I appreciate hanging around the ACMOC forum and seeing the passion, skills, and experience of folks--not to mention some beloved machines and projects. All I have is my '68 12F grader that I purchased to maintain my access road and have enjoyed learning how to operate (and repair sometimes). The forum folks have been a great help.Today was another snow plow day. And rather nippy at -20F (-4F), so I needed to ensure that Hanna would be warmed up a bit before starting. She has a coolant circulating heater for the engine, then cover the engine with a couple of old moving quilts while she warms up. Plus I use a couple of magnetic block heaters on the control gear box to ensure that the oil is not too thick. (I need to use a portable generator, as I live off grid and the draw of three heating units would be a bit much.)

I have posted some photos and a links to a couple of videos of this today's outing. I have also included a video taken by my wife from the cab of our pickup, showing our driveway from our garage to the public road. The driveway is the main reason I have Hanna.I did have one 'adventure' that is not in the pics. About half way along the plowing, I suddenly had no brakes. Turned out that a link had broken on one of my chains, resulting in the chain set coming off the tire and taking out a brake line. Fortunately nothing else was damaged. Life offgrid in the bush.

Here are links to the videos:

Hi, Onfoot.
Thanks for sharing, for the photos and for the insight into how some other folks live but all you have really done, for me at least, is to reinforce my reasons for living where I do.

That said though, good photos and information and thanks again.

Just my 0.02.

Thanks for the photos!

Suggestion - even though you are probably not operating at full speed, (highest gears possible), those "bungee cords" are not a substitute for proper tire chain installation.
The loose side rails will stretch the bungee's and allow the cross bars to leave the tire, thus creating more impact on the cross chains which will break. The higher the speeds, the farther the chains will stretch the bungee's! Loose chains can slip and cause one cross link to grab a grouser and tear them, can result in loss of the tire if severe enough.
If the cross chain breaks, they can and do tear brake lines and damage anything else they contact. They become a "flail". Always carry tie wire to tie those broken cross chains to the side rails!
This is applicable to any tire chain use on any vehicle.
Loose/broken chains cause untold amounts of damage to vehicles and equipment.

Keep close eye on your cross chains, as they wear, you can "flop" the chains and wear the cross bars on the "new" side, thus getting longer life, but only if you do not wear the one side too thin and they break.

Stay safe, and thanks again!
CTS

Thanks, ctsnowfighter. Appreciate the wisdom. Re. full speed, I have to laugh. She's never out of 1st or 2nd gear in low range when I am plowing. Had her in 3rd once and it was too fast for my road (and me!). But I take your point about the bungees. I do keep checking them to ensure they are keeping tension. I had chain tighteners (star-shaped 'bungee' tighteners) intended for trucks and equipment, but they were expensive and seemed to be good for only one winter. But perhaps I need to reconsider. I take your points about keeping a close eye on the cross chains. Interestingly, what broke in this instance was the link that holds the chain binder closed--so the binder opened and the chains worked their way off before I noticed--taking out one of the brake lines. Live and learn. My life in the bush. Happy New Year to you!

Hi Onfoot,

Glad to hear you are having fun and taking it "gently"!

Unfortunately, I have very few photos of any of the equipment or working.   At the time, we did not consider that a thing of interest or have the time to do so.   Typically, 12 hr shifts, no days off unless storm broke and all cleaned up, then we returned to 3-8hr shifts.  

The attached picture is one of the AW 300 Pacers, equipped with 13 foot bull plow (reversible).  The bull plow was most helpful being carried a few inches off the ground, providing weight for traction on the front end.  All wheel drive, all wheel steer.  (you might be able to see, no steering wheel, they had a "t"bar that you "bumped" with your hand, never holding it!)

The "station" I was assigned to had 13 of these AW 300 pacers, 13 rotary snow plows and numerous trucks, pickups, etc.
Graders were run two or three in a group per section.  Usually one plowing left and two to the right.   Fast as the 4-71 detroits would allow and at 6-7,000 feet in elevation, they did not have a whole lot of GO!   Downhill was usually in 5th or 6th (high) gear, up in 4th if you could pull it.  (yes, it was fun sometimes, especially when road was closed and no traffic to deal with, and yes at times it would make you bite holes in the seat!)  Nothing like skating on the moldborad when it jumps on top of packed snow/ice!
Rear Steer can be a real thrill at speed!

Have a Safe and Healthy New Year.
CTS
 

Onfoot, and cts, thank you for sharing. But I am cold sitting next to the nice oak logs burning in my fire place, so like Deas I hope to never need this wisdom. But always better to have and not need, than need and not have.

They are impressive machines! The all wheel drive and steer must have been useful. The steering process sounds a bit challenging. Not sure I understand what 't' bar steering arrangement would be... Where were you stationed? The elevation makes me think of passes in the Sierras or the Rockies. I have had my own occasional 'thrills' of being pulled into the ditch by the moldboard on packed snow/ice. But for me it is slow motion and no problem to get back onto the road. I expect it was a bit more exciting for you! At least you have lived to tell the tales! Thanks for sharing the pic!