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Metalworking (rec.crafts.metalworking) Discuss various aspects of working with metal, such as machining, welding, metal joining, screwing, casting, hardening/tempering, blacksmithing/forging, spinning and hammer work, sheet metal work. |
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#1
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snow removal methods
I researched the weather before I moved, but to no avail. The snow
falls last year and this year have been above normal and the average temperature has been below normal. Add a longish driveway and I have been spending too much time removing snow. Last year one of my neighbors let me use her snow blower when we had a lot of snow. And although I had good intentions, I did not do anything beyond buying a snow shovel before this year. But good intentions are cheap and now I am thinking about what to do to be ready for next year. So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? Dan |
#2
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snow removal methods
A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice
removal? i |
#3
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snow removal methods
On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 12:35:36 -0600, Ignoramus17662
wrote: A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i I guess it depends on your budget. I may just have the best unit of anyone one this NG: (you need it if you're dumb enough to live in MN) JD 5310N tractor, That's a 60 hp compact tractor with a shuttle transmission and cab. Tire chains installed for extra traction. Loftness 2 stage snowblower, 8 feet wide. IMHO, the best 3 point blower made. I added an electric spout turner. JD hydraulic loader. Blowing snow is *almost* fun. Karl |
#4
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snow removal methods
wrote in message ... I researched the weather before I moved, but to no avail. The snow falls last year and this year have been above normal and the average temperature has been below normal. Add a longish driveway and I have been spending too much time removing snow. Last year one of my neighbors let me use her snow blower when we had a lot of snow. And although I had good intentions, I did not do anything beyond buying a snow shovel before this year. But good intentions are cheap and now I am thinking about what to do to be ready for next year. So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? Dan When you add up the time and expense of equipment plus the chance of injury, I think a guy with a plow is the cheapest method. Form a relationship in the summer, usually landscapers do winter work. Some of my neighbors at the old house have heated driveways, they said is cost less than $5 to turn on the heat for a few hours and it works well if temps aren't below 20F. |
#5
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snow removal methods
On Jan 30, 1:28*pm, " wrote:
... So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? *Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? Dan I built this which works well for large open areas, not so well for paths: http://picasaweb.google.com/KB1DAL/H...65918437561074 This year it's down for hydraulic pump problems and I've been using a little 3HP snow blower for the path around the house and mostly a shovel for my short driveway. 3HP is at (below?) the very bottom end of adequate, though nicely maneuverable in tight places. Most people around here buy a two-stage snowblower with enough power to clear the icy mess the town plow pushes into their driveway. But remember that you will be standing on slippery ice while you muscle it around. JSW in NH |
#6
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snow removal methods
On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 12:35:36 -0600
Ignoramus17662 wrote: A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i If it is quite thick an old roto-tiller can loosen it up pretty fast so you can shovel/shove it someplace else. -- Leon Fisk Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b Remove no.spam for email |
#7
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snow removal methods
On Jan 30, 11:35*am, Ignoramus17662 ignoramus17...@NOSPAM.
