[allpurpose]

I have an Ariens GT20 hydro that has a snow plow and 48" 2 stage snow blower and will be my only snow removal tools this winter. I will keep it under a carport so I'd like to get a block heater for easier starts when it's 10 below. Any recommendations? Any other tips for regular winter use?

 

[TUDOR]

Throw an old blanket over the hood to keep the heat in between storms and get a 2'x3' piece of plush carpet to sit on. Keep the carpet in the house between storms.

A 60W trouble light in beside the engine throws enough heat to melt snow on the blanket.

 

[casey448]

*Make sure the blower and blade are both rust free with fresh paint

*Make sure the blower's moving parts are all in good working order

*Make sure cutting edges and ski shoes aren't too far worn down

*Switch to winter grade oil

 

[Ariens93GT20]

300lb. weight bucket on the rear axle. You will need the added weight for traction with the blower.
If you do not have a cab better think about some prep for yourself especially when blowing snow and do not rotate the blower schute to far at 10 degrees snow can get real cold while digging it out of your clothes

 

[allpurpose]

My blower has wheels on the leading edge. Are these better or worse than ski shoes? I have at least 4 extra cutting edges and an Ariens soft cab. The blower paint is 8/10 but the blade is more like 6/10 with surface pitting. Should I take the board clear down to bare metal and go through the lengthy process of applying several coats of paint? I have wheel weights and chains but I need some good weight for the box.
Still no takers on a dedicated block heater? It worked wonders on my old truck.
Any suggestions for blowing snow on a gravel driveway?

 

[TUDOR]

Still no takers on a dedicated block heater? It worked wonders on my old truck.
Any suggestions for blowing snow on a gravel driveway?

The old truck had a liquid cooled engine. The GT 20 has an air cooled engine. Block heaters warm the engine. Light bulbs warm the engine and the battery.

Use the old truck to pack the first snowfall on the driveway. The second snowfall too, if the first one melts down to the rocks.

 

[allpurpose]

The old truck had a liquid cooled engine. The GT 20 has an air cooled engine. Block heaters warm the engine. Light bulbs warm the engine and the battery.

Use the old truck to pack the first snowfall on the driveway. The second snowfall too, if the first one melts down to the rocks.

Two thoughts:
Would the light bulb draw mice due to the ambient heat? Our cat stays busy as it is.
Using the truck to pack snow is a good idea, but I sold it this summer. Maybe my AWD Subaru could do the same.

Good tips everyone.

 

[TUDOR]

I've never had a problem with mice in my tractors. I've had them visit me in the garage, along with voles, raccoons, and weasels, but never in the tractor sitting outside under the blanket and tarp with a light bulb on. Maybe they don't like the light, or quite that much heat. Your mice may have a different attitude than the variety that I have.

The Subaru will serve very well as a snow packer. I use my full size Chevy van. It's twice as heavy as my tractor and has narrower tires for better compaction.

 

[engine2quarters]

Wax the blade and blower chute before the storm.
Don't put heat to the blade or chute, snow will melt, freeze up, and clog up. Store the beasts out doors or in a cold garage.
Rusty blade cutting edges will cleanup after a couple passes thru snow that has sand and salt in it.

Thanks for the remindar. Just checked and the 'machines' are still here. They haven't gone south yet. Wouldn't blame them if they did, after last winters 5 ft. of white stuff (all in 1 weeks time).

Using a crankcase heater to heat 1 qt. of oil? Might do more harm than good.

 

[maxmetal]

A can of Pam for when the 'blower is operating in conditions that will ice up the chute.

 

[ggsteve]

This thread is required reading each year as we prepare for winter. A little early on the first day of fall, but winter's coming!

http://www.mytractorforum.com/11-snow-removal-equipment/68260-snowblowing-rules-success.html

 

[FlintMich]

Lots of really good info here.
Thanks for that link Steve.
I've read that thread before and I agree - it should be required reading.
Even though I've read the entire thread at least two or three times before, I just read through it again and was reminded of some valuable tips that I'd forgotten.
I'm really hoping to be much better prepared this winter but time is sure slipping by quickly. I'm making my "get it done" list right now, while this stuff is still fresh in my mind.

 

[crawler]

Weight. Lots of weight.

 

[Natureboy]

Weight. Lots of weight.

And when you think its enough, add a little more.

 

[Ariens93GT20]

Have been using ag tires on the GT20 and over 300 lbs on the 3 pt carry all. Do not use the chains much any more. If the weather gets that bad we just stay home.

 

[crawler]

I don't use chains. I have them on the shelf, tried them once, never saw the need. I think 1500#'s total weight is the bare minimum for snow removal, anything else seems to be a total gong show.

 

[TUDOR]

I don't use chains. I have them on the shelf, tried them once, never saw the need. I think 1500#'s total weight is the bare minimum for snow removal, anything else seems to be a total gong show.

I have a set for my 2300 lb 4wd SCUT that are on the shelf. It works very well with just the turfs, but my 2250 lb 2wd GT with turfs and chains will show it up, and do it with a 7" wider bucket.

 

[keval85]

I run synthetic oil in my old Ford 100 and have a automatic battery tender mounted under the hood to keep the battery juiced up.I also use agri tires with carbide tire studs in them and chains on front tires ,because the old girl tends to follow the blade without them.I use to use a light under a tarp to keep it warm,the tractor didn't care about it,but the neighborhood cats sure enjoyed it

 

[allpurpose]

So far I've got 160lbs in concrete weight, a sand tube, the weight box and the 35lb wheel weights to put me near 310lbs overall added weight. I'll get the chains on soon too. I also need to finish getting the beacon on top working, and wire in a new LED floodlight LED floodlight
for the back. Any recommendations for a replacement clear plastic for the windows? These are pretty crazed/hazy.

 

[keval85]

So far I've got 160lbs in concrete weight, a sand tube, the weight box and the 35lb wheel weights to put me near 310lbs overall added weight. I'll get the chains on soon too. I also need to finish getting the beacon on top working, and wire in a new LED floodlight LED floodlight
for the back. Any recommendations for a replacement clear plastic for the windows? These are pretty crazed/hazy.

Hey "Allpurpose" get yourself a sheet of 1/8" lexan plastic,that will work for your windshield