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Message |
    
Bobkat
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 7325
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 8:13 am: | 
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With our primary snow throwing equiptment (aka Little K) now in college and having turned 60 I think it is time to take the plunge and invest $500 to $600 in a snowblower.
After watching neighbors with single stage blowers (without powered wheels) struggle yesterday I am pretty much convinced that a two stage blower is the way to go.
We have about 100 feet of sidewalk and front walk along with a 50 foot X 20 foot driveway.
Suggestions would be appreciated. |
thegoodsgt
Citizen
Username: Thegoodsgt
Post Number: 733
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 10:33 am: |
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There have been some great recommendations in the past that I found very helpful as I've deliberated about buying a snow blower. Click "Search" at the top right of the screen and search for "snow blower" or "snowblower." |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 655
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 10:37 am: |
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I've never actually used a snowblower, but using them looks like they can require a decent amount of exertion to use too. I have no idea how much is charged to shovel driveways but maybe you should just use the $500-$600 as a "slush" fund (pun intended) for ancillary shoveling? Granted you'll have to pay every year. Whereas in 5 years time the snowblower may pay for itself by enabling you to do it yourself. But in 5 years time will you still be up for operating a snowblower? It's good to stay active and do as much as your physical work as possible, but then there are times where discretion is the better part of valor. |
Bobkat
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 7334
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 10:48 am: |
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Unfortunately the search function doesn't work for me. Not just on this subject, but that is an overall comment.
Joe, that is why I am looking for one with powered wheels. Yesterday I had to shovel out so I could get to Drug Fair to get my heart medicine so I can't always wait.  |
tjohn
Citizen
Username: Tjohn
Post Number: 2873
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 11:04 am: |
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My 5 hp Yard Machines two-stage from the Despot has served me well. Looking back, I wish I had gone with 8 hp because clearing the sidewalk is quite a chore after the plows come buy and push a lot of snow onto the sidewalk. Also, several of my neighbors borrow my thrower each storm, so it gets a good workout and the additional power would be nice. |
Sgt. Pepper
Citizen
Username: Jjkatz
Post Number: 580
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 11:14 am: |
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We finally got our first chance to use our single-stage Toro 2450. It did a fine job though the fact that you have to lift the rear of the blower to get it to move gets a bit wearing if you have lower back problems. If you have the bucks, a two-stage will do that work for you, but if not, the Toro did a fine job of clearing our driveway. It took me 15 minutes as opposed to 4 hours the last time we had snow this bad. |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 1714
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 11:39 am: |
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I have the same Toro 2450 and it made short work of my long driveway, my sidewalk, the path leading up to my home, my neighbors sidewalks etc.
I thought it wouldn't be able to handle the snow drifts but it did. It even handled the pile left by the plows.
All in all it has been a good investment. |
TomR
Citizen
Username: Tomr
Post Number: 455
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 12:03 pm: |
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Bob,
I don't know what current pricing is on these machines, so I can't comment on what your stated budget will get.
But for snow like we had over the weekend, I'd recommend a two stage, self-propelled model. Last year, somebody on these boards recommended against a tracked blower.
I've got a ~thirty year old Ariens.
Buy the best your budget permits, and take care of it. The per annum costs will be negligible.
The bad news part of owning a snowblower is that you WILL wind up cleaning your neighbors' walks. The good news is the mornings you go out to find that one of your neighbors has cleaned your walks.
Good luck. Stay warm.
TomR.
Ps, In the interest of full disclosure, The Ariens did suffer a major respiratory failure on Saturday (I think a frozen carburetor float) but a neighbor did my walks. |
TomR
Citizen
Username: Tomr
Post Number: 456
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 12:09 pm: |
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Bob,
I've got a little more walkway, and a little less driveway than you if that helps put things in perspective.
TomR. |
bak
Citizen
Username: Bak
Post Number: 691
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 3:27 pm: |
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Get one--it's the best $$ I've ever spent.
