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10-17-2024, 07:04 AM | #1 |
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Steep driveway ideas
Hi All,
Looking for ideas on what to do about steep (18*) driveway. The drive down to our lake camp is very steep-so steep no one will plow it in winter, so we walk in. We are at camp ~ 2x/month and young enough to hike in now, but are not getting any younger! Current surface is some pavement and some gravel. Our lot is long and narrow with steep drop off on both sides of driveway, so there is really no room to relocate the driveway. The ultimate answer would be a heated drive-but that is not practical. Any ideas on best surface for traction that is plowable? Any other ideas on how to deal with a steep driveway? Your experience and comments appreciated! Thank you, Bill |
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10-17-2024, 07:41 AM | #2 |
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Mmmmm ..... that's a tough situation.
Any kind of resurfacing (asphalt/concrete) is going to be very expensive. A heated driveway fired with a propane boiler is your best bet. But, that also means repaving. Probably not your 'cup of tea', but have you considered buying a good used skid-steer? |
10-17-2024, 08:38 AM | #3 |
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Costly but worked on our 11degree grade driveway. 4WD tractor with snowblower and chains on 4 wheels. You would need a garage to keep it in so you don't spend a good amount of time digging it out of the snow.
Alan Last edited by Slickcraft; 10-17-2024 at 07:35 PM. |
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10-17-2024, 09:30 AM | #4 |
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Polaris Ranger
A tracked vehicle with a plow such as a Polaris Ranger or similar works very well. I have a tracked Ranger that I use for ice fishing (when there's ice!) and it is pretty unstoppable...not cheap however.
Dan
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10-17-2024, 10:27 AM | #5 |
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I don't see a good solution that is going to be cheap. A utility tractor with a snowblower and a power broom would be a great setup. Depending on the overall size of the driveway, a Kubota BX or Deere 1025R would be reasonably priced as these are often up for sale used. Tire chains are a must.
Our driveway is large- long and steep with a big open area at the top. I use a Kubota LX3310 CAB with rear blade and swap back and forth between a front snowblower and power broom. We live here though, so its easy to justify the expense. If you are only going out twice a month, for a few months only, it seems extreme. Good pavement and sun will keep it down, but the snowbank that can develop at the entrance will grow if not knocked open between storms. |
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10-17-2024, 11:20 AM | #6 |
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..... the $19.95 Yaktrax Pro friction walkers
Good for walking the icy, snowy, steep driveway along with a pair of long ski poles held in each hand and a backpack for haul'n the groceries up and down the steep driveway.
Leave the car up top at the road, and tie on a pair of Yaktrax Pro friction walkers, similar to tire chains for tires. Reg price, about $35 ..... eBay price, about $20 in four different sizes. Yaktrax Pro ..... www.trailspace.com/gear/yaktrax/pro/ Maybe get a black plastic, drag behind sled for moving large items similar to what snowmobiler's use to move all their fishing gear out onto the lake ice, or somewhere down the trail.
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10-17-2024, 11:55 AM | #7 |
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This may not be practical, but an easy solution may be to place the property on the market while you currently can get top dollar....
Use those generous proceeds to buy something else and let the new owner worry about their steep new driveway, lol. Best of luck! |
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10-17-2024, 12:39 PM | #8 |
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Stairlift
Many lakeside properties are elevated and have a stairlift/elevator apparatus to get down to the dock level.
The tractor/snowblower set up seems to be preferred. I have a family member who used to plow but the snowblower has better ability to move stacked up snow, or move it so it doesn't build up. Go with a heated cab. Sounds like, as a random visitor, OP needs not only a tractor snowblower, but somebody local to run it to keep things open when he isn't here. The accumulation of 2-3 storms between visits may be insurmountable. Sounds like storing the car and tractor at the top of the hill is a must in winter until snow removal is accomplished. Using sand/salt that will wash into the lake is probably a NO-NO. |
10-17-2024, 12:50 PM | #9 |
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Can S curves be added? What about adding a parking pad partially downhill? A good landscaping company would assist you. A driveway paver not so much
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10-17-2024, 01:18 PM | #10 |
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Bill, are you talking 18 degrees or 18% grade? My last house had a 300 ft long gravel driveway that was approx an 18% grade (about 10 degrees). Standard pickup with plow and good tires usually had no issues. Once in a while with ice it was tricky but tossing some sand down took care of it. 18 degrees is a different story. If it's 18% grade I'm surprised no one will take it.
