I did a search on this and found some info. I'm in Northern MI and snow is going to be rolling in soon. Here's the highlights of what I found here. Anymore input?

28" or higher cut.
8hp or higher.
Tracks are more expensive.
Remote adjustable chute angle works well but not required.
Plastic discharge chutes work best but if you use silicone spray before use on a steel chute, it'll be ok.
Try to stay away from belt driven models. Lots of folks like Ariens.
A light on the front is desired.

How'd I do?

 

For bigger blowers, a 2-stage setup clogs less. The main rotor should have break-away shear bolts in case you suck up something besides snow or gravel (I ingested a windsock once).

Not sure what options there are out there, but on my little snowblower (MTI?) there is a replaceable plastic 'ramp' that scrapes the ground. It doesn't last very long, especially over uneven concrete. Might be that a metal scraper lasts longer.

If you buy a snowblower, that guarantees a light snow year. But then again, you're in N. MI.....you'll use it alot.

 

boy, i dont know, my 1960's Jari 12 inch single stage with a 2 horse briggs and single direction chute will chew the snow up. NOT. its better than a shovel though!

 

Well, first off, you can keep the Ariens and give me a Simplicity any day.

But, yeah, you're on the right track.
I'd advise to stay away from track driven models. They are more dangerous, less easy to move, and more costly down the road.
As far as all the plastic, ehh, I'd prefer mine to be made of metal, I buy something like this, I plan on keeping it a while, plastic snowblower parts to me scream cheap, but, that's pretty much how they're all made now.

Most offer this feature now, but keep an eye out, it makes a big difference, serrated auger blades. Those little teeth look pointless, but the first time you go chewin' into a frozen snowbank, you'll be glad they're there.

If you're going to store it anywhere near an outlet, spring for the electric start, it makes life a lot easier when it's really cold out.

 

I think they might be just about universal on machines that size now, but if you plan to do any turning, try to get the little individual wheel clutches (think cutting brakes on a tractor). My 8hp 26" Snapper doesn't have them, and it's a little tough to turn around. Course, I am in more of a hurry than most people to turn around, cause it's not governed and tends to race a little when there's no snow in the chute.

 

That about covers it. Definitely want a 2 stage blower. I don't think tracks are really necessary. I've got a yardman 5hp blower. Works really well and I'm very happy with it.

 

The bigger the motor the better for the width of the cut. I had an 8 hp 28" which worked well but moved up to a 10 hp 28" cut, boy what a difference and a light is a nice option on those dark cold snowy mornings

 

hey corner, any ideas on how i can get tapes of corner gas down here?! i LOVE that show....

 

How big is the area your clearing? That probably is as important as how deep of snow you'll get. Im in northern Ontario, so we probably have similar snowfall.
I've got a 10 hp Noma ( belt drive with a techumseh engine) with a 30" frame. I've had it for 10 years and havent had any issues with the belts.
110 volt electric start is a must! It seems like its more work trying to pull start one of these beasts when its 0° then it would be to just get the shovel out!

A headlight is really nice, especially with the short days coming up.

Drift cutters are worthwhile if you have large snowbanks to go through.

Check to see that the chute is easy to rotate and that it will turn enough that you can blow the snow where you want it , first pass. Power chute is neat, but imo its kinda gimmicky, and one more thing to break or freeze up.

 

Here's my take....I work in the industry, so I as far as stuff manufactured now, I know a thing or two .

1st and most important--if it's got anything other than a Tecumseh Snow King engine, forget it. Tecumseh seems to be the only manufacturer that can make an engine that reliable starts below freezing. Electric start makes life much, much easier.

For the kind of snow that you get up there, you definitely need a 2 stage. A single stage snow thrower's not good for more than 4". The size of cut and engine size really depends more on how big of an area you have to clear. If you have a 300' drive way, you don't want to be clearing it with a 26" snowthrower.

The majority of units out there have plastic chutes on them. It's high impact plastic--it will last and it won't rust. Any decent unit over 26" will have the "power steering" referenced above and it definitely helps manuever the unit. These units will also have the serated auger blades.

As far as the track drive goes, if you are going to be doing a lot of up hill clearing with it, the track is worth it.

Next consideration is shear pins. How many & what kind. All of the units built by MTD, which includes Cub Cadet, Troybilt, Yard Machines, Huskee and at least some Craftsman, have multiple shear pins on each side and use a shear pin that allows for tool-less replacement. Some other manufacturers use only one shear pin on each side and the have a nut & bolt type, which means you need to carry a wrench.

The advantage of having multiple shear pins on each side is that if you break one shear pin, you can continue to move snow because the other auger blades will continue to move. If there is only one shear pin on each side and it breaks, you have to stop and replace it in order for the unit to be effective.

 

i am in the snow clearing industry. along with four ride on tractors with snow blowers, (3-47'' for sidewalks, and a 59'' for 5' side walks), and a JD260 trackloader with a 79'' blower, we have two john deere walk behind snowblowers. they are 8hp tecumseh, 26'' wide. they have drift cutters, track driven, and five speed. they were built to last, heavy and powerful. but they were around $2000 a piece (if my memory serves correctly) about 10 years ago. they do not make them anymore. we had three but sold one to a friend. they will go anywhere. i have personally driven one through about 1' of snow, and they still climb over ice and up over curbs. they do have headlights. i believe honda still sells a track model, they are getting more and more unpopular because of their cost.

 

That covers walk behinds. Now if you want a ride-on, THIS would be the ultimate:

Ebay Item # 7718363627
with
Ebay Item # 7719210471

They used to be built in Wisconson so there seem to be a lot showing up on Ebay in your area.

 

Where In michigan the U.P or L.P

 

One word: HONDA. Get a 2-stage with track-drive and you will never regret it.
Octane

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00083BK94/104-0392862-4894357?v=glance&n=130