Snowblower advice?

[Scott P]

I’m looking to get a snow blower for our house. Signs are pointing to a crappy winter (granted, they always say that), so I’m thinking about buying one early. I have a blacktopped 2-car driveway, about four or so car lengths long. We got upwards of 130 inches of snow last year up here, so I know it will get its share of use. I’m not looking to spend a grand on a new one yet. I’m hoping to find a good used one in the $500 range. Is there a particular brand I should look for? I’m thinking about something in the 7 hp range with at least a 24” clearing width.

I may even change the oil over to GC to make it start easier and run better. The elixir of life should work well...

 

[Steve_RI]

I love my Ariens. It got one **** of a workout last winter and I plan on getting it ready soon for this one.

Got mine for free

. Someone actually had it in the trash. It was in good shape and the guy said it didn't work anymore, "haul it away", he said, "it's yours". Even if it needed a motor it was still a score. All it needed was a new spark plug and it started right up. It has electric start to boot.

 

[mrchecker]

Look for one with 120 volt electric start. That's a must have feature on snowblowers IMO.

 

[Scott P]

As of this moment, I have my eye on a Toro Snow Destroyer Attack Death Machine. It is the 826LE. They have it priced at an even grand. 8 Horsies, 26" clearing and it shoots the snow up to 45'. I guess it's been redesigned for this year. It has a joystick to control the chute direction and deflection.

Why won't the world be a little cheaper for me? At least I know if I buy new, I'll never have to buy again. So much for that new TV.

 

[slickracer]

I have a Toro single stage with the rubber auger and for the money it cannot be beat. Last winter we had 2 feet of snow and it worked great. The only downside is they are 2 cycle.

 

[Scott P]

Where can I find ratings or reviews on these things? I see Poulan Pro, Yard Machines, Craftsman, etc for about $200 cheaper for comparable specs. I am a big beleiver in getting what you pay for, but I also would like to save where I could.

 

[JTK]

Scott. I'll be heading into my 4th winter with my yardman 7hp/24in cut 2 stage machine. A recommendation I would make is go with a snowthrower with an OHV engine as opposed to the old flat head engines. My yardman has a small techumseh OHV 7hp that has more power than any 8 or 9hp flat head i've used, plus they are easier to start, MUCH quieter, vibrate less & are super fuel efficient. I dont ever have to use the electric start, it always starts on the first or second pull. Ariens, Toro, Snapper and Hondas are definately premium machines, but you can't beat MTD/yardman for value. Plus parts are cheaper & easier to come by for'em too. G/luck
Joel

 

[blano]

I have a Toro snow commander, 7hp two cycle. This unit works really well in my area. Thats saying alot since I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where we recieve 300+ inches of snow per year on a regular basis. I like the two cycle because it is easy to start and is basicaly a zero maintenance machine.

 

[Scott P]

Sears has their 7.75 HP OHV model on sale this week for $829.99. It got a couple of strong reviews on epinions. How reliable are the Craftsman ones? I'm sure if I dump a bunch on a snowblower we'll get a whopping 12" of snow this year.

 

[Bror Jace]

We have a John Deere 1032 2-stage snowblower. The thing's a tank.

It has a 10hp engine (B&S I.C.) and a 32" cut ... hence the name.

It's very old and starting to show signs of the extreme use it's got for the past ~20 years.

I don't think I could recommend a new one (~$1,600?) as I've seen them and they simply aren't made as sturdy as ours. Many of the controls are now plastic, etc ...

--- Bror Jace