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10-18-2024, 02:52 AM | #11 |
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..... set up a safety rope line ..... good to go down or up.
Another safety item for descending and ascending the super steep hill, covered with ice and snow in addition to using friction Yaktrax grips and ski poles is running a 1/2" x 100' line from a sturdy tree to other trees which you use like a hand railing for extra safety where it is needed.
Ascending is maybe easier and safer to do than descending and the more times you make the climb, the more doable it will become. If you think you can do it, then you can do it. After a few trips up and down, it becomes a routine type of a walk. That steep climb was SO easy ......... no problemo! .......
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10-18-2024, 07:14 AM | #12 |
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Measure the width of your tires and lay two heat tapes (the kind they use on roofs) from top to bottom of your driveway.They will clear a path wide enough drive on……poor man’s heated driveway
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10-18-2024, 11:57 AM | #13 |
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I've been using a plastic plow for decades. Solotec plow has been out of business for many, many years, although having won design awards for the plow. My driveway is a dirt driveway about 600 ft.
https://daed.com/experience/37 The following is not my video, and it staightens up, but gives an idea of its plowing capability. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7mIMgV5TRw Just "straps" to the car. I used to clip under the car with stainless steel wire that I left strapped onto the car frame. Might scratch plastic bumpers. I had put carpet remnants on the ends of the plow to help prevent scratches. I now have a tractor with bucket and the plastic plow fits right into the bucket. I realize I can plow with the bucket, but this is so much easier and I might as well use the plow I bought many, many years ago for $200. Delivered by mail to the house in two bags, half plow each and pinned in the middle. I think the weight was/is 70 lbs. There are other products that you might consider. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-CRm28uq4A Steep driveway ... first plow pass, down the midddle of the driveway... back up (chains on the car)... hit the sides of the driveway. |
10-20-2024, 10:01 AM | #14 |
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When you say a heated driveway is not practical why isn't it? Do you mean not practical for the layout, etc or financially not do-able for you?
That does sound like the best answer probably however, people who install them have this thing about wanting payment when finished. |
10-20-2024, 10:47 AM | #15 | |
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10-21-2024, 01:11 AM | #16 |
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...... remote controlled, tracked atr-orbiter snow plow
Hey, here's something very interesting made in northern Italy ....... www.atr-orbiter.com ...... an electric remote controlled snow plow with two tracks as opposed to wheels, good for a steep driveway.
It gets steered and controlled with a play station type radio control from a distance of up to 150' feet away. So, what's the price? The price is not shown? You know is a lot less expensive to go with the $19.95 Yaktrax Pro ice .... www.trailspace.com/gear/Yaktrax/pro .... and snow walkers, ski poles, and a rope line and leave the car parked, up top, at the road somewhere plus you get the good exercise of walking the steep hill over the snow and ice.
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10-21-2024, 07:13 AM | #17 | |
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10-21-2024, 07:16 AM | #18 | |
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300’ length. We do have parking at top and bottom of drive. But no good place to store a tractor. That would also make a lot of work clearing snow if we are up for just a weekend. Have considered tracked vehicles also (Ranger, etc). That may be the way to go! Anyone have one for sale? |
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10-21-2024, 07:18 AM | #19 | |
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10-21-2024, 07:36 AM | #20 | |
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https://www.atr-orbiter.com/
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https://dronevideos.com/using-drones-to-clear-snow/ |
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10-21-2024, 09:35 AM | #21 |
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Ariens snow removal machines...
I also have a steep drive and although I currently don't use the place during the winter, I would like to.
Ariens makes some incredible snow removing machines and their track machines are designed for steep grades. https://www.ariens.com/en-us/power-e...ehicle/mammoth
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10-21-2024, 01:59 PM | #22 |
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You have been presented with many options, however, based on your schedule this task does not seem like a DIY situation. If the snow settles/ thaws/ refreezes it will be difficult to move without a burly tractor with a loader. In the short term. buy an old 2 up, 2 stroke snowmobile and stash it next to the drive partway down in a small shed or shelter. That and an ice fishing toboggan will allow you to get people and supplies up and down.
