Snowblowers to recommend?

realist · #1 02-06-2017, 03:33 PM

Tired of shoveling my long, flat driveway. Just retired and don't want a heart attack. Any recommendations for a snowblower? Gas or electric? Leaning to electric for weight, cost, and storage ability. Thanks

southernman · #2 02-06-2017, 03:57 PM

Honda. is the only answer, esp if you want it to
A- start when cold.
B- not rattle apart in a season.
C- buy spare parts.
D- want to shift snow 30-50 feet at a time.

Go tracked if you can afford it,

long at flat sounds, like a good candidate for a quad and blade.

Okotokian · #3 02-06-2017, 04:04 PM

Long driveway? Get yourself a two-stage gas blower with at least 28 inch width. Yeah it's big but it doesn't bother me if a foot of snow appears overnight. Easy to do the driveway... almost fun.

Personally, I've got a 28" Cub Cadet. Top rated brand in Consumer Reports. I'm sure there are others just as good. Two features I'd look for:
1 - electric start. I've found it handy.
2 - heated handles. I wish I had them. I find my hands get cold pretty quickly in really cold weather.

good luck!

dwedmon · #4 02-06-2017, 04:22 PM

I have a single stage 24" machine and a larger 2 stage machine. I almost never use the 2 stage, it is more work to to use than its worth. If there's over 4" of snow or its thick wet snow I'll use it.

The single stage is just so much more convenient to use.

I wouldn't bother with an electric unless its for a very small space like a back deck. The electrics had a very narrow cut path and dragging an extension cord was a pain.

jcrayford · #5 02-06-2017, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southernman

Honda. is the only answer, esp if you want it to
A- start when cold.
B- not rattle apart in a season.
C- buy spare parts.
D- want to shift snow 30-50 feet at a time.

Go tracked if you can afford it,

long at flat sounds, like a good candidate for a quad and blade.

Ummm....

I've had my Cub Cadet (24") for a number of years. .

A - Always started easily by pull start (usually first pull - never used the electric).

B - Hasn't rattled apart

C - Have never bought "spare" parts.

D - Throws snow just as well as your beloved Honda.

Plus, it's got power steering, hand warmers, light, single joystick directional chute control and 6 speeds forward, 2 reverse.

The only thing I wish was different? If it was 30" or 33" that would be cool.

But if I had much more to do than just the cul-de-sac with my neighbor, there would be a blade on my quad...

You Honda lovers really make me giggle....

J.

rugatika · #6 02-06-2017, 06:07 PM

Ive got a JD1330SE (30" dual stage) I use it very sparingly since I bought a house with a smaller driveway...just as quick to shovel, but it is nice to use when we get a big snowfall. I used to have a small single stage and it was pretty much useless if we got a big snow, but it worked OK if there was less than 4 or 6 inches and no drifting.

When I was researching them Cub Cadet and Honda also had great reviews. The Honda's were way more expensive though.

Ddawg · #7 02-06-2017, 07:08 PM

What ever you buy, make sure that it has a throttle adjustment. A lot new models start and run at full throttle, no adjustment, stupid or what. Cold start to full throttle.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CaberTosser · #8 02-06-2017, 07:27 PM

I have a 28" John Deere 1028 I'm selling, the front auger 'differential' in it is beefy cast iron rather than the flimsy looking ones in the retail grade units.

PM me of you're interested. In Calgary.

schreyer · #9 02-06-2017, 07:45 PM

I'd have to check my width but I believe my 'blower is 27'' wide. I picked it up from Sears, it's a Craftsman model with a briggs and stratton engine. I love the engine but the 'blower itself could have been built with better/heavier components. With chains on the tires it does a pretty good job on my drive way.

We used to have Ariens at work, with a 36'' width I think? Those things were built like a tank and were easy enough to haul around.

Walleyedude · #10 02-06-2017, 08:54 PM

Love my Toro.

Easy starting with electric back up. One hand chute control. 6 forward, two reverse speeds. Lots of power, it'll push through snow the height of the auger at a steady walk and throw it further than Id ever need to. Great traction with trigger controls to cut power and unlock the wheels individually to help with maneuvering.

Reliable, parts always available, good dealer network.

Puma · #11 02-06-2017, 09:08 PM

I have an 84" Farm King driven by a 100 hp turbo diesel that does the job ...

gulfman · #12 02-06-2017, 10:10 PM

I wouldn't bother with an electric unless its for a very small space like a back deck. The electrics had a very narrow cut path and dragging an extension cord was a pain.[/QUOTE]

X2

Trochu · #13 02-06-2017, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gulfman

I wouldn't bother with an electric unless its for a very small space like a back deck. The electrics had a very narrow cut path and dragging an extension cord was a pain.

It gets a little exciting though when you drive over it with your blower. Something you don't get to experience with a gas unit.

Kim473 · #14 02-07-2017, 06:21 AM

If you go to a bigger model, get electric start. Too hard to pull over the bigger hp motors when it's cold. I can't start my 6hp if it sits in the shed with out it. Chains are a must if you get tires, don't have to install them if there is little snow but heavy drifts they help a lot. Dual stage is great.

