SUGGESTIONS ON A NEW SNOW BLOWER

[chief38]

My Toro Single Stage (13 years old) still runs well, but over the last few years we've gotten some killer snow storms and it just doesn't like more than 10" or so. Last year we got 31" in one storm and I worked as hard as the Toro did (getting a bit older you now), so I want to upgrade to a more powerful and larger capacity machine.

I know I want at least a 24" wide two stage machine but don't know much about them. I am considering three brands, Toro, Ariens and Husqvarna but it would be helpful if some of you could give me the track record on yours if you own one. I also want an electric start model but almost all of them have that these days.

Is the "power steering" option needed?

Do the lights really work well?

How many CC engine is a descent size and won't stall in heavy wet snow?

I have 60 foot long and 24 foot wide asphalt driveway, a concrete patio in the rear I like to do for the dog ( 20 x 40 ft), as well as pathways from the front to the rear of the house. We have been getting more than normal amounts and over the last few years have had several feet at a time, so that's the reason for the upgrade.

Thanks in advance!

 

[max]

I have had an MTD for 25 years. It is a 2 stage with multiple speeds forward and in reverse. It has electric start, which I have never had to use. It does a 28" swath and I am more than pleased.

 

[arjay]

Bought a troybilt 2410 several years ago and I wish I'd bought it years earlier.24" wide and 21" tall cut,179cc engine.I added a light kit to it for about $30.If you get mostly wet heavy snow,a set of chains would be handy.It goes right through 12" of wet snow quite easily.Its heavy,so you have to muscle it around corners.A typical 6-8" storm takes me about 25 minutes to clear 2000 sq ft.

 

[Coaltminer]

Buy bigger than you'll think you'll need. Husquarvna

 

[mr-mom]

I have always used my jeep-mounted plow to move snow around our big spread in the past. We relocated to a much smaller lake home early in June. Like a lot of other "stuff", the jeep left us during the down sizing. We have a rather small area to take care of now, probably 20' x 40' asphalt driveway. After some on-line research and looking at what is available, I just purchased a new Toro POWER MAX 826 OE. It has a 250cc Brigs electric start engine, 26" x 20" cut, user-friendly controls, with a good warranty. It was a toss-up between the Toro and Airens. I chose the Toro because it is better balanced and will be easier for my Bride to operate....hehe.
Dave
SWCA #2778

 

[G-Mac]

I'm a long-time Ariens fan. I wouldn't own anything built by anybody else. My current snow-blower is a John Deere...but it was made by Ariens for John Deere. It's a green and yellow Ariens.

 

[ladder13]

I have an Ariens 926, and as long as the belts get changed when needed, it's a monster.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Move to where there is no snow.

 

[G-Mac]

Move to where there is no snow.

You mean like Texas...where there's ebola?

I'll take the snow, thank you.

 

[gdnagle]

Move to where there is no snow.

Now that's what I'm talking about

You mean like Texas...where there's ebola?

I'll take the snow, thank you.

When ebola hits it will spread through out the country.

I have had an MTD for 25 years. It is a 2 stage with multiple speeds forward and in reverse. It has electric start, which I have never had to use. It does a 28" swath and I am more than pleased.

I bought my tracked MTD 26hp back in 1993 or so. They don't make this model anymore as it's the tracked series. I had a 150 foot driveway back then up hill in one direction down in the other. Now my drive is about 500 foot up and down with a large grade to it, plus a 30X40 area between the garage and house, plus I do my neighbors little 10X60 foot drive. This past year was the first year I had any problems with it. The transmission went because the neighbor left a hose out and it got caught up in the auger, (note here when you break a shear bolt make sure you go out and buy plenty of new ones to have on hand, don't ask how I came to this conclusion), so I rebuilt the transmission for about $100 for all new parts and am ready to go again.

I also have a blower for my tractor but have never installed it as I haven't needed it as yet.

The lights on mine do light the area if you clear at night but remember it's light out anyhow because of the white snow and I have never depended on it even out here where there are no street lights.

Wet snow make sure you have your stick to clean out the chute as it will clog up with the wet snow and don't put your hands down there. Most new ones come with the tool for clearing this out.

Mine has power steering as I can stop one or the other tracks to turn. This makes it easy for me to turn as I don't have to lift it to turn.

You may also want to have a set of chains available if you are blowing up a steep grade. They are expensive but will help when you get bogged down and the wheels only want to spin. This is why I bought the tracked version as with the blower and chains cost more then the tracked version at the time.

Some people like the cab kit as when your blowing when it's windy it will help keep you for having the wind blow on you, or the snow covering you to make you look like a snow man.

I like the electric start as it always started in a couple cranks with it and the pull always took longer.

One more word of caution even with the track and HP I have I don't let the snow get higher then the chute, I always go out and do several sweeps to keep it below the top so I don't have to do all the forward and reverse moves.

The two stage blowers will throw the snow a good ways out of your way so you don't have to worry about packing and making your driveway narrower with each snow fall.

Also you get a lot of vibration with them so check your bolt tightness every so often.

 

[TucsonMTB]

I know I want at least a 24" wide two stage machine but don't know much about them. I am considering three brands, Toro, Ariens and Husqvarna but it would be helpful if some of you could give me the track record on yours if you own one. I also want an electric start model but almost all of them have that these days.

About 15 years ago, when we lived in Zoo Jersey, we had a 200 foot, gravel driveway. As I recall, we spent about $600 for a dealer return, two stage Toro that was about 24" wide. It did not have an electric starter, but we drained all the fuel out of the system, including the carburetor, each spring and it usually started on the first or second pull.

That red, two stage Toro definitely worked for us during a couple of years when Jersey got record snow. We cleared our driveway and the similar length driveway of the retired farmer who lived across our country road from us. So, I would buy one again, if I ever needed another. Fortunately, that is unlikely here in Tucson, Arizona.

Best of luck, sir!

 

[Lee Barner]

what's a snow blower? lee

 

[Squarebutt]

We have a 8526 Ariens, but I'd really like one like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvR-eaKUVqU

 

[G-Mac]

No offense to you MTD guys, but up here where we get real snow, those are regarded as the Taurus or Rossi of power equipment.

 

[boatme99]

My ex MIL. That women expelled enough hot air, science created a name for it.
Global Warming.

 

[bricker]

Might look into one of those for Atlanta....

 

[Rpg]

I have a deal with a kid in the neighborhood: it snows more than a few inches, he shovels my driveway and sidewalk and gets $20.00.

I gave my snowblower to my son.

 

[chief38]

Move to where there is no snow.

NEVER! Got to have 4 seasons or it's boring.

 

[G-Mac]

When ebola hits it will spread through out the country.

Let's hope and pray that doesn't happen.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Would love to offer some suggestions, but unfortunately Snow Bllowers ain't high on my "know something about" list.
Sorry.
Now Marsh buggies, surfact deives or long tails I can help you with