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

We already own a Boss Truck mounted snowplow for our 1/2 mile steep driveway, a 3 pt PTO snowblower for the drive around the house/barn ( on a amall JD tractor) and a tractor blade for large JD tractor. However, I am uncomfortable operating either tractor in close quarters around our barn. My husband usually does it but often can't get to it before the weekend. So I shovel snow or try to manhandle my wheelbarrows of manure through the snow. I am going to buy a mid-sized snowblower for me to use around the barn, to the manure pile and on the concrete pad in front of the house. Maybe 100' from house to barn on a gravel drive if husband is out of town. We are also on top of a hill in foothills. Picture very steep except for our top of the hill. Our snow can be 2-8" or more sometimes, up to 50" per year. I am considering a Simplicity, Ariens, and Craftsman, all 5.5-7.5 hp. My husband thinks I should just use the tractors, but he wants a Honda if I get one. Also, does everyone use chains on their wheeled snowblowers? I am looking for something easy for me to use and light enough for me to handle. I found the Craftsman in the store to have stiff controls and were okay to handle but somewhat unwieldy. I am going to look at the Ariens and Simplicity today.

The Toro 6000 (formerly the 726te) retails in my area (NW Ohio) for $949 and looks like this one:

(hope this works)

It sounds like a small Honda track drive would fill the bill nicely. It offers an adjustable auger height so you don't pick up any stones from that gravel driveway, track drive for that steep hill, & hubby gave the nod to spend the $$$...

Marty