The Garage Thread: Tractors and UTVs

[Harvey]

Seems like I'll need a tractor for plowing our driveway in 2024/25.

With what I am spending now for plowing I could probably pay it off in my lifetime (fingers crossed) if I don't need something too big. What's driving this thread now is that I have to finalize the size of our garage, so I am trying figure out dimensions of contenders.

Who plows their own driveway with a tractor? What are the pros and cons to different brands? What make and model do you use? How many horsepower? Do you use a blade or blower or box or all of the above? What else do I need to know?

Our driveway is probably 500 feet long and moderately steep.

Input welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[Scrundy]

Thought you were eyeing a UTV or 4 wheeler, I have used my tractor but much prefer to use my UTV. Garage space has always been a problem for me, I really need a barn sounds like you do too.

 

[Harvey]

I really do want a UTV (and will likely buy one eventually regardless), but I am thinking it's not enough for our driveway. If I could get away with a UTV it would solve a lot of issues.

Garage design is currently 28x28 but may well have to go bigger. That's really the question I have to answer in the next 4 weeks.

 

[Tjf1967]

I have a John Deere x585. I have a debree collection system as well as a blower attachment..and of course a mower. Flat property. It would not work for you. If I had your property a 40 hp tractor would be on property. Blowers do a better job but suck up fallen branches and break shear pins. 700 awd John Deere would work... But I would go bigger if it's in your budget.

 

[Brownski]

However big you think - add at least 30%. If you’re buying a side by side UTV eventually anyway, that’s the way to go. You will need to buy a pretty big tractor to do better than a good side by side.

Plus it’s a good justification for buying a bigger nicer side by side

 

[Tjf1967]

A kobota utv diesel will push as much snow as a f150.

 

[Harvey]

I really don't want to plow with a truck.

What does the UTV do when you get 4 feet? It doesn't happen often, but it does happen.

I may end up with both UTV and tractor, and use both for plowing depending on the circumstance. Right now I want to figure out the size of a tractor that makes sense, to plow 500+ feet, with some pitch.

TJ, all the JD models i see have four numbers followed by a letter.

 

[Scrundy]

Guess depends on what you mean by a tractor, lawn tractor or compact tractor? I've used my compact for plowing before using bucket, a real pain in the ass with snow getting packed into bucket not to mention I don't have a float on my bucket. If I was planning on using my tractor and not spending my money for plowing I'd probably get a PTO driven snow blower off the front $$$$$. Some oldtimers around still use a tractor with a back blade, but they never look happy.... they look cold and miserable. Keep in mind it's never a great idea to be plowing from behind as opposed to be steering on a clean path especially if you have a steep driveway. I do like my UTV for plowing, just got to keep up with it if you're getting dumped on. Also helps to be forecited and have your first push back further so you got room for more snow

 

[Ripitz]

My advice is to pay the plow guy to do it. He will be keeping the driveway clear while you’re sleeping so you can get out on a powder day. It takes me a full day to plow out my place with a John Deere tractor that has a front bucket loader and calcium filled tires. The advantage of that is you can push the piles up high and move them around if needed. A better option is to have a power angling plow which must be wider than your wheel base when angled. So if you are getting a tractor you will need a front end third function. Maybe have the plow guy come when it’s forecasted for 6 inches or more and use a UTV for smaller events and cleaning up. I grew up plowing backwards with an old Massey Ferguson, I still have a crook in my neck.

 

[Tjf1967]

I really don't want to plow with a truck.

What does the UTV do when you get 4 feet? It doesn't happen often, but it does happen.

I may end up with both UTV and tractor, and use both for plowing depending on the circumstance. Right now I want to figure out the size of a tractor that makes sense, to plow 500+ feet, with some pitch.

TJ, all the JD models i see have four numbers followed by a letter.

Oh you are looking at the big boys. I have a garden tractor. Next up is the 7 series. Those you can get different attachments for.. like a digger or a loader.

If you get 4 feet of snow a pick up with a plow ain't moving and neither is the UTV.