| Author |
Message |
    
Maplegirl
Citizen
Username: Maplegirl
Post Number: 11
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 2:08 pm: |     |
Hi All,
Would anyone be willing to recommend a good lawn mower as well as a good snow blower?
Ideally, I'd like to spend no more than $250-300 on the mower. I'm looking for a mower that mulches very well and has an optional bag attachment. We need one to finish out the season with so we don't think we can wait until next year to make the purchase.
We'd like to spend no more than $350 on the snower blower/thrower.
Thanks for your help! |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 294
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 2:29 pm: | |
Hi, I've been shopping for snowthrowers -- so I can address that for you!
For under $350 you'd be looking at a small Toro -- electric or 2-cycle gasoline. That's ok if your driveway and sidewalk are small. Also -- at that price they are not propelled. (I've looked at Sears, Home Depot, Lowes)
Starting around $600 you get maybe a 5 hp gas model, 2 stage, self propelled.
As reference, I have an electric Toro, which sells new for $299 ("PowerCurve" 1800). Its a workhorse and has never let me down -- but is really inadequate for my larger drive and sidewalk.
BTW -- Sears has a sale now on a 5 hp for $625, and 9 hp for $750. (this is cheaper than Home Depot). But at Home Depot you can get 6 months free financing.
Pete |
tourne
Citizen
Username: Tourne
Post Number: 204
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 9:23 pm: | |
For a lawn mower, I recommend a Black and Decker cordless 19"-- no gas to mess with, very little noise, works well. For snow throwers, I recommend the kids down the street. But if they are not available, Toro seems to make the best. The small Powerlite model is adequate for the usual NJ winter. If you really want a noisy, messy, polluting, gas mower, I also recommmend Toro as the lesser of other evils. |
Michael K. Mc Kell
Citizen
Username: Greenerose
Post Number: 67
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 10:13 pm: | |
Don't chince out on the snow thrower.
You'll kick yourself later.
Michael K. Mc Kell
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Maplegirl
Citizen
Username: Maplegirl
Post Number: 12
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 11:34 am: | |
Peteglider and Michael - Thank you very much for all of the great information!
I would be happy to receive other helpful recommendations like these.
Have a pleasant day  |
barbara wilhelm
Citizen
Username: Bartist
Post Number: 55
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 12:31 pm: | |
I agree that Sears has a great sale on a Craftsman 5hp 2 stage snow thrower for $599 . A 2 stage blower means that the wheels move as well as the auger which propells the snow out of the shute that blows the snow. It also has an electric start is very important in the cold weather. Weight and size are also a consideration. I am 5' 2" and about a hundred lbs and I know that I can handle this machine. Also some time must be spent on assembly. Handle, shute, adding the oil and getting gas can and gas. (i ordered one today and the sale ends this Saturday the 25th and supplies are seasonal). I would stay away from anything that is electric, not enough power to clear a deep snowstorm and that's when you will need it the most.
Also sears has a self propelled (that means that the front wheels move so you do not have to push it around) for $299. Sale also ends the 25th.
Nice machines in my opinion that will do the do for you for years and years. I would not skimp and buy less costly machines that won't do the job. |
MSB
Citizen
Username: Msb
Post Number: 4
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 2:32 pm: | |
I couldn't agree more on the snowblower comments, get a big one rather than small. The bigger ones can handle any job but the small ones only handle small jobs. for the few big snows we gert every year, you'll be happy you did. I bought a used Ariens two years ago, they are the "Cadillac" of snowblowers. |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 854
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 8:13 pm: | |
MTD Yard Machines makes a very solid line of snow throwers. Their two stage 8hp model worked like a charm last winter with the many double digit snowstorms we had.
