Oh no! We Broke the Snowplow! | Removing Snow from our Alaskan Homestead

[@David_Blong]

You both are working so hard to achieve your dream great work 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@charlesmcilveen9593]

Want a hint? Take your 4 wheel drive, put tire chains on all 4 tires, put a larger stronger plow on the truck and you should be all set for plowing

[@TheMadManPlace]

Sometimes "toys" are nice to have... Sometimes you realize you need a properly built tool... Even if they are old, beat up and a bit rusty.

[@tmark6701]

I was just coming here to say something similar. If he'd watched their other videos he'd see they work that SxS which is what a utility is for. The prices of all machinery in Alaska is about double from down here. Plus most of the time, you buy old, beat up you spend most of you're time repairing it and out of service.

[@joeleveck8445]

Yall sure getting your exercise walking back and forth.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

That was a very long winter having to park so far away. We'll be ready this year.

[@BoetaFritz]

Add support to your plow change the 4 mm to 8mm and add more cross bars

[@PamelaCougill]

You need to get a snow blower!!!

[@ouralaskahomestead]

The neighbor brought his snowblower over but even it couldn’t cut through.

[@wandaking4229]

I think when you learn how to weld you can make a stronger bracket for the plow. But if you are going to live in snow like that you need chains on all your vehicles.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Yes! Chains are on the list to get before winter.

[@iloreedebolt4679]

I can not imagine wanting to live up there!!!

[@ouralaskahomestead]

It’s not for everyone

[@mgrizz2386]

Alaska winter has not been easy on you with the unavoidable trip south to help your family. I sure hope it gets easier on you so you can catch up.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Yes, had we been here from the start of winter we could have kept up on it but returning to three feet of ice and snow is just too much for the equipment we do have. You’re right, next winter will be better.

[@Stephanie90797]

The saying, No good deed goes unpunished, seems to be holding true for this channel.

[@derekhodgkin5537]

You should really buy a 9’6 fisher vblade for the dually and just be done with it. It’ll last you forever with just doing that property. Get a few more driveways in the area and make some money too

[@melaniedriscoll2286]

Goodness it is constant problem solving isn't it?! But all these issues that you guys have to dig out of (literally!!) will give you forecasting for future projects that will make life there simpler...when you go into town, talk to people about things... I found that I learned so dang much - just helpful tips from those who lived here a long time.

[@KevinChristiansen-i2q]

Great video Craig and Chandra

[@deebrake]

Morning to you both. First sorry about the broken equipment. Second I am so hoping you will find someone who can help at least with the road into your driveway. Sending good vibes for a solution.

[@bonneymoseley1159]

Sorry your having a rough time! Hang in there, warmer weather coming. You two are determined to make it, and thats what it takes up here.

[@jasondavis1816]

Stay safe and take it day to day stay focused 🙏👍

[@JayBirdsDay]

Front end loader may be in your future. Good luck.👍🏼🍀

[@lindahill9215]

Alaska has not been kind to you two. Good to see you back though. Hang in there😊

[@Floyd-w2r]

Once you leave a snow roll sit , it gets hard like a pile of large rocks .

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Yes it did!

[@aday1637]

Snowshoes, never leave home without them.

[@marthalikens482]

Think about a used four wheel drive tractor with a plow!! Looks like an absolute investment. Better than a heart attack!!

[@Jasonrcsd]

You definitely need to invest in a Skid Steer, Tractor, Backhoe, Wheel loader something better than a SxS with a plow.

[@AKAdventureCouple]

That side-by-side and chintzy plow is a non-starter unless you have a very very short driveway. and a very very light and little snowfall; and go slow and steady ... get a real plow attached to a 4-wheel drive pickup if you plan to stay where you are in Alaska and DIY plowing.

[@chuckhorner3758]

The joys of homesteading in AK just never end.. Lok o0n the bright side, soon it will be Mosquito season. I hope you figure out a solution for your driveway!

[@DianeWilson-q7i]

HOW DO YOU ALL DO THIS ITS HARD . BUT VEIWS ARE BEAUTIFUL THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEOS.