17662.invalid wrote: A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i We always used an ice chopper when I was a kid, looked like a straightened out hoe on a wood shaft. Used mostly for cleaning drains and removing heavy patches on concrete stairs, the rest got sanded and salted. Could be had at the regular hardware store when there were such. Haven't had one or needed one since I moved here, snow is usually gone in a day or so, even a foot or two. If it's shoveled right away, no ice. Most we've had since I've been here was 4' over several days, that took mite longer to melt. Nobody went anywhere. Stan |
#8
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snow removal methods
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#9
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snow removal methods
Ignoramus17662 wrote:
A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i the autotelephone dialer. John |
#10
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snow removal methods
On Jan 30, 2:29*pm, "Tom Gardner" gksgs@gsg wrote:
I think a guy with a plow is the cheapest method. *Form a relationship in the summer, usually landscapers do winter work. *Some of my neighbors at the old house have heated driveways, they said is cost less than $5 to turn on the heat for a few hours and it works well if temps aren't below 20F. I have been thinking of running Pex under the driveway and then running water from the creek thru it. Not the same as heated,but should help. But I will probably never get around to that. Dan |
#11
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snow removal methods
On Jan 30, 2:43*pm, Jim Wilkins wrote:
I built this which works well for large open areas, not so well for paths:http://picasaweb.google.com/KB1DAL/H...65918437561074 JSW in NH I have admired your front loader, and may make something like that for a little cub cadet. The drive is not so long that I can not shovel it by hand. But when we get a foot of snow, it takes me a couple of days to get the driveway clear. Meanwhile my wife has gone out with her car and I have to deal with two rows of ice that are sticking to the asphalt. Dan |
#12
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snow removal methods
On Jan 30, 2:24*pm, Karl Townsend
wrote: JD 5310N tractor, That's a 60 hp compact tractor with a shuttle transmission and cab. Tire chains installed for extra traction. Loftness 2 stage snowblower, 8 feet wide. IMHO, the best 3 point blower made. I added an electric spout turner. JD hydraulic loader. Blowing snow is *almost* fun. Karl That would be overkill for me. Something about half that wide would be the bees knees. I could clear half the drive on the way out to the road and the other half as I come back to the house. Dan |
#14
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snow removal methods
The backhoe works well.
Better living thry chemistry also works. Pete Stanaitis ---------------------- Ignoramus17662 wrote: A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i |
#15
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snow removal methods
In article ,
Larry Jaques wrote: On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:10:31 -0500, Joseph Gwinn wrote: In article , wrote: On Jan 30, 11:35*am, Ignoramus17662 ignoramus17...@NOSPAM. 17662.invalid wrote: A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i We always used an ice chopper when I was a kid, looked like a straightened out hoe on a wood shaft. Used mostly for cleaning drains and removing heavy patches on concrete stairs, the rest got sanded and salted. Could be had at the regular hardware store when there were such. Haven't had one or needed one since I moved here, snow is usually gone in a day or so, even a foot or two. A tool that does the same job is named "The Big Mutt" by The Village Blacksmith. I bought one at a local hardware store. The old hoe-like tool is also available, the Ames "Brute 7in Scraper": http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1277224. I picked up a floor scraper which might work in the same way, Joe. http://www.harborfreight.com/48-inch...per-93918.html I've used it as a pry bar, shingle remover, scraper, shovel, cement trowel, and more than a few other things. It takes a licking and keeps on thrashin'. Highly recommended. I think I paid $12 on sale. The HF scraper seems a bit light for chopping ice, and the bent blade will tend to spring. This is why heavy steel shovels don't work all that well on solid ice. The old hoe-like tool was the least work and wear-and-tear on the user: just lift it up and let it drop on the ice. Time after time. Joe Gwinn |
#16
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snow removal methods
Get a used 4 wheel drive pickup with a plow already attached. They go
