snowblower drip pan

[mw_98]

OK, so I have lived in the northeast all my live without a snowblower but with my new 50 x 60 driveway I finally broke down and bought a snowblower just in time to clear 8 inches off the drive yesterday. Now I need a way to keep the snowblower from dripping all over my nice epoxy floor as the snow that I couldn't brush off melts. Has anyone seen a drip pan that a snowblower can be rolled into so as not to make a mess all over the floor?

I considered a piece of carpet but I'm afraid that would just be a wet mess.

Any ideas?

 

[gerryw]

Off the top of my head.

how about picking up a used compact pick-up truck bedliner for $50 and cutting it to size?
Or one of those (formed)mats for the back of a SUV?
a used kids splash pool?
a plywood tray lined with pond rubber liner?


gerry

 

[kbs2244]

Since snowblowers are a real PIA to move around in a garage, years ago I made a plywood platform with casters for mine.
Makes it real easy to put into a tight spot.
Last year I tacked some old carpet to the platform for this reason.
Seems to work OK but I still get some runoff.
One trick I use that works pretty well is to park the snowblower by the door that is open about 8 inchs and then let a fan blow on it.
It dosn't need to be a big fan.
I use a 6 inch "personal desk fan from the drug store.
As the snow melts the fan blows the moisture out the door.

 

[mtwaterguy]

How about a metal drip pan that was originally designed to lay under a vehicle to catch oil. They have a raised lip around the edge to keep the moisture in and wouldn't be effected by heat from a cooling engine.

 

[jettago]

Try this place...

http://www.mcmaster.com/

Search part# 4206T1 - Polyethylene Drip Pan 3 1/2 Gallon Capacity 36"L x 24"W x 1 1/2"H

 

[krusty the clown]

i think i would just mop it up after it melted.......but then again a don't have an epoxy floor. and i'm a tightwad!

 

[mw_98]

I knew you guys would have some great ideas! That Polyethylene Drip Pan from McMaster is what I had in mind but it's not quite large enough. It needs to be about 36x36.

 

[6t7gto]

I put mine on a board so it doesn't leave rust marks on the floor.
I don't worry about the melting snow.

david

 

[boiler7904]

If you don't have the right equipment, hire a local sheet metal shop to fab up exactly what you need.

 

[Tom2]

This is something Id like to build as well. Right now I just keep the snowblower in the shed. Otherwise it would make a huge puddle in the garage every time..

Id like to get a snowthrower attchmt for my tractor and park it in the garage..That would require a pretty big container though. The bedliner idea is a good one..

 

[RWD]

I have seen a plastic pan that is used under a clothes washer that might work. I believe the pan is used on second floor laundry rooms where a leak might be a problem. Check out the local home centers.

 

[SteveU]

They make plastic trays for boots that have a raised lip around the outside.

 

[toyman]

walmart has metal drip pan for under a car, Think they are about 3' by 4.5'

 

[stinkythings.com]

Bakeries use large baking trays, cookie sheets about 24x36 inches. I have seen these on Craigs list from bakeries going out of business ot you can find some new ones if you google bakery suppliers. I am on Long Island, we have a restaraunt wholsaler called RESTARAUNT DEPOT. i Know they have them. I am sure there is a local rest supply company that wil have them.

 

[stinkythings.com]

You could also try a local air conditioning duct maker. They can make an exact size real cheap for you.They make sheet metal pans all of the time, I just had an idea, I know they make a pan out of sheet metal for under a washing machine so it has to be at least 36x36, try home deopt ,lowes or a good plumbing supply.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I take it you guys don't park your vehicles in the garage?

 

[mw_98]

Thanks for all the great ideas. I hope to get to Lowe's today and see what they have to go under washing machines.

Do I park vehicles my garage? Lets see, in my garage I have a 2007 Accord. Chevy Avalanche, Honda S2000, my 19ft SeaRay boat, my Harley and now my snowblower ( only in the winter ).

Of course the 26x28 part of my garage that holds the daily drivers has floor drains to catch the stuff melting off the cars. The other side of my garage where the toys are kept ( and the snowblower ) is 16 x 38 and does not have a drain and is epoxy coated.

 

[Stephenw]

The relatively clean water from the snow and ice melting off my snow blower is a minor issue. The sand, salt, and big chunks of snow and ice coming off the vehicles are another matter.

 

[mw_98]

Not sure why I didn't find this on my first search but this 36" x 36" mat is made by Ariens specifically for snowblowers. They say it will hold two quarts of water, it should keep the mess contained and prevent rust spots on the floor.

http://www.snowblowersdirect.com/images.php?products_id=2292

 

[Kevin54]

walmart has metal drip pan for under a car, Think they are about 3' by 4.5'

Ditto. They look like a large cookie sheet. The last time I bought one was something like $11.00. They keep them in the automotive department.