They should be going on sale very soon as winter starts to fad. I know Lowes in NE. Edmonton have a lot of stock and will be clearing them out soon.

I would get this one if I was in the market.
https://www.lowes.ca/snow-blowers/cu..._g2564381.html

bobinthesky · #15 02-07-2017, 06:47 AM

Stay away from electric.
I have an older two stage 28 inch Craftsman and it's been a good machine, just make sure you get one with steering clutches when you get one this size or bigger. This engine has electric start but it always starts with one pull of the rope anyway so I never use it.
What ever make you get, shim up the second stage paddles with an old mudflap and you'll be able to blow snow a lot further and it won't ice up when blowing heavy wet snow.

JustMe · #16 02-07-2017, 07:13 AM

Although mine is an Ariens, I won't get into the argument on which brand to buy. Honda, John Deer, Ariens and all other top brands are good, or those companies wouldn't still be in business. I would stick with a top name brand (sure they cost a bit more initially, but reliability and longevity pay off in the long run) and like others have mentioned, unless you have a extra long (50 yard plus) driveway, a 24 - 27 inch dual stage with electric start will do everything you need it to do. Mine does not have lights, but I live in the city and have street lights and yard lights so never found I needed them, wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

graybeard · #17 02-07-2017, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustMe

Although mine is an Ariens, I won't get into the argument on which brand to buy. Honda, John Deer, Ariens and all other top brands are good, or those companies wouldn't still be in business. I would stick with a top name brand (sure they cost a bit more initially, but reliability and longevity pay off in the long run) and like others have mentioned, unless you have a extra long (50 yard plus) driveway, a 24 - 27 inch dual stage with electric start will do everything you need it to do.

X 2 ....I have 2 Ariens; one is a 24" dual stage and the other a very light 2 stroker 7hp single stage.

Both are electric start and pull start, reliable and great.......I have thrown tons of snow with them.

I have friends with both Honda and John Deer with no break-downs from any of the three.

Good luck,

Xbolt7mm · #18 02-07-2017, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcrayford

Ummm....

I've had my Cub Cadet (24") for a number of years. .

A - Always started easily by pull start (usually first pull - never used the electric).

B - Hasn't rattled apart

C - Have never bought "spare" parts.

D - Throws snow just as well as your beloved Honda.

Plus, it's got power steering, hand warmers, light, single joystick directional chute control and 6 speeds forward, 2 reverse.

The only thing I wish was different? If it was 30" or 33" that would be cool.

But if I had much more to do than just the cul-de-sac with my neighbor, there would be a blade on my quad...

You Honda lovers really make me giggle....

J.

He never made it an insult, but you did. Your cub cadet has a motor built for a snow blower which means it fires at almost to dead centre, so it can be turned over when its cold. major down fall there and you need about three more horse to match the honda. When you need parts, they are like sears, they contract out to the cheapest tender that matches their specs. So it can be made by one company this year then another nest year. Buying drive discs are a nightmare. There's a good reason a honda it 40 percent more because they are worth it. John deere does the same thing. Always buy a machine that the company actually makes them, honda, toro etc. Glad you like your, he likes his, no reason to get personal, its a snow blower after all. But he is right

Xbolt7mm · #19 02-07-2017, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustMe

Although mine is an Ariens, I won't get into the argument on which brand to buy. Honda, John Deer, Ariens and all other top brands are good, or those companies wouldn't still be in business. I would stick with a top name brand (sure they cost a bit more initially, but reliability and longevity pay off in the long run) and like others have mentioned, unless you have a extra long (50 yard plus) driveway, a 24 - 27 inch dual stage with electric start will do everything you need it to do. Mine does not have lights, but I live in the city and have street lights and yard lights so never found I needed them, wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

I like the looks of the aliens. And im sure snow flys out the little end just fine

Xbolt7mm · #20 02-07-2017, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trochu

It gets a little exciting though when you drive over it with your blower. Something you don't get to experience with a gas unit.

A garden hose is awesome too when your being a nice guy to the neighbor and he never put it away.

dmcbride · #21 02-07-2017, 07:56 PM

Another vote for the Cub Cadet.

I bought the Cub Cadet because the local dealer sells and maintains them. (Parts are in stock) My advise though is to buy any of the better brands mentioned here that has dealer with parts in stock close to home. Nothing worse them having to wait for parts when you need them.

hover · #22 02-08-2017, 06:09 AM

My 9hp Honda will easily outperform my 11hp Crafstman, and is rock solid, as it should be for the price I paid for it. Probably never need to buy another one.

Xbolt7mm · #23 02-08-2017, 06:25 AM

I had a Massey Harris for years that I found in the dump. Had to hand make all parts I needed. Put a 8 horse honda on it, 13 inch tires with chains, that thing would eat a hockey stick, not a single safety control on it. It was a beast!!