This spring while Freestone was visiting for a week of fishing we built a new ramp for my front deck. It is only 8' long and has a rise of 12''. Not very steep but definitely downhill. And with ice on it can be treacherous, I almost fell last week when I stepped on it with frost on it. Sue has been concerned about me using that so much during the winter and falling at some point. She recommended HeatTrak melting pads to keep the area snow and ice free during the course of the winter and magically they went on sale today and I ordered 2 that I will daisy chain together and have safe traction up and down the ramp. It will be a huge improvement as that ramp is not covered and has to be shoveled about 30 times a year.
If these things work as advertised I won't be doing that this season. I also bought a new eGo 24'' electric snow blower just to clear out around the house and carport and make a path to the shop when I don't want to start the tractor. During some snowfalls the snow is so heavy that I can only clear about two feet at a time before the shovel gets so heavy I can barely lift it. Other times the snow is so light I can push a snow shovel all the way to the barn with no resistance. This winter it should be as easy as pushing a button and squeezing a lever regardless of the type of snow.
If these things work as advertised I won't be doing that this season. I also bought a new eGo 24'' electric snow blower just to clear out around the house and carport and make a path to the shop when I don't want to start the tractor. During some snowfalls the snow is so heavy that I can only clear about two feet at a time before the shovel gets so heavy I can barely lift it. Other times the snow is so light I can push a snow shovel all the way to the barn with no resistance. This winter it should be as easy as pushing a button and squeezing a lever regardless of the type of snow.
