| remydog |
I have a 60 foot long 3 foot wide bluestone walkway leading to a 12 x20 bluestone patio, all of which lead to my front door. After throwing out my shoulder 3/4 of the way through this last storm, I decided it's time to get a blower.
Here's what I've been told to look for:
1) combo electric and recoil start
2) 4-5 horse
3) single stage
4) biggest wheels possible
5) discharge chute adjustable from the rear
Any other thoughts on features? Many of the models I've seen a number that don't have the rear-adjustable chute. Wondering how much of a pain it is without it, given that this is only for a limited task.
Called EVERY place around me. Everyone is sold out. Sears had more coming in -- 5 hp craftsman model for 419. They say it will be here next week, but I'm skeptical and more snow is coming this weekend. I have a Craftsman tractor and very pleased with how it works.
Found one place that had the MTD 4.5 hp model not too far from my home for 450. They tell me it's a very good brand. I haven't a clue.
All thoughts and advice will be appreciated.
Thanks.
MSK:8: |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by remydog
All thoughts and advice will be appreciated.
Well, I can't help a lot with current models--but you're going to love that electric start!
I have an older 5 hp Craftsman with the bulldozer type tracks instead of wheels. Maybe the bulldozer tracks are better in deep snow but they are a pain when trying to move the thing around quickly in the garage. |
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| remydog |
quote:
Originally posted by robrecht
Well, I can't help a lot with current models--but you're going to love that electric start!
I have an older 5 hp Craftsman with the bulldozer type tracks instead of wheels. Maybe the bulldozer tracks are better in deep snow but they are a pain when trying to move the thing around quickly in the garage.
I would imagine. |
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| nwaring |
I've had a MTD 8hp duel stage 24” now for 6 years and have not had any problems. Years ago MTD was considered low end but that has all changed. They make good stuff and actually own the Cub Cadet line of garden tractors, which I have always considered good.
Good luck
Niles |
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| zman |
I've had an MTD two stage, 21 inch, ? HP snowblower for seven years now and have not had a single issue. It has been very reliable. As far as the electric start - I have never really used mine. Mine starts by the second pull every single time. I tried using the electric start a couple times early on and I actually found it easier to simply pull on the cord rather than move the snowblower near an outlet or grab the extension cord. If the electric start is standard, go for it but I wouldn't bust my hump trying to find one.
Why have they recommended a single stage rather than a two stage? I was always under the impression that two stage blowers were better than single stage throwers when it came to sizable snowfalls. I have never owned a single stage so I can't help on the rear adjustable chute comment. My two stage adjusts from the rear and I can say that it is very easy cranking the handle to change the chute direction, which you will want/need to do when you change directions. If it is not rear adjustable does it have a handle in the front somewhere?
Finally, like any small engine, make certain that you either drain the fuel at the end of the season or use fuel stabilizer if your gas has ethanol or something comparable in it. |
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| remydog |
Being from Minneapolis, you probably don't know very much about the cold snowy New England winters!:2:
Most of the units being sold up this way that have the higher hp ratings are including the electric starts. I'm guessing the first year it wont be as important, but by year 3 or 4 as the thing has summered over a few times, having that extra zip won't hurt. Besides, it's my right shoulder that I've knocked out of whack, and anything I can do to avoid flaring it up is appreciated.
Fortunately, I have an outlet right inside the garage door and always have an extension cord there for a variety of outdoor appliances. It's great when I want to blow the leaves off the driveway or run the circular saw or a sander where it won't blow sawdust inside the house. Highly recommend putting an outlet there it if you don't already have one.
As for single stage -- everyone I've talked to has said they are more than enough for clearing a walkway. Driveway work or more industrial usage would indicate the 2-stage. I was thinking 2-stage myelf until I saw the crews clearing the walks at my ski condo in NH and they were using single stage. I asked them about it and they said they were much better for that type of work since they are much more maneuverable, did a fine job of clearing to the pavement and were easily transported from place to place.