[@Papaws-Hobbies]

When you get it fixed add a cable to each side of blade back to the frame. Take the pressure off the weaker parts.

[@teeteepimentalrogers4386]

You 2 are so real and i love watching you. Sorry about the bad stuff, but you'll overcome it and look back and laugh. God Bless ❤❤

[@doylelindsey3706]

Tire chains on side by side

[@jewels7832]

Dang sorry about the plow. I hope it is a easy fix.

[@Stephanie90797]

Hang in there, the snow will melt soon.

[@ThomasKinzer-hr5uv]

U need to put wood in the bsck of side by side for weight

[@ouralaskahomestead]

That's what the 400+lbs of dogs was for lol

[@sgrvtl7183]

All the challenges you are having are lessons learned for next winter! I have watched other channels and they all say you have to have chains and switching up to 6 wheel is best. GoodLuck!

[@haroldwood7251]

Moose plow more costly but worth it.

[@northidahodreaming5657]

a good walk behind snowblower

[@ouralaskahomestead]

The neighbor brought his over but it’s just too hard packed. He didn’t even get five feet. We’ll be here next winter to take care of it from the start of the season so it doesn’t get out of control.

[@heatherclayton-callaghan4270]

Why is he driving it so fast ???? Seems logical if you attack it at that speed then its going to twist if it hits some resistance. Who plows snow at that speed ???

[@ouralaskahomestead]

We need chains for it. He was using the momentum to not get stuck. Any slower and it just spins.

[@maryricketts8526]

Bless your hearts. You're having a heck of a time. Spring is coming and for all the work and aggravation it turns to water. I had to clear my driveway and sidewaljs three times , after all the backbreaking work...water. Hang in there. It'll get better.❤❤

[@winstoncloer1994]

Fun

[@victoriamoore1294]

You need to chain up in that icy snow. Go slow and take a smaller amount of snow at a time. If your Jeep is a 4x4 that would be a good plow vehicle, but it will also need to have chains to get traction in that type of snow. Prayers you can find someone to give you some help and good how-to’s for next year. Chin up and stay positive, always makes things go smother.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Yeah, we'll be sure and get chains for the ATV before next winter.

[@debbiemiller7342]

Man just your luck! Hopefully the rain and warmer temperature helped melt some of it. Thanks for sharing!

[@sherrycraig4745]

One day you will look back on all this and laugh. You will know better next winter. Enjoy watching y’all.

[@melaniedriscoll2286]

Not gonna lie...each time your right leg went in deep I instantly chuckled! But I know what that is like and it is frustrating and exhausting too! :)

[@charlenegrady8781]

Hope the rain means warmer temps and melting will help you all. Good luck✌️🇺🇸

[@bc-jx7oy]

You need a Yamaha sxs and cycle country plow with chains. They work awesome. But with that cheap plow if you turn it the other way it will probably start bending back the other way. Then once it's strait don't angle it any more.

[@DawnMillington-i9t]

Hoping a tractors is in your near future.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

That sure would be nice 🚜

[@joeleveck8445]

Sled dogs maybe?

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Make them work for their keep, I like it!

[@jameselpers2967]

Replace the bars with some heavier stock.

[@JamesCouch777]

That thing looks pretty flimsy. I'd beef it up with some three inch channel iron.

[@aday1637]

Why not have a heated driveway installed?

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Heck, I don’t even have heated water to shower with……A heated driveway 😂

[@pedroarroyo9684]

Put a plow on the truck or in the jeep

[@davidbickford2539]

I have the same setup, and it bent at the same place. I straightened it out and welded some heavy angle on both sides. Working well. I needed chains and Leo need to slow down a bit. Keep up the great content!

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Chains are definitely on the list for next winter.

[@richardcole9646]

PLEASE invest in a small tractor with a front bucket and a grader blade.. you will use it for a thousand projects along with snow removal !

[@ouralaskahomestead]

We would love to have one, we simply can not afford one. Even used ones are crazy high prices here.

