Snow Blower Recommendations

[hammer]

Has anyone bought one recently and have any recommendations?

I have a narrow (10' - 12') but longish (100') driveway. My 24" Home Depot special I bought in 1995 is still working but it's tired, it's a pain to start, and it doesn't have the power to handle larger snowfalls without doing multiple passes.

I'd like to keep the cost under $1000 if at all possible.

 

[Warp Daddy]

Has anyone bought one recently and have any recommendations?

I have a narrow (10' - 12') but longish (100') driveway. My 24" Home Depot special I bought in 1995 is still working but it's tired, it's a pain to start, and it doesn't have the power to handle larger snowfalls without doing multiple passes.

I'd like to keep the cost under $1000 if at all possible.

I have a 150 ft long driveway in SNOW country . My first Ariens a 7hp last 32 years ans i sold it in ONE hr vand bought a 2008 Ariens 9 hp 2 stage w/27 in cut last Xmas for a grand ----awesome beast !!!!

 

[campgottagopee]

I'm a fan of Simplicity products. You may want to check them out. http://www.simplicitymfg.com/produc.../www.simplicitymfg.com/products/snowthrowers/

 

[2knees]

whoa whoa. hold up there buddy. what kind of jinx are you tryin to throw down with this thread.


You wont need a snowblower, go buy a nice lawn mower.

 

[hammer]

whoa whoa. hold up there buddy. what kind of jinx are you tryin to throw down with this thread.


You wont need a snowblower, go buy a nice lawn mower.

IIRC the winter of 95-96 (the year I bought my last one) was very snowy...so this is kind of a reverse jinx...:-D

 

[bigbog]

In agreement with Warp Daddy & others who push a 9+ hp machine. My 5hp(Craftsman) runs fine and was on sale(online), but there's always some heavy/wet under accumulation at some time in the winter that needs a strong motor to spill the junk out and away... The 5hp can't quite throw the heavy/wet slop far and the slop can clog the stack once in a while--> you just go at the heavy/wet stuff slowly...but does great for a smaller(~50') driveway.

$.01

 

[hammer]

One other thing I've been seeing is that engines are now specified in terms of torque, which is most likely a better term to use but I'm used to HP so it's more difficult to make comparisons...:???:

BTW, any thoughts on this one?

http://www.snowblowersdirect.com/Ariens-921012/p3494.html

 

[mlctvt]

It's cheaper here http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Snow-Throwers-Accessories/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgaZbljd/R-100671185/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I'm shopping for a snow blower too and everyone I talk to likes Ariens and Simplicity mahines. I initially was thinking of getting a Troy-Bilt mahine but the plastic chute worries me. Maybe I'll spend the extra $300 and get the Ariens. I'd like this machine to last at least 10-20 years.

 

[Warp Daddy]

One other thing I've been seeing is that engines are now specified in terms of torque, which is most likely a better term to use but I'm used to HP so it's more difficult to make comparisons...:???:

BTW, any thoughts on this one?

http://www.snowblowersdirect.com/Ariens-921012/p3494.html

Yep I have it -- its a beast -------------throws the heavy wet stuff as well as the deep stuff --haven't ever needed the electric start this baby starts on 1 pull so far . As i said in my previous post my first Ariens lasted THIRTY TWO YEARS - and was still running but i broke the electric starter and i wanted a bigger machine . I had no real issues did my own maintenance and was satisfied .

 

[Marc]

These move a lot of snow quickly... but it might be slightly above your price range:

 

[Hawkshot99]

Pay a plow man to do the driveway. When there is enough snow to have to clear it, do you want to be doing the driveway, or skiing?

 

[wa-loaf]

This thread inspired me to check my old snow blower. Filled the tank and pulled it out. Started on first pull. Not bad for an inherited mid 80s Lawnboy ... ready for winter.

 

[Glenn]

Go with a machine from a dealer. They're much beefier than what you'll get at the big box stores. You'll pay more, but you'll get a better unit and better serviced to boot.

 

[o3jeff]

Go with a machine from a dealer. They're much beefier than what you'll get at the big box stores. You'll pay more, but you'll get a better unit and better serviced to boot.

Also most of the local dealers do the warranty/service on the ones bought from the big box stores, if you buy at the local dealer and you do have a problem, they usually move yours to the front of the line ahead of the people who bought theirs at the Depot.

 

[Puck it]

I have a Huskaquvarna(sp?). It is a 32" 10HP and does my 100' driveway in no time. I bought it at Lowes for $999, all metal. Only issue was the chute cable brought. Replaced for $50. Good machine. Strats first pull.

 

[hammer]

Go with a machine from a dealer. They're much beefier than what you'll get at the big box stores. You'll pay more, but you'll get a better unit and better serviced to boot.

Would not mind if they can match the big box store prices...

The local dealer where I bought my JD Lawn Tractor at sells Ariens snow blowers...may check them out.

 

[Warp Daddy]

Agree -----------Buying from a dealer is a better option ., if you are NOT going to do your own maintenance.

 

[Glenn]

Would not mind if they can match the big box store prices...

It's kind of an apples vs oranges. The John Deeres they sell at the Depot are not the same ones the dealers are selling. There's a reason they cost less....different components. :wink:

 

[hammer]

It's kind of an apples vs oranges. The John Deeres they sell at the Depot are not the same ones the dealers are selling. There's a reason they cost less....different components. :wink:

Actually, when I went to the JD dealer they had the same tractor models as the Home Depot at the same prices, and they did say that they serviced the tractors from the Home Depot. I ended up getting a more expensive tractor because I needed something that could climb hills and haul lots of mulch/stone/loam.

I do basic maintenance on my lawn and snow equipment (oil changes, spark plug replacement, blade removal and replacement) but anything else beyond that I leave to the shop.

 

[hammer]

Pay a plow man to do the driveway. When there is enough snow to have to clear it, do you want to be doing the driveway, or skiing?

My driveway does not have a convenient spot for a plow to push the snow to...my neighbor is in a similar situation and the plow guy he used chewed up his lawn last season.