Want to use a lawn tractor to clear snow? It’s a great way for homeowners with longer driveways to get snow cleared away with ease. Here are some of the most common questions and considerations before turning your tractor into a snow clearing machine. 

- Storage. Keep in mind the total length of the tractor and snowblower will be considerably larger. Make sure you have room to store AND maneuver in and out when needed!  When changing over to snow clearing mode, you will need to remove and store the cutting deck – and in the summer, store the snow plow/blower. Plan storage accordingly! Any convenience or time saving the tractor may provide is negated when you have to battle to use it!

Simplicity tractors are an example of equipment designed with storage in mind. Attachments fold up easily and will stand on their own. Once detached, the hitch and snow blower will roll easily across the ground. 

- Change over. We mentioned removing the cutting deck and installing the snow blower. While not overly complex, this is a task that requires a bit of planning. Attempting to complete during the season’s first snow fall is just asking for trouble! 

If your tractor has a complex pulley system (common on MTD and Sears tractors), the change over will be more involved. Keep in mind that some tractor snow blower attachments are designed after the fact. Some Cub Cadet and Simplicity tractors will have a quick attach mount that allow for an easy, one or two pin installation. The attachments are very heavy so a “drive-on” connection can be worth the extra money!

- Weight kit and chains.  Adding tire chains to your garden tractor may be helpful if you are clearing snow from hilly or uneven areas. Adding a counter weight to the back of the tractor may help the tires dig in, but be cautious of adding undue weight and stress to the machine. 

Buying the right tractor is an important factor. A rugged lawn tractor with the K57 transmission for example is better suited for attachments.  More often than not, once a wheel weight is installed, it will stay on the machine all year. 

- Stay dry! Adding a protective snow cab to a lawn tractor is a way to avoid wind and snow. Snow cabs are available in two versions: expensive and cheap. If you can afford to spend a little extra, an upgraded cab will have doors that seal and keep heat in – some even have a wiper to see where you are going. The cheaper cabs will keep you dry but the effort involved with constant adjustment, clearing off, and lack of protection make a strong case for the upgraded version.  

Is there a down side to using a lawn tractor as a snow blower? You’ll be clearing huge paths of snow with minimal effort, but clearing narrow walkways, around cars, and other elements that cause frequent turning, can restrict the snowblower. So, don’t throw away the snow shovel, there will still be shoveling involved. 

Keep in mind that the lawn tractor was designed to cut grass on a warm sunny day! Adding another season of use means increase wear and tear. Water and salt can take a toll on the front end, wearing away at the clutch and wheel bearings. Running the machine in heavy, deep snow is possible but will require preventative maintenance to ensure you get the most of the lawn tractor.  

Adding a snow blower to a lawn tractor is a great way to put the mower to good use and tackle an otherwise unpleasant task. In short, the tractor snow blower is a tool that requires a bit of planning and diligent preventative maintenance. You will look forward to seeing a rough weather forecast when you have a 20HP engine throwing snow!

A power outage, especially a prolonged outage in cold weather, has a funny way of helping shape the way you see the world. Snazzy tools that allow you to live on your terms, at the push of a button; DVR, wifi thermostat, and internet connection to the world - are all useless without electricity. Before picking up a new flat screen or the latest home automation gadget – consider a generator system. 

Finding a home generator system begins by developing a basic understanding of your needs. In other words, how much power is required to make the home comfortable during an outage? Well pumps and electric heat systems, for example require more wattage to run. 

Before calling a licensed electrician, decide what you can live without during an outage. If the house is warm, fridge is cold and a few lights are on – a smaller system could be the answer. Automated generator systems are available that power the entire home and allow for the ultimate in comfort during an outage. 

With a basic understanding on power needs vs power wants, you are better equipped to hire a contractor and select the proper generator for your home. 

Our generator selection guide will help as you research what generator is right for you.  Common appliances along with average wattages are provided as a guide. Your power needs will vary, so use this guide to understand the process and be better informed when adding a standby power system to your home. 

Like the sun rises every morning, Thursday morning will arrive just as it promises every year. Thanksgiving morning and the question always is... are you ready? Mom and Dad are there, crazy uncle Joey, and the kids. Like a well-forecasted storm, they will come charging up those front steps with eager eyes and empty bellies. Just as the predictable Thanksgiving storm approaches so does the promise of snow. Winter is just around the corner, and knowing that you must be sure that your Snow Blower is properly buttered, stuffed, browned, and ready to go. 

Engine oil is the gravy to any snow blower recipe. Engine oil is a crucial ingredient to your snow blower, without engine oil your snow blower will be too dry and will break, leaving you snowed in. You can't have Thanksgiving without gravy....or stuffing for that matter which brings us to our next ingredient, shear pins. Shear pins are the stuffing, make sure that they are all intact or your blower simply won't throw snow. Snow Blower belts are the cranberry sauce. It is always good to have a couple extra belts on hand in case of emergency. Just as any Thanksgiving without extra cranberry sauce simply isn't a well planned Holiday dinner. 

What is a Thanksgiving meal without a Thanksgiving dessert? There is no smell like Grandmother's famous apple pie being sliced and served around the table. Just as the warm pie fills your belly, your snow blower hand warmers spread the warmth from your fingertips to your arms. Hand warmers are Grandmother's pies, you can't imagine going a single year without them. 

The Snow Blower itself, of course, is the most important item of them all, the turkey. However no matter how delicious a turkey is, it wouldn't work without all the other dishes next to it. So take care of your snow blower this season and make sure it's ready to go before the first snow fall.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and safe Winter

Sincerely,

your friends at ProParts Direct!