MnM,
Reasonable solution. That should work very well, as long as the snow is not too deep.
The belt addresses both issues with its larger area.
I hope you realize I am only trying to help. I am a retired engineering VP with too much time on my hands. I really miss design reviews where we had a constructive, positive feedback only approach.
I wish you and the team complete success! I'll be in Daytona watching the cars turn left.
R2B