whelenfan
Well-known member
Does anyone honestly think that the prices of snow throwers will come down during the spring time?
snow throwers?
- Thread starter whelenfan
- Start date
There was a tons of snow this year so there is probably not a lot of inventory that retailers would want to dump cheap. It is a good time to buy a used one.
They normally have new product out in late summer. The pre season prices are a little lower but not massively cheaper.
They normally have new product out in late summer. The pre season prices are a little lower but not massively cheaper.
Ign
Well-known member
Agreed. Keep on eye on CL and such; they'll be popping up used and cheap.
Gary S
Well-known member
Normally they are cheapest here in the Fall when the first snows arrive. That is when the inventory is the largest in the stores, and they want to sell them fast.
Also, around here there are lots of used ones very cheap.
Also, around here there are lots of used ones very cheap.
Mickey O
Well-known member
Watch the garbage at the end of the season, I found an old Toro at the end of winter a few years ago, did a little work on it, cleaned up the carb, used it for two years and sold it on craig's list for $50 then bough a small 4 stroke Craftsman for $90. I have pics of the before and after somewhere, I'll post them if I find them.
chevy302dz
Well-known member
You can buy a good running older Ariens around here for that kind of money in the warm seasons if you look around a little. As far as new, same deal here late fall early winter before the snow really starts seems to be the best time to get a deal on one.
Mickey O
Well-known member
I can't believe it, I found the pics:
Before
After
Before
After
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nate379
Banned
You call that thing a snow blower? 
I was at Lowe's last night and the one they still had where 25% off. We didn't get much snow this year though.
I was at Lowe's last night and the one they still had where 25% off. We didn't get much snow this year though.
ourkid2000
Well-known member
I'd say she's alright for what he paid for it.......
It's all about what you plan to do with it. Around here that thing is useless, but in many climates I bet she kicks ***!
It's all about what you plan to do with it. Around here that thing is useless, but in many climates I bet she kicks ***!
tomroblee
Well-known member
In Indiana snow throwers generally sell for well under $100 on Craigslist and garage sales during warm weather. My last couple have come from the curb on heavy trash days. I've noticed that this winter's Craigslist ads want almost new prices for anything made in the last ten years. I'm guessing that the box stores will have there ususal end of the season sales--if they have any left.
If you are considering a used thrower, remember that a lot of the throwers should have the plastic wear strip and the plastic or rubber paddles or augers replaced periodically. I replaced these parts on my 20" Toro this winter and the parts cost over $60 plus tax.
If you are considering a used thrower, remember that a lot of the throwers should have the plastic wear strip and the plastic or rubber paddles or augers replaced periodically. I replaced these parts on my 20" Toro this winter and the parts cost over $60 plus tax.
Kurt4440
Well-known member
Sam's Club had 9hp Poulan Pro snowblowers that were over $1000 in the fall, the price dropped to $899 then $699 and finally $499.
Mickey O
Well-known member
You call that thing a snow blower?
Yep, I had one of the large two stage one, I prefer the small ones, light, easy to store (less space required, can hang from hooks) and it'll clean right down to the pavement. I can even carry it around back to clean off the deck. Haven't had a snow storm yet that the little one couldn't lick. Now if I had a huge lot with a long driveway and a lot of area to clean I might get a larger one, but for a small walk and a driveway about the size of 6 cars the small one is great.
No way. My neighbor has a 9hp two stage monster, while I have a little 5hp single stage. I can do my driveway, sidewalks, and front walks in the time it takes him to do half his driveway--and my driveway is 20' longer! Plus I don't have to shovel afterwards, because it cleans right down to the pavement. Mine cost half as much, takes 1/3 the space, and is less expensive to maintain.
On the rare occasion that we get 12" or more in a single snowfall, I might have to do the job twice--still about the same amount of time as doing it once with the two-stage. And if it's much over 14", he'll have to do it twice anyway, so we're back to square one.
tcheat
Well-known member
That's what I had when we lived on the NH/MA border. I bought it in the summer for $200 or so. That thing was a tank.
