Snow blowers

**Stewo** · 12-20-2012, 02:13 PM

Now that I'm 30, it's time to finally buy a snow blower. What are some suggestions? My driveway is an average size, but because I live on the south end of a cul-de-sac, I get pretty big drifts towards the bottom of the drive. I'd like to pay in the $600 or less area, if possible.

**ISUAgronomist** · 12-20-2012, 02:15 PM

Get dual stage in whatever fits your price range.

**CycloneErik** · 12-20-2012, 02:16 PM

Two-stage is the way to go. That'll get you through the thicker, nastier stuff.

Under $600 might be a challenge.

**SplitIdentity** · 12-20-2012, 02:17 PM

Ariens

**Stewo** · 12-20-2012, 02:20 PM

I've been reading some reviews and it appears that single stage wouldn't cut it, so dual stage is certainly the direction I'll be going in. I think Erik is right on price, too. It appears that I'll have to pay more than $600.

**CycloneErik** · 12-20-2012, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Stewo

I've been reading some reviews and it appears that single stage wouldn't cut it, so dual stage is certainly the direction I'll be going in. I think Erik is right on price, too. It appears that I'll have to pay more than $600.

I sold them my last couple of years in seminary. I think you could do really well in the $750-799 range. That should get something around 9 HP and about a 29" cutting path. That'll cut the task down quite a bit.

**dmclone** · 12-20-2012, 02:25 PM

Dual stage is a must.
Shifter and chute control near the top. It's pain to constantly be reaching down after every pass to adjust the chute.
Biggest motor you can afford

**Stewo** · 12-20-2012, 02:27 PM

Well, I'll just start a snow blower fund here. Feel free to donate!

**Cyclones_R_GR8** · 12-20-2012, 02:27 PM

On a 2 Stage make sure you check the size of the impeller. I think they used to make some cheaper ones with a 6 inch and that can get clogged up on the heavier stuff. I think most have 10 -12 nowadays but it doesn't hurt to check.

**CycloneErik** · 12-20-2012, 02:29 PM

Also, make sure that the impeller (2nd stage, at the end of the chute) is metal and not plastic. The lower end ones will use plastic parts there. Something to watch for.

**isufbcurt** · 12-20-2012, 02:30 PM

I put a blade on my 4 wheeler and it worked great, plus I had fun while clearing the driveway

**Cycsk** · 12-20-2012, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by isufbcurt

I put a blade on my 4 wheeler and it worked great, plus I had fun while clearing the driveway

On the four-wheeler in your avatar? Cool! It does look fun!

**ianoconnor** · 12-20-2012, 02:35 PM

Like SplitIdentity said, I've heard the Ariens are highly rated.

**Stewo** · 12-20-2012, 02:53 PM

Watching my neighbors struggle with their small, low-end blowers really drives home the importance of spending the extra money on a good one. Thanks for the suggestions so far.

**1100011CS** · 12-20-2012, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by Stewo

Watching my neighbors struggle with their small, low-end blowers really drives home the importance of spending the extra money on a good one. Thanks for the suggestions so far.

If you would have seen me shoveling today it would have driven home the importance of a working snowblower. It's weird that you can sweat that much and still be cold.