Barbara; one correction; a push snow thrower has only one pair of wheels on the rear. The traction drive works with the forward and reverse gears to make moving the unit easier. |
tourne
Citizen
Username: Tourne
Post Number: 208
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 8:30 pm: | |
The smaller Toro gas snow throwers are very capable machines--light weight, easy to use. Yes, you might have to make several passes during a very heavy snowfall, but I have found that their ease of use makes up for this. You can get them with an electric start, though it is not needed. The action of the rubber paddle pulls them along into the snow as if they were self propelled. Remember, an 8 horsepower two-stage thrower can weight well over a hundred pounds. If it ever cuts out on you, you will need a tow truck to move the thing. Bigger is not always better. |
clueless
Citizen
Username: Clueless
Post Number: 8
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 10:45 pm: | |
Consumer reports did a test of mowers. It was published in June 2003. Check it out. They recommended many of the Yard Men, but every place that sold it seemed to really raise prices. In the end we bought a Craftsman 6.5 hp push mower. List for $250 on sale for $190. It received good all around ratings. |
mtierney
Citizen
Username: Mtierney
Post Number: 409
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 11:39 am: | |
Spent some time last night at Sears. Salesperson urged us to go for the model larger than 5 hp!Comes in at over $800. We do have two large driveways. What say you? |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 856
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 12:00 pm: | |
Our driveway pitches up from the garage to street level. The 8hp Yard Machine moves uphill well and throws snow thirty feet. With snow removal, bigger is better |
tjohn
Citizen
Username: Tjohn
Post Number: 1844
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 12:05 pm: | |
Mtierney,
Depends on how much money you have. A single-stage model is more than fine up to about 6 inches. A 5 hp two stage can handle anything we are likely to encounter. However, if you have a really long driveway, more powerful two stage throwers (with wider intakes) will get the job done faster. If, for example, you had a four hundred foot driveway, it would probably be worth the $1200 or so to get a tracked 8 or 9 hp two stage. |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 804
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 12:53 pm: | |
I was about to buy a lawn mower, and my cow-orker suggested I get an electric (corded) one rather than a gas one. I was going to do that, because I figured the maintenance would be much easier. The added benefits are less pollution and perhaps less noise.
Just before I made the decision, a friend of mine gave me an old fashioned mechanical mower. I suppose I look funny pushing that old thing, but it works fine, and I get a little workout. My yard is very small, so it doesn't matter.
This will be my first winter here. How likely are the neighborhood kids to come around and offer their services in good time? I think I'd rather not spend money on a snow machine.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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frodo
Citizen
Username: Frodo
Post Number: 32
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 1:59 pm: | |
I think it may depend on where in Maplewood you live. I live on Maplewood Ave. by Jefferson and did not see one kid shoveling last winter. My partner and I did it ourselves.
Vinny |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 621
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 2:42 pm: | |
Man this is one strange day. First I agreed with tom on another thread and now I find myself agreeing with Tourne on this one.
I bought a Toro gas powered machine last year and it works great. I decided to buy it after our neighbor saw me struggling to shovel my long, narrow drive way by hand and offered to finish the last 1/3 with his machine. Worked like a charm. Had no problem removing snow all the way down to the asphalt. The self propelling action of the heavy rubber blades keeps it moving quite nicely. It even was able to fight through the mess left by the snow plow at the end of the driveway. |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 807
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 2:52 pm: | |
But here's what I don't get, and be patient with me, because I never before lived in a house or owned property. Wouldn't it make sense to share this stuff? (OK, call me a communist.) We live so close together, and we don't use lawn mowers at the same time. Why do we have to be so darned self-sufficient when there's an idle mower or snow blower in most of the garages on the block? My big hindrance to this is that I wonder if my neighbors would look at me funny if I proposed it. Is that what holds everyone else back, too?
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 622
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 3:28 pm: | |
Tom, down at my end of the street we kind of have that system although some people are funny about loaning out equipment. During the laast two snowstorms I loaned out my snowblower to my next door neighbor and then I did the sidewalk of the neighbor on the other side.
And in case you didn't notice if you mow your own lawn you're in the minority so there's not much to borrow. |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 808
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 3:44 pm: | |
What do you mean I'm in the minority? You mean people pay landscapers to do it? See how oblivious I am to suburban life? No wonder my lawn looks scrappier than everyone else's. I found myself doing the edge with my hands, and I realized people must use powertools for that.
You know, I bet the people who have their lawns mowed also own mowers. Now isn't that a kick?
For everyone else's benefit, sportsnut and I are at opposite ends of the street.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 305
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 3:50 pm: | |
Tom -- it might be a north jersey thing. I moved here from central jersey -- no one on the block there had a "landscaper." I faithfuly mowed my 1/8 acre (or whatever is was) and cleaned off the drive myself. Up here -- i really don't know anyone on my street who does that themselves, and yes, after the first Summer, I now too employ a "landscaper." I am about to give in on the snowblower thing, too, tonight. All 3 of the houses around me bought 9 hp+ snowthrowers last year. I think I'll be a rebel (or passive aggressive) and buy just an 8 hp snowthrower instead. And no, I won't share with them either. -- Pete |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 623
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 4:03 pm: | |
Tom, I used to employ a landscaper then last year about a week before christmas he gave me a bill for $700. It was supposed to include cutting the grass in NOV., a fall clean up and cleaning the gutters and leaders. I was home in Nov. and watched his crew and they never cut the grass and if they did it was only once. They did do leaves but they did a terrible job on the gutters and leaders and the owner was adamant that I pay ASAP and refuted my claims that his crew did not cut the grass four times in Nov. I wound up paying him over a two month period (out of spite) and fired him.
