This is essentially a follow-on to my other thread, but with a different twist, so I hope I'm not violating protocol by starting a new thread....
Driveway about 25'x40', with 60'x5' sidewalk, all pavement. Most snowfalls less than 6", once or twice a year, we get hit with 10" or so. Trying to reduce strain for medical reasons.
I currently have a 6HP Toro that really gives me a workout when the snow gets deep and/or wet. Plus, it's pretty much useless for any substantial EOD. My main dilemma is whether to keep my single-stage, or sell it and get a two-stage. I took my single-stage to the dealer to get a trade-in estimate, and although he offered me peanuts (no surprise), he did say my rubber paddles and scraper were shot (6 years old, never replaced), and that I was getting the equivalent of maybe 2HP out of my 6HP machine. Yesterday I replaced them, which I figured I'd have to do whether I sell it or keep it. I'm just wondering if it's worthwhile for me to make the jump. Money is not the real issue here, it's physical strain. I'm not helpless or anything, but if it takes more work to snowthrow with the 2-stage then follow up with a shovel, I'm not sure I've gained anything. On the other hand, every time I think of those 10" snows or the EOD stuff, the two-stage would gain me a lot.
Practically speaking, can you get a two-stage close enough to the surface to not worry about what's left over? Or is following up with a shovel pretty much a necessity? Will it turn to ice if I don't?
-- Rob
