Worthy Snowblower

[biggziff]

It's heavy, it's bulky, It doesn't clear down to the pavement.

There's something wrong with that machine that can be fixed. Any snowblower can be adjusted to clear to the surface it's on. I've had 5 different brands of 2 stage including a very old Toro 5-20, Older yet Simplicity, 2 Ariens and a Craftsman and every one was adjustable in this regard.

 

[WhiffySpark]

stay away from the chinese engines

Good luck with that

What’s your budget

What kind of snow

How much snow

 

[IndyGarage]

There's something wrong with that machine that can be fixed. Any snowblower can be adjusted to clear to the surface it's on. I've had 5 different brands of 2 stage including a very old Toro 5-20, Older yet Simplicity, 2 Ariens and a Craftsman and every one was adjustable in this regard.

There's nothing wrong with my snowblower. No 2 stage that I have seen clears the pavement as well as a single stage.

Go look at any snowblower youtube video and you will see a thin layer of snow left after any 2 stage blower.

My single stage scrapes the pavement pretty well clean. Enough that the sun normally burns off the remnants in a couple hours.

The reason is that the "reel" stage on a 2 stage turns much slower - it's job is to feed the "blower" stage, which turns fast. On a single stage the entire assembly turns much faster - it beats the pavement clean. Of course that's also why the single stage can't handle the deep snow - because the reel turns fast, it can't be as large as the 1st stage of a 2 stage blower.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

Single stage blowers clean better because they are designed to have the paddles contact the surface - which is why they need to be replaced at some frequency. The right settings on a dual stage blower will get it close - but I agree with Indy that I usually go for my single stage craftsman first because it is so easy and quick to use.

I have an old 8hp toro for the deep snow. If I ever need to replace it I would get a hydro-static drive machine so I don't have to muscle it around at all - and a nice solid heavy one that can cut into the banks that the snowplow leaves. Unfortunately, this machine is about bullet proof. Last season I replaced the driveshaft bearing and did this modification that made it pretty unstoppable. Something to put out there for anyone with an older machine that doesn't have the tight tolerances of the newer ones, I used a mudflap from a tractor trailer - you can often times find these laying along the road if you look...

 

[DGersic]

The scraper at the back of the chute is what gets the driveway clean, not the first stage itself. If you have a smooth surface and adjust the scraper, it’ll take it down to “clean”. Your single stage is self adjusting, because the rubber bars always contact the surface.


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[DieselNut88]

I have a pro model 28" Ariens and it is great. Auto locking wheels make turning easy. Around 15hp Briggs snow King engine. The best part heated grips and one handle operation if you choose. It will even throw super wet slush no problem. You can only get the pro models at a Ariens dealer.

 

[L.Cheapo]

There's something wrong with that machine that can be fixed. Any snowblower can be adjusted to clear to the surface it's on. I've had 5 different brands of 2 stage including a very old Toro 5-20, Older yet Simplicity, 2 Ariens and a Craftsman and every one was adjustable in this regard.

Nope. Proper setup of a 2 stage machine requires the skids be set so the scraper bar is above the surface being cleaned. Generally 1/8" for smooth driveways, up from there for rough, uneven, or gravel driveways.

 

[mp23]

I have had a MTD for 15 years and its been a great machine.

 

[dwall174]

The scraper at the back of the chute is what gets the driveway clean, not the first stage itself.

Yeah a lot of people don't realize that the scraper is a ware-part like the shoes & needs to be replaced when worn down.

Doug

 

[ive]

Hi.

If a guy can afford it a Yamaha or a Honda. I’d like to get one of these and currently have a 24” Ariens.

I’d really recommend a track driven machine. I’m a big strong dude and it’s a workout for me using a wheeled machine.

Just my humble opinion. Good luck. Snowblowers make snow fun!

 

[upgrading]

I have the scraper bar on my 2 stage set to contact pavement and if it and the bolts and nuts holding it wear out quicker it is no big deal to me expense wise.

 

[bpankratz]

I post this every winter when this thread comes up.

I have both a 2 stage Ariens - smaller, probably 24 inch, and a single stage craftsman - 2 stroke 5 hp

Both machines are old now. I haven't had the Ariens out in probably 5 years. The 2 stage is a pain in the rear to use. It's heavy, it's bulky, It doesn't clear down to the pavement. The only advantage it has is that it will move more snow. If the snow is deeper than about 10-12 inches, then I have to use it.

Otherwise the old single stage, 2 stroke Craftsman comes out. Which is almost all the time where i live. It's lightweight and easy to position, it works at least 3 times as fast as the Ariens. It will move a ton of snow, and clears down to the pavement - so the driveway is clear.