MSK |
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| Maik |
I would strongly suggest you do not buy any snowblower that is less than 8 - 9 HP. The snow in our area is simply to heavy. I use a 9.5 hp, 28 inch Craftsman that I bought three years ago, and have had no problems at all. It has worked in all types of snow. My neighbor, however, bought a smaller one and it does not have the power to move the heavy wet snow we get in the Boston area.
Spend a little more and get a blower that you will be happy with. |
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| Lance Crowley |
We've owned a 8 HP John Deere 2 stage with electric start for many years. We've never had a problem with it and it's handled some major snow storms. Around Haloween of '91 we got something like 32 inchs of snow over 5 days. Myself and a neighbor with a big Craftsman cleared our whole block (we live on a dead end). We cleared drifts that we're 5 ft high. It took 5 days for the city plows to get to our street, clearing the street allowed those of us with 4 wheel drive to get out and get provisions to several elderly folks on the block.
Our Deere is wheeled and we've had chains on it since the day we brought it home. From what I've seen over the years you should stick with a "name" brand machine; Deere, Craftsman, Toro come to mind.
If you're thinking of clearing serious snow then 8 HP or better and 2 stage. I have a friend that purchased a track type machine and he took it back after the first snow. Just to hard to handle. |
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| ghost |
Here in Duluth we've been missing all the snow, which ends up in the Twin Cities :mad:
But mine is a 5 Hp MTD that I've had for about 8 years now, and it's handled pretty much everything we've gotten, including a few of the 24+ inch snowstorms.
The electric start is a great thing when it works, pain in the neck (shoulder actually) when it doesn't. On my model it works loose and disengages, and it's a little tricky to get back in place. Other than that, it's been pretty decent. |
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| zman |
Lance:
I remember that 91 Halloween storm very well. Seems to me we got our butts kicked around Thanksgiving that year also. |
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| Maik |
| FYI, depth of snow is not nearly as big an issue as weight. In Eastern Mass, snow tends to have a high water content due to the warm ocean air. A low HP blower may well handle 24 inches of dry fluffy snow, yet not be able to move 4 inches of the wet heavy stuff we get |
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| jmacdonald |
I have had a Toro Power Shift snow blower for about 6 years without any issues. Its 8 hp. It cuts through the snow like butter. It has the features that you are looking for plus one additional feature that makes the heavy snow easier to deal with - the Power Shift. What the Power Shift does is to move the back wheels back and out. This shifts the weight of the blower to the front so that the snow blower won't climb when you get to the heavy snow (like the pile that the plows leave at the end of the drive way). It was more money for the Toro but I thought it was worth it. I think I paid about $1400 for it. You could probably find a used one if you don't want to spend that much money.
As you know we just had about 3 feet of snow where we live. The Toro made the job very easy. Most of my neighbors who had blowers ended up shoveling the mounds of snow at the end of their driveways because their blowers could not handle it (some due to lack of hp but others because the blowers kept on climbing). |
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| m2pc |
| I like Arien or Honda snowblowers. Go for at LEAST a 7 hp. |
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| remydog |
quote:
Originally posted by Maik
FYI, depth of snow is not nearly as big an issue as weight. In Eastern Mass, snow tends to have a high water content due to the warm ocean air. A low HP blower may well handle 24 inches of dry fluffy snow, yet not be able to move 4 inches of the wet heavy stuff we get
Picked it up at Harvey's Hardware in Needham. They assured me that for keeping a walkway clear, it should be no trouble at all with the smaller 4.5 hp machine. They were right. This past storm with about 5 inches of snow followed by rain was very heavy. I began with my push shovel to get the snow away from the garage, and it was almost impossible to move more than a couple of feet. Started up the little blower and it was definitely up to the task. After finishing my walk, my plow guy had not yet shown up, so I took a pass down the driveway. And another, and another -- about 30-40 minutes later, I had finished that off.
Now, I wouldn't say that it was easy, but it was certainly much easier than shovelling the driveway. I'm not sure I'd do the entire driveway again with this machine, but I wanted to give it a hard workout and see what happened. I found that it would take a complete pass with a bit of help == had to occasionally backup and go forward and the engine was straining if I went at it too aggressively. Worked best to take about half to three quarters of a bite, rather than the full mouthful, and when I did this, there was no strain at all. It also managed to get through the pile left at the end of the drive by the street plow and let me clear right up to my mailbox, also at the street.