for about $1500 and up in west central Wisconsin. Even cheaper if you don't need a plow with power angle. Pete Stanaitis ------------------- wrote: I researched the weather before I moved, but to no avail. The snow falls last year and this year have been above normal and the average temperature has been below normal. Add a longish driveway and I have been spending too much time removing snow. Last year one of my neighbors let me use her snow blower when we had a lot of snow. And although I had good intentions, I did not do anything beyond buying a snow shovel before this year. But good intentions are cheap and now I am thinking about what to do to be ready for next year. So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? Dan |
#17
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snow removal methods
"Joseph Gwinn" wrote in message ... In article , Larry Jaques wrote: On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:10:31 -0500, Joseph Gwinn wrote: In article , wrote: On Jan 30, 11:35 am, Ignoramus17662 ignoramus17...@NOSPAM. 17662.invalid wrote: A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i We always used an ice chopper when I was a kid, looked like a straightened out hoe on a wood shaft. Used mostly for cleaning drains and removing heavy patches on concrete stairs, the rest got sanded and salted. Could be had at the regular hardware store when there were such. Haven't had one or needed one since I moved here, snow is usually gone in a day or so, even a foot or two. A tool that does the same job is named "The Big Mutt" by The Village Blacksmith. I bought one at a local hardware store. The old hoe-like tool is also available, the Ames "Brute 7in Scraper": http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1277224. I picked up a floor scraper which might work in the same way, Joe. http://www.harborfreight.com/48-inch...per-93918.html I've used it as a pry bar, shingle remover, scraper, shovel, cement trowel, and more than a few other things. It takes a licking and keeps on thrashin'. Highly recommended. I think I paid $12 on sale. The HF scraper seems a bit light for chopping ice, and the bent blade will tend to spring. This is why heavy steel shovels don't work all that well on solid ice. The old hoe-like tool was the least work and wear-and-tear on the user: just lift it up and let it drop on the ice. Time after time. Joe Gwinn The corner store here has a problem with ice build up at the gas pumps caused by the snowmoblies. The ice will build up in no time to about 6 inches! I made them a tool to break it up, a slide hammer type tool. Took the tapered end of a leaf spring and welded it to a 4 foot one inch pipe. Then I welded an eye to the side of one end of a 3 inch o.d. 2 inch i.d. tube 18 inches long and attached a short rubber bungee cord to it. This was dropped down the handle to hit the chisel end. To use all you gotta do is pull up on the bungee and let go! The guy using it is 6 foot 6 so he can really bang away! He said it works wonders..... ;)) phil k. |
#18
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snow removal methods
wrote:
I researched the weather before I moved, but to no avail. The snow falls last year and this year have been above normal and the average temperature has been below normal. Add a longish driveway and I have been spending too much time removing snow. Last year one of my neighbors let me use her snow blower when we had a lot of snow. And although I had good intentions, I did not do anything beyond buying a snow shovel before this year. But good intentions are cheap and now I am thinking about what to do to be ready for next year. So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? My first go would probably be a bent showshovel: http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&s...ent+snowshovel depending on how long "longish" is. If it's like, 1/4 mile, I'd spring for the blower or work out a deal with the neighbor, maybe you do her driveway and yours, just for letting you borrow it. A self-propelled blower can make a world of difference, too. Good Luck! Ric |
#19
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snow removal methods
Phil Kangas wrote:
"Joseph Gwinn" wrote in The HF scraper seems a bit light for chopping ice, and the bent blade will tend to spring. This is why heavy steel shovels don't work all that well on solid ice. The old hoe-like tool was the least work and wear-and-tear on the user: just lift it up and let it drop on the ice. Time after time. The corner store here has a problem with ice build up at the gas pumps caused by the snowmoblies. The ice will build up in no time to about 6 inches! I made them a tool to break it up, a slide hammer type tool. Took the tapered end of a leaf spring and welded it to a 4 foot one inch pipe. Then I welded an eye to the side of one end of a 3 inch o.d. 2 inch i.d. tube 18 inches long and attached a short rubber bungee cord to it. This was dropped down the handle to hit the chisel end. To use all you gotta do is pull up on the bungee and let go! The guy using it is 6 foot 6 so he can really bang away! He said it works wonders..... ;)) I've used an ax. Cheers! Rich |
#21
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snow removal methods
