[jwasbury]

As expected, the PPOT forum has rendered a plethora of opinions from pay someone else to plow, to use a tractor or ATV, to if you insist on a plow truck make sure it's got a solid front axle. All valid and helpful perspectives for me to consider.

The property we are acquiring is pretty flat, and the driveway isn't all that long, or large. It is large enough that I don't want to be using a shovel. A plow is probably overkill, and the average snowfall in Bucks County PA isn't anything massive (but you will get ocaissional blizzards). Plowing the driveway area will probably be a 5 minute exercise with a full size truck/rig. Probably as much or more time will be spent hooking up the "minute mount" plow than the actual plowing.

I suppose I gravitate towards having a plow capable truck and a plow set up because when it's necessary, I figure it will be the fastest and most comfortable way to clean up the drive. I am convinced that a pick up truck is an absolute necessity with this property. We will have over 13 acres (all but 1-2 acres wooded), a large barn, a pool, etc. I will need the truck to make dump runs, trips to the nursery and garden center, home improvement store, etc. Once I count on a truck, the incremental cost to add a plow rig is pretty nominal. On the other hand, the incremental cost of adding a tractor with PTO and snowblower, or an ATV can actually be quite high. I will also need some sort of machine to help maintain the grounds, but I am leaning towards a simpler lawn tractor. Something that can be used for mowing, leaf collection, and pull a small utility trailer to haul loads of clippings and other organic detritus around. Those machines are pretty cheap, but when you step up to a "real" compact tractor, those things get spendy damn quick. I don't see myself needing that serious of a yard machine...time will tell I suppose.

Thanks again for all the input.