The problem for me is the craftsman has been used so much for so many years, it is literally falling apart. The muffler fell off probably 5 years ago - can't be put back on, because the mounting broke off. I just run it without a muffler - yeah it's annoyingly loud, but it gets the job done so fast, I don't worry about it.

If I only had to choose 1 it would be a single stage every time. If you live somewhere that it snows 15-20 inches at a time regularly then go for a 2 stage - I would probably go with a Honda tracked model even though they are tremendously expensive.

I'm glad you have a good experience with your snowblower but are you seriously suggesting an old 2 stroke single stage snowblower as the answer? SMH

 

[FMC1959]

I would not trust a bigger snow thrower with-out shear pins.
I accidentally picked up some plastic lawn edging with my Ariens & with-out shear pins, Something major would have broak.

Yeah & it always seems as if the pins break after the parts dealer is closed.

Doug

I agree. When the engine is going full bore and something gets stuck in the auger, then what? If you are lucky, the engine stalls, if not somethings got to give. I have a Kubota tractor with a snowblower attachment for the winter, powerful as heck, but it still has shear pins.

Wondering what you guys who recommend dealer servicing of snowblower do in your garages.
Isn't the whole of buying tools to use them?
Snowblower are silly simple to wrench on.

With all the diy guys and wrenchers on GJ, I was asking myself the same thing. I guess we all have only so much time and having someone service makes sense for some.

 

[IndyGarage]

I'm glad you have a good experience with your snowblower but are you seriously suggesting an old 2 stroke single stage snowblower as the answer? SMH

Yes - it's the fastest way to move snow - as I said, single stage is about 3x as fast as a 2 stage blower and much easier to handle. On top of that, they take up about half the floorspace.

I haven't used one of the 4 stroke single stages - they look quite a bit more bulky - I bet they aren't as light and easy to move around, but they probably are quieter than my old 2 stroke. When my Craftsman finally dies, I'll probably replace it with a Honda 4 stroke single stage.

My very first snowblower was one of the old Toro 2 stroke single stage blowers - the kind with the movable slats rather than a chute. That design left a lot to be desired, but it still could move snow.

The only reason I would ever recommend a 2 stage snowblower is if you are in an area that regularly gets snows of more than 12 inches at a time. If you live in Buffalo New York or Canada or snow belt of Michigan - yeah single stage is not for you.

If you don't believe me, you've probably never used a good single stage blower before.

 

[reptilezs]

Yes - it's the fastest way to move snow - as I said, single stage is about 3x as fast as a 2 stage blower and much easier to handle. On top of that, they take up about half the floorspace.

I haven't used one of the 4 stroke single stages - they look quite a bit more bulky - I bet they aren't as light and easy to move around, but they probably are quieter than my old 2 stroke. When my Craftsman finally dies, I'll probably replace it with a Honda 4 stroke single stage.

My very first snowblower was one of the old Toro 2 stroke single stage blowers - the kind with the movable slats rather than a chute. That design left a lot to be desired, but it still could move snow.

The only reason I would ever recommend a 2 stage snowblower is if you are in an area that regularly gets snows of more than 12 inches at a time. If you live in Buffalo New York or Canada or snow belt of Michigan - yeah single stage is not for you.

If you don't believe me, you've probably never used a good single stage blower before.

yup i live in the boston area and we get about 6-8inch storms typically and maybe 1-2 1+ foot big storms per season. love my toro single stage. 2cycle 5hp. it's light and quick. end of the driveway left by the plow is fine unless it's pure ice

 

[PT Doc]

I had a yard machines single stage rubber auger blower for 12 years. Worked great. Clutch cable broke and a new one was about $12. No issues getting parts for that one which was surprising. Bought it for $400 and sold it for $200.

Bought a Honda single stage rubber auger and that puppy really hurls the snow. That cost about $700. Very happy so far with that. I like that you can maneuver these easily and they don't take up much room. Totally appropriate for the Denver metro area. And in a heavy accusation storm, I would just go out more regularly.

 

[DougMN]

I've had a Sears 30" 11hp for 15 years and no issues other than maintenance. Changed belts and auger bushings last year. Stay away from any machine with plastic chutes. Ice busts them apart.

I have a mtd with a plastic chute that is a 1992, it has had plenty of ice chunks run thru it and never broke the chute. I have 2 others with plastic that are just fine also.

 

[DougMN]

I have a mtd with a plastic chute that is a 1992, it has had plenty of ice chunks run thru it and never broke the chute. I have 2 others with plastic that are just fine also.

These are 8hp 2 stage blowers, not the little buzz boxes, I have seen the plastic on these break.

 

[DGersic]

I agree. When the engine is going full bore and something gets stuck in the auger, then what? If you are lucky, the engine stalls, if not somethings got to give. I have a Kubota tractor with a snowblower attachment for the winter, powerful as heck, but it still has shear pins.

