Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hi,

I'm contemplating buying a snowblower for my Dad, and have some basic questions.  I've read many of your posts, and am a little lost right now with all the discussions!...lol

He lives in Alberta, Canada - where they get only a foot and a half of snow per year.  But since he has a gigantic driveway, sidewalk and patio, he has a lot of ground to cover, and since all his neighbors are aging, I think a snowblower could help him.  However, although there is not much snow, it gets very cold (25 below - Fahrenheit) and he doesn't have a garage.  Will the snowblower still start if it's stored in an unheated garden shed?  And, given that there's not much snow, but cold, does he need to get the heavy-duty ones (2 stage?) that I have seen mentioned?  Or will it be enough to get a "lighter" one?  Is a snowblower practical in terms of maintenance and starting?

I would really appreciate any advice anyone has to offer.  I hope these questions weren't too laughable for this forum!

Thank you.

Id say the two stage will traverse the ground easier and faster even in light snow.

Snowblowers engines are engineered below zero, as long as oil is used to corespond to the temperature. And, a electric start will make it much easier starting.

I think you need to determine two things: how deep is the average snowfall, and how far does he need to throw the snow on his "gigantic" driveway? Answer these and I think you will get some helpful answers.

If he only has 4 inches to throw 20 feet then he would be fine with a little single stage.

If he has one 18 inch snowfall that he has to move 50 feet then a 2 stage is definitely in order.

OK?

John Davies

As MM stated, snowblowers are engineered to start in below zero weather. Factors such as maintenance and oil make a big difference. Synthetic oil is better in very cold weather for a 2 stage due to the improved viscosity, which allows the engine to turn over easier.  Also, electric start is a big help in cold weather.  Single stage machines such as Toro GTS and Honda have good reputations for cold weather starting. For a decent single stage I would look at the Toro 3650 which has a 20 inch clearing width, 6.5 HP R-Tek engine and electric start, for around $700.

Thank you so much for your advice!  It's good to know the snowblowers can handle the frigid weather.  Further to John Davies response, most snowfalls there are 4-6", and he will probably have to throw the snow 10 or 12 feet (the driveway's not so wide, but long).  After reading through a lot of other posts on here, I guess my Dad's driveway is nowhere as "gigantic" as one on an acreage!

So, thanks again - I really appreciate the information.

Something like an Ariens Compact with electric start should do great for him.

You can buy a cover or just put a tarp over it.

I'd go with a smaller - say 5 HP -- 2 stage, 4 cycle,  with electric start.  But if you can, stay away from Tecumseh engines -- I have 2 pieces of equipment with them and they are of poor quality.