Repair-It

I need something for snow removal.

My shovel and plow guy option are not cutting it.

My driveway is ridiculous to shovel. 2.5 hours today for 4 to 5 inches, and I didn't do everything.

I definitely feel like a snow blower will be useless in my situation. I will still be out there for at least an hour and a half, and that is every time we get everything. I am not complaining, and I knew the size of the driveway when I bought the house. I guess I thought getting it plowed would be more convenient than it is.

Requirements:
Must be adequate for 1 to 12 inches (I don't mind going out 3 times if we get 3 feet for example)
I don't want to spend a million dollars on this
It would be nice to get something that has other uses than just snow removal

Here are what I think are options, feel free to add more:
Full size Truck w/plow
Small/Mid-sized truck w/plow
Snow Thrower for tractor
ATV w/plow
SUV w/plow

My initial thoughts on these options, which are not set in stone:

Full size Truck w/plow - Overkill for what I need, but might not be much more than a Small/Mid-sized truck w/plow, and I would get extra capability, which I probably don't really need

Small/Mid-sized truck w/plow - This would probably work, Not super excited to own another mediocre vehicle.

Snow Thrower for tractor - I would be ok with this, I am just not sure how well they actually work. Having a rider lawn mower is a requirement for my yard, so this could be a cheaper option to add on.

ATV w/plow - This probably would work, but realistically I would never ride it anywhere and have no use for an ATV. Also without a truck where can I even ride this? My yard? Not worth it.

SUV w/plow - My thoughts behind this are: Full sized truck engine/capability (except open bed) for less cost to buy. Not excited to own/drive a truck or SUV.

Do you have a lawn tractor with front PTO?

Yes. The Craftsman/Husqvarna thrower fit it. I just don't know how well they work.

It's probably the right solution for what you need. Less maneuverable than a snow blower but more maneuverable than any truck with a plow. The only issue is you get it in the face when the wind picks up. That's where a truck owns anything where you're outside. But like you said, you don't need another vehicle. On the other hand, everyone needs another vehicle.

All the stuff with a plow I could find:

94 Chevy S-10 Blazer plow truck - $2950
http://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/4874393043.html

98 dodge dakota w 6.5 fisher speedcast plow - $3000
http://providence.craigslist.org/cto/4867662656.html

Overkill: 1998 CHEVY 2500 WITH PLOW - $3500
http://providence.craigslist.org/cto/4816926997.html

If you wanna replace a hydraulic pump: '94 Chevy Z71 with plow - $1800
http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/cto/4872772248.html

For some reason I like this: 1996 Chevy Tahoe (with plow) - $3000
http://southcoast.craigslist.org/cto/4872717754.html

Too rusty to register: 1990 GMC Sierra C/K2500
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 6921&Log=0

So, budget $3k minimum for a functional plow truck.

I think I am leaning towards the Tahoe idea.

Everyone I have talked to said the snow thrower attachment is useless in our area with wet snow.

Maybe it is time to sell the 3... Unless I found out the Corolla was worth a lot.

No, you need to add vehicles. You can add them cheaply because you don't rely on them daily. A 96 Tahoe is perfect. First year of the Vortec 5700 so it actually has respectable performance (255 hp and 335 lb-ft). Plus I always found them handsome. And I don't think working on them is particularly difficult.

Or, you don't have 3 grand to spend on a fourth vehicle and are suggesting that between the Tahoe and Corolla, you have your needs covered. Is that it? I would worry about rust on a 96 that was used as a plow. Just requires a careful check.

Auto Trader research indicates that the 96 Tahoe w/ plow is a good find. Actually an amazing find. Like, go look at it.

There ARE other Tahoe/Yukon options on Auto Trader (some cheaper) but none with a plow. For what that's worth. eBay was no better.

Example of Auto Trader find with no plow:
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 5857&Log=0

Yeah 261k but seems really clean and only $2300.

A 95 with 210k but only $1950. Last year of TBI which had significantly less power than the Vortec (but is simple and reliable, just ask my Caprice).
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... 5756&Log=0

This looks good also.
http://capecod.craigslist.org/cto/4869143128.html
A little more money, but if I sell the 3, and get something like this that could put a couple grand towards a Monte Carlo, or Camaro Down payment...

This could get dangerous real quick.

You really don't want an 8 foot plow. I can't tell but the 96 Tahoe plow may be smaller which is a good thing. I'd get something cheaper and plan to wrench on it from time to time.