Winter is still in full swing, and many of us working out in the field are needing winter-ready equipment for snow removal. Are you looking to customize your current equipment for snow removal tasks? With implements for your lawn tractor, you can easily use a John Deere lawn tractor for snow removal. You may also want to consider a walk-behind snow blower, but ultimately, customizing your current lawn tractor with winter-ready attachments can save you time and money; after all, versatility is John Deere’s specialty.
In this edition of the Papé Machinery Agriculture & Turf blog, let’s take a look at how to remove snow, while comparing the efficacy between walk-behind snow blowers and tractor-mounted snow blower attachments.
Walk-Behind vs. Tractor Mounted Snow Blowers
When it comes to comparing walk-behind snow blowers and tractor-mounted snow blowers, we consider size, maneuverability, efficiency, and versatility.
Size & Storability
Walk-behind snowblowers are small, and generally take up less space. If you’re low on storage space, this may be a great option for you. However, if you already have a lawn tractor, storing the implements needed for snow blowing won’t add too much extra space to your garage or storage area.
Maneuverability & Efficiency
When it comes to maneuverability, the walk-behind tractor is smaller in size and due to the way you operate it, operators may find it easier to use for detailed work and snow removal tasks in small spaces or tight corners. However, the tractor-mounted snowblower is more powerful, efficient, and convenient to use; you can operate it while driving as opposed to the walk-behind method, where you need to walk while operating the equipment. Ultimately, the convenience and power of the tractor-mounted snow blower gives lawn tractor snow removal an advantage over walk-behind snow removal methods.
Speed
Lawn tractor-mounted snowblowers are drivable, and operate at a much higher rate of speed, whereas walk-behind snow blowers are controlled by walking from behind, and can take more time, especially if your property is large.
Versatility
Walk-behind snowblowers are effective, highly maneuverable equipment options. However, lawn mower tractors are highly versatile, and with the right implements, can be used from anything from mowing grass to plowing snow. Customizing your lawn tractor for your weather-specific needs can help you make the most of your highly versatile equipment.
Snow Removal Implements for Lawn Tractors
If you decide to go with the tractor-mounted snow blower route, you’ll need to be sure you have everything you need for snow removal. There are many different snow removal equipment and implement options available for your lawn tractor. You can review our latest blog on snow blower installation for your tractor.
Adding a snow blower to your lawn tractor makes quick work of moving snow whenever the need arises, and you can also add tire-chain attachments for increased safety and performance.
Consider, for example, you have an X590 tractor. Some equipment and implements available for snow removal include:
- Snow blower for X570 tractor, or X580, X585, and X590 tractors
- Front blade
- Tire chains or TerraGrip traction belts
- Weather enclosure
- Weights
Additional Snow Removal Equipment from John Deere
If you’re interested in winterizing your equipment, we can help. Our equipment specialists here at Papé Machinery Agriculture & Turf can answer any questions you may have about the best snow removal equipment and implements to use for your specific project needs. Looking for more ways to winterize your equipment and remove snow? John Deere breaks down 3 different ways to remove snow using your tractor, a front blade, a rear blade, and a materials bucket, and review our snow blower installation guidelines. Reach out to our equipment specialists or visit us at one of your convenient locations across the West for information on how to optimize your snow removal needs.