wrote in message ... I researched the weather before I moved, but to no avail. The snow falls last year and this year have been above normal and the average temperature has been below normal. Add a longish driveway and I have been spending too much time removing snow. Last year one of my neighbors let me use her snow blower when we had a lot of snow. And although I had good intentions, I did not do anything beyond buying a snow shovel before this year. But good intentions are cheap and now I am thinking about what to do to be ready for next year. So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? Dan I use a 743 Bobcat with a light material bucket. I don't have a snowblower, if I did it would probably be more practical for most snowfalls. |
#22
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snow removal methods
On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:28:51 -0800 (PST), "
wrote: I researched the weather before I moved, but to no avail. The snow falls last year and this year have been above normal and the average temperature has been below normal. Add a longish driveway and I have been spending too much time removing snow. Last year one of my neighbors let me use her snow blower when we had a lot of snow. And although I had good intentions, I did not do anything beyond buying a snow shovel before this year. But good intentions are cheap and now I am thinking about what to do to be ready for next year. So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? Dan There are a couple of people around here that have plows on their quad-runners. My father-in-law just loves to push snow as much as cut grass. He gave me a brand new snow blower with electric start, and said he is just having fun plowing snow at my place and to basically let him. He bought the snow blower the year before the plow. SW |
#23
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snow removal methods
I found a 16 inch cut electric snow blower on the curb. One
miserable dump of snow day, I dragged it out from where I'd stored it. Wonders, it moved snow so well that I used it more often. I had given up on ever keeping my truck cleared out. Later, I got a two cycle gas mixer snow thrower. I think 3 HP. That has been a work horse for me, for several years. Some guys get 7 HP with front and rear travel, two stage thrower, and all that. My 3 HP single stage has done wll for me, for years. All depends on your budget, and your driveway size. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. wrote in message ... I researched the weather before I moved, but to no avail. The snow falls last year and this year have been above normal and the average temperature has been below normal. Add a longish driveway and I have been spending too much time removing snow. Last year one of my neighbors let me use her snow blower when we had a lot of snow. And although I had good intentions, I did not do anything beyond buying a snow shovel before this year. But good intentions are cheap and now I am thinking about what to do to be ready for next year. So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? Dan |
#24
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snow removal methods
On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:28:51 -0800 (PST), "
wrote: I researched the weather before I moved, but to no avail. The snow falls last year and this year have been above normal and the average temperature has been below normal. Add a longish driveway and I have been spending too much time removing snow. Last year one of my neighbors let me use her snow blower when we had a lot of snow. And although I had good intentions, I did not do anything beyond buying a snow shovel before this year. But good intentions are cheap and now I am thinking about what to do to be ready for next year. So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? Dan Lots of ways to waste a lot of time and money making snow removeall equipment. Lots of things that don't work, or work poorly. Just buy a good snow blower. Get one that is big enough for the job and get a "cab" for it, or get a tractor mounted unit, again with a cab, if you have enough driveway etc to warrant it. I have 150 feet of sidewalk on a corner lot and a driveway big enough to park 4 cars on. My current blower is a 4HP 22 inch dual stage track drive - a 6hp 26" would be a better size for the job, but the little feller does the job. (I do not have a "cab" so depending which way the wind is blowing, I can end up looking like a snowman in a hurry) |
#25
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snow removal methods
On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 17:38:21 -0600, spaco