Now I do it myself. Yes I have a lawn mower, hedge trimmer, weed whacker etc. which all sat idle while someone else did my lawn. |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 809
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 4:23 pm: | |
peteglider, you are not a rebel. First you gave in to hiring a landscaper. Now you won't share your toys.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 307
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 9:36 am: | |
ok, so I ordered the snowthrower last night. next snow storm -- will loan to the first neighbor that makes a mean hot chocolate.
Pete |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 818
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 1:11 pm: | |
Heck, I'd clear the driveway for the person who makes a mean hot chocolate. I'd do his/her sidewalk, too, for some cookies.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 359
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 2:31 pm: | |
It’s not the size of the snow blower, it’s the time allotted. Being fairly experienced with yard work, I’ve figured out a few things about snow. If there is 2 inches of snow on you’re driveway, go out and clean it off. If we get 8 inches, that’s four times. Any snow blower can handle 2 inches. If 8 inches fall in one night, your not going to work the next day so take you time and have fun.
If your neighbor is over 60 do his driveway also.
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Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 7
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 8:51 pm: | |
Tom,Your yard may look scruffy because that little wheely mower you are using isn't cutting all the grass. We, like you, resisted buying the motorized lawn mower to do the job. I got so frustrated with the scraggly stuff, especially compared to all our neighbors landscaped yards. We finally bought a machine. Refuse to go so far as hire a landscaper. It seems to me they mostly blow dirt around which annoys me and makes me choke besides taking away any protection the bushes roots might have.
re snow: Last year it took my spouse and I two days to dig out of one big snow, would have bought a snowthrower if they hadn't been sold out. Over the hump, most winters it's not a big deal. Two or three snows you have to really shovel and that's it. It's great exercise and reminds me of when I was a kid. |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 821
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 9:33 pm: | |
Maybe I'll give in and buy one or both of these machines (motorized mower and snow thingy). In the meantime, I'm not totally dissatisfied with my lawn. If any of my neighbors makes a comment about it, it will say more about the local standards (of lawn kemptitude and behavior) than my lawn.
In the apartment complex I moved from, the staff were supposed to clear snow, and they did it, but even when they worked around the clock for days after a big snowfall, they didn't meet all the needs right away, so I ended up shoveling a lot myself. So I'm at least familiar with that part of it. I really appreciate the exercise, but it's also dangerous work, too, because there is a real potential for back strain. I've done it!
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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tjohn
Citizen
Username: Tjohn
Post Number: 1846
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 11:14 pm: | |
I have used a push mower without issue for the last five years. The lawn is OK and my children can play in the yard while I work. I rake leaves the old-fashioned way. Again, my kids can play in the leaf piles while I rake. OTOH, I do have a 5 hp two-stage snow thrower. While I never have to rake leaves or cut grass at 0630 hrs, I can't say the same of snow removal. |
Maplegirl
Citizen
Username: Maplegirl
Post Number: 13
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2003 - 10:21 am: | |
The problem with loaning out your things (especially if you are very careful with them and take extra precautions using your machinery) is that often others don't treat your belongings as you would. In addition to that, the owner pays for the maintenace of the machine, the gas and the replacement parts when they break due to excessive use. Many of you are talking about purchasing very expensive machines. I wouldn't have hate to have to replace an $800 snow throw or worse have to tell my neighbor he/she just broke a $800(out of stock) snow thrower. They may wished you loaned them your shovel instead.
If you are proposing a communal snow thrower in which everyone splits the cost to purchase it and maintain it that would be something to consider.
Personally, I feel much more comfortable simply purchasing and using my own things. It would make me very upset to look out the window and see my neighbor inadvertantly damaging the thing I worked so hard to purchase. In addition to that, I don't buy anything without doing lots of reseach and shopping around. Not only money but time and effort would have been wasted and that would really bum me out. Loaning out equipment when a neighbors breaks down or until they can purchase one is more than fine but sharing equipment for a season or two is hard for me to get used to.
II don't think I shared my toys as a child eeither. Maybe I should have named this thread Gas Mowers, Snow Throwers and the Worst Case Scenario.
I do appreciate all of the constructive advise. It will be much easier to go out and purchase MY  mower and thrower now.
Thanks!
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