also has a snow clearing company in a town 50km from here. He's been at it for some 20 years. He's got an idea or two and will let me know but they are going to keep an eye out for me and for what I need. I'm sure when spring arrives, several machines will come available.
I have a somewhat tricky driveway and my friend pointed out a few very obvious issues (to a plow guy) if I was to plow, as opposed to blow. Plowing is more or less not an option as my driveway is within a corridor of huge trees on one side & Multi-Ton Boulders on the other side which make a wall of sorts.
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Bruces
Member
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# Posted: 28 Jan 2022 00:28
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What area do you live in ? Snow varies from very wet ,to pretty dry depending on your general location ,and if you have generally dry snow I would install a Snowbear type Plow on the Ranger ,and enjoy plowing in a warm vehicle .They are $2100 or so ,lightweight ,and actually work quite well ,if you don’t have to make a lot of angle changes (you have to get out and manually turn it ) ,and they don’t backblade worth a crap .If you live in an area with wet snow(you mentioned drifts which tells me you have dry snow ) ,I don’t know how well they work ,but I have seen some youtubers living in the mountains in BC with a very sketchy driveway and they have one that they seem to like .The newer models just go into a front receiver hitch ,and you can find used plows for under $500.00 that might be perfect for you .I have one mounted on a 2wd Sierra ,and 3 years ago we had 15 feet of snow and it never missed a beat .I lay a lockstone layer over the floor of the truck ,but your 4wd ranger should be able to handle a light Plow easily .I just purchased another new 2wd truck (I need an 8’box and all I can find are 2wd at the moment ) ,and I plan on putting a snowbear on it as well .
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 28 Jan 2022 02:35
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I'm just outside Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. Got 18" of snow the other day, that still happens a lot up here. At least the Ariens Blower is back from the shop now.
The Ranger is a 97 and while fairly solid it's tired, we put it up to have a gander underneath and NO, not a candidate for a plow rig. I gave away the C10 and the Military K15 4x4 last fall as part of my cleanout process.
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 28 Jan 2022 06:13
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Bruce..a 2wd plow truck? Never seen one.
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Bruces
Member
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# Posted: 29 Jan 2022 08:44
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It’s not for everybody ,you have to know the areas you are working in ,and you have to plan ahead where you pile your snow .If you pushed too far ,and dropped your front wheels over a curb or ? ,there is a good chance you are needing a tug out .I normally Plow in 2wd anyway ,I just drop it in 4x when I need it .I used to do a 2 acre grocery store parking lot ,all flat ,few curbs ,no ditches to worry about .2wd would work great there .Also ,you have probably seen it before ,the single axle 5 tons the towns and cities use are 2wd ,they have salt sand in the box for traction and they work very well .
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 29 Jan 2022 08:57
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Well, I do appreciate the notion of 2wd, I can't get my 2wd Truck up here even weighed down and with excellent snow tires (not all season crap, real winter tire), unless the driveway is clean.
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Just
Member
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# Posted: 29 Jan 2022 11:00 - Edited by: Just
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Steve no shame in putting your feet up. I have and I enjoy sitting in the window and watching .no coat required..
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