For a Southerner, running the snow blower seemed like a lot of fun the first couple of times. Then I realized it was just like mowing the yard. Except it was 5:00 am, in the teens and snow was blowing back in my face.
No way. My neighbor has a 9hp two stage monster, while I have a little 5hp single stage. I can do my driveway, sidewalks, and front walks in the time it takes him to do half his driveway--and my driveway is 20' longer! Plus I don't have to shovel afterwards, because it cleans right down to the pavement. Mine cost half as much, takes 1/3 the space, and is less expensive to maintain.
On the rare occasion that we get 12" or more in a single snowfall, I might have to do the job twice--still about the same amount of time as doing it once with the two-stage. And if it's much over 14", he'll have to do it twice anyway, so we're back to square one.
Alot depends on what you need to clear. There is absolutely no question that a larger two stage machine will move MUCH more snow in a given amount of time, but is much harder to make turns and change directions. I have also never needed to follow up with shovel with my two stage blower. On days like today where I had to clear two feet of very heavy snow on a 200' driveway, a smaller machine would have taken forever.
Mickey O
Well-known member
First of all, if you don't enjoy mowing, you need a different mower...
...second of all, snowblowing is better, despite the cold. Besides, you don't need to blow snow every week.
Scout Driver
Well-known member
We are nearing a record snow-fall in South Dakota and March is usually our biggest snowfall month. A lot of stores here are already stocking lawn mowers and trimmers
No snowblowers to be seen at the stores.
Scott
No snowblowers to be seen at the stores. Scott
R1chy
Well-known member
I agree. I picked up a two cycle, single stage Toro early this winter after watching prices since the spring. I got it for $100 and put $50 more into it by replacing the rubber blade and plastic scraper. My timing was great, this year we got a record snow fall with close to three feet on the ground at one time.
It did everything I needed, but when I let the snow get deeper than 12" I had to have the Mrs. use a shovel to knock down the snow for me (I get everything lower than 12" and she would then shave off the snow wall for me to clear again.
After the last storm, I happened to catch a fresh posting of a Areins four cycle, two stage and jumped on it. This time for $250 and some quality time adjusting the augar idler pulley I got it back running good as new.
So now I've got a his and her's set of machines sitting in the garage waiting on the next snow fall - bring it on!!!
If you can hold off, be patient and watch CL over the next year. Be careful not to "panic" buy now, most of the season is over and there are ALOT of people trying to get new prices for the machines they used all season. They will lower their prices after they get tired of "having to move" them around in their garage to get to other things this spring and early summer.
R1chy
Packard V8
Well-known member
Yes, for clearing tiny little pieces of ground, a little toy snow thrower might work.
FWIW, I've got 150' of driveway, 2000 sq ft of parking area and I usually do the 400' of sidewalk up to the end of the block, plus sometimes two neighbor's driveways. The thirty-five-year-old Simplicity 8hp two stage still starts on the first pull and grunts its way through the eight feet of total snowfall we had each of the past two winters. This winter was the easiest ever. I only ran it once or twice. I could almost live here if it was always like this!
P.S. - I don't understand the previous comments about the pushbroom/throwers clearing to the bare driveway as if the two-stages won't? Don't the two-stage owners know how to adjust the scraper blade and side shoes?
thnx, jack vines
FWIW, I've got 150' of driveway, 2000 sq ft of parking area and I usually do the 400' of sidewalk up to the end of the block, plus sometimes two neighbor's driveways. The thirty-five-year-old Simplicity 8hp two stage still starts on the first pull and grunts its way through the eight feet of total snowfall we had each of the past two winters. This winter was the easiest ever. I only ran it once or twice. I could almost live here if it was always like this!
