First Post...Plowing VERY long driveway. 700-4 up for it?

[mgh-pa]

My wife and I will be building a home in the next year on 150 acres. The driveway will be 1/2 mile long, gravel, but relatively low grade changes (no more than 10% variance across the length). 90% open, last 10% is wooded. I currently plow with my Rubicon because my driveway is small and paved. I'm thinking of selling it and picking up a UTV that can be used for work around the property, plow, and of course, haul the family.

I have access to a tractor on the next property (my dads), and a friend who has a plow truck. However, I would like to be able to take care of the more milder snowfalls that we tend to get (2-4").

Most people have said I'm nuts and should never attempt this long of a driveway with a UTV, and should either get a plow truck (I have a Tundra but have no desire to plow with it), or buy a tractor (too many $$$ to drop right after building a home).

So what is the general consensus? Is this a bad idea? Should I be looking a more work orientated brand (Kubota, JD, Gravely, etc.)? I really like the ability to convert from 2, 3, to 4 on the Honda for our family which is initially why I was drawn to it.

Thanks!

 

[Admin]

 

[elkguide]

The 700 will do it fine BUT......

the 1000 will do it better!!!!

This is my second winter of plowing with my P1K-3 and it has been amazing. My wife says that when I head out to plow driveways that I'm heading out to "play" but she doesn't understand what real work is nor how much pleasure that can be had by plowing with a Pioneer.

 

[swsebek]

Them folks are nuts, these machines are fun to plow with and your people will be amazed at how fast you will throw that snow out of your way.
And you don't have to borrow some one else's stuff is all worth it.
When my neighbors see it snowing
They know the drill, move your cars cause here I come......

 

[ALM76]

I've plowed a 1/4 mile drive with a Rancher for years with strategic planning and layers of clothes. As mentioned above, the 700 or 1000 will fit all your needs and have a blast doing it. Plus being a Honda you can't go wrong.

There should be some on YouTube you can check out in action.

 

[Neohio]

A friend of mine just put a snow dogg v blade on his 700-4 and plows professionally with it. He uses his truck for main lots and his 700 for sidewalks etc. I don't think your driveway will be a problem, unless the snow is 18" deep.

 

[CumminsPusher]

If I had to chose a Honda to plow with it would be the 700 because of the transmission. Yes the 1000 has more grunt and you’d be done faster but the 700 is a great solid design for working imho

 

[mgh-pa]

Thanks, everyone. They seem to be priced very reasonable in comparison to most SXS's out there, and like I said, I really like the seat conversions.

 

[Harman24630]

I have to plow the "state maintained " road to my house because VDOT refuses to put their equipment on steep grades. The road is paved, its steep but not horrible, and best estimate about 250 to 300 yards. I used to have a 78' Chevrolet truck with a western plow it done great but I made the decision to sell it and buy a plow for my 700-4 and it does just as good and is in my opinion better because it's more maneuverable, like others have noted more entertaining, and in my case didn't make sense to have a vehicle to maintain just for that purpose 4 months out of the year.

 

[allgm1]

700's are great for plowing snow, as everyone mentioned, they are much more easier to use when cleaning up small areas do to their size. I have a 350' gravel driveway ,plus more around the yard to do and all I use is the pioneer. I have a plow for my pick up but never use it. I've got a full enclosed cab (honda soft doors) heat and tunes so I can stay out there all day.