Snow plowing on gravel

[bja105]

Its July and was 100 degrees last week. I am an HVAC service tech, and have been run ragged. No days off in two weeks, worked 4 of the last 5 weekends. I am ready for winter! (which is just as busy, just not as sweaty!)

This summer I have bought four garden tractors, three with front blades. At our home and at my Mom's farm, we have gravel driveways. The driveway at home is pretty steep. The slightest snow covering makes it nearly impossible for my work van to get out.

Any tips for plowing snow on gravel? Is there a happy medium on the feet setting to keep the most gravel on the driveway, but still remove enough snow to get to work? Should I smooth out every rut and dip in the driveway meticulously before the snow flies?

I am sure I'll figure it out on my own, but I can't play with the tractors now, and this forum is the next best thing.

[IAfarmer]

Set the plot about 1/2 off the ground using the feet. Others have switched out the scraper with a piece of rubber.

Raising the plot with the feet worked for me.

[cubby102]

Originally Posted by IAfarmer

Set the plot about 1/2 off the ground using the feet. Others have switched out the scraper with a piece of rubber.

Raising the plot with the feet worked for me.

this is how i have mine set and i dont hardly have any gravel to push back into the driveway at the end of the season seems to work fine, i try and keep my driveway as flat as possible though

[bja105]

Half of its travel or half inch?

[red56turbo]

You want to use the skid shoes as stated above. I usually set mine at about an inch above the ground, maybe a little less. My drive is a tad uneven though. I have turf tires on the rear and use tire chains. The chains with some weight will make a ton of difference when pushing the snow.

[drglinski]

No matter what do you do you'll probably end up with some gravel going into the yard. Nature of the beast. If you raise the shoes, it'll help.

[Cub Cadet 123]

Originally Posted by red56turbo

You want to use the skid shoes as stated above. I usually set mine at about an inch above the ground, maybe a little less. My drive is a tad uneven though. I have turf tires on the rear and use tire chains. The chains with some weight will make a ton of difference when pushing the snow.

Likewise, mine is set closer to 3/4" than 1/2"...but it's a little trial and error. I prefer to set my blades to trip just in case my skids hit something uneven. If you have several tractors with blades, then perhaps you should set them to different levels and see what works best for you.

Cub Cadet 123

[red56turbo]

Originally Posted by Cub Cadet 123

Likewise, mine is set closer to 3/4" than 1/2"...but it's a little trial and error. I prefer to set my blades to trip just in case my skids hit something uneven. If you have several tractors with blades, then perhaps you should set them to different levels and see what works best for you.

Cub Cadet 123

I agree with CubCadet123 on the trip feature. Make sure the blade isn't locked. Never know when you'll hit a chunk of ice or something hidden under the snow. With the trip feature locked out, that steering wheel doesn't feel too good. The ole cub and blade won't like the huge jolt either.

[drglinski]

Originally Posted by red56turbo

I agree with CubCadet123 on the trip feature. Make sure the blade isn't locked. Never know when you'll hit a chunk of ice or something hidden under the snow. With the trip feature locked out, that steering wheel doesn't feel too good. The ole cub and blade won't like the huge jolt either.

Are you speaking from experience?

[Matt G.]

Something that's probably worth mentioning is that while letting the blade edge ride on the gravel means you have to rake some gravel back into the driveway in the spring, you won't have as much trouble with the driveway getting icy. That 1/2" of compacted snow will turn to ice under the right conditions, and if part of your driveway happens to be in the shade, that ice will be there until the spring thaw.