Snow Blower

**brianhos** · 11-18-2007, 08:56 AM

Ok, it is about that time folks, so far I have resisted buying a snowblower because my drive was just not that big, and it only snows 3 times a year anymore. But this past year we had a huge third slab of concrete poured and I don't want to have to shovel all that by hand.

So, anyone have any snowblower recommendations? I know nothing about them.

**bos** · 11-18-2007, 08:57 AM

Got some extra cash? Buy a Honda. =)

**wiscocyclone** · 11-18-2007, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by brianhos

Ok, it is about that time folks, so far I have resisted buying a snowblower because my drive was just not that big, and it only snows 3 times a year anymore. But this past year we had a huge third slab of concrete poured and I don't want to have to shovel all that by hand.

So, anyone have any snowblower recommendations? I know nothing about them.

Hire an unemployed Hawkeye. There should be plenty around.

**SlyCy** · 11-18-2007, 09:06 AM

I would go with a two stage thrower. It may seem like over kill for most snows but it is really nice for the big snows and the end of the drive way. Toro is the best IMO with Craftsman as a close second. I bought a cheap MTD at Menard's and have had lots of repairs to it...wish I hadn't.

**C.John** · 11-18-2007, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by SlyCy

I bought a cheap MTD at Menard's and have had lots of repairs to it...wish I hadn't.

To counteract SlyCy's report, our MTD 2-stage is 12 years old now and the only issue I had was last fall I had to have the carb rebuilt for $60. Other than that, I've gassed it up, plugged it in and pushed the electric start and off I've went.

I've added dual headlights and tire chains over the years, but I've never had an issue cleaning out 3 foot drifts and heavy wet snow left by the snowplow.

As with anything, everyone will have different experiences. But 12 years and probably $900 seems to be a pretty good deal to me.

**brianhos** · 11-18-2007, 09:16 AM

I have a toro lawnmower, and abosutely love it. Maybe I will check those out.

**dmclone** · 11-18-2007, 09:21 AM

I bought one of these a few years back and couldn't be happier with it. I live on a corner lot so I have a lot of sidewalk.

Craftsman 5.5 hp 2 stage

Gas snow thrower with 5 forward, 2 reverse wheel drive speeds for varying conditions. Electric Start. 24 in. clearing path, 21 in. intake height. Remote chute rotation to throw snow where you want it. 13" X-Trac tires for increased traction during operation.v

Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower - Model 31AS6BCE799 at Sears.com

**CyBobby** · 11-18-2007, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by brianhos

I have a toro lawnmower, and abosutely love it. Maybe I will check those out.

When I was your age brian I just shoveled my 130+ foot long driveway..When I turned 60 I decided to buy a snowblower and now I have 2 of said blowers...

I have a 4hp Toro and a 7hp Sears Craftsman and have never had any problems with either one of them...Good luck on your purchase my friend.

**DevilDog** · 11-18-2007, 09:48 AM

Ive had a toro for awhile now and works like a dream.

**ce1** · 11-18-2007, 09:50 AM

I'll disagree with the two-stage opinion. Unless you're a professional, or have a really, really, large area that requires snow to be blown a long distance, a two-stage blower is probably a waste of money (although it will work fantastically).

Single stage systems will work fine up to 12" of snow. If it snows more than that, you'll want to blow more than once anyway.

I've used a single-stage system for years now in Minnesota, and have never run into an issue where i wished i had a two-stage unit. Ask your salesperson, but i really doubt you need a two-stage blower.

As for units, I've got a two-cycle Toro that has started on the first pull for six years. But i drain the gas every spring...

**cmoneyr** · 11-18-2007, 09:54 AM

Personally I wouldn't consider a 2-cycle, 4-cycle is so much easier and less hassle without having to mis oil and gas. I personally just bought a Troybilt from Lowes, I have a large driveway so I went with the 2-stage, and it wasn't must more than a 1-stage honestly. Mine is very similar to Dmclone's, 5.5hp, 24" path, electric start, no opinion on how it works since I just bought it, but everything I've read about it is good.

**DaddyMac** · 11-18-2007, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by dmclone

I bought one of these a few years back and couldn't be happier with it. I live on a corner lot so I have a lot of sidewalk.

Craftsman 5.5 hp 2 stage

Gas snow thrower with 5 forward, 2 reverse wheel drive speeds for varying conditions. Electric Start. 24 in. clearing path, 21 in. intake height. Remote chute rotation to throw snow where you want it. 13" X-Trac tires for increased traction during operation.v

Craftsman 5.5 hp Gas Snow Thrower - Model 31AS6BCE799 at Sears.com

I don't have the two stage - wish I did. Have a single. It suffices for every snow during the season, except a guaranteed one - where you'll be cursing the Gods and yourself for not buying the big-boy.

However, the snowblower I do have is a Craftsman. So is the lawnmower, chainsaw, and about every other outdoor piece of equipment. Knock on wood - I haven't had a single problem with any in the 7+ years I've had them.