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

I know..I know...I already searched the board for this title but what I found didn't really answer the question.  But before I get to that, let me give a little back ground.  I just moved into a house in North Jersey with a pretty big driveway (more on that in a bit).  Living here all my life, its not that crazy but we do have some bad ones and from what I'm hearing, this one is going to be bad.  The previous owners contracted a guy who came for the first time a couple of days ago and did a really crappy job.  They just plow with a pickup so there is still less than an inch left on the driveway and where the tires rolled a nice coat of ice forms.  The bigger issue is that they plowed right into the backyard, meaning they tore up the grass where it meets the end of the driveway.  They charge 75 bucks and I guess its not bad but I really hate shotty workmanship.  I'm now sitting here waiting for them to come again to plow the 8 or so inches that is blowing around outside (its now 1:52 and still no show, luckily I work from home).  Ok to the details, the driveway is 800 ft. long (yes, 800 feet) and has a couple of curves.  There is an incline in it in the middle but I don't know what it is, maybe 15 degrees.  For the most part its about a car width except for the entry and the circle by the house.  It’s the house in the yellow box.

 

 

That being said, I’m contemplating on buying some machine to plow it myself for the reasons listed above.  After doing a bit of research I’m stuck with a couple of questions.  I see that a couple of manufactures have both Wheeled and Tracked machines.  I would think that the tracked model would be better in that it has a more traction.  I could see however how that might be a little harder to move while not running.  Before I forget, I two oversized car garages and a basement which is pretty big.  It’s a half flight to the basement and there are stairs from the garage to the basement inside so I could put some boards down and move it down there for the season.  I’m not to concerned about the agility of the machine because for my use (I would think) I’m basically running up and down the driveway and speed if more important.  I also see that the prices go up a bit as the width increases.  I’m inclined to spend a little extra as it may remove a whole pass for me.  So I’m looking for a machine that will not get stuck, will allow me to plow the entire driveway in a reasonable amount of time and most importantly, I want something that is solid and reliable.  I don’t want something that is going to break every season.  I’m a firm believer of “you get what you pay for” so I’m ok with spending a little bit more for a good machine.  I’m assuming that I would have to opt for the two-stage.

 

Thoughts….

Recommendations….

Complains (that I write too much)…

:)

 

-Jay

the honda tracked machines will go up and down stairs.

the ariens with the locking differential (pro/DLE units) do a great job on curves.

i can't see you getting stuck on a hill with a wheeled unit vs a tracked unit.

the ariens 13 hp units range up to a 36" width.

oakville wrote:

Thanks for the info oakville

So the tracks seem like a good idea, are there any negitives other than mentioned?  What are the positives on the wheeled machines?  Is one company better than another on service, but more importantly which one is rock solid?

-Jay

Have you ever used a walk-behind snowblower?  Are you physically capable of handling a large machine, say a 10/28 up to a 13/36 with ease?  Are there any budget or time constraints for this 800 ft driveway? This application is beyond what I would want to do with a walk-behind....but hey, that's me. Your mileage may vary. If I had that driveway, I'd want a 4WD John Deere garden tractor with a 42 inch blower. Good thing I don't 'cause my budget isn't big enough for that.

AZ

Good point, Does your tractor have a PTO?

As AZinOH is suggesting, a garden tractor with a snow blower attachment seems like a more productive setup for your property. First, the large snowblowers are relatively expensive, so you'd have an investment of $2,000 or more for a tool that can only be used for one thing. Second, walking 3,000 feet behind a snow blower is not my idea of fun. Third, with a tractor you have the choice of using a plow blade for light snow or the snow thrower attachment for heavier snowfalls. Finally, you'd be able to use it with a mower, trailer, and other accessories in other seasons.

Cub Cadet, John Deere, Kubota, Simplicity , and Toro all have owners who wear gang colors. And others manage to do well with Craftsman and the other inexpensive MTD products.  At work most of the guys worship at the alter of Kubota.

JD, Kubota and Simplicity all make 4WD models but that's not essential. A fellow at work clear a long driveway in NH, and a commercial property parking lot with an 18hp tractor. He does have the wheel weight kit, and tire chains.

Some of these machines are big, ruggedly built, with hydrostatic transmissions and  have 15-25hp   motors, often twins, and Kubota even makes a small diesel.  Budget is another story: the bigger, more deluxe garden tractors can cost $4,000 to $8,00 plus accessories, while the smaller ones start at less than $2,000.

You might find a good used one on someplace like eBay or craigslist.  The machine pictured is currently for sale on eBay for less than $500 with a few hours to go. I post it only as an example, not a recommendation nor do I have any stake in that auction. It's a 14hp Simplicity with hydrostatic transmission., mower deck, tire chains and plow. I'd be inclined to buy one from a dealer who has gone through it. Good luck to you, "Situated, and saturated, in New Jersee," as the Princeton fight song is often paraphrased.



www.simplicitymfg.com
www.kubota.com
www.johndeere.com
www.toro.com
www.cubcadet.com

Here's another eBay example, again I have no stake other than to show what the stuff looks like.

Thank you all for the very helpfull comments.

