|
When to put the snow thrower to sleep?
02-11-2015, 03:59 PM
|
#1
|
Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Eastern WV Panhandle
Posts: 25,340
|
When to put the snow thrower to sleep?
Okay, maybe I'm just asking for a snowstorm asking this at this time of year, but I was just wondering when would be a good time to move the snow thrower from the garage back down to the shed behind the house and drain the fuel from it. It would also make it easier to get the motorcycle out, which is a lot more fun than a snow thrower.
Normally I wait until at least the end of March but it was almost 40° F today, the roads were dry, etc. and it made me start thinking about warmer weather.
I guess those unlucky folks in New England will be using them until June but how about the rest of you?
__________________
When I was a kid I wanted to be older. This is not what I expected.
|
|
|
|
Join the #1 Early Retirement and Financial Independence Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
02-11-2015, 04:28 PM
|
#2
|
Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Flyover country
Posts: 25,349
|
We have an extremely long driveway, so a plow blade on the tractor has been the only possible solution for me. Ever since we moved here, I've given it loads of work each winter.
Two years ago, I decided to get smart and put the blade on (removing the mower deck) early, while the weather was still comfortable. No snow at all that year.
Last year, I said since global warming was apparently in action, I'd wait to change the tractor over until necessary. Bang! we got clobbered with multiple snowstorms and I had to do the changeover in frigid, nasty weather.
This year, I learned from experience and did the changeover early while it was still nice in November. Presto! we haven't had a real snowfall yet this winter.
So, bottom line, I don't think there is any real answer to your question.
|
|
|
02-11-2015, 04:59 PM
|
#3
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 16,599
|
I have a plow blade on my ATV for our 800' driveway. I've only plowed a couple of times this year. I was in az at the time of our big snowstorm. I use the ATV year round for hauling, tree removal and other yard work, so I don't drain the fuel or put it away in storage. And I keep the plow blade on because it's a pain to take off, store and put back on.
Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum
|
|
|
02-11-2015, 05:12 PM
|
#4
|
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,321
|
Mine goes away mid-March but it would still be accessible in a pinch. Have only had to use it once this year. It was a beautiful day with light fluffy snow. Perfect for blowing!
|
|
|
02-11-2015, 05:48 PM
|
#5
|
Gone but not forgotten
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Peru
Posts: 6,335
|
Spent winter in FL 1991 - 2013...
Now we live in a CCRC regular home, where the walks/driveways are always kept clear.
Once in a while a handful of salt... $4 every three or four years.
|
|
|
02-11-2015, 05:59 PM
|
#6
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Nowhere, 43N Latitude, NY
Posts: 9,037
|
__________________
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney
|
|
|
02-11-2015, 06:57 PM
|
#7
|
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: North-Central Illinois
Posts: 3,228
|
I get the snowblower ready for it's off-season at the same time I get the lawn mowers ready for their active season, usually early April. In the fall when I'm prepping the mowers for winter storage, I prep the snowblower for active duty, usually early to mid November. Same holds true for other yard/garden equipment like the leaf blower, tiller, and wood-chipper. The portable generator gets a once over at those times also.
|
|
|
02-11-2015, 08:33 PM
|
#8
|
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 23,037
|
No snow-blower here -- all manual. We've got 130 feet of driveway and about the same of sidewalk. It is expected to snow again tomorrow here in CT, so I'll get another workout.
__________________
Living an analog life in the Digital Age.
|
|
|
02-11-2015, 09:44 PM
|
#9
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sarasota, FL & Vermont
Posts: 36,363
|
Plow guy for the main driveway and parking area and our private road - costing me a bundle this year. Use a snowblower to clear a bit around the garage and paths to house, propane tank and woodpile. We are in Fl now so DS is keeping those paths clear in my absence. While the snowblower stays in the garage year round, it is closer to the door now and will be at the back of the garage in the summer.
__________________
If something cannot endure laughter.... it cannot endure.
Patience is the art of concealing your impatience.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Retired Jan 2012 at age 56
|
|
|
02-11-2015, 10:02 PM
|
#10
|
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,511
|
throw out the snow blower... the bike should handle any problem.... but a V-Strom would be better (sorry... had to ....)
|
|
|
02-11-2015, 10:20 PM
|
#11
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Spending the Kids Inheritance and living in Chicago
Posts: 17,090
|
We have had about 36" total this year so far, a bit above normal.
When we had about 12" at one time, I dragged out the snowblower, found the gas, and pulled on the cord well over 100 times !!
I wheeled it back into the garage, and in the cold, opened it up for the first time ever. Found the spark plug, took it out, and wiped it, scrapped it with a wire brush (it was all black with carbon) and sprayed some Mass Air Cleaner I had handy (which worked really well) on it.
Stuck it back in, put the machine together, said a prayer and it started right up
Again a lesson learned to take care of this in the fall and test it.
|
|
|
02-12-2015, 04:59 AM
|
#12
|
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,410
|
Live just outside of Boston!
In South Florida for the season so we have a plow guy come.
When I'm home I use my 1973 Ariens 36 inch "beast" that I inherited; complete with a walking cab, it goes through just about anything. It's huge, very powerful (7hp?) and still runs like new; starts each fall on the first crank.
Nowadays, all its bells and whistles are standard: electric start, differential drive, four forward/one reverse, tire chains etc but 40 years ago this was top of the line!
download.jpg Stock photo
__________________
Living well is the best revenge!
Retired @ 52 in 2005
|
|
|
02-12-2015, 05:02 AM
|
#13
|
Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 812
|
Since we live relatively close by, would prefer you don't tempt the snow by putting away your snow blower quite yet! Kind of like telescopes, it's always cloudy for at least a week after a new purchase.
|
|
|
02-12-2015, 06:48 AM
|
#14
|
Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 672
|
I am waiting for the day to put the snow blower away and take the bike out.... But until then I can at least enjoy this ...
We are just north of Boston and have had about 75 inches with another foot expected this weekend, But at least this weekend I will be away in Vegas!
|
|
|
02-12-2015, 02:10 PM
|
#15
|
Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Eastern WV Panhandle
Posts: 25,340
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by bingybear
throw out the snow blower... the bike should handle any problem.... but a V-Strom would be better (sorry... had to ....)
|
You laugh but when I was immortal 22 years old I rode a Yamaha 650 cc in the snow just to see if it could be done. Yup, it can be done.
__________________
When I was a kid I wanted to be older. This is not what I expected.
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
» Quick Links
|
|
|