Winter Coming

Nowadays, one can't be so sure what is coming. However, I have treated myself to a new #BoysToy, a snow plough to fit on one of our lawn tractors.

Some will know I have a 'normal' 1965 John Deere tractor with front loader but anyone who has dealt with such things will know, 2-wheel drive, no servo steering, no hydraulics for the very small 80 cm bucket & a huge turning circle, mean it's simply useless for such a job. It would also need snow chains, alone the cost for one rear wheel would be more than the plough.

Also, some will know I have a 'cheap' Chinese snowblower bought in 2006 and which has served us well but has its limits. Some time around 2008, built a snow plough to put on the front when one has wet & or limited snow. That worked well too, but the whole thing is extremely heavy and apart from in a straight line, can be difficult in all the nooks & crannies. And I am getting older!

Today put it all together and was very impressed by the quality despite it being one of the cheaper models on the market. The official very expensive (2x,3x cost) one's from the various lawn tractor makers, do come with ´the necessary bracket to attach onto the tractor. My set doesn't, so in the next weeks will take it to the local agricultural engineers to have a custom one made.

Don't expect miracles and know that a large overnight dump of 50 cm as we have had in the past will be too much but hope that the ease of operation will mean I can get out early and more often. The snow blower will remain on standby.

Been a lovely day yet again and a great evening walk with Luna in Erkheim. Doesn't feel at all lie winter!