Educate me on snowblowers

[Aurel]

The last blizzard has taken a toll on our well being, and shoveling snow has become not fun at all anymore. I am seriously thinking about getting a snowblower, but what size should I look at? Ideally I would like to spend less than $500, but I may have to plow through 2 feet of snow sometimes...This is the kind of stuff we never plan during the summer, when the good deals are. Any recommendations on brands and sizes?

[oldE]

How many square yards do you have to clear?

Most folks could get away with a walk-behind, if their driveway were 20 yards long and 4 yards wide.
My driveway is 1/4 mile long so I use a 30 hp New Holland with a 5 foot blower on the back.
(Of course, this year I have only had to make one pass up and back, as there hasn't been any snow to speak of, but that's another matter.)
Size is important.

Les

[Aurel]

The driveway can fit at least 3 cars in lengths, and two in width. I `d say 8 * 30 yards as guesstimate.

[VINMAN]

Dont worry Aur, I'll drive over and do your driveway next storm.

I have a 28" Craftsman Trac-drive. It handled our past few storms with no problem. How much surface do u have to clear?

[Aurel]

I have a corner lot, which doubles the amount of sidewalk.

[Scott R]

I have a large three car driveway, and I live at 6000ft so we get many "feet" of snow at times. I have an old Airens 3.5hp auger drive, and honestly it's not enough. I need to get a 5hp with larger wheels that can take chains to get up my grade.

Also, get electric start. It's never nice and warm when you need to start the thing and the electric starter is such a help.

[VINMAN]

Ditto on the electric start. Mines 8hp 28 in wide, 8 in auger. 2/stage 6 foward 2 reverse. I have a 6 car driveway about 150 ft of sidewalk. More than sufficient for my needs

[wcc]

I have a three car width and probably three car deep driveway on a corner lot. I ended up getting a mtd 10hp, 28in? cut. Can't remember the width right now. Electric start, auger, two stage, 6 speeds fwd, and two reverse. Throws the snow a long distance, a swipe down and back does the sidewalk, and we've had snow deeper than it is tall and it workd like a charm. Over 5yrs owning it and zero issues. I think it was around $700 new. But it has been money well spent.

[MotoSook]

Get a 2 stage for a couple hundred more and you'll be happy.

[anotherblack944]

If you're talking snow in feet you need a two stage and you'll not find a really decent one for under $700. Look for independent rear wheels or wheel lock mechanism as it makes it MUCH easier to turn. Avoid poly skid plates and look for steel shoes. If they still make the type that has a steel wheel in the shoe it's even better.

Engines aren't rated in HP anymore (just by displacement) due to the class action small engine suit but don't go under 200cc (I think that's roughly 6hp?). Don't get the ones as are sold at HD, Lowes, etc., as they are not the same models that the dealers sell and have a few corners cut.

I had an Ariens 26" years ago and thought it was great. It was around $800 10 years ago IIRC? When I started traveling the wife made me trade it for a smaller single stage. I got tired of having to go out multiple times during a bigger snow or killing myself struggling with it. After one big snowfall when it wouldn't start I went and got a Craftsman (same as MTD or Yardman) during a blizzard.. for ~$550 on sale. Ok, but definitely not as good (plastic parts, Chinese engine & one piece axle that's already bent).

[Crowbob]

Honda Track Drive, two stage. Best machine out there, costs the most too.

[dyhunter]

Originally Posted by crowbob

honda track drive, two stage. Best machine out there, costs the most too.

+1

[kaisen]

Like lawn tractors, there are only a couple manufacturers making them for several brands.
26" should be plenty, 200-300cc is plenty, two-stage is a must
Electric start is no big deal (like modern lawnmowers they start first pull), but most have them
You don't need to pay for a tracked version unless you have steep inclines or a regularly occuring ice problem
You're probably going to spend $600-650

Some have power turning, if you or your wife don't like to 'manhandle' a 200lb snowblower at the end of each pass, that might be nice. Some have lights, but only you know whether that's necessary (street lights? house light?)

We did the research and bought a Husqvarna-made Craftsman. Love it

[MotoSook]

Just buy a 4WD ATV with a plow

[gatotom]

Out here where it really snows, the blower of choice is a Simplicity, the bigger the better. I live on a hillside with a driveway about 400 yds, my choice of tools is a heavy 1/2T 4x4 chev witha snowplow to push the bulk out of the way and then I clean up the sides with a 10HP 30" snowblower. Even when the snow is white rain, the blower will move it. I also plow out my parking lot at the office.

[Rick V]

Okay am I going to have to make the snow blower=gay eskimo joke?

[red-beard]

I used an 8HP Ariens for my time in middle/high school to do our driveway and several others in the neighborhood. It was purchased used in 1973 and lasted until about 1990. Briggs and Stratton engine and electric start.

Try to find a similar used machine. They last a long time, so used isn't a problem. You probably can find a used one for $500.

[MotoSook]

Craigslist! Use it.

Used is a great idea. I got my "Yard Machine" 28" 2 stage from my father in-law who got it from his brother-in-law and it is still kicking! New they are about $1000, but I'd sell mine for $500. The electric start is nice, but I've found that I he thing is in good running order (carbs are clean) it start on the first pull. I've only really needed the electric starter when getting the best back into service after sitting at my in laws for too long without proper storage.

I also had a two-stroke Toro single stage and it was really good for a small unit. I was surprised it was so strong. I used it to clear the driveway in front of a 2 car garage and an 8'x90' side drive way for a couple of years before I get the handmedown. When I expected a lot if snow, I just when out when it go deep enough and didn't wait for all of the predicted snow. Easy storage too...the big one I have, not so much.

[72 four door]

Honda Hs 928 INCREDIBLE!!! blows right through plow drifts. It costs$$ but youll never need another. Anything less than 500 is crap!!!

[kaisen]

If you look at how snowblowers are built, I'm not sure there's a lot of reason to pay up for a brand name. They're all pretty solid and well built. And fairly simple. You'll find old snowblowers from the '70s and '80s that still work fine. All brands. They're not cars. YMMV.

Also, IMHO, why wouldn't you just buy new? You only save a couple hundred bucks for a decade of use. Seems silly.

Here's my Husqvarna-built cheap Craftsman: