Educate me on snowblowers

[pavulon]

Have had a honda hs724ta (tracks) for 6 years and only wish I'd bought the 28" version. Change the oil every spring and adjust the scraper bar every fall. The thing is a reliable, hydrostatic animal and holds it's value well. My only complaint is that the discharge chute isn't as easy/elegant to direct as some others.

[Pierre911SC]

Bonjour Aurel,

I also have an 1974, 8HP Ariens. It's the oldest gasoline machine that I owned.
That picture is from winter 2008, exceptional snow fall and accumulations.
I am at the point with the blower, that I put oil in it and check the gas.
You might not need as big of a snowblower for your application, but it's like
the rest, more power.....
The machine still work ok after all theses year, I am sure you could find
something around $500. to suit your needs.

Bon plaisirs d'hiver.

Salutations

[Aurel]

Should I go for a V8? LOL

[DanielDudley]

Educate you on snow blowers. Hmm.

Never stick your hand in the chute with the engine running. Never point the chute at anybody or anything made of glass.

There, you are good to go

[Roosterrusek]

My take...always disengage the impeller before sticking your hand in there to dislodge stuck snow or you will end up with one less finger like my Dad.

[MotoSook]

Not passing judgement, but it's never occurred to me to change a fan belt on my cars with the engine running....

[WIL84911]

Hey Aurelien. I've got a long driveway myself. I'm satisfied with my 5.5 hp Troybuilt I bought for $550 new (Loews) 6 years ago though the reverse have given up 2 years ago. Watch out for specials on these as we head into spring weather. Has to be self propelled or else forget it.

[1990C4S]

If your driveway is paved then I would consider a single stage.

Ten years ago the answer was that you had to have a two stage. With design improvements that is no longer true. Single stage snow-blowers are very good now, and they clean right down to the surface. You don't get they layer of snow that a two stage leaves behind.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

If your driveway is paved then I would consider a single stage.

Ten years ago the answer was that you had to have a two stage. With design improvements that is no longer true. Single stage snow-blowers are very good now, and they clean right down to the surface. You don't get they layer of snow that a two stage leaves behind.

Neither a single-stage or two-stage leave a layer of snow unless they are adjusted wrong. See the pic I posted on page one. See the bare pavement? That snow was about three feet deep, and I have a two-stage. I have adjustable delrin shoes on each side that sets the height. If you're on smooth pavement, it can be all the way 'down'. If you're on gravel you'd want to adjust it 'up' so it doesn't chew things up and spit them out.

A two-stage will throw snow further, so if you have a wide driveway and even a little wind, you will end up blowing snow twice if you can't throw it far enough. Esp wet, heavy snow.

Just buy a two stage, IMHO

[imcarthur]

Beware of the muffler. I usually melt at least one pair of gloves per season. Since it is cold it is really easy to set your gloved hand on it while you are messing with it. To me, it is like a magnet for some reason.

Ian

[WIL84911]

yes 2 stage so you can throw them where you want them.

[Crowbob]

Mine can just reach the center of the neighbor's driveway.