What I particularly like -- It's very light weight and small, so storage in the garage is not a big deal (the handle folds in half, also) and I can lift it into my X for any needed service, or up onto my deck if I want to clear that, also.
The electric start worked great for the first time. Then the pull start was very easy, except when I forgot to turn the key. :p
Overall very pleased with my first time and my back and shoulders are particularly happy.
:2: |
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| laborlitigator |
| Get at least an 8 hp engine and make sure it has reverse gear(s). |
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| hondacuraworld |
Muahahahahaaaaaa! :D
Mine's a 10 hp Ariens, 36" cut (that's 3 feet!), chains on the tires, five forward speeds plus reverse, locking hubs, electric start, snow chop bars, and a headlight for snowblowing at night.
Just gave her the inaugural run, with 7" on the ground there was absolutely no contest. Half throttle, third gear, and it cut it like buttah. |
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| renov8r |
I have to agree, Ariens two-stage is hard to beat.
Mine is only 7Hp, but the path is foot narrower, which makes it fairly easily to store.
Chicago seems to have gotten "snow starved" for quite some time, but when we do get hit it ususally the heavy wet stuff that you simply have to have a big machine to handle--
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Muahahahahaaaaaa! :D
Mine's a 10 hp Ariens, 36" cut (that's 3 feet!), chains on the tires, five forward speeds plus reverse, locking hubs, electric start, snow chop bars, and a headlight for snowblowing at night.
Just gave her the inaugural run, with 7" on the ground there was absolutely no contest. Half throttle, third gear, and it cut it like buttah.
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| ghost |
That's a mean machine, Tim!
And I see you're getting up awfully early to use it! |
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| hondacuraworld |
| Nah, took that pic on Sunday. I had just got the driveway done and I asked the wife to grab the Mavica so I could show my MDX buddies my frightening toy :D |
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| jswift2000 |
You need to ask yourself how much you want to spend and then make a decision. There is a great web stite for research on snow blowers: forums.gardenweb.com, chosse the riding lawn tractors section and do a search for snow throwers. Most people on the site like the Ariens (http://www.ariens.com/), simplicity, husq. I have a simplicity tractor and it was the best $$$ I have ever spent.
Good luck. |
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| phins2rt |
| Just my $.02. We have a 7hp, 24" Toro two stage. This thing was made in 1976 and is still going strong. I sometimes have to make two passes on the deep stuff (> 18") but otherwise it works great. I am horrible at maintenance on it but it still starts on the second pull virtually everytime!! I hope to get through this winter with it and then check out the end of season deals. Anyone like Hondas?? Good luck. |
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| jswift2000 |
| Just like phins2rt, I have an old Toro 5 hp 21" snow thrower that was free last year and it start on the first pull all the time. Its like a tank. However, it cant keep up with a lot of snow and its too small for the driveway. |
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| tax_atty |
| I recently bought the biggest single stage Toro makes (6.5 HP) and love it. Granted it would be too small for Tim in upstate NY, but it works fine here on Long Island. I went with the Toro in part because my father has a single stage Toro for 15+ years and never had a problem with it. He just gets it tuned up every few years. |
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| trucillo |
Even though its only the 5 HP compact model 524E. I have yet to get a storm here in NJ that it cant handle. I have a > 3 car long > 2 car wide driveway that it clears easily.
Here is a link to recent awards they won http://www.ariens.com/news/?artid=106908701202422 |
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| rfowkes |
I had a Sears Craftsman for years and it seemed to be in the shop more often than it was in the snow (2 stage, tractor wheels, >20 inch width). Finally, I junked this POS and went with a Honda HS928 ~9 HP, 28" width, etc. (specs here ).
It cost a little more but was absolutely the best snowblower I've ever used. Great features and performance. It also paid for itself in last year's snow here in the northeast and is up and running for all the pre-winter white that we've had this month.
