|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43,890 Likes: 7
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 43,890 Likes: 7 |
5' walk?
We have 5' city walk here and I think the blower is 27".
Leave a little on the edge...
But I live in a town where they could care less if you leave all the snow on the walk much less on the edge.
Now Bozeman was different, I bet those fancy fuuckers have a 99% snow removal requirement. And have it done within an hour of the last flake falling.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,147 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,147 Likes: 1 |
Thanks for the links, I'll get after them tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11,542 Likes: 2
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11,542 Likes: 2 |
My first thoughts on that top pick, plastic chute, single stage and no light? I'd keep looking.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 16,971 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 16,971 Likes: 1 |
I have a Troy Built Storm 30 inch 357cc. Great machine.
That’s 2 of us... just don’t let gas sit in the carb bowl... or you’ll get to clean the jet or bowl check valve - true of all the model and brands.
Last edited by Spotshooter; 11/26/19.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 7,008
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 7,008 |
Ariens snow blowers are what most people use in the high mountains of Utah. They are about to get there money’s worth.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,147 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,147 Likes: 1 |
I have a Troy Built Storm 30 inch 357cc. Great machine. That’s 2 of us... just don’t let gas sit in the carb bowl... or you’ll get to clean the jet or bowl check valve - true of all the model and brands. That's a common theme I've been finding. Don't treat them like your average lawn mower.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,147 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,147 Likes: 1 |
Ariens snow blowers are what most people use in the high mountains of Utah. They are about to get there money’s worth. I'm leaning that way. I just found a shop 10 miles away that I didn't know was an Ariens dealer, plus a hundred dollar bill cheaper than anyone else on the same model I have my eye on.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 15,680 Likes: 3
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 15,680 Likes: 3 |
If you have the land to justify the cost and possibly other implements these are a good bet. BCS America
Z
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10,808
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10,808 |
I began using a snow blower as a teenager in the early '60's when my dad bought the first one in town at the shop of the guy who gave me my first job and whose yet to be born grandaughter would become my wife. It was a 6.12 horse Ariens and that sucker lasted your years. It was nothing compared to todays machines however. I would not have a problem with any of the several major brands today. Peas in a pod. My last two were a 17 horse Simplicity and a 10 horse Husqvarna. Get as much hsp as you can afford. I've spent 60 years clearing snow with snowblowers, tractors and plow trucks and a snowblower is my first choice anymore. One ironclad rule: ethanol free gas only. Period. Don't screw around with "treatments". Buy and use only ethanol-free gas.
Mathew 22: 37-39
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 59,162 Likes: 2
Campfire Kahuna
|
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 59,162 Likes: 2 |
What is this "Snow Blower? Come on up - we'll show you and (gasp) even let you take a turn or two... To the OP: I think you're going to have a bit of a hard time staying under $1,000 for a good, solid new machine.. However, consider checking Craig's list in your area.. My son found a really good one from a guy who was moving south and had no further need for one.. IIRC it cost him about $150.. 28" wide, 2-stage, with wheels (not tracks) and it runs like a champ..
Ex- USN (SS) '66-'69 Pro-Constitution. LET'S GO BRANDON!!!
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 31,262 Likes: 4
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 31,262 Likes: 4 |
I got my Husqvarna from a Stihl Lawn and Garden store that has a great service department. I call it "The Beast" after my last Sears model. $795 and they delivered it.
Replaced the skids with wheels before the first use, run non-eth gas with Sta-Bil only, and spray the chute before each use with WD-40.
Over the next five days, I'll likely be using it - a LOT.
Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,389 Likes: 6
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,389 Likes: 6 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,771
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,771 |
8HP, 28" box MTD, since 1996, the year we had a 2' snowfall that closed area roads for days.
Zero replacement parts in all that time, minimal maintenance and this critter has moved some snow. Used it for a couple years to clear out major snow on two neighbors' driveways, until they bought their own snow blowers. On that note, one got a bigger Cub Cadet that cost a lot more than mine did, been back for repairs every year since.
Also do a 200 foot round trip path to the wood pile out back, plus our driveway. First ten years it also did sidewalks at customer's properties. Prefer wheeled machines, Tracks are too damn slow. We have a fancy Toro track blower (heated grips) at our gun club and a Craftsman 8HP w/tires. No one wants to use the Toro, PITA to move snow with. Whoever gets there first, grabs the Craftsman.
If three or more people think you're a dimwit, chances are at least one of them is right.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,215
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,215 |
A friend gave me a MTD 8hp a few years ago. He was having some issues with it and being an elderly fellow he wanted something more dependable. Not surprisingly, the carb was gummed up, he never ran it our of gas each year. So with a very small amount of work, that thing has saved my back!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,147 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,147 Likes: 1 |
A little birdy told me to stay away from anything MTD........
Suggestion was Toro first, with Ariens in 2nd.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,826
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,826 |
Ariens seems to be Number One. People like their Honda's and Toro's. A good local dealer makes up for some but not all of a machine's shortcomings. I don't think MTD/Poulan/CubCadet hold up over the long term but some do. Snapper/Deere used to be good but I question their build quality of late.
I have heated handlebars and also a differential on the tires so that I can scoot it around easier. They are heavy beasts, they have to be to do what they do, and the differential makes it much easier to handle.
"Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin.'"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,147 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
|
OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16,147 Likes: 1 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 5,134
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 5,134 |
If Honda is too pricey go with Ariens and don't lose sleep over it. Service and parts just about everywhere if you wind up needing them.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,826
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,826 |
My Ariens is a 24" Platinum Deluxe I think they called it. With the 254cc motor. Ive never wanted for power with it, it will deposit the snow exactly where I want it within reason (putting it in North Dakota is my dream) and it weighs less and stores easier than a 30" but I do have to make more passes. Starts first pull (even this weekend when I got it out of storage and put it in the garage. First pull after 6 mos) every time. No need for chains, the tires grip just fine without them.
"Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin.'"
|
|
|
|
653 members (16penny, 007FJ, 160user, 10ring1, 10gaugeman, 10Glocks, 70 invisible),
2,655
guests, and
1,401
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,192,213
Posts18,485,479
Members73,966
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|