It is the Kawasaki 17 horse single. Plenty of power just need more traction and already has 2 (I believe) 40-pound weights on the back. Not sure if a different tire would help. Sure built better than the new crap out there, that's all I know.
I've had a couple 180's with the 42" single-stage blower. That FC540V Kawi will not run out of power, that's for sure. The mower deck hardly challenges it, so I used to love hearing it work a little with the blowers. They were known for being in it for the long-haul too, given reasonable care and regular fluid/filter maintenance. Lot's of them powered commercial mowers before the general shift to twins. That 38/42" single-stage blower is waaaay tougher than the AgriFab-built 42" two-stage that came on later series tractors too. Throws as good or better too, if you keep it fed. They don't like to eat light. If it's spinning excessively even with the tire chains, then double check the rear tire pressure. Should run the rears at about 8-10psi and the chains as tight as you can get them without special tactics. Two 42lb'rs off the back should be enough. But that was with me on the seat, . I could see wanting a little more for a lightweight operator.
I probably have too much air in the tires, plus they are worn down. Wondered if ag (lug) tires would help, also I am no light weight. Haven't put the mowing deck on it so it sits most of summer. PO said motor was rebuilt 20 hours before I got it. Was so lucky to be the first call and he would hold it for me.
Not vs chains. I would go ag tires if the chains were tearing up the drive but otherwise, anything that holds air & wears chains is better than ag tires. Modifying the chains to an H pattern design could help. Titan Chain Tractor Tire Chains - H Pattern - Twist Link - 1 Pair Titan Chain Tractor Tire Chains TCHP272 (etrailer.com)
That was pretty slick. In that amount of snow, I doubt you could get it done any faster with a regular homeowner type snowblower. Pretty good operator too
Only thing I'll add here after coming in late & winter's about over, I plowed commercially for almost 30yrs and learned to hate it. If at all possible, always plow your banks away from the prevailing winds to avoid huge drifts. Push the snow 3X as far back as you need to begin the winter so you have room for more. The only difference between an old snowbank and a concrete wall is the snow eventually melts.
I was just going to post the same thing. Our neighbor thinks we are crazy and people always ask why we plow our driveway so wide and plow/pile it the way we do. Our driveway is 1/3 mile and when it drifts in, it's 2-5 ft deep. We plow to the lee side and pile past the corners. The goal is to start with 20-30 ft wide and by the end of winter it's about 10 feet. We try to mow the upwind side as far back as we can to reduce drifting.
