Snowblower question

[RickM]

I purchased an MTD 10hp snowblower a few years ago and for the most part love it.

A co-worker is now asking what to buy. My recommendation is to get the same or similar especially with the Tecumseh Snow King engine. However, there is one weak spot on my machine that has been redesigned...at least on other brand blowers. This is the cheap corkscrew crank that turns the chute to aim snow discharge. The new design is a enclosed brass worm gear mechanism that is superior and not likely to jam.

Questions:

What make snow blower has this feature?
Is there a retrofit kit?
Are there electric chute mechanisms on the "lower tier" machines?

BTW, I called Northern Tool and they weren't sure if there machines have this feature. They're looking into it.

[Bill Verburg]

I've used a Toro 525 to do a 1200 ft2 driveway for the last 25yrs. I did need to rebuild the carburator once.

[RickM]

Think Toro makes the same quality product today?

[singpilot]

Snowblower? I have a sno-cone maker for the marguritas at New Years' parties. Is that what you are talking about?

Mine doesn't have a carb, tho.






Ok, OK, OK. I used to survive the dark seasons in Minneapolis. I had the MTD as well. Loved it. Loved it more when I sold it to the neighbor when I left Minneapolis for good.

[wckrause]

I had to pull my Toro out of the garage and fire it up before this storm comes through. It's just a small single stage job, but it runs good, and is large enough to do the littlle driveway that I have.

[dad911]

I have a four-wheeler ATV with a plow. Makes clearing the snow fun!

[RickM]

Actualy I really like the 5 (or so) year old blower from MTD. It goes through just about anything mother nature has thrown at it. It's just the damned chute aimer design. The only mfg I've seen with a good one is the Honda.