wrote: Get a used 4 wheel drive pickup with a plow already attached. They go for about $1500 and up in west central Wisconsin. Even cheaper if you don't need a plow with power angle. Pete Stanaitis ------------------- Or if you don't need one that passes DOT or air-care inspection. wrote: I researched the weather before I moved, but to no avail. The snow falls last year and this year have been above normal and the average temperature has been below normal. Add a longish driveway and I have been spending too much time removing snow. Last year one of my neighbors let me use her snow blower when we had a lot of snow. And although I had good intentions, I did not do anything beyond buying a snow shovel before this year. But good intentions are cheap and now I am thinking about what to do to be ready for next year. So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? Dan |
#26
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snow removal methods
In article ,
"Phil Kangas" wrote: "Joseph Gwinn" wrote in message ... In article , Larry Jaques wrote: On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:10:31 -0500, Joseph Gwinn wrote: In article , wrote: On Jan 30, 11:35 am, Ignoramus17662 ignoramus17...@NOSPAM. 17662.invalid wrote: A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i We always used an ice chopper when I was a kid, looked like a straightened out hoe on a wood shaft. Used mostly for cleaning drains and removing heavy patches on concrete stairs, the rest got sanded and salted. Could be had at the regular hardware store when there were such. Haven't had one or needed one since I moved here, snow is usually gone in a day or so, even a foot or two. A tool that does the same job is named "The Big Mutt" by The Village Blacksmith. I bought one at a local hardware store. The old hoe-like tool is also available, the Ames "Brute 7in Scraper": http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1277224. I picked up a floor scraper which might work in the same way, Joe. http://www.harborfreight.com/48-inch...per-93918.html I've used it as a pry bar, shingle remover, scraper, shovel, cement trowel, and more than a few other things. It takes a licking and keeps on thrashin'. Highly recommended. I think I paid $12 on sale. The HF scraper seems a bit light for chopping ice, and the bent blade will tend to spring. This is why heavy steel shovels don't work all that well on solid ice. The old hoe-like tool was the least work and wear-and-tear on the user: just lift it up and let it drop on the ice. Time after time. Joe Gwinn The corner store here has a problem with ice build up at the gas pumps caused by the snowmoblies. The ice will build up in no time to about 6 inches! I made them a tool to break it up, a slide hammer type tool. Took the tapered end of a leaf spring and welded it to a 4 foot one inch pipe. Then I welded an eye to the side of one end of a 3 inch o.d. 2 inch i.d. tube 18 inches long and attached a short rubber bungee cord to it. This was dropped down the handle to hit the chisel end. To use all you gotta do is pull up on the bungee and let go! The guy using it is 6 foot 6 so he can really bang away! He said it works wonders..... ;)) phil k. Slide hammer? Bet it works, but ... hard on the joints? This is why the old tool was dropped onto the ice - no shock, at least not to the human. Joe Gwinn |
#27
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snow removal methods
I've found it helpful to go out, and pay attention to the
wind direction. I throw as much snow as possible with the wind, so I don't end up wearing it. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. wrote in message ... Just buy a good snow blower. Get one that is big enough for the job and get a "cab" for it, or get a tractor mounted unit, again with a cab, if you have enough driveway etc to warrant it. I have 150 feet of sidewalk on a corner lot and a driveway big enough to park 4 cars on. My current blower is a 4HP 22 inch dual stage track drive - a 6hp 26" would be a better size for the job, but the little feller does the job. (I do not have a "cab" so depending which way the wind is blowing, I can end up looking like a snowman in a hurry) |
#28
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snow removal methods
"Ignoramus17662" wrote in message ... A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i I used an alternate method, don't remove the snow and ice, Remove yourself. Mikek, from sunny Florida. :-) |
#29
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snow removal methods
Karl Townsend wrote: On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 12:35:36 -0600, Ignoramus17662 wrote: A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i I guess it depends on your budget. I may just have the best unit of anyone one this NG: (you need it if you're dumb enough to live in MN) JD 5310N tractor, That's a 60 hp compact tractor with a shuttle transmission and cab. Tire chains installed for extra traction. Loftness 2 stage snowblower, 8 feet wide. IMHO, the best 3 point blower made. I added an electric spout turner. JD hydraulic loader. Blowing snow is *almost* fun. Karl I would suggest that is one were searching for a machine for snow and ice removal and didn't have a need for a tractor for other tasks, a Bobcat / skid steer with quick attach extra wide snow bucket and quick attach hydraulic powered snow blower it a better match for the task. 3pt snow blowers on a tractor have you driving backwards all the time, which is tedious and also makes it difficult to precisely follow a curb or similar. Skid steers are more compact and maneuverable than a tractor with attachments on both ends, so they are a lot easier to use in tight areas. Skid steers are also normally higher HP than a similarly sized tractor, and can lift larger snow buckets than a tractor loader. |
