Snow Blowers?

[87911jon]

Any recommendations? 100' driveway, Northern Baltimore County MD, $600-900 budget...

[devodave]

Originally Posted by 87911jon

Any recommendations? 100' driveway, Northern Baltimore County MD, $600-900 budget...

JD 1330 has been great for me. A tracked Honda if you can find a dealer would be a good choice too. Buy one and you won't get any snow. Your neighbors will appreciate it!

But do you really get that much snow? 200" to 360" a season like we get, it makes sense. I would think you get more ice.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I could post some videos
But I'm not.

Instead, I will quote the infinite wisdom of the snowblowing community:

"Snowblowers are cool until the novelty wears off. When that happens, you pull out the blade."

Basically, blowers are technically complex and maintenance heavy. Blades are simple and bulletproof. Unless you have so much snow it accumulates and you cant keep pushing it aside, blades are better.

Do you have a gravel drive? Blades are better

Do you just want to envision yourself blowing snow?

...Well then, blowers are better!

editors note- in one I left a small german clue I am a pelicanite... in another I am all excited, yet this is only 14 hp on a blown head gasket, so it was really blowing at 7-10 hp at best! also- in video two- it is evident the snow is about near the top of the rear left tire at 1-2 seconds in. This would kill a plow on a "garden tractor" in an instant. Folgers secretly replaced the failing engine with a 23 hp v twin engine- lets see if it snows next year!

[VincentVega]

I have a similar amount of driveway and an simple 2 stage works for me. You should be able to get an Ariens at the top of your budget but it will be a simple/basic model. I went the used route and after a new carb, fuel lines and some paint it works great for ~$250 total.

LEAKYSEALS951 - that thing is badass

[JJ 911SC]

[afterburn 549]

Trouble with snow blower is you stand in the cold......Getting the cold blown on ya !

[87911jon]

Again, the collective wisdom of PP to the rescue. Thanks for the advice!

[johnsjmc]

A 2 stage blower of at least 7 hp and 24 in wide for about $5-700 should be more than enough for years of service. Also make sure it,s electric start not just rope. I had a similar 100 + ft drive here in Canada near Detroit in a snowbelt between lake Erie,Huron and Michigan. We can get up to 3 ft in 24 hours. I bought my last one at Lowes about 8 yrs ago It,s still doing fine with little more than an annual oil change and a single new drive belt about 2 seasons ago.

[1990C4S]

I know a lot of people who have switched to the single stage for asphalt driveways, they all seem very happy with them.

I have a two stage, but they are big and heavy.

[pavulon]

Honda if you can find one in your price range.

[GH85Carrera]

A friend of mine went to medical school in Buffalo, NY. When he graduated and was looking for a place to practice he said he got in his car and started driving south. He would go into a big box hardware store and ask if they had snow blowers. If they said yes and pointed them out he drove further south. When it got to Charleston, SC and went inside to ask about a snow blower the employee said "A what?"

He decided that was where he was going to open a practice.

[afterburn 549]

Originally Posted by 87911jon

Again, the collective wisdom of PP to the rescue. Thanks for the advice!

2 passes with a plow and 2 min later that drive would be done .
How much is your time worth?
Hire a plow guy is my advice.

[87911jon]

Yeah I hear you, but in a self-abusive way I like mowing grass and pushing snow around. And knowing me, I'd somehow justify buying a truck with a plow if I were to go that route.

[afterburn 549]

Plowing your OWN drive is OK.
But, do not get sucked into the sno plow business, as it is a constant loss system .
It is very hard on trucks !

[VincentVega]

Too funny

Always a reason/excuse to buy equipment! I've only used 2-3 different 2 stage blowers and they all worked well. I have enough power to move ~12" of snow at least 10-15' when taking almost a full pass in close to top 'gear'. I'm sure there is better but it takes no time at all, at least compared to shoveling.

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

2 passes with a plow and 2 min later that drive would be done .
How much is your time worth?
Hire a plow guy is my advice.

Two plow passes would do it but:
1. There would be plenty of collateral damage to your driveway, lawn and landscaping.
2. Big snow would create the probability of having to push the windrow back making for PLENTY more of #1 above.

The upside of a good snowblower is it moves the snow way back every time. There are definitely downsides.

One winter of the plow experience was enough for me.

[afterburn 549]

Pavulon ,
I reticently disagree .....My V plow with the skids under it would do no damage .
But each to their own way of thinking .

[rwest]

I have a Toro with the rubber blade Toro Power Clear 721 R 21 in. Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower-38741 - The Home Depot

Love it, clears down to the asphalt. Only a single stage and not self propelled, but because of the rubber blade, it pulls itself along very well and throws the snow far enough for me.

Real deep snow would be a challenge, but if a lot of snow is coming, I just go out a few times.

Went twenty years without one and now I embarrassedly will bring it out for even a light dusting as it just is so much faster.

[pavulon]

all good!

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

Pavulon ,
I reticently disagree .....My V plow with the skids under it would do no damage .
But each to their own way of thinking .

[afterburn 549]