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10-21-2024, 02:01 PM | #23 |
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Rops
Great setup! Sorry to be the safety police, but please put your foldable ROPS up (and wear your seatbelt)
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10-21-2024, 04:48 PM | #24 | |
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10-21-2024, 06:55 PM | #25 | |
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Re: snow machines. We have sleds! First year we had the cabin snow was so deep could not get sleds through the deep powder up the driveway (New England trail sleds, not long track powder sleds). Now we keep the sleds at top of driveway next to boat winter storage. Lots of good suggestions, like tractor with chains, etc. what i dont want to do is spend several hours cleaning out driveway when we are just there for a long weekend! I think tracked vehicle may be a good idea and could be multi purpose. We are very conscious of run off and water quality of the lake, so are reluctant to add any hard scape (pavement). Thanks again, so far a lot of this conversation has confirmed what we thought already…hiking in is good for the body and soul! Please keep suggestions coming—-someone else has probably come up with a good idea! Thank you, Bill |
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10-21-2024, 07:02 PM | #26 | |
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Dan
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10-22-2024, 06:01 AM | #27 | |
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https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Degre...0in%20a%20cell. I've used the Windows shortcut in the past but not sure 5 or 6 key strokes constitutes a shortcut.
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10-22-2024, 06:56 AM | #28 |
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How long is your driveway top to bottom?
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10-22-2024, 05:02 PM | #29 | |
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Here. It rains. Freezes. Snows. Freezes. Rain and snow. Freezes. Any machine purchased - tractor - snowmobile - can easily slip/slide turn over - with potential injuries. Never mind attempting to start any machine is cold weather. And without a plowed driveway. Safety issues arise. Sickness. Injury. Having emergency medical folks arrive - also poses problems. |
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10-22-2024, 07:25 PM | #30 |
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I had this problem about twenty years ago at my business. The solution was an electric driveway mat covering twenty feet of driveway near the bottom. Having it at the bottom allows you to brake to a stop on dry pavement. It also gives you the chance to get some speed to carry you up the driveway.
Electronic sensor detects the snow and turns mat on at the beginning of a storm. The mat is cheap but install will cost you. However it will be a lot cheaper than buying a tractor. And it will work MUCH better. |
10-22-2024, 08:27 PM | #31 |
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How about a good old-fashion rope tow.
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10-23-2024, 04:38 AM | #32 |
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10-24-2024, 05:57 AM | #33 |
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10-24-2024, 06:09 AM | #34 | |
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Maybe a good size snow blower is the way to go. Re; rope tow. My Wife did suggest a chair lift or similar. To those who mentioned lifts (above) can you point me to more info? Are these similar to handicap stair lifts? Thank you. |
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10-24-2024, 10:24 AM | #35 |
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Heatrak
I use Heatrak mats for my walkway. Low amperage and negligible cost to run. https://heattrak.com/ They make mats for driveways, but not a lot of info about steep slopes. I turn the switch on when it starts to snow and they keep up. Waiting and trying to remove snow after the storm is not a good result. You could probably use Nest or similar to set up remote control.
If you watch enough episodes of This Old House, you'll see them jack up a house and replace the stone rubble foundation with new, panel type support. Use the spoil to raise the bottom of the driveway to get from 18 degrees to maybe 8 degrees. Run a track down to the water and store your boat in the new basement. BTW, TOH never talks about cost or budget, so this stuff is easy enough to do, but cost is unknown. Lots of houses in flood zones are getting this "raising" instead of "razing". |
10-24-2024, 07:34 PM | #36 |
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Check out the trollies
https://thedockdoctors.com/waterfront-access/ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
10-24-2024, 08:34 PM | #37 |
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But will it function in a winter with lots of snow and ice.
Remember, if there is no snow and ice at the camp... they can just drive in. |
10-24-2024, 08:41 PM | #38 |
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Good question to ask manufacturer. If track is elevated it could work and might be cheaper than installing a heated driveway or filling to decrease the grade.
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10-24-2024, 09:42 PM | #39 |
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Could you install or excavate a vertical elevator lift?