Consumer Reports rates the following models as 'Best Buys':
Best for most and capable all around (Two-Stage Gas):
1 Toro $1,250 Power Max 828LXE
2 Yard-Man E5KLF $1,100, CR Best Buy
4 Craftsman (Sears) 88790 $950, CR Best Buy
All three offer quick cleaning, easy controls, and good handling for their size, courtesy of a trigger-release drive disengagement and a single-lever joystick for the chute. The Toro (1) offers the smoothest of these chute controls, though the Yard-Man (2) performs as well overall for less. Consider the Craftsman (4) if you’re willing to trade some discharge distance for a lower price. Stronger users may also want to consider the $700 Yard Machines (9), which performs well but lacks trigger releases.
For larger driveways:
3 Troy-Bilt Storm 10030 $1,300
A 30-inch swath helped the Troy-Bilt (3) clear faster than most. Trigger controls and a single-lever chute control add ease.
Hope this helps! |
millie
Citizen
Username: Millie
Post Number: 138
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 3:49 pm: |
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We brought home a 2-stage from HD 2 weeks ago. It's made by Yard Machines, cost $716.00 + assembly, 8 hp. It's the same housing as an Ariens, but a different color. It made ridiculously quick work of our corner lot sidewalks. Get one! |
kmk
Supporter
Username: Kmk
Post Number: 406
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 4:16 pm: |
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These machines require very little exertion. I used our 2-stage Toro when I was pregnant numerous times.....
Honestly it is kind of fun watching the geyser of snow shoot out the top at the squeeze of a handle! |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 906
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 4:28 pm: |
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Gotta get 2 stage, with sufficient HP!
I have a Sears 5 hp -- barely adequate IMO. (same as neighbor across the street). Bogs down when attacking a big pile of snow. Neighbor next door bought an 8 HP Sears -- world's better.
BUT -- I hit a BIG stone yesterday and the thing conked out (not the shear bolts, but a belt!). So I used my old Toro electric. Not huge capacity, but worked like a champ -- and certainly better than shoveling!
BTW -- Sears will fedex the new belt by Wednesday. Morale of the story -- should have had extra belts (drive & auger) on hand -- cheap at only $25! THe replacement process seems pretty easy, too.
Pete |
Jgberkeley
Citizen
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 4172
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 5:39 pm: |
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I picked up a used 8HP 2 stage electric start this fall.
What a dream. Hardly any work/effort and I even did the older lady next door.
I did pick up a stick and learned about shear pins. Oh well, I'm now ready for the next one.
Later,
George |
Bill232
Citizen
Username: Bill232
Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 24, 2005 - 9:19 pm: |
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If you can wait until the end of the season, many go on sale at clearance prices. Just was not able to afford to pay the full price asked for some models. Actually went to home depot to see what was left but they were all sold out. Thinking that my strategy of waiting until the end of the season back fired, I actually bought the 2 stage blower that HD was using in their outside gardening area for $250 plus $30 for extended warranty for 3 years. Worked like a champ this weekend. But do agree more than 5HP is better power when needed. |
Maplewoody
Citizen
Username: Maplewoody
Post Number: 891
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 12:12 am: |
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George,
Does your wife know you did the Old lady next door? |
twig
Citizen
Username: Twig
Post Number: 139
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 1:04 pm: |
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I couldn't agree more with those who suggest getting at least an 8 HP model. I used to have a 5 HP dual stage model. It was fine for 5-6" of light snow but if there was more, I used to have to go out before the storm ended to get a first pass and finish the rest later. And if the snow was wet or when I came to the end of the drive after the plow had gone by, it just didn't have the oomph to push the snow. After it "played out" last spring, I upgraded to an 8 HP dual stage this fall. What a difference! Even though I waited until the storm was over, it cut right through the snow (of course this snowfall was fairly dry) and when I got to the end of the drive, I shifted down and went right through the snowbank. Honestly, if I were buying again, I might go for a 10 HP just to have the additional power in wet snow. I know that I must sound like Tim Allen in "Home Improvement" but the amount of power the snowblower has truly matters. |
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