First Snow

For those readers in our southern climes, we just got our first good snow of the season.  Here in West Bend, we got 3 or 4 inches.  It was fairly fluffy this morning, but got heavy as the day warmed up.  Tomorrow we’re expecting the beginning of Snowmageddon.  A foot of snow, 20 mph winds, 5 degrees… good stuff.  In any case, I was able to us my new toy for the first time. 

Here’s the report… it was great.  What normally would have taken me well over an hour only took about 35 minutes.  I’m still getting used to maneuvering it and finding the most efficient routine, so I expect my time to improve.  Thanks to all of the commentors in this post.  Here are some lessons learned:

- I took Dad29’s advice and put some paste wax in the chute.  It made a difference when the snow got heavy. 

- I need to get the tire chains.  I was trying to avoid it because I didn’t want to beat up our driveway too bad, but I need them.  It wasn’t too bad to move around, but there were a couple of times I would have appreciated more grip.

- 19 horses throw snow a very long way.  My 6 HP Toro tosses the snow fairly well, but nothing like this. 

- As with any snow blowing, wind is key.  A canopy would be nice, but Cub Cadet doesn’t make one for my model.  I may have to search our an after-market one.  In any case, with proper attention to the wind, I stayed fairly dry.  I was only wearing jeans, but I’ll dress warmer when the Snowpocalypse hits. 

- I could probably use a bit more weight on it.  I think I’ll try to beef up another 30 or 40 mounds on pumpkin pies this winter. 

- With the 3 inches or so we had, I can go almost at full speed and it doesn’t bother the blower.  It does get a little slippery at that speed though, hence the need for chains. 

It was a good first run.  She’s cleaned up, gassed up, and ready for another round. 

UPDATE: I went and picked up the tire chains and put them on.  It only took 15 minutes or so.  It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.  Then I went and took off the couple of inches of snow that had fallen since this morning.  I also went and did the sidewalk in front of the four vacant lots down the street.  The owner of those lots doesn’t take care of the sidewalk and the kids use it to walk to and from school.  It only took me a few extra minutes, so I thought I would do my part for the neighborhood.  The chains were a huge help.  I didn’t have any issues with traction.  The only issue I am still having is with steering occasionally.  The front wheels don’t grip as much as I need the to sometimes.  Maybe I’ll see if I can add some more weight to them or perhaps deflate them a little.

Posted by Owen at 1713 hrs
Off-Duty