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10-25-2024, 01:00 AM | #40 |
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Every time I see a suggestion here, I think the person above who mentioned selling and buying the "right" property is onto something.
Other than a heated driveway, which has to be mucho dinero both to install and operate, all the suggestions require taking significant amounts of time, maintenance, and safety risks to access the property in winter. Sure, an "access vehicle" might be had for fairly short money—maybe $10k?—but then there's storage, maintenance, emergency limitations, and, just simply, the time it would take to start it, pull it out, load it up, drive 300', unload it, and then reverse the process a couple days later hoping it didn't snow enough to require walking out anyway? I'd either only use the property when completely/easily accessible, sell and get the right place, or just shut down for the winter like the previous owners. Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk |
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10-25-2024, 06:27 AM | #41 |
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I really have to agree w/think. I’d seriously consider relocation to a more level lakefront property. I’m “elevated” in years and have an elevated (from shore front to cottage) problem. My door is only about 100 ft from the shore at about 25 ft elevation. I can tell you that hauling stuff up the hill, something I could do all day 30 yrs ago, is really taxing for me now. 300’ at the grade you are talking about is heart attack city!!
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10-25-2024, 06:51 AM | #42 |
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It reminds me of a buddy of mine that had a cabin about 1/2 mile into the woods. No electricity, no septic, a gas generator, and an outhouse, but he did have a well.
We were all in our 20's and loved the fact that we could get away from everything and everyone. In the winter we had to snowmobile in and out, and when there was no snow, you still needed 4 wheel drive to get down his road. We are all in our 70's now and moved on a long time ago to places with modern conveniences and assessable year round. I don't know how old the OP is but maybe it's just time to move on. Last edited by Biggd; 10-25-2024 at 08:23 AM. |
10-25-2024, 07:16 AM | #43 |
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When you all tell him to think about selling I think of the Rattlesnake people. They have been going up and down steep hills forever. Now, I know it's summer when they use their camps but they seem to manage. Could those little trams that they use be made big enough to accommodate a human?
One of the must haves on my list when we bought our land many moons ago was no steep hill. But lots like that are not easy to find. |
10-25-2024, 07:25 AM | #44 | |
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Quote:
The above comments about age, too, are valid. It sounds like the OP and his wife are in a fine place to use it now, but maybe it makes sense to be coming up with a plan for the future? I know if I could afford it and wanted to be year-round that the answer would be easy. OP: thanks for sharing your situation and reaching out—I appreciate hearing all these different scenarios and people's responses! Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk |
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10-26-2024, 01:47 PM | #46 |
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10-27-2024, 12:57 AM | #47 | |
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Tram or Trolley?
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It does get the gears turning! ...For awhile, anyway... |
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10-29-2024, 11:26 AM | #48 | |
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We had a similar situation in slope/width but just under 100' long, not 300' ft. We were weekend warriors when we purchased our second home here 10 years ago. We bought a new Ariens 24 high output snow blower, w/electric start/chains, not a big investment. The Ariens is not that hard to handle, works like a champ both up and down slope, store it in the shed. Since your driveway is narrow, you can quickly blast the snow off each side in a dozen or so passes (albeit long passes for you.) Use crampons or micro-spikes. Find that local guy who'll just swipe and clear the massive bank up top just after the big storms, so that when you arrive the heavy mess at street level is mostly clear. Also, there are guys around who will come by and use your snow blower to clear your driveway right after those bigger storms. Hopefully, the driveway area gets good sunlight for any ice build up. If feasible, set up a camera so you know what you're dealing with before you arrive. Keep plenty of sand available. We're retired and live here now, and the Ariens Platinum still does the job just fine. Lots of good ideas here, but for us...no heated driveway, no expensive equipment, but there's always physical effort involved. Enjoy your winter. Best of luck. |
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10-29-2024, 04:49 PM | #49 |
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Snowblowers with wheels are better than snowblowers with tracks because the wheel snowblowers will move faster and have the option to add tire chains which have more traction than tracks. Tracks on snowblowers are all rubber with no metal parts and do not grip a driveway as good as a tire with chains plus track snowblowers are extra expensive.