[@Papaws-Hobbies]

The higher you pile thr snow o. The right The higher th4 next drift

[@billvandamme2432]

bet your wishing you had bought a tractor when you were back in Tennessee....good loader and plow would do wonders.....oh well live and learn eh.....good luck guys

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Unfortunately tractors and skid steers and the like are out of our budget. Just trying to make do with what we have. Woulda worked fine had we not had to leave. Just piled up too much while we were gone. Next year will be better.

[@JohnHensonSr-ls6xh]

You need a snow machine.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Yes!!!

[@doylelindsey3706]

One ontracks

[@grumpypipkin]

I know moneys tight but could you rent a skid steer for a day. Surely someone around there has a tractor or something

[@ouralaskahomestead]

There is a rental company in Homer but a skid steer is $700 plus fuel for the day. $700 will buy all the flooring for the house. Temps have been in the 40's with some rain the last two days and the snow is starting to melt. At this point we're just going to wait it out.

[@Stephanie90797]

@@ouralaskahomestead most people would worry about the NOW. Kudos at prioritizing your NEEDS.

[@frozenbits48]

Obviously too much speed. But eventually you will learn. Also, do not attack the bottom of the snow berm or snowpile. It is quite solid down there. Nibble at the top part first, push it back as much as you can, then nibble away at the rest of it. You will not get anything accomplished- -other than breakage- -by attacking something at speed. Also, buy a small welder and various pieces of metal. Make your own repairs. And SLOW DOWN!!! Over time, you will learn. And clear the snow every day it falls. Don't let it build up. This is a very old Alaskan saying all this after playing 51 years at moving snow.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

As another person mentioned, we were gone until February in an unplanned trip to help family. We wouldn’t normally let it get so deep. The tires just spin going slow. Had to keep the momentum up or just get stuck. Need chains for next winter. Thanks for watching.

[@lizhamilton2015]

Have you thought about puuting track on your side by side

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Yeah, as soon as I seen the price, $6500, I realized that was not an option. We can finish out the inside of the house for that much. The snows already started to melt and should be gone in a few weeks.

[@pandaloves17]

Lol "this isn't only fans so im gonna shut you off right now". Y'all are funny. Sucks that y'all couldn't get the snow plowed.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

🤣 Yeah, its been pretty inconvenient but its starting to warm up now. We are 40F today. Few more weeks and it should all be melted.

[@donnalowe9378]

Y'all need a tractor with a plow on it.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

I’ll send you my shipping address 😂 We would love to have one but that’s no where near being in our budget. We’ll be here all winter this year so it shouldn’t be a problem staying on top of it with the SxS this year.

[@sja2194]

I just read in your description that you ordered a part from Amazon, but they won't ship to Alaska. I have read where other people have things shipped to family/friends in the lower 48 and then they ship it to Alaska. Don't know about the cost. Good luck. Maybe you guys could watch other Alaska KZbin people and pick up ideas.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Unfortunately it’s a very heavy part and the shipping will be more than the replacement piece. Might try to find a welder.

[@frankhanes8005]

Take it to a welding shop they will fix it

[@kendallwright7793]

what is the cost differential to buy a plow for your truck? That dually would push some snow.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Truck plows cost a few thousand. Would be nice for next year though.

[@connyscheringa6106]

🤗❤❤✌

[@doylelindsey3706]

Can you say snow blower. 😢

[@tmark6701]

In an earlier episode they had a snow blower a neighbor brought over but it kept bogging down, too much ice and hard packed.

[@connietinkham9311]

Would a snow blower help keep your driveway clear. I know it would be a lot more work.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

A neighbor did bring his over to try and help but the snow is just too hard packed and it couldn't get through.

[@connietinkham9311]

@@ouralaskahomestead sorry you guys are having such a hard time.

[@sarahschlosser1203]

Curious as to while you were gone to the south you didnt have someone plowing your road on a regular schedule.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

We left in quite a hurry and didn't really intend to be gone that long. Once we got down there, didn't really even think about it until it was time to head home.

[@patriciamontague6035]

Guess you will fix. It in a couple of weeks.😕😕

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Yes, its starting to warm up and rain. A few weeks and it will all be melted.

