u/Kapai72

Hey all, I've been trying to find some specific information on techniques and limitations of clearing snow on a steep gravel driveway with an inverted snowblower. I've found some good threads here, but none that answer these specific questions so thanks for any help you can provide!

We live in Vermont and get about 70" of snow a year, can be up to a foot of heavy snow to clear at times. Our driveway is 1/4 mile, averages 16% slope, gravel, and we try to maintain a decent crown/drainage.

We are looking at purchasing a tractor to be able to clear the driveway ourselves as well as other tasks on our 11 acres such as brush hogging/etc... Specifically the Kubota L3302 and 3902 stand out as good options with enough power to drive the inverted snowblower.

Does anyone have experience with an inverted snowblower on a steep gravel driveway?

Are you able to clear going up and down, or do you clear going down only then drive back up to make another pass?

With ballast, chains, and 4wd, do you ever have issues maintaining traction?

How do you approach clearing the driveway to maintain the crown?

Are there other tractor models we should be considering?

My wife and I will be in staying in Juneau for a few nights in mid July as we travel back to the lower 49 after traveling elsewhere in Alaska.

We have an Airbnb booked near the ferry terminals at Auke bay and are wondering if we should rent a car while we are there. We need transit from the airport to our rental, and will want to head into town several times during our stay. We also need to get to the airport from our rental for our departing flight is at ~7:30 am on a Saturday.

Would taxis/ride share be reliable for our needs, or would it make sense to spend a bit extra on a rental car?

Thanks for any advice!