#30
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snow removal methods
Joseph Gwinn wrote: In article , Larry Jaques wrote: On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:10:31 -0500, Joseph Gwinn wrote: In article , wrote: On Jan 30, 11:35 am, Ignoramus17662 ignoramus17...@NOSPAM. 17662.invalid wrote: A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i We always used an ice chopper when I was a kid, looked like a straightened out hoe on a wood shaft. Used mostly for cleaning drains and removing heavy patches on concrete stairs, the rest got sanded and salted. Could be had at the regular hardware store when there were such. Haven't had one or needed one since I moved here, snow is usually gone in a day or so, even a foot or two. A tool that does the same job is named "The Big Mutt" by The Village Blacksmith. I bought one at a local hardware store. The old hoe-like tool is also available, the Ames "Brute 7in Scraper": http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1277224. I picked up a floor scraper which might work in the same way, Joe. http://www.harborfreight.com/48-inch...per-93918.html I've used it as a pry bar, shingle remover, scraper, shovel, cement trowel, and more than a few other things. It takes a licking and keeps on thrashin'. Highly recommended. I think I paid $12 on sale. The HF scraper seems a bit light for chopping ice, and the bent blade will tend to spring. This is why heavy steel shovels don't work all that well on solid ice. The old hoe-like tool was the least work and wear-and-tear on the user: just lift it up and let it drop on the ice. Time after time. Joe Gwinn HF has/had an air powered scraper tool intended for ripping up floor tiles and the like that would probably work well on ice, perhaps with a modified blade. |
#31
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snow removal methods
ATP wrote: wrote in message ... I researched the weather before I moved, but to no avail. The snow falls last year and this year have been above normal and the average temperature has been below normal. Add a longish driveway and I have been spending too much time removing snow. Last year one of my neighbors let me use her snow blower when we had a lot of snow. And although I had good intentions, I did not do anything beyond buying a snow shovel before this year. But good intentions are cheap and now I am thinking about what to do to be ready for next year. So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? Dan I use a 743 Bobcat with a light material bucket. I don't have a snowblower, if I did it would probably be more practical for most snowfalls. More practical perhaps, but not nearly as much fun. |
#32
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amdx wrote: "Ignoramus17662" wrote in message ... A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i I used an alternate method, don't remove the snow and ice, Remove yourself. Mikek, from sunny Florida. :-) That is the best solution, move to where the snow and ice is relatively rare. |
#33
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snow removal methods
In article . com,
"Pete C." wrote: Joseph Gwinn wrote: In article , Larry Jaques wrote: On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:10:31 -0500, Joseph Gwinn wrote: In article , wrote: On Jan 30, 11:35 am, Ignoramus17662 ignoramus17...@NOSPAM. 17662.invalid wrote: A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i We always used an ice chopper when I was a kid, looked like a straightened out hoe on a wood shaft. Used mostly for cleaning drains and removing heavy patches on concrete stairs, the rest got sanded and salted. Could be had at the regular hardware store when there were such. Haven't had one or needed one since I moved here, snow is usually gone in a day or so, even a foot or two. A tool that does the same job is named "The Big Mutt" by The Village Blacksmith. I bought one at a local hardware store. The old hoe-like tool is also available, the Ames "Brute 7in Scraper": http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1277224. I picked up a floor scraper which might work in the same way, Joe. http://www.harborfreight.com/48-inch...per-93918.html I've used it as a pry bar, shingle remover, scraper, shovel, cement trowel, and more than a few other things. It takes a licking and keeps on thrashin'. Highly recommended. I think I paid $12 on sale. The HF scraper seems a bit light for chopping ice, and the bent blade will tend to spring. This is why heavy steel shovels don't work all that well on solid ice. The old hoe-like tool was the least work and wear-and-tear on the user: just lift it up and let it drop on the ice. Time after time. Joe Gwinn HF has/had an air powered scraper tool intended for ripping up floor tiles and the like that would probably work well on ice, perhaps with a modified blade. If it doesn't break when used on ice, this could be helpful. I doubt that HF claims that their air-powered scraper will work on hard ice. Joe Gwinn |
