Snow Removal - Which model is best?

[TraumaOne]

I would like to firstly say that this forum is filled with an astonishing amount of information. That being said, I'll move into my question which is likely a matter of opinion for most. I moved into a house last year that has a fairly long gravel driveway that can be quite a chore to clean out in the Winter without a plow. I've always wanted a Farmall Tractor and now I have a reason to buy one.

For snow removal, I've been looking at two tractor models, the Cub and the Super A. Both models appear to be somewhat available in my area (Michigan) and some with plows already attached. The second question is tractor fit. I'm a big guy (6'4") and on the heavy side, would one of these be more fitting than the other? I'm looking for some direction as to what model I should be looking for this summer.

Thanks in advance,

[Eugene]

Opinion. I would go with the larger, heavier tractor for snow removal.

Actually, the Super A has many advantages over the Cub besides removing snow. Having said that, I own two Cubs and other larger machines.

[ricky racer]

I agree with Eugene, the Super A is a better tractor than the Cub. A bigger more powerful tractor with it's additional weight and horsepower will move more snow with greater ease. Having a 4 speed transmission is better than the 3 speed Cub. It gives you more options of ground speed. That being said, I have and love my Cub. With the right tire chains and wheel weights (I run double wheel weights) it can be a snow pushing beast.



If you have a Super A and need to find a grader blade for snow plowing, you'll have a more difficult time finding one and it will cost you more than a Cub blade. A good Cub blade typically runs between $150-$200. A good blade for a Super A will more likely run you around $450 if you can find one. Either way, if find a good example of either the Super A or Cub, you can't go wrong. On the other hand, blowing snow is the most efficient way to move snow. I prefer plowing because I hate getting snow blown back in my face. That and I just enjoy plowing with my Cub...

[ajhbike]

My 2 cents...I don't have a long drive, but I do a few drives in the neighborhood so I get alot of linear feet/seat time for each storm although not like Michegan.

Cubs are nice to putz around in but lack the moxie to move real snow. I find the Super A more powerful and heavier for sure, but I don't find it easy to get on and off (Cubs either for that matter) and your feet seem to be way out in front of you...whereas the Cub is more comfortable to sit on to me.

You guys get serious snow so I would get bigger than a Cub or a Super A. I like my big machines to get big snow dealt with.

[Jim Becker]

The Super A is bigger, more powerful, quicker to finish a given job, has a slightly roomier platform, etc. The main advantages of a Cub are less storage space required in a shed, major parts weigh less if you work on it, and it is easier to find stuff to go with it. Although a Super A and related equipment shouldn't be that hard to find in Michigan.

However, the bigger question is how much snow you are likely to get at one time. After all, you don't have to push December snow after a February storm. How much room you have to push it back is also relevant. Without some push back room, you start to need a snow blower. By the way, snow blowers aren't a panacea either. Besides the previously mentioned fact they blow a lot of it on you, with light snow they don't throw it far enough and with wet snow all they want to do is plug up.

Last winter, my drive got plowed a few times when I wasn't available. They didn't push it back enough and I had to use a blower some of the time to get fresh snow past the frozen piles.

I would suggest getting a Super A, but only if you find one with a blade. If buy a Super A without one, you are then committed to finding a Super A blade, which may prove to be difficult. By the way, when you go looking for equipment to go on either tractor, study the owner's manual or parts catalog so you can make sure major pieces aren't missing.

[outdoors4evr]

Either way you choose, I'd make certain it had hydraulics and all the attachments you require.
I have a long gravel driveway in Michigan and haven't had any difficulties pushing snow with a lowboy (with chains).
A Cub or a Super A could only be better. If you intend to also use it for mowing purposes, then I'd look for something shorter that can fit under tree limbs.

[TraumaOne]

Thanks for all the replies, Super A it is. I appreciate all the insight into things I should consider.

You guys are great!