P.S. - I don't understand the previous comments about the pushbroom/throwers clearing to the bare driveway as if the two-stages won't? Don't the two-stage owners know how to adjust the scraper blade and side shoes?
thnx, jack vines
nate379
Banned
I was wondering as well. I have a 46" 2 stage blower on my yard tractor and it gets down to the pavement.
Those small lightweight blowers are very handy for doing roofs though.
Those small lightweight blowers are very handy for doing roofs though.
fatfillup
Well-known member
I have an Ariens 10 hp 2 stage bought 4 or 5 years ago for $1000. new. Haven't hardly used it till this year. 3 25" snowfalls and I do my driveway (25 x 70) and three times as much at my shop. Worked great and am very thankful I have it. My neighbor has a 6.5 hp and the same driveway. I was done in 1/3 of the time. The small ones work great for smaller snows, but for blizzards, you want the big dog. There are no new ones left locally and probably nowhere in the midatlantic region.
If you can get a leftover where you live at a bargain price, I'd buy it. Same goes for used.
If you can get a leftover where you live at a bargain price, I'd buy it. Same goes for used.
fatfillup
Well-known member
That is a darn good point. Here on the east coast we haven't had to deal with ice damning on the roofs till this year. A small blower would work great and be safer than trying to shovel your roof.
Packard V8
Well-known member
The trade industry association buzzword police will be here any minute. The small single stage units are usually "snow throwers" using a high speed paddle to throw the snow. The larger two stage units, "snow blowers", have a low speed auger to gather the snow into a rotating impeller which blows the snow out a chute.
No way. My neighbor has a 9hp two stage monster, while I have a little 5hp single stage. I can do my driveway, sidewalks, and front walks in the time it takes him to do half his driveway--and my driveway is 20' longer! Plus I don't have to shovel afterwards, because it cleans right down to the pavement. Mine cost half as much, takes 1/3 the space, and is less expensive to maintain.
On the rare occasion that we get 12" or more in a single snowfall, I might have to do the job twice--still about the same amount of time as doing it once with the two-stage. And if it's much over 14", he'll have to do it twice anyway, so we're back to square one.
that wont cut it for the end of the drive way in my area less i want to grab a shovel and start hacking away at it first, in which case whats the point. Likewise single stages are not cheaper to upkeep since the entire thing is plastic and rubber placed on a light metal chassis and made to wear. Eventually you'll get to the point where its time to throw it in the garbage. A solid 2-stage will last you the rest of your active life with proper maintenance.
by the way if your driveway is actually flat a 2-stage should be leaving no more than a 1/4" of snow on the ground.
On an aside all snow blowers are using Chinese motors these days and the steel isnt quite what it use to be. Run far far away from new Noma, MTD, Murray, and Craftsman. If you're going to buy a 2-stage, buy used or, if you must buy new, Ariens, Toro or Simplicity. Honda too if you can stomach the price tag. Both Ariens and Toro from the 60s to around 2000 are great. Really old crafstman from the 60s-70s are also excellent, just a slight pain to find parts for. Occasionally you might be able to find an oddity like an old Bobcat 2-Stage [chain driven, no belts].
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imperialman
Well-known member
I had a 8 hp two stage five years ago and grew tired of turning it around , and having it clog up with wet snow. Even with a new scraper bar it didn't get my driveway and sidewalks as clean as I wanted them.
Bought a Toro 5 hp paddle thrower and love it!
Cleans the snow down to concrete , plus I can use it on my deck.
It seems to thrive on wet snow too.
It will actually throw slush into the neighbors yard if I want.
The best part is I will be back inside drinking coffee while my neighbors are
are still outside with their two stages.
Bought a Toro 5 hp paddle thrower and love it!
Cleans the snow down to concrete , plus I can use it on my deck.
It seems to thrive on wet snow too.
It will actually throw slush into the neighbors yard if I want.
The best part is I will be back inside drinking coffee while my neighbors are
are still outside with their two stages.
yep they'll throw water if you want them too, just dont drive it into big chunks of ice or it wont last too long.