#34
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snow removal methods
On Jan 30, 9:36*pm, wrote:
*Lots of ways to waste a lot of time and money making snow removeall equipment. Lots of things that don't work, or work poorly. Just buy a good snow blower. Get one that is big enough for the job and get a "cab" for it, or get a tractor mounted unit, again with a cab, if you have enough driveway etc to warrant it. I have 150 feet of sidewalk on a corner lot and a driveway big enough to park 4 cars on. Well this is RCM so wasting time is okay, but building something that does not work is not okay. I would rather spend money on tools than a snow blower, but think I already have enough tools to build something. Something like Jim Wilkins front loader would be really good for the turn around in front of the garage. A conversion kit to turn a rototiller into a small plow would be good for the walkway. But for the driveway, well I am still thinking. Dan |
#35
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snow removal methods
"Joseph Gwinn" wrote in message ... In article , "Phil Kangas" wrote: "Joseph Gwinn" wrote in message ... In article , Larry Jaques wrote: On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:10:31 -0500, Joseph Gwinn wrote: In article , wrote: On Jan 30, 11:35 am, Ignoramus17662 ignoramus17...@NOSPAM. 17662.invalid wrote: A related question, has anyone ever tried to build something for ice removal? i We always used an ice chopper when I was a kid, looked like a straightened out hoe on a wood shaft. Used mostly for cleaning drains and removing heavy patches on concrete stairs, the rest got sanded and salted. Could be had at the regular hardware store when there were such. Haven't had one or needed one since I moved here, snow is usually gone in a day or so, even a foot or two. A tool that does the same job is named "The Big Mutt" by The Village Blacksmith. I bought one at a local hardware store. The old hoe-like tool is also available, the Ames "Brute 7in Scraper": http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1277224. I picked up a floor scraper which might work in the same way, Joe. http://www.harborfreight.com/48-inch...per-93918.html I've used it as a pry bar, shingle remover, scraper, shovel, cement trowel, and more than a few other things. It takes a licking and keeps on thrashin'. Highly recommended. I think I paid $12 on sale. The HF scraper seems a bit light for chopping ice, and the bent blade will tend to spring. This is why heavy steel shovels don't work all that well on solid ice. The old hoe-like tool was the least work and wear-and-tear on the user: just lift it up and let it drop on the ice. Time after time. Joe Gwinn The corner store here has a problem with ice build up at the gas pumps caused by the snowmoblies. The ice will build up in no time to about 6 inches! I made them a tool to break it up, a slide hammer type tool. Took the tapered end of a leaf spring and welded it to a 4 foot long one inch pipe. Then I welded an eye to the side of one end of a 3 inch o.d. 2 inch i.d. tube 18 inches long and attached a short rubber bungee cord to it. This was dropped down the handle to hit the chisel end. To use all you gotta do is pull up on the bungee and let go! The guy using it is 6 foot 6 so he can really bang away! He said it works wonders..... ;)) phil k. Slide hammer? Bet it works, but ... hard on the joints? This is why the old tool was dropped onto the ice - no shock, at least not to the human. Joe Gwinn Actually this does work pretty good. No shock to speak of at all. Just put the chisel edge where you want the crack and tug on the bungee loop and let go. No impact to you at all. and controlable. Axes work too but they are actually more work than this thing. The guy came up with the design and he's no dummy. I watched it in action and he could get cracks about 2-3 feet long! Break up the ice and plow away the chunks, done. No sweat.... Let the force work for you....;)) phil |
#36
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snow removal methods
On Jan 31, 10:11*am, " wrote:
... Well this is RCM so wasting time is okay, but building something that does not work is not okay. *I would rather spend money on tools than a snow blower, but think I already have enough tools to build something. *Something like Jim Wilkins front loader would *be really good for the turn around in front of the garage. *A conversion kit to turn a rototiller into a small plow would be good for the walkway. But for the driveway, well I am still thinking. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dan I use it to clear a large turn-around space in the front yard. Being a riding mower it doesn't tear up the turf like a skid-steer. It needs considerable room to back up and turn to dump, so it might not be a good idea for a long, narrow driveway. The prevailing wind keeps me from clearing that area with a snowblower. jsw |
