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

For myself, I use the old Italian stucco spreader, It works pretty good though

DP I have no idea what you are referring too?  Is there a web page of a pic of it?

C

Put them chains on that Craftsman LT and get going with this...............




Northern Tool  $54.99

Hmmm,

I could go that route with weights and chains.....I am honestly not sure I could make it to the top.  Heck the Honda pulls me up when there is no ice, with ice if it did not pull me I would be hard pressed to get there.  It is REALLY steep right at the top.

Nothing would please me more than to sit on my as* and sand that way lol......

Ok, lets consider this a serious consideration for that price including weights and chains....

Other ideas?....

C

I have my older Bro from NJ and his family arriving any minute with my parents for dinner so I might not be back on tonight but will try to be.  If that happens I will be back in the AM so please keep the ideas coming and I will get to them all.

Thanks for the ideas so far!...       

C

I used to use a decent quality Broadcast spreader. As long as the Sand was BONE DRY, it worked. But as the sand salt combo got damp, or wet from precip, it would clump up and gum up the works. They key is a LARGE drop opening.

They do make tailgate spreader for trucks. maybe one would fit on the jeep.

Hi Chris:

Short of a plastic hand pushed fertilizer spreader, take a look at northerntool.com under the snow and ice removal link on the left.  They have various sand/salt spreaders all the way up to full truck bed models.

bbwb

what u need is the sand to come out behind u as u travel forward.   so connect them handle to  handle w/ u in the middle. 
.


if u keep the sander suspended it would not need wheels.  (but would then need a way to eject the sand)  probably need to weigh down the front of the honda.


i cede u all the patents/copyrights

Overkill?

HI...


Maybe the Honda track blower can pull/push a spreader... broadcast or drop... after a few snow clearing passes are made...
Just need to sand two tire tracks I would think... slow ground speed may be an issue...

Or... leave the blower stationary...  in blowing mode... and throw sand into the intake !  

Maybe a fun thing for the kids to spread sand by hand... if there's somethin' in it for 'em...


Dave...

My worry exactly MM,  BBW I will check them out, just wondering if anyone actually has used any of them.

Very funny Marshall lol... if I had that I would not be posting lol...

Solara and Dave I don't want to involve my Honda at all unless there is something that was specifically designed for that.

My older boy throws sand now, he does his best but is very innefficient, unthourough, cost me a fortune in food and will not be around forever (thank God LOL.....)

Sorry for the typos, in a rush as they are here and I am dodging the wife lol....

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