An Ariens 24" high output weighs 265-lbs so it probably needs either chains or tire studs on the rubber wheels to get it to go up a steep driveway and blow the snow.
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10-29-2024, 06:11 PM | #50 |
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Ariens Snow Blower used to offer "track drive" (as opposed to wheels). If it is still an option then that is something that I would buy.
Not cheap to buy but extremely functional when used on a pitched driveway. |
10-29-2024, 08:27 PM | #51 |
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Ariens still does.
It is a real stumper though. Any piece of equipment, snow thrower, tractor, even UTV with tracks, would need to be stored at the top of the drive in some sort of building. If not, they would still need to ''hike'' in to get to the equipment storage and then clear the way for the regular vehicle to get down. As they get older, probably a bit of a problem. |
10-31-2024, 07:26 AM | #52 | |
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The track just slides over any hard snow. The track. Comes off. Takes 3 hands to put track back on. Then first turn. Track comes off again. Adjust tension. First turn. Track off again. Adjust tension again. And again. And again. One happy day when I sold my track snow blower. Bought an Ariens with heated handles. With wheels. |
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10-31-2024, 09:37 AM | #53 |
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Ariens: the King of Snow!
For about twice the price of a 24" high output Ariens, you can buy a Honda 24" snowblower. Both machines, Ariens and Honda come with wheels as opposed to tracks and are priced at Ariens-$1500 vs Honda-$3000. One big difference is the transmission with the Ariens friction disc vs the Honda hydrostatic.
For the money the Ariens is definitely the better deal, will perform just as good as the Honda, maybe even better, and costs half the price of a Honda. Ariens friction disc transmissions will last and last and when they finally get worn out can get replaced for way less than replacing a Honda hydrostatic transmission. The price for a Honda hydrostatic transmission will cost about $500 and then another $300 or so to install it while replacing an Ariens friction disc is more like $200-total. No need to get a Honda when Ariens is 'the King of Snow!'
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10-31-2024, 10:33 AM | #54 | |
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Honda with tracks
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I have a Honda with tracks that's pretty awesome. Has a pedal that allows it to dig down and scrape the tar without any effort from me. Can even climb and snowblow some concrete stairs to my back yard for oil deliveries. Never had a track fall off. You should have bought a Honda : - > |
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10-31-2024, 10:48 AM | #55 | |
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Honda
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11-01-2024, 10:22 AM | #56 |
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I have a Honda blower with tracks and I love it! It is a beast. I shovel roofs and blowing the snow that is like cement after coming off the roof onto the driveway or walkway used to be a chore. With the Honda and the pedal that forces it to push down as talked about above it was a game changer. It plows through and blows it away. I can't say enough about the Honda track machine.
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11-01-2024, 12:53 PM | #57 | |
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While our driveway is steep, once you reach the bottom we are fairly level all around the cabin and water. With a beach area, kayak launch, and separate dock area, all on a very private peninsula, it would be VERY hard to replace this property. We love it. The Honda w/tracks sounds like a good idea. We do have cameras all around. Looking from Indy at the moment-sure looks beautiful in NH! |
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11-01-2024, 05:49 PM | #58 | |
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11-02-2024, 07:37 AM | #59 |
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Can you put a small shed at the beginning of your driveway? Something suitable to store a snow-mobile?
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11-04-2024, 07:33 AM | #60 |
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11-08-2024, 04:57 PM | #61 |
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Tracks vs. Wheels for Honda snowblowers
From the Lake Tahoe area, California with Anthony ...... www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puyei41OVDs .... the Honda snowblower enthusiast, one year ago.
It looks like he has three different Honda snowblowers, two with tracks and one with tires. He says he has never tried putting chains on the tires. New Hampshire snow is a lot different than Lake Tahoe snow, and tires with chains are definitely the way to go for icy wet N.H. snow, especially on a super steep driveway.
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11-13-2024, 07:31 AM | #62 | |
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11-13-2024, 10:11 AM | #63 |
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Anthony's videos are great. My Honda has pretty much been bullet proof with the exception of a little gear issue that he walked me through on one of his videos. I'm pretty handy with that stuff though. I'm pretty close to the lake (Allenstown) and have a summer place in Moultonboro so I go up to check frequently. I could bring up my tracked Honda for you to try if you'd like sometime. Its an older one without the power steering but you'll get to see if its something that might work. Providing we get decent snow this year. And yes he always has a Patriots hat on.