Ariens and Toro have 2-stage machines with clutch systems that allow you to pivot on a dime these days. Ariens started putting it on their $1000 927 a few years ago. Just squeeze a lever and a wheel unlocks while maintaining drive power. Toro has a nicer trigger system but it costs $600 more than the Ariens.
Ariens and Toro have 2-stage machines with clutch systems that allow you to pivot on a dime these days. Ariens started putting it on their $1000 927 a few years ago. Just squeeze a lever and a wheel unlocks while maintaining drive power. Toro has a nicer trigger system but it costs $600 more than the Ariens.
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vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
quote
On an aside all snow blowers are using Chinese motors these days and the steel isnt quite what it use to be. Run far far away from new Noma, MTD, Murray, and Craftsman. If you're going to buy a 2-stage, buy used or, if you must buy new, Ariens, Toro or Simplicity. Honda too if you can stomach the price tag. Both Ariens and Toro from the 60s to around 2000 are great. Really old crafstman from the 60s-70s are also excellent, just a slight pain to find parts for. Occasionally you might be able to find an oddity like an old Bobcat 2-Stage [chain driven, no belts].[/QUOTE]
I think the sadest part is if you want an american made small engine powered divice like a lawn mower snow blower, Honda is the only one making them here. I think somewhere in the Carolinas
On an aside all snow blowers are using Chinese motors these days and the steel isnt quite what it use to be. Run far far away from new Noma, MTD, Murray, and Craftsman. If you're going to buy a 2-stage, buy used or, if you must buy new, Ariens, Toro or Simplicity. Honda too if you can stomach the price tag. Both Ariens and Toro from the 60s to around 2000 are great. Really old crafstman from the 60s-70s are also excellent, just a slight pain to find parts for. Occasionally you might be able to find an oddity like an old Bobcat 2-Stage [chain driven, no belts].[/QUOTE]
I think the sadest part is if you want an american made small engine powered divice like a lawn mower snow blower, Honda is the only one making them here. I think somewhere in the Carolinas
Obviously everyone's area varies, but I'm in Chicagoland and on a culdesac, so I get quite a bit of plowage buildup on the end of the driveway. Sometimes when it's a few feet tall I have to let it ride up once to take off the top layer and then hit it again to clear down to the pavement, but that process adds less than a minute to the total clearing time.
A friend of mine has the little 16" 3.25hp Toro single-stage, and lives directly on a state highway where they run the BIG plows, and likewise has little problem.
It may not last a lifetime, but my father-in-law's is in its 19th year and none the worse for wear except needing a little more oil in the gas--and 90% of the time, he does both himself and his two neighbors when he goes out, so it's really been doing triple duty for all those years. Not bad for a $224 investment. He's planning on replacing it sometime in the next decade though.
Mine's only 7 years old but still runs like the day I bought it.My driveway's not even remotely close to flat (that's another project for another year), and when I'm done, there's not even the faintest whiff of snow on it, unless snow is actually falling as I'm doing it.
ourkid2000
Well-known member
350 bucks got me this thing 2nd hand....
I spent about 25 bucks on new belts, carb kit, and a new impeller bearing and now the thing tears through snow like no man's business.
There's great deals to be had, you just gotta look around. For what I paid for this thing and the work it has to do, I'm very happy with it.
I spent about 25 bucks on new belts, carb kit, and a new impeller bearing and now the thing tears through snow like no man's business.
There's great deals to be had, you just gotta look around. For what I paid for this thing and the work it has to do, I'm very happy with it.
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jeepnut24
Well-known member
Just a good old shovel for me. I usually need the workout.
But look for a used one. You are likely to find a better deal that way. Clean out the old gas, throw a new plug in it and go. My dad has picked up a few that way, they didn't "run anymore" so they were cheap...
But look for a used one. You are likely to find a better deal that way. Clean out the old gas, throw a new plug in it and go. My dad has picked up a few that way, they didn't "run anymore" so they were cheap...