On mine, if something (like a frozen solid Chicago Tribune) gets stuck in the first stage, the sheer pins break, followed by some cussing and replacing the pins. I keep a half dozen on hand.

If something gets stuck in the second stage, the drive belt for the auger burns, followed by lots of cussing, and a couple hours of disassembly, replacing the belts, and reassembly. I keep a set of belts on hand, too.

I used to be the guy that would do the sidewalks for the whole square block, driveways for the neighbors, etc.. Too many people don’t pick up the debris (newspapers, big sticks, random other ****), leading to the above experiences. Now I do mine, and the sidewalks for only the neighbors on my street that do keep their walks clean.




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[Hpozzuoli]

I agree with getting a Ariens!

Got a 11-1/2hp 28" Two stage Ariens about 8 years ago & never had any problems with it.

Don't have any good pics of it, But here's a couple from last year after making room for it & my truck in the garage.

Doug

I think I have this same model. I also have the heated hand grips and canopy for it to keep the wind and spray out of my face. In the OPs situation this would be the perfect machine. Anything bigger would be crazy. He could could down to a 24" or 26", but I think the 28" is perfect. I rarely use mine anymore and keep it as a back up. Still fires right up and runs great.

 

[dwall174]

If something gets stuck in the second stage, the drive belt for the auger burns, followed by lots of cussing,

I always clean the snow out of the auger & second stage impeller before I put the snow thrower in the garage. If the snow is pretty wet & temps stay below freezing, You can end up with a frozen-up impeller (second stage) & that can lead to the cussing DGersic mentioned.

Doug

 

[kctyphoon]

By design, NO 2 stage blowers clean ALL the way down to the surface. They are designed so nothing contacts the surface. They only adjustment (on some machines) is the scraper blade, which is best left to skim above the surface instead of having it slam onto uneven joints in sidewalks and such. It's also so you can set it higher for gravel driveways so you're not hurling rocks 30' away. Yes, you "can" adjust it so it actually scraps the ground, but that's a good way to destroy some ground surfaces too. Leaving it about 1/8" above the ground is ideal, and let the salt take care of the rest..

Single stages can be more convenient to use at times, but they aren't great for all occasions. One storm of frozen snow, or having to remove snow after its frozen for two days will render those rubber paddles completely useless.

My 30 yr old 6hp tracked Yamaha with modded impellers will throw light snow as high as my second story roof. Total overkill for what I need most times, but when you need it, you need it.

Let it snow, keep in mind this is only a 6hp rated machine -

More **** - Honda hs1132 vs 13" of snow. This is just incredible..

 

[IMStuner]

I love my fathers 20 year old HS828 track drive Honda but it’s too expensive for me.

I just purchased a Arien Deluxe 28.


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[valentine]

I've actually had pretty good luck with China made motors. Lawn mowers, show throwers, generators, etc. Everyone was purchased because I got a good deal on it, but not a single one disappointed me. I have a single stage Craftsman snowthrower that I got for next to nothing. It was brand new but missing some parts so I bought it, found replacement parts and had a new machine for under a hundred bucks. After running it for the first couple of hours I changed the oil. The used oil had so much metal in it that it looked like glitter. New oil went in, ran it for another few hours and changed the oil again. More glittery oil but not nearly as bad as the first time. Third oil change had no glitter and haven't seen anything bad in the years after that. Great little motor. Starts easily, runs strong, easy to work on. Sears has parts but I've never meeded any. Drain gas, change oil and put 'er away until next winter is all the maintenance she gets. No Sir, that little machine doesn't owe me a thing and,last year, both the honda and toro snowthrowers which reside with my neighbors broke down. My little Chinese Craftsman dug out my entire street and then my son threw it in the back of his car to rescue his own neighborhood.Really couldn't ask for better than that.

 

[phor53]

I just hate snow

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[L.Cheapo]

I used to be the guy that would do the sidewalks for the whole square block, driveways for the neighbors, etc.. Too many people don’t pick up the debris (newspapers, big sticks, random other ****), leading to the above experiences. Now I do mine, and the sidewalks for only the neighbors on my street that do keep their walks clean.




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When I worked in a shop, the things I pulled out of two stage snow throwers included, but were not limited to:
Frozen solid rabbit
Frozen newspaper
Welcome mat
Sneaker
Barbed wire

Most times the owner was "helping someone out".

 

[impala4speed]

If you are looking for a single stage, Toro's are excellent. If you can find a older 2 stroke CCR model I would not hesitate to buy it.

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I would agree with this. I've had my Toro CCR3650 since 2005 and it's a great machine at 6.5 HP. However, one thing to watch for in these older models is that they used a plastic carb. After several years of use these warp internally and will leak even when the snowblower is off, then eventually won't run right at all. When I started to look for a metal replacement carb for mine I saw the Briggs and Stratton ones for about $100. Instead I went with a cheap knock-off (obviously from China) from ebay. Lots of sellers for these. I think I paid $18 and free shipping. Seems to work OK but we'll see how long it lasts.

