Yahoo! First snow!

1) hook up the rear blade the night before. I have done this in the past, and so far as I can tell, it never snowed if I did this. The first night I took the blade off the tractor and didn't put it back on, it snowed.

2) hydraulics move slower when they're cold.

3) don't leave a 2WD passenger car that hasn't been started for a week in front of the door to the shed containing your N.

4) two words: maintenance charger

5) two more words: block heater

6) running starts help, just like moving dirt

7) rear worklights sure make it easy to NOT push your mailbox over

8) your transmission cover will get wet from melting snow. This water will get on your boots. When your boots touch the ground, that water will freeze. You will probably be standing on ice at the time.

9) snow can obscure things that your blade will make short work of. Things like downspouts and landscape rocks.

And finally, get chains.

I just spent about 3 hours plowing with my 8N, and found it's kinda fun! I'd rather be sitting on the front porch on the 4th of July spitting watermelon seeds in the flowerbed - but I really did enjoy the snow plowing today.

I have more to do in the morning, and am sort of looking forward to it - so I'll quit griping at you guys who look forward to snow.

Right about then something big and green with tall dualies, a heated cab and a big-o blade at least 8 feet wide made a couple of passes through my driveway then down the access road and all of a sudden, it's driveable. Kinda had split emotions at the time because I was curious how the N would perform but was also glad it was mostly done. That big bruiser can't get into the small places like the N so I figured I go in behind and do some cleanup. Also wanted to blade some paths across my yard.

OK, back to work: Moved all afore mentioned implements out into the snow so that I could get the blade out. then, moved em all back in. (NOTE TO SELF: come up with better way to store implements.)Ready to start blading. Hmmmmm , what's that that's been coming down for the last hour our so while I've been playing musical implements? Could it be freezing rain and sleet? Yep 'fraid so. Oh well. Now all of a sudden I'm having trouble driving up and down my driveway, a whole lot of tire spinnin goin on. Maybe I should have put calcium chloride back in the tires when I did the re-tube and paint job last summer; running with air seemed like a good idea at the time. (NOTE TO SELF: get a set of tire chains!)

And we love it!

Welcome to the winter N users club!

1) Follow everybody elses tips!

2) Keep a can of Pam and a small bottle of Jack in the tool box - just remember, the Pam goes on the blade!

3) I plow in reverse with the blade dumping to the right. This way I can keep one foot on the clutch and one on the right brake to correct steering issues from heave snow.

4) I've used a magnetic block hearter for 10 years. Wouldn't live without one.

5) Before the driveway freezes solid, I allow the slush to melt into the gravel and build up. after the freeze, the driveway is as solid as asphalt and I don't need shoes on my blade. This also lets me cut close to get out any new slush and snow ruts that might develop.

It'll be interesting to see how many love plowing come March! Take care of your N and it'll take care of you.

Scott

The old excitement of plowing wears off by the middle of February, so enjoy it now.

Your tips are good, you are a quick learner. I'd like to add some tips I learned last year:

10. It's much esier to plow withhout your wifes car stuck halfway up the driveway.

11. If you can drive over the snow, you will find you get way more traction going forward rather than backward.

12. Leave it running til it's back in the barn...Why take chances to save .25 worth of gas? N's aren't that much fun to push. Also...keep it fullof gas....running out with 5 gallon can in 30 MPH wind at 10 degrees....well frankly, it's less than no fun!)

13. Keep your hands off the fenders. getting wacked by a hunk of tire chain not only hurts for a long time, it could be fatal if it catches your glove.....

Good Luck
Steve

Take Cart
Steve

My wife thinks I am the hero for clearing the driveway before she was out of bed! Don't let the secret out!

As I like to correct her every time "If I am in the tractor seat, I am working, not playing."

I don't know why she keeps getting confused. Must be the big grin. :)