Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I need a little help, or at least some ideas from everyone.

You have seen pictures of my drive.  It is pretty big and steep at the top.  I need to hand sand it frequently and I am getting tired of this to be quite honest and time is becoming even more scarce for me not less....

I toyed with the idea a few years ago of getting something like a fertilizer spreader to throw the sand/salt mixture that I get free from the town.  Something with rubber tires that would not slip on the ice and something that would throw a lot of sand AND not clog.

Guys and gals within reason price is not an issue as it is something I would use forever as I never see myself not living where there is snow and lots of it.

Again most important for me, really throws the sand, doesn't slip on the ice and does not clog up all the time.  Once in awhile I can deal with the occasional clog but not all the time.

OK does anyone know of something that fits the bill?

I won't be buying it this year as the season is coming to an end but next year it is on my list of considerations along with a trimmer which I must have.

Thanks for any ideas you all might have.....

C

I use a plasic broadcast with salt/sand. Works well on clear drive. Works pretty good on icy drive.

If you do it right you only need one pass.

If you can keep the spreader and salt in the truck and park at the top. Or blow the drive and drive the truck to the top and set up spreader to spread down hill. then walk back up empty.

Elcheapo spreader, everything will rust. Even if it is all plastic the rods and cables will give you three-four years at the most maybe five if you are lucky. (used for summer stuff too)

my 2 cents

Thanks for the ideas guys.

I will check them all out.

C

hey..

we have sold a good many of the spreaders to companys around town for the same purpose.

only they were doing small parking lots .

the really good working ones are the broadcast type and are almost all plastic.only metal is the axle and a small shaft that runs up through the bucket from axle.this is the piece that spins the broadcaster and it also spins a little wing in the botton to keep the salt sand mix from  clumping up.

it has large pneumatic tires about the same size as wheelbarro only  flat level tread.

we also find that if you mix a 45 gallon drum full of sand with a bag or 2 of salt it wont freeze and if you cover it up it wont get wet.this much would do an average driveway in most conditions for a season.

and like you say you get what you pay for.

later chris

www.bay-lynx.com has the answer to your sand spreading needs. check out the front discharge unit. 17 yds of material and cat c-12 400 hp turbo diesel to power it for ya! oh yeah it has the obligatory stainless steel cab. can someone post a picture?

Earthway makes broadcast spreaders that can be pushed or towed behind a tractor. Excellent quality and available in stainless steel to eliminate rust from salt and fertilizer. They cost a little more, but will last a LOT longer than the cheap plactic units with their breakable gears. Here is their web site:

http://www.earthway-outlet.com/

Those Earthway spreaders are looking pretty good.....

Lots of good ideas thanks.

C

Chris s,

 How long is your drive?

Gravel?

Blacktop?

I use a small fertlzr. speader for my 95 foot drive, and use water softner salt for my blacktop. (forget the sand if it is short enuogh)

                                                                                                                                   18 degress

Gravel,

The sand/salt mixture the town supplies is free and works great.

Here's the pics.

What you cannot appreciate is how steep the drive is at the top, I am standing on the upper part of the drive and as you can see I a looking at the roof of my house and I am not a tall dude by any means. 

I like Marshalls idea the most but I know I will never get the LT even with weights and chains up that top part  alone much less pulling a 100+ pounds of sand, it ain't happening in this lifetime, it is hard to walk it up there.

C

gravel=bummer                           18 degrees