#37
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snow removal methods
On Jan 30, 4:38*pm, Joseph Gwinn wrote:
The old hoe-like tool was the least work and wear-and-tear on the user: just lift it up and let it drop on the ice. *Time after time. Joe Gwinn- Hide quoted text - As long as you didn't have a corner lot and needed the whole surface cleared. Was great for spot work, though. Dad did the shoveling, we kids -got- to chop the ice(such a treat!). The head wasn't that heavy and he'd drilled a hole at the end and stuck a rope loop for a grabber through it. Could be powered down on hard spots that way. None of the current items that folks have thrown up URLs on so far are exactly like it. Was probably 5-6" wide and had a tang and socket connection to the handle, tang being about 3/8" or so. For long drives and such, a small tractor-mounted thrower is hard to beat, just depends on how much you have to move and how far. A small lawn tractor may do it, a 12 hp JD lawn tractor took care of a block long lot plus parking for many years. Getting it started in cold weather was sometimes a chore, though. And getting the thing attached and belted up wasn't a picnic, either, even before the snow started falling. Stan |
#38
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snow removal methods
On Sun, 30 Jan 2011 22:07:58 -0500, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote: I've found it helpful to go out, and pay attention to the wind direction. I throw as much snow as possible with the wind, so I don't end up wearing it. I definitey do the same, but blowing with the wind often means filling the neighbour's driveway, and blowing with the prevailing winds would soon have a pile too high to blow over in some spots. So you blow it more or less ahead of you and to one side, keeping the snow going more or less where you want it, and keeping 90% or more off of yourself. Still makes a snowman or icycle out of you in short order. |
#39
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snow removal methods
On Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:49:40 -0600, "Pete C."
wrote: ATP wrote: wrote in message ... I researched the weather before I moved, but to no avail. The snow falls last year and this year have been above normal and the average temperature has been below normal. Add a longish driveway and I have been spending too much time removing snow. Last year one of my neighbors let me use her snow blower when we had a lot of snow. And although I had good intentions, I did not do anything beyond buying a snow shovel before this year. But good intentions are cheap and now I am thinking about what to do to be ready for next year. So has anyone built something that works well for snow removal? Or conversely has anyone built something that did not work well although it seemed like a good idea at the time? Dan I use a 743 Bobcat with a light material bucket. I don't have a snowblower, if I did it would probably be more practical for most snowfalls. More practical perhaps, but not nearly as much fun. Snowblower on bobcat - the besat of both worlds!!! My brother has a snowblower mounted to the front of his ATV. Lawnmower goes on in its place in the summer |
#40
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snow removal methods
On Mon, 31 Jan 2011 07:11:48 -0800 (PST), "
wrote: On Jan 30, 9:36Â*pm, wrote: Â*Lots of ways to waste a lot of time and money making snow removeall equipment. Lots of things that don't work, or work poorly. Just buy a good snow blower. Get one that is big enough for the job and get a "cab" for it, or get a tractor mounted unit, again with a cab, if you have enough driveway etc to warrant it. I have 150 feet of sidewalk on a corner lot and a driveway big enough to park 4 cars on. Well this is RCM so wasting time is okay, but building something that does not work is not okay. I would rather spend money on tools than a snow blower, but think I already have enough tools to build something. Something like Jim Wilkins front loader would be really good for the turn around in front of the garage. A conversion kit to turn a rototiller into a small plow would be good for the walkway. But for the driveway, well I am still thinking. Dan Buy a snowblower. Put in some overtime at work in the time you would have used to build the thing that won't work right anyhow, and spend the overtime money on the tools you want - you come out anead no matter which way you look at it (except you don't have a pile of useless junk taking up space in the shop when you are done) Been there, done that, and burned holes all through the front of the "T" shirt. |
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