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11-15-2024, 07:26 PM | #64 | |
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Kind of like the idea of a tracked vehicle (SXS) and then put the wheels back on for the rest of the year. Anyone have experience with tracked SXS? |
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11-15-2024, 07:48 PM | #65 | |
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11-16-2024, 08:37 AM | #66 |
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I always wondered how much of a pain it would be to use those tracks on a SXS
(Now that I have a little Kawasaki Mule!) Another vehicle no one has mentioned is the Argo! They do make plows for them and with their rubber tracks they are really a snow beast! I had one set up for ice fishing years ago and we enjoyed the heck out of it. AND…it’s amphibious so you can drive into the lake! 😊 |
11-18-2024, 07:19 AM | #67 |
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Thanks-def an interesting option.
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11-18-2024, 07:21 AM | #68 | |
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11-18-2024, 08:41 PM | #69 |
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Yes, unicorns for sure and a “niche” vehicle because they are not allowed on trails. For ice fishing they are ideal. I moved and un-stuck many frozen-in bob houses for the little Newfound lake fishing community…people who saw the Argo from a distance always stopped by and some asked for help, knowing the tracked machine was a beast on ice.
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11-23-2024, 01:56 PM | #70 |
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We had a driveway exactly like that in NY and the guy who bought our former house uses an atv with a plow because the man that used to plow it retired and he couldn’t get anyone else to do it.
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12-01-2024, 04:28 PM | #71 |
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Anyone have experience w/Snowdog? These look interesting.
https://snowdog.com/ |
12-01-2024, 08:22 PM | #72 |
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Snowdog replaces something from the late 60’s early 70’s. All I can remember from back then is getting off trail with one and it took my dad seamed like for ever to get it out
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12-01-2024, 09:29 PM | #73 | |
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12-02-2024, 09:33 AM | #74 | |
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Tim Moore one of the local fishing guides was a sponsored by them and had one on hand. Perhaps get with him for his opinion on them. |
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12-02-2024, 09:50 AM | #75 |
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Snowdog Sport in NH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bndw0N3kpg
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12-02-2024, 10:07 AM | #76 |
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An old Bolens Diablo is pretty similar to the Russian built, Snowdog, and there's an ad in Craigslist from Dover Foxcroft. Maine for a 1967 Bolens Diablo rouge 500 for $1600 with some good photos.
For $1600 you can buy a brand new Ariens 24" Deluxe with the large wheels, aggressive tires, bigger engine and tire chains. Suggest you buy it from a local small engine business like the Small Engine Barn, 347 Fairgrounds Rd, Plymouth at Rt 93-Exit 26 ...... http://www.ariens.com/en-us/dealers/...ngine-barn-301 as opposed to a big box store for MUCH better repair service if it ever needs it.
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12-02-2024, 02:35 PM | #77 |
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I don't think the Big Boxes do repairs.
When I worked for HD, we would order the Ariens online for the customer to get White Glove Ambassador status... but that would be delivered from the local repair shop. They would assemble the unit, fill with gasoline and oil, assemble the units, fill out the warranty information on the customer, and deliver the unit. In Tilton, I would always try to use Belmont Hardware. Easy to find, and really would rather sell parts and service rather than carry a bunch of inventory. |
12-02-2024, 07:11 PM | #78 |
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Not to “clear” the driveway but to navigate it.
After doing some research, it looks like the Snowdog does not do well off camber. Keeping my eyes out for a tracked 4 wheeler. That may be the best bet. Last edited by BillTex; 12-03-2024 at 09:35 PM. |
12-05-2024, 03:13 AM | #79 |
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Ariens 24" Deluxe: reg $1599, now thru Dec 24, $1449
Happen to notice that Heath's Hdwe, Centre Harbor has two Ariens 24" Deluxe reduced from $1599 to $1449, now thru Dec 24. These have the bigger engine, bigger tires, better augers and gear box with one hand control.
What it does not have are the heated hand grips or tire chains needed for a super steep driveway.
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