Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Snow blowers. School me.

I've never owned one. I plan on buying one before fall and have no idea as to brands or what to look for. This will be my driveways and side walks.

Ariens.

Bought mine 3 winters ago, not a hiccup.

What model did you buy?

they bought a Toro Power Max here at work and it impressed the crap out of me this past winter. Don't remember what the old one was that they replaced, but this thing flings snow faster and further then the old one did, by a long shot.

The 30". Pay once, cry once....and be set for the next 10-15 years.

My driveway is roughly 12' wide.

Choose the size depending upon the width of your drive or walkway.

Whatever you do, buy a 3 stage.

Like this one.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200680820_200680820?cm_mmc=Bing-pla&utm_source=Bing_PLA&utm_medium=Snow%20%2B%20Ice%20Removal%20%3E%20Snow%20Blowers&utm_campaign=Troy-Bilt&utm_content=58162&msclkid=66d789e34d7c165ff836d4c0859e4db4

One hand operation once you get moving, which will allow you to direct where you want to throw the snow while you travel.
This is a really nice feature that a lot of snowblowers don't have, allowing you to direct the snow where you want it when moving.

Typical snowfall?
Area to be cleared?
Any hills or flat?

It’s all in the details. ALL of them are great when new.

Yes, details. Do you ever get heavy wet snow or is most of your snow light powder?

Why do you want a gay Eskimo???????

My Troy-Bilt Storm is 10 years old and still works very well. I did finally have to replace the drive belt last winter. Cost about 15.00 if I remember right and took about a half hour to change.

Get tracks, and reverse.

I have had more than a few.other brands. I like the 24 inch 8 horse TroyBilt the most of any so far. Built like a tank and goes through anything. Heavy sloppy wet snow hasn't phased it so far, and last winter I had 4-6 inches of slush under another 6-8 inches of normal wet snow. It didn't throw THAT 30 feet, but it didn't even come close to clogging either.

Things to look for in a name brand thrower....

30" cut or larger
10 HP or larger
Obviously we're talking two stage thrower
Reverse
Lights for Night work
Large wheels
Adjustable cutting depth....allows you to set the unit up for driveways, but also open ground

Full Face Balaclava.....because you are going to get blowback in your face! LOL

Mine never clogs either. Not even when eating through a 3' deep snow bank at the edge of the road.

I have a 27" Honda with rubber tracks, it was around $3K, one of my best investments!

You might be better off to pay somebody else to do it.
They are a pia in wet slush.
A plow works better for some driveways.
I was dating a gal who had been unaware that her blower had electric start for 12 years. Funny stuff.
I am guessing her ex husband still chuckles about that.

Flat surfaces only. We get both powder and wet. last winter I had 5 ft drifts.

I had an Ariens for 20 yrs. 24" cut, 7 1/2 horse, 2 stage. 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. Ran the gas tank dry every spring, Started 2nd pull every fall, sometimes 1st pull. Change oil every fall.

Used on a 2 car-wide driveway 70' long. I did the old lady's driveway that lived next to me, too.

I gave it to my son last winter. I use an ATV w/plow now. My present driveway is much bigger.

Get extra shear pins/bolts. It sucks when they break and you don't have 'em on hand. I taped them to the handles so I didn't have to hunt for them when needed. Grease the auger shaft after every use.

Only problem I ever had with it was a mouse nest in the carb.

The only things I took better care of were my guns. Blower still looks new.

Another mention to get extra shear pins

I would look hard at a blower with tracks. I've never used one but have read that guys that have 'em, love 'em.

Portuguese Snowblower