Lawn Tractor Snow Removal

Winter; the season with hot chocolate, fire places and snow. So much snow. Bring in lawn tractor snow removal. Moving from town (where my driveway was not much longer than my vehicle) to the country, I knew I was going to have a lot of snow to contend with. What I didn’t know was that my driveway was going to drift in so much. After a big storm it is not uncommon for there to be 3 foot deep drifts all over my yard.

Thankfully, when I moved here I also acquired a new toy. My John Deere lawn tractor with a 44” snow blower! Check out my review. I love this thing. I’ve done my fair share of research on these and was quite disappointed with the amount of information I could find about how well they work. So, I’ve decided to write about my experiences with it myself.

Installing the snow blower is fairly straight forward. Bolt on a bracket and line up the blower. A little bit of muscle and its on. Once you have it on your lawn tractor, I’d suggest dropping the skid shoes all the way down. So the blower is off the ground a bit. When the blower is all the way down it throws A LOT of rocks. Keep the shoes down until you get a good layer of snow/ice on your driveway. Then it is safe to let the blower all the way down.

Tire Chains

Next, you need tire chains. My arch enemy. I’ve watched countless you tube videos of people installing these. Had friends show me how they do it. And every year I have the same result. My hands are all cut and banged up, I can barely breathe and I tell myself I’m leaving them on all year. However, you really do NEED them on a lawn tractor to blow snow. It simply will not have traction. I’ve tried it. Save yourself the headache and put them on. Once you have the chains on, strap some weight on the back of the lawn tractor and your good to go.

john deer lawn mower tire chains for snowblower

These snow blowers can really eat the snow. Anything under a foot of snow and you will be able to do figure eights if you like. More than about a foot, turning starts to be a problem. The snow blower will have no problem blowing the snow, you just wont be able to turn. Snow blowers auger the snow in, right in front of the machine, but the sides are still as deep it was to begin with. So, if your trying to clear really deep snow (I’m talking 2-3 feet) you will be going straight ahead and backing up. Straight back. If you’re a little off backing up, the back of the blower will dig into the deep snow on the sides and you will get stuck. This is incredibly frustrating. It is best to take a little at a time if the snow is too deep. To minimize the distance you need to backup. Lifting the blower helps with turning, but if the snow is 3 feet deep nothing is going to help. This is just a part of lawn tractor snow removal.

I clear about half an acre. Out to the chicken coop and garbage shed. Then to my barn. All of this is on grass. If you need to clear a path that is on grass. Your going to want to start right at the beginning of the year. I made this mistake last year. I waited half way through winter before I decided I wanted to drive a truck right to my garbage shed. What happened was, the path that I had already been clearing was now ice about a foot thick. As soon as my lawn tractor got off of the hard packed snow/ice, I was stuck. The ground was also fairly soft under all the snow that was untouched. That didn’t help matters. If you start at the beginning of the year you will have a nice base layer to drive on. Even with the chains and weights it is still a lawn tractor. Traction is a problem.

If you have a lot to clear and plan on being outside for awhile, I recommend getting an enclosure. While there is no heat in these, they keep the wind and blowing snow off. Nothing is worse than getting a face full of snow because you didn’t rotate the chute fast enough. If you do get an enclosure and keep your lawn tractor in a heated building, remember that the enclosure will be warm when you go outside. As soon as the blowing snow hit’s the window it will melt and freeze. I push my lawn tractor outside for a few minutes before I start blowing to let the enclosure cool off. It really helps once I start blowing snow. The snow doesn’t stick near as much!

Overall I really like this snow blower attachment. It works fantastic! I have never had a problem with it getting bogged down in deep snow, it just keeps on eating. While it is a bit of a pain trying to manoeuvre in very deep snow, I like it a lot better than a snowplough. I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to put the snow. Just blow it away and its gone! Traction is an issue, but if you plan how you're going to do it before you start, you can avoid getting stuck. Tire chains are a must, as are weights. You will not be disappointed if you get one. Happy Snow Blowing!

Here are a few more insights to enhance your lawn tractor snow removal experience

Preventative Measures: Before the snow season hits, apply a silicone or Teflon-based spray on the snow blower chute and auger. This helps reduce snow buildup, making the process smoother and more efficient.

Visibility Matters: Ensure proper lighting on your lawn tractor, especially if you plan on snow blowing during early mornings or late evenings. Good visibility is crucial for navigating tricky terrain and avoiding obstacles hidden beneath the snow.

Routine Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your lawn tractor and snow blower attachment. Check for loose bolts, damaged components, and wear on blades. Keeping your equipment in top condition ensures optimal performance when you need it the most.

Adjusting to Snow Conditions: Pay attention to the type of snow you're dealing with. Wet, heavy snow may require a slower pace and more frequent adjustments to prevent overloading the blower. Adjust the skid shoes and blower height based on the snow's consistency for optimal results.

Boundary Markers: Install reflective markers along the edges of your driveway or designated snow removal area. These markers help you maintain a clear path and avoid accidental damage to landscaping or other structures hidden beneath the snow.

Plan Your Route: Devise a strategic plan for snow removal, taking into account the wind direction. Starting upwind can prevent snow from blowing back onto areas you've already cleared. Plan your turns and stops to minimize the need for intricate maneuvers in deep snow.

Emergency Preparedness: Keep a basic toolkit and a supply of spare parts on hand in case of unexpected breakdowns. A shovel, extra shear pins, and basic tools can save you from being stranded mid-task during a snowstorm.

Environmental Considerations: Be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid blowing snow into roads or walkways used by others, and be cautious near fragile landscaping features. Responsible snow removal not only benefits you but also your neighbors and the environment.

Training Period: If you're new to using a lawn tractor for snow removal, allow yourself a learning curve. Practice in a controlled environment before tackling your entire property. This helps you become familiar with the equipment's nuances and improves overall efficiency.

Weather Monitoring: Stay informed about weather forecasts, especially during heavy snowfall periods. Clearing smaller amounts of snow more frequently is often easier than tackling a large accumulation after a prolonged storm.

By incorporating these additional tips into your lawn tractor snow removal routine, you'll be better equipped to handle winter challenges efficiently and enjoy a smoother experience throughout the season. Stay safe and happy snow blowing!