 

[KMdef9]

You need to decide if you need the power of the 2 stage or not first.

If looking at 2 stage, make sure the diff is iron, not aluminum.

Metal chute over plastic.

Peak over the controls, higher end models will have some solid bars, not all cables. Especially for the drive selector. If it's a cable and it fails, hope you enjoy running behind your SB.

I did a bunch of research last year before picking up my two stage, 2 companies appeared on every "best of" list I saw. Ariens and Honda. I picked a the compact Ariens, as the equivleant Honda was several hundred dollars more.

 

[77thor]

Ariens.

 

[IMStuner]

Ariens.

I just used my Arien Deluxe 28 today and it's going for sale right now. I would gladly pay for a Honda Track drive again. For someone with flat driveway maybe it's fine but any driveway with a incline you are better off with a track drive.

Arien

Pros:

Cost of ownership.
wheel are easier to move around in tight spaces.
Easier maintenance if you have issues.

Cons:

Motor speed adjustment is a joke and does stay in position. The vibration make the adjustment knob move.
Transmission speed gear selector 1-2 is almost the same.
You really can't scrape the ground that well. ( yes I adjusted the scraper. )
The key fitting is horrible. I had murray cheap riding mower that had a better key fitting.

 

[peter2772000]

With no hesitation, Honda. I've seen a tracked Honda blow slush further than can be imagined.

Expensive, yeah. But you know you're getting the best. Same thing with their gennies

 

[theoldwizard1]

You need to decide if you need the power of the 2 stage or not first.

Concur !

IMHO, you do not need a 2 stage unless you regularly get more than 5" of snow at a time or live on a gravel driveway

I am a big fan of the older Toro 2 stroke single stage. Much lighter. With the bigger engine (CCR2500 5 HP or CCR3650 6.5HP). Those 2 can really throw some snow, even over 5" deep ! Replace the wear bar every year and the paddles every couple of years. If you use the correct ratio of 2 stroke oil, it will last you a lifetime.

Even though it has already snowed here, you can find a CCR3650 in good condition for under $300.

 

[AA/FC]

I own both. A John Deere 2-stage, and two single stage blowers, a Toro, and a Lesco. (Ariens) I also own a Stihl BR-600 Magnum commercial backpack blower for light fluffy snow.

 

[ollie76]

I always wondered why everyone goes for the tracked Hondas? They make em with wheels but you never see them. I have to say, there are hundreds of Hondas around here.....all tracked. The tracks are good in certain situations (inclines especially) but overall I prefer wheels.

 

[p_mori7]

NH in the winter.

2-stage. Power steering. Hydrostatic drive. I prefer wheels with good knobby tires. Tracked machines are quite a bit heavier. Heated handles. 26" minimum. 10hp minimum. I would not go wider than 30"...might be hard to maneuver around the cars. Electric start makes life a lot easier.

Always clean out the auger housing & impeller before putting it away. I use hot water in a flower watering can. My machine gets stored in a heated garage.

When looking at machines, take time to examine the auger housing. Thicker guage steel is better.

If storing in a heated building, let the machine idle outside for a few minutes before using it...it will work better if the metal parts are the same temperature as the outside.

Post pics of what you end up buying !

Always use full throttle to blow snow. Slower ground speed usually works better...it's still easier & faster than shoveling. A snow cab is a nice feature to add on.

~Phil.

 

[Kent_B]

I always wondered why everyone goes for the tracked Hondas? They make em with wheels but you never see them. I have to say, there are hundreds of Hondas around here.....all tracked. The tracks are good in certain situations (inclines especially) but overall I prefer wheels.

Same here, Ollie. I had bad experiences with tracked snow-throwers (Craftsman) where the bushings on the wheels would corrode, and they're a bear to steer. I now own one of those unicorn Hondas with wheels. I love it.

 

[phor53]

Following

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[tym]

My folks have a Toro snowblower. The auger gearbox finally gave out today, as my dad apparently never checked the lube or did any other maintenance--what was in there today was bascially oatmeal consistency. I'm surprised it lasted this long!

I managed to snag a used assembly on eBay so will have the blower back up and running in a week or so.

 

[wasabiboys]

Old Ariens all day every day. 9000 series are best. MTD *****

Old Simplicitys, Hondas are beasts too.

Go on youtube and watch vids of people using them.

 

[Eric29]

In 1998, I bought a Murray snowblower from Home Depot. It's still going strong, even after all of these years of dealing with lake effect snow in Buffalo. I think it was worthy, even though it's not an expensive model. I don't think you have to break the bank. It is a two stage.