(ET) Today's lessons with heavy snow

[Darryl McMahon <darryl econogics com>]

Just in from almost 3 hours of plowing with the E12.  I'm pleasantly 
surprised how long it lasted, with older batteries (6 years I think) and 
temperature around the freezing point.  I was using the front lift and 
lights extensively, and it was clear the front half of the pack was more 
tired than the rear half by the time I was done.
The snow today is wet and heavy, and was about 7 inches deep when I 
started (probably another inch or so fell while I was out).  Due to the 
way the driveway joins the street, there is a long section where the 
bottom inch or two is slush.  I've tried this stuff before with the 
blower and it just spits water.  So, today is the first time I have used 
the plow blade intensively for snow clearing.
The tractor has two mechanical 'clutches' to reduce damage when I am 
being too aggressive.  The drive belt slips when I'm pushing a heavy 
load (I'm guessing up to 400 pounds at times today in front of the 
blade).  It's likely due for a tightening adjustment anyway.  The belt 
was replaced a few years ago, so is likely in pretty good shape.  The 
second 'clutch' is the lift strap for the plow blade.  I took a run at 
an ice block from a previous municipal plow and snapped the lift strap. 
 Fortunately, that was a quick fix, and back to work in a couple of 
minutes.
I loved the way the blade lifted the sheets of packed snow and ice off 
the street pavement.  I have never seen that clean a pick up with a 
walk-behind unit or the snowblower on the ET.
I would not have attempted today's snow removal with a shovel and muscle 
power due to the weight of the snow and amount to be cleared.
Until today, I had not really recognized how noisy the snowblower 
attachment is.  I liked the relative quiet.  Also, the blade is a lot 
lighter, so I did not need the extra weight on the back for balance 
(tiller), which makes the tractor a lot more nimble.
Next time I get the tractor under cover and on dry ground, I'm going to 
be adding more lighting, both for vision and visibility.  Xenon driving 
lamps for the front and flashing red LEDs for the rear and sides.  (and 
tighten that drive belt)
I'm sure this is old news to many of you, but it was new discoveries for 
me, and I thought I would share.
--
Darryl McMahon