Snow Blowers
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Calif.
Snow Blowers
Im looking to purchase a snow blower to clean my driveways.Ive never used or purchased a snow blower before and would like some information on what brand is the best to buy.I live in California at about 3500 ft. alt. and have about a 200 ft. driveway to clean.This driveway has a small slope to it.Thanks for your input and information.
Ron
Ron
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,653
Likes: 3
From: in the adirondack mts
dude it's spring time... just kidding. alot of variables. how much snow do you get in an average snow fall, wet or powder, how wide a driveway..etc. post these elements & alot of guys here will be able to help. i have a new (1yr) mtd yard machine gold. 5.5hp, 24" that does alot of snow. our avg snow dump is 18" + -. i wish i only had 200' to clear. mine does a great job here in upstate ny. wet or powder. and it's real easy to operate. not alot of vibration & pretty good traction w/ chains
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Perkasie, Pa.
The best Snow blowers are made by Honda and Ariens. I personally have an Ariens 32 inch 11hp blower. My driveway is 150ft long. It is a champ. If you invest in either of those brands you will not be disappointed. Most Pro's will tell you the same.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Get one that is:
1) high horsepower/torque
2) 3 speed drive
3) 190* throw
4) has blade/scraper attachment
5) Chains for tires
6) Electric start with (corded option)
7) 26"-28" pickup
8) Has a cup holder for hot chocolate
1) high horsepower/torque
2) 3 speed drive
3) 190* throw
4) has blade/scraper attachment
5) Chains for tires
6) Electric start with (corded option)
7) 26"-28" pickup
8) Has a cup holder for hot chocolate
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,043
Likes: 4
5 hp minimum.
2 stage
I have an MTD and am very happy with it.
Or, My other snow blower is one of these:
http://www.ingersoll-inc.com/snowblow.html
http://www.ingersoll-inc.com/4000.htm
It'll even mow your yard.
2 stage
I have an MTD and am very happy with it.
Or, My other snow blower is one of these:
http://www.ingersoll-inc.com/snowblow.html
http://www.ingersoll-inc.com/4000.htm
It'll even mow your yard.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
remember this--any off brand--and just try and get parts a few years later--ariens is my favorite--still can get parts for some old machines----and us built--snapper is also---
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Something I would not want to own another snowblower without is the "power steering" feature that allows you to disengage the drive to each wheel individually when turning. Mine is pretty big, and doesn't have this, and I can really feel it in my back and shoulders after a while.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Calif.
Hey guys thanks for the great info.If you can beleive it we had snow here in Santa Cruz a few weeks ago.....so wants up with that global warming scare??? OK I will continue to do my homework.
Thanks Guys
Thanks Guys
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
You can not be having more then a foot at a time where you live and I doubt it is hard compacted ice followed by sleet.
What I would recommend is getting a self propelled Toro (single stage is fine) with a rubber blade to scrap and clean the driveway surface. Basically push it forward and it will pull itself down the driveway and leave a very clean surface because it is actually hitting the driveway to clean it.
If you want to spend a lot of money and have to move a lot of snow, then get a two stage Ariens.
What I would recommend is getting a self propelled Toro (single stage is fine) with a rubber blade to scrap and clean the driveway surface. Basically push it forward and it will pull itself down the driveway and leave a very clean surface because it is actually hitting the driveway to clean it.
If you want to spend a lot of money and have to move a lot of snow, then get a two stage Ariens.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 1
From: Edgerton, WI
Id go with a Honda. You will have to pay a little more for a Honda, but its worth every penny.
Me personally, Id go with a Deere, but Im kinda biased. Its got a Tecumseh Snow King 2-cycle engine, which is a pretty good engine. A 2-stroke is nice, especially if you only use it a couple of times a year because there is no oil to change. Just mix the gas and oil, dump it in and let the engine burn it up. It doesnt get much lower maintenance than that.
Me personally, Id go with a Deere, but Im kinda biased. Its got a Tecumseh Snow King 2-cycle engine, which is a pretty good engine. A 2-stroke is nice, especially if you only use it a couple of times a year because there is no oil to change. Just mix the gas and oil, dump it in and let the engine burn it up. It doesnt get much lower maintenance than that.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
Likes: 18
From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
At 3500 ft. I wouldn't buy one at all. A new blower of adequate size will cost you nearly $2,000. Just hire it done. You probably average three or four days a year that you might need it. And at your altitude, it's going to melt off in a day anyway.
It's just going to be another piece of equipment to maintain.
It's just going to be another piece of equipment to maintain.