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

I have been in the market for a snowblower for the past month or so. Having bought a new home last winter which we completely furnished and remodeled in the last year, my budget for a snowblower is noit a kings ransom. While I have finally convinced my wife that we will not be buying a single stage like the one she grew up with, we were a bit turned off by the price of the big 2 stage models. Going to are equipment dealers, I found that the smaller 2 stages are in the price range we are lookin for. With a smaller drive (50x25) I think I should be OK with a smaller HP. Living in the NW suburbs of Chicago, we can get some good lake effect snow at times however. I have been thinking about the Aries 5520 but have come across a left over, never used 520 at a local Ariens dealer for an even $500. Seems like a great deal.

Question is, while I really want a 7HP and went down to the 5.5 budget wise, I am wondering how capable a 5.0 will be. While everyone on my block owns single stages and I was the only one with a shovel 9 months ago, I have to think that to 5.0 2 stage will perform better that a 5.0 single stage.

Does anybody have any experience with these small 2 stage models?? I realize with a big snow fall I may have to blow twice in storm but with such a small drive, I dont mind.

Great site by the way!

Regarding steerability....never seem to have had a problem in that category!!! I replaced the 5/26 (30 years old) with a 10.5/29 (now on its 4th season) - and even with my drifting problems, steerability has never crossed my mind as a concern.  Ultimately, to place it on remote control and it clears the required area without supervision is probably the target, but until then, mild guidance from an operator is to be expected.  Actually, the Honda pictured in another thread on this forum is probably the way to go - the size of machine makes the steerable tracks worthwhile.

*(:>)*

Congrats Matt!
Looks like you got a great deal.....take good care of it and it will take good care of you.......

Frank D.