I cant exactly recall how many tractor/snowblower combo units Ive sold over the years, probably over 30... and not many that I would have considered keeping while living on an acreage with about 400yds or so of driveway plus parking area to clear. Snowblowers on a small tractor is a painfully slow process and very often a miserable chore without a cab... especially so if/WHEN you get the bloody thing stuck... and chains dont mean you wont get stuck... but they can dig a bigger hole that makes it harder to get out of.
I dont keep up with the new machines to know whats available but the basic requirements are the same regardless if its a new machine or some old vintage GT like what Im usually working with... first off the tractor itself needs a minimum weight of nearly 1000# without rider, attachments and added ballast, minimum of 12" rear wheels and I strongly recommend ATV tires on them, and a cab.... or a 1pc snowsuit and full face helmut because the wind will always find a way to blow the snow back in your face.
Your stepping down from a nice comfy very capable snow moving machine and considering one of about the smallest least capable type of machine on the market... I expect you would quickly regret that decision... possibly within the first winter and then your tractor is only worth half of what you may have paid for it.
I always forget exactly where you are... kinda northern Sk isnt it? probably more snow than I get near Calgary but less wind... but no chinooks which probably make my winters a little easier than yours. To bad we arent closer or I would offer to maintain a decent older machine for you... I have a couple of
older girls near me in very similar situation to yours, hubby is gone and theyre left trying to keep up with all the chores and machinery.... so they call me, and I often work for homebaked goods
afterthought... do you have a truck? ever consider putting a blade on it? I know you mentioned not having alot of space to pile snow but when pushed with a truck it really doesnt require alot of space because it becomes much more tightly packed. I will start the winter with the driveway pushed out a foot or two wider than the actual edge of the gravel... can end up with some deep hard ridges that take some time to melt away in the spring but it is the fastest way to clear snow Ive ever seen...... I park the truck in a heated garage and I can clear 90% of the yard in under 30 minutes even if the storm isnt over yet..... one of the lanscape companies I maintain equip for is run by two women prob about my age... 60ish... those two girls make the rest of us look like dumby's when its time to move snow.
I forget how much difference there is between your currency and ours. I paid $23,000 for mine with the loader and two buckets. Cab was $1,400. If I had to pay $77,000 I'm afraid it wouldn't have happened. Wow!
