Forums Archive Index > Outdoor Power Equipment > help choosing the right snow blower
Date: 30 Dec 2006 3:33 pm
Hi, I am new to this forum and am hoping to get some advice from ya'll.
With the last two big snow storms that hit our area, my husband has finally agreed that we could use a snow blower. It was rewarding to shovel in our 30's, o.k. in our 40's, but now that we hit the half century mark, shoveling is about as fun as squatting in poison ivy. We live in Evergreen which is in the foothills of the Rockies, up from Denver. According to the information I found on the internet, we get from 60 to 90 inches a year. The last two snows have already given us 5 feet though usually we get 6 to 10 inches at a time. Our driveway is paved, approximately 150 ft long and 12 ft wide. It is steep, about 10-12% grade, and then opens up at the top to a parking area which is about another 100 ft long and 20 ft wide, and is just slightly sloped. We would both use the snow blower, only on our property and we would keep it in our detached, unheated garage where we have plenty of storage. We would not need it for sidewalks. We do not know of any dealers here but we have noticed there are a couple of places that fix them. We would only do regular maintenance, not heavy duty stuff. We are hoping to get your advice on a reliable type snow blower and are biggest concern is how steep our driveway is. My husband has a problem with buying Craftsman products but is open to all other brands. Thank you in advance for any advice or opinions you can give us.
Date: 30 Dec 2006 4:18 pm
Welcome to the forum!
It seems you have gotten our share of the snow this year. We would gladly take half...at least most of us would in this forum. :wink:
I would stick with Simplicity, Ariens, Toro and Honda. All good machines .
Honda is the most expensive. What is your budget?
Maybe by word of mouth your neighbors can advise which repair shop also sells ands provides excellent service.
I would say the right size machine for your property is going to cost you at least $1,000 for an Ariens (3 yr full warranty). Others can chime in regarding the cost of the other brands. The best performers (handling and more heavy duty parts) of the above mentioned group also have commercial models but be prepared to shell out an additional $600 to $800.
These 2 stage machines are self propelled and is what you will need.
You also did not mention if you need to clear a path to a shed or clear garden paths. Width may be important here.
Date: 30 Dec 2006 5:03 pm
413,
I understand that all snowblowers in the Denver area are in very short supply!
If that is the case, I would suggest you go to Lowes and order the
Husqvarna 10.5 HP for $999.00.
It's got lottsa power, great engine,and trigger steering, will turn on a dime, great in tight places!!!!!!
With a 10 % coupen or a special sale $899.00.
It should do the job for you, as they work very well in Nova Scotia, Canada!!!!
I love mine!!!
Fred :lol:
Date: 30 Dec 2006 5:22 pm
Welcome to the group!
I'd say you'd need something like a Toro 1028 LXE, The Husky Fred Mentioned is a good one too, or if your wallet can take the investment a Simplicity P11528E. The Husky is the best deal for the money, but the Toro and Simplicity are built a little stronger.
Make sure that you and your husband can both handle a large frame machine before just buying one. They will pull you along like taking a big strong Dog for a walk!
If it's your first snowblower read the manual for all the safety information.
Althought the machines I mentioned above range in price from $1000 (Husky) $1500 (Toro) $1900 (Simplicity) You'd easily spend triple that on doctors visits or a day in the hospital from a strained back, Frostbite or worst a heart attack from shoveling that much snow.
If you have a lawn tractor already you should look into a snow blade or a snowblower attachment and a set of tire chains & or wheel weights. You might do better with something like that.
Date: 30 Dec 2006 5:25 pm
I agree that you should be considering one of the HATS products (Honda-Ariens-Toro-Simplicity). Ideally you should get the most powerful machine that the two of you can both comfortably handle. If you're lucky enough to have a selection to choose from, I'd suggest either a 9hp Ariens or a Toro 8 or 10 hp for the amount of snow you're getting. Get on the phone and find out what is available from your local dealers. I would also mention Home Despot/Lowes....but after 2 big storms I'd be surprised if they had anything left. Let us know what happens.
AZ
Date: 30 Dec 2006 7:56 pm
For the amount of snow you have been getting in Colorado,and the fact you have a slope as well as the large area you need to clear,I would suggest getting a powerful track drive snowblower that will last you the rest of your lives.Have a look at Honda HS1132TAS. Its the best you can get but expensive at 2800 dollars.
Date: 30 Dec 2006 8:56 pm
Welcome odie413. Honda has some features the others don't offer, the biggest benefits are tracks, hydrostatic drive, plus the super nice Honda engine. The biggest drawback is the price. About $2000 around here for a 928TA, $2150 for the electric start TAS model. I don't think you would need the electric start, but you need to start one yourself to see. Ariens makes a couple of nice machines about that size. They have a 926LE and a machine that has a little different drive system called a 926DLE. The 926LE is about $1000 and the DLE is going to be about $300 more. They both have triggers to try and make turning easier, they work differently so you need to try them both out to see what you like better. I have a machine with triggers and I do like it and think it is nice to have but you do not need it and I don't think I would miss it if my next machine did not have them. You will tend to steer the machine while it is moving on snow and it is not too difficult. It's nice but not necessary. Toro has a 826 that does not have triggers for about $1000, and they have a 828 and a 1028 both with triggers, for a little more. On the Ariens, Toro, and the other wheeled machines people have mentioned the tires are much better than they used to be, they are not nearly as good as tracks, buy they are darn near as good as the old tires with chains. Dealer support can be pretty important also. If you find a good one that might just make up your mind as to brand. Good luck with your search.
Date: 30 Dec 2006 9:40 pm
Welcome to the forum.
Seems as if you've been doing some research already.
I could only echo all the good advice above.
With all the snow in your area, if you can't get one from a local shop or get it on order at Lowes, there are a few places on the Internet that sell the Toro 1028's discounted and will ship.
I don't know which of the "e-dealers" are good or bad, but if you want to buy this season, that maybe one of only choices you have.
But there's nothing like local warranty support for when you 1st buy a machine, no matter what brand.
Which is something you don't get with the likes of craftsman, but do with the "HATSS".
I had a craftsman for 16 years, got 16 years out of it, but I was my own repair shop for it.
Electric start is one of those nice things to have.