[@andrewgraf9747]

Dude, slowdown, that was 100% avoidable. I plow all the time with the same setup, only not so nice a side by side, and it will do just fine going slower and when you catch an edge like you did your momentum isn’t such that it will tear stuff up. If you need chains to make it work better for you, so be it, but blasting along like that is only gonna result in more torn up, expensive equipment. I love the videos and the fact you don’t sugar coat them by leaving out you mistakes, so please take my advice in the spirit it is intended, not making fun, not demeaning, just wanna see you succeed!

[@JamesCouch777]

I had an uncle who was always going like a bat out of hell and was always tearing things up and then my dad (his older brother) would have to fix it. My dad on the other hand was always careful and rarely tore stuff up so I grew up trying to take care of my stuff. Even being careful you are still going to break something once in a while.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

@@JamesCouch777 Craig actually takes really good care of stuff. I think like Andrew mentioned above, we need chains. He was using the momentum to not get stuck. Any slower and it just spins.

[@barbn1211]

I admire how supportive Chandra is of Craig, but I totally agree with these two comments. You can't drive a modified side by side like a snow plow. Easy does it - little bit at a time. Use chains and drive slower. Getting out and helping the vehicle with some shoveling here and there would have made the job clearing probably 4 times longer, but well worth it.

[@micaltoy824]

Looks like to me they making hard work even harder for themselves. Slow down. Get correct equipment

[@lucyl2770]

Sorry but……..He’s like a “Bull in a China Cabinet” that’s always on High Speed!

[@jimmycpm]

You drove too fast. I've never seen anyone drive one like you.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

We need chains. He was using the momentum to not get stuck. Any slower and it just spins.

[@johnmills186]

Trade the side by side or the Truck for a GOOD high quality snow blower You are not in a location for a small unit.

[@randyshaw9468]

Train dogs to pull sled

[@ouralaskahomestead]

That would be fun 🐾

[@waderue]

You guys need a tractor or skid steer and a bulldozer to live out other than that you won't make

[@ouralaskahomestead]

It would surly be more convenient to have equipment but I'm pretty sure we'll make it without.

[@Luckie337]

Sell the toy and buy a proper plow for the truck.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

As the other person mentioned, we do use the SxS for a lot. It's a utility model not a sport one. We haul the dogs, trash, water, firewood, etc. It would have been fine for keeping the driveway cleared had we been here at the beginning of winter. Getting back in February, there was just too much heavy, hard packed snow for it. Even the two plow trucks that came out couldn't move it and got stuck.

[@Outdoor_MED]

Sorry for the plow but I noticed a couple issues. First of all that is not a heavy duty plow, second, I don't understand why you guys don't invest in a truck plow, third, You guys should own a snowblower, fourth, I would invest in some side by side chains too and have you tried salting the driveway? I know it costs money to have a plow come and plow for it you but you're wasting in effort and time.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

I mean yeah, who wouldn’t like a tractor and truck plow, a snowblower and skid steer. Everyone keeps suggesting all this expensive equipment. Those things would make life much easier no doubt. Any extra funds we have must go to working on the house. Getting it finished, water and solar power are our top priorities. The snow will melt so I don’t see spending $600-$800 on having someone come plow it. Had we not had to leave before winter our little plow would have been able to keep it clear but returning to three foot of hard packed snow and ice is just too much for it. Even the neighbors heavy duty snowblower couldn’t cut through. We’ll get chains for it and keep up on the plowing from the start next winter. Luckily it’ll all be gone in a few weeks🤞

[@aday1637]

@@ouralaskahomestead That's no excuse. Get with a loan shark and pony up.

[@ouralaskahomestead]

@@aday1637 😂 💵 💵💵💵🦈

[@johnguarino1273]

Why are you so unprepared???!

[@ouralaskahomestead]

Because we didn’t get back until February. Had we been here at the start of winter we could have kept it under control. As it is, there’s too much snow for even the professional plow trucks. Two came out, both got stuck and said the snow is too hard packed to move. I’m not willing to spend $800 on a loader to move snow that will be melted in just a few weeks. That money needs to go towards finishing the house.