Any experience with Husqvarna snowblowers on the forum?

[Bullet Bob]

I'm looking at buying a two-stage, gas powered snowblower. Consumer Reports have a bad rating for Husqvarna's, but other places say they have gotten better with a redesign in 2014.

The one I'm looking at is around $800.00. As usual the equivalent Honda's are top-rated, but they're about three times as much.

I'm definitely not the guy who can buy a 50 year old Sno-King and fix it up.

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.

 

[carpriver]

The last snowblower was a Polin about 850 3 years ago. Polin has a good reputation.

 

[coltle6920]

Just my opinion...There might be some snowblowers to stay away from but there isn't necessarily a "best" one out there if you are looking at the top name brands like Ariens or Troy-Bilt.

Buy one based on your needs and ease of use.Your main considerations should be horsepower and clearing width/height.Operator controls will vary somewhat by brand.

Electric start is a good option to consider if not a must.

 

[Franklin]

I have a 30 year old 10 hp Bolens that has heated hand grips, still starts on the first pull and have never seen a new make/model that has the heated hand grip option.... NO its not for sale!

 

[soFlaNative]

What manner of strange machine is a snow blower?

 

[OLDSTER]

To answer your inquiry; yes. IMO anything Husqvarna is top notch. Several Husky snow blowers in my rural sub-division. Also several Husky chain saws and lawn tractors

 

[Bullet Bob]

Thanks everyone. The one I'm looking at does have electric start, heated handgrips, and adjustable handle height.

I lived in western South Dakota for five glorious years, so if Husky's will stand up to North Dakota winters, it should easily handle western NC!

Oh, and soFlaNative - snow is what we experience in the winter instead of bugs, cars with their turn signal blinkers on for no apparent reason driving 15 mph below the speed limit, and lost tourists.

 

[Salty RI]

What manner of strange machine is a snow blower?

Just think of them as a motorized walker.

 

[sheepdawg]

Here's my 1944 Husqvarna. I suppose it will blow snow away.

 

[bearman49709]

What manner of strange machine is a snow blower?

Its something real men use.

 

[VaTom]

I have a john Deere compact snow blower. Two stage. Excellent machine. Deere doesn't make them any longer but if you could find a used one it would be worth a consideration.

 

[Inusuit]

Don't have a snow blower, but do have a Husky chainsaw, weed eater, and 22 hp garden tractor. All excellent machines. Oh, and I also have a Husky Swedish Mauser similar to sheepdawg's.

 

[Marshwheeling]

I have had a couple of Husky lawn mowers. Typical Briggs and Stratton generic lawn mowers with orange paint. I'll prefer the dirt bikes.

 

[soFlaNative]

Its something real men use.

Real man use'm shovel... or the wife

Oh, and soFlaNative - snow is what we experience in the winter instead of bugs, cars with their turn signal blinkers on for no apparent reason driving 15 mph below the speed limit, and lost tourists.

Western NC? Thing will be a pile of rust before you really need it!

Just think of them as a motorized walker.

That makes sense...

 

[Bullet Bob]

"Real man use'm shovel... or the wife"

True! But after some orthopedic operations on my right elbow and shoulder, it's either buy a snowblower, or move to Florida

 

[chief38]

In my area Ariens is the Top Dog in Snow Blowers and parts, service and accessories are readily available at competitive pricing. There is one store that does sell Husky's and I did look at them but they were priced much higher and they did not offer the full line. I went with what I see most people using and recommending and have never looked back. I'm in my second season with the Areins now and am VERY VERY happy with it. LOVE the heated grips!!!

Not to say I personally know anything "bad" about the Husky brand, but did not want to be relegated to one single local repair and service center if and when it needs something I am not capable of doing.

Also looked at Toro and was disappointed in how much plastic they used in the build. I also did not like the Toro steering turn trigger system they use. The Ariens comes with Auto Turn which works great and there are no triggers, levers or cables to pull push or be concerned with. The Areins are made out of heavy duty metal and really built well.

 

[tomf52]

Have a 25year old Ariens. I haven't spent a dime on it in all those years (except for oil changes). Neighbor has a Husqvarna, not impressed.

 

[nocents]

don't know about snowblower Huskys but my first motorcycle was a 1970 Husqvarna 400 that had wayyyy more power than my ability to ride it

 

[bearman49709]

Real man use'm shovel... or the wife

Never said it was the only thing used, it is the only thing the OP asked about and the only thing YOU asked about.

 

[Bullet Bob]

What's a thread without pictures? It was just delivered today - if it is built as well as the crate it came in, in should last forever.