It's one of the best designed piece of machinery I've owned (up until I got my MDX) and I would do it again in a heartbeat. And it doesn't seem to be a coincidence that both items have a "Honda" heritage.
:D |
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| mullysalt |
| Their tools are okay but anything mechanical is total garbage. I have had a honda lawnmower for about six years. It's awesome. That lawnmower and your snowblower seems to have had the same effect on us. A new MDX now sits next to it in the garage. |
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| rfowkes |
quote:
Originally posted by mullysalt
Their tools are okay but anything mechanical is total garbage. I have had a honda lawnmower for about six years. It's awesome. That lawnmower and your snowblower seems to have had the same effect on us. A new MDX now sits next to it in the garage.
I totally agree with you. I owned a Honda self-propelled lawn mower for many years before I decided to contract out the mowing. The Honda still is working perfectly (with occasional maintenance and blade sharpening) at my son's house. Unfortunately, I was touted onto a Craftsman snow blower by a neighbor who liked his (should have gotten the Honda in the first place.) After spending about $1000 for the Sears I suffered through about 7 years of crap with major repairs almost every year after year #3. Finally, I said, "enough's enough" and junked it. The Honda cost almost twice as much but is definitely worth it. I should have applied the $1000 (+ repairs!) from the Craftsman and I would have gotten the Honda for ~free.
Yes, Craftsman tools are very good, but that's about it as far as I'm concerned. They better be, since you need them to repair other Craftsman products.
:D |
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| remydog |
FWIW, I've had a Craftsman 15hp lawn tractor with the Kohler engine for about 5 years and have not had any problems, save for when I've hit the occasional large rock with the blade. :2:
Fortunately, the two or three times I did that I was under their 3-year extended warranty plan. They also replaced the battery under warranty once. And I can't say I am very kind to the machine. I don't perform any maintenance and use it to haul very heavy loads around my hilly, woodsy yard.
MSK |
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| dectech1 |
| Well I have a very long driveway and decided to buy a John Deere 724D, two stage/8HP, electric start, etc. Excellent unit at $1100.00. Pricey yes but I can plow through 8-10 inches of snow in one pass with now worries. If you live in Boston I suggest at least 7 horse/2 stages. Good luck! |
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| nightguy |
Just got a great deal on this at Sears so I took the X to pick it up. Couldn't quite close the tailgate but it's only a 10 minute drive.
It's got the Tecumseh engine which has an oil pump unlike B&S. I would have liked a Honda engine but I have not seen any on other manufacturers' machines like the lawnmowers. Do any exist ? The Honda machines from what I can tell are spendy and dealers are not numerous near me.
It's 9 hp, got the single stick chute control, locking handles, power steering and electric start. Got it for $810. Seems pretty similar to Toro but not sure if they make it or not.
Anything else I should be looking at ? |
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| hondacuraworld |
| Looks nice! Depending on crosswinds in your area, you may want to get the optional cab, which consists of a tent-like apparatus. They run around $100 |
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| nightguy |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Looks nice! Depending on crosswinds in your area, you may want to get the optional cab, which consists of a tent-like apparatus. They run around $100
Thanks ! I thought about the cab but my neighbor (just bought same machine) said he'd make fun of me. Plus, I wouldn't want to be in there with myself after a lot of hot chocolate. :1:
I seem to remember a thread about you selling Honda stuff like tillers, etc. or was that just parts ? |
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| hondacuraworld |
| No, we'll be carrying the full gamut of Honda power stuff, including motorcycles :) but not for about 6 months yet. |
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| nightguy |
| Well I cranked her up for the first time a few minutes ago. Almost started on the first pull. When it's 5 degrees, I'll think I'll use the electric start. She's not as big as Tim's but still pretty damn big for my driveway. Not sure which of these snowcutters I like better. :D |
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| hondacuraworld |
Actually, I'd trade ya ;)
The wide cut is cool for the Tim Allen "harf, harf, harf!" factor, but it's a real bear to maneuver. That, and since mine does have a larger cut, it's harder on the engine because it has to clear more in one swipe. |
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