AZinOH, I have used a walk behind a couple times (a long time ago).  I'm 29 and in decent shape so I'm not so concerned about the "workout".  As someone else on the board has said, "It'll get me out and doing something".  Since I spend most (if not all) of my time in front a keyboard, anything would help.  No real budget or time contraints.  Like I said I'm willing to spend for a good product.  By time I'm thinking you mean how long its going to take.  I would like to make it quick as possible hence a large machine so I don't have to walk back and fourth too many times.  I have toyed with the tractor idea but I really don't have much of a yard and my push mover works fine for that so I haven't acted on that, yet.

BBGarage, I don't have a tractor but I guess riding on something is better than pushing behind it.

PCPC, thanks for the detail between the track and the wheeled, that is exactly what I was looking for!  If I go the walk behind, I'll definitly look into Simplicity.  I have also considered the jeep idea.  I do have the space (since I can leave it outside) so that maybe something to consider.  You mentioned that the plow on a tractor wouldn't be so good for the big snows (which I know) but does that still apply with a jeep with a plow?  Would the tractor (with a snow thower) be a better in deep snow than the jeep?

Garandman, as I stated I have toyed with this idea but since I don't have that much lawn, its held me back.  The only other possible issue is space.  I don't have a shed or anything but I guess I could build one.  Maybe I could move a couple of things to squeeze it into the garage.  I can clearly see the benifit of riding on something and making like 2 or 3 passes vs. walking and making alot more passes.  My only concern with the used route is not knowing what you get.  I haven't really worked on engines (tearing down carbs and stuff like that) so I'm concerned about things breaking.  I don't have a pick up or anything haul it back and fourth to the dealer for service so that concerns me too.

Again, thanks for all the great comments, its been a big help!

-Jay

Unless you REALLY need a tractor, going that route is fraught with (eventual) problems.  That, probably, is a path not recommended.  The suggestion that you DON"T need a tracked vehicle is probably correct.  You don't have the terrain that would dictate that.  Don't get swayed by the "bigger is better" philosophy - you have already said that a few extra steps doesn't concern you.   Get a machine with good horsepower - I have a 10.5 Tecumseh and would think that anything larger might be overkill.  Blower width (28' - 30") would be MORE than adequate.  Remember, many responding to your post want to service your problem with an expedience you might feel surpasses your needs.  Four passes on gear 3-4 is not that bad.  And you have a machine that is cost-responsible but one which will do the job.  And remember - you are not MARRIED to the machine.   If, after a year or two you find it does not feel right for your needs - SELL IT - there will always be buyers out there ready to pick up a good deal in the pre-owned market.  And you can move forward to another size/model/brand etc.

*(:>)*

If I was in your position and 29 again, liked excercise, (lol) I would also consider the Ariens 1336DLE with 12v battery start,  trigger lock differential, heated handles and is all metal.  It is 13 HP and cuts a 36 inch path. I would buy the optional weight kit and snow cab to break the wind and keep the snow out of your face. One pass down the driveway may be fine regarding the direction of the wind, but in the other 800 foot direction, you may get a ton of snow in the face and wish you were back in the house before the job was completed. This machine has a 3 year warranty.

I also have a house in North Jersey and one in NE PA. I have 2 Ariens machines, so I am a bit biased. One is a commercial and the other is a residential. I never had the slightest problem with either machine.

There is nothing wrong with Simplicity or Honda but you should check out all the best models. The 1336DLE Ariens is only available at
your local Outdoor Power Equipment shop. They will provide your service in case you need it so pick out  one that  gives reliable service.

Good luck!   

Just found out that the guy who comes to clean charges per inch or something like that.  I don't really get it since he just comes with a pickup and it doesn't matter how much snow but whatever.  150 bucks later (after the 12 inches we got) I'm really ready to pick out a blower.  I'm looking at the Ariens but am having a hard time going to 2900 for the DLE.  Seems like alot of money for 36 inch of clearing.  Are the DLEs that much better than the LEs, a 32 inch LE is 1900?  Thats a huge diff, its it worth it.  Also looking at the Simplicity 1390E (says its commercial grade) which is 2300 for  38 inches.  Seems like a better bet.  I've ruled out the hondas since it doesn't have these widths on wheels (just track models).

I know people say the big machines are over kill but I am just imaging myself, after that big storm, saying "damn, I wish I got the bigger one".  If it is too big, I can always get rid of it, I'm not married to it. :)

-Jay

Another really nice feature about the Simplicity, is the little trigger that you can pull, which unlocks one wheel, allowing you to very easily spin the machine around, and switch directions...

A couple things that bug me about Ariens, is for one, I'm not crazy about the idea of using a brass gear in the gear box. I've heard a lot of cases  where people (people I've known) blew the gear boxes on Ariens machines, though in most of the cases, it involved people replacing the shear pins, with bolts, but not all, though this was on their standard models. The commercial units do have heavier duty boxes, but I THINK that they still use a brass gear. Also, I believe I heard that Ariens beefed up the gear boxes on their lower end models, on their newest models, for this reason, though this was recent. Another thing that turns me off a little to Ariens is all the problems I read that people have, for instance last year, I kept reading about a problem they were having with their drive systems, and that Ariens had to redesign the drive, as the first design was failing, also a problem with their chutes... How long has this company been making snowblowers? They are not space shuttles... you wouldn't think they should be having problems like that... All in all, Ariens does make a very good machine, and they do stand behind them, but as you can tell, I've become a Simplicity fan.

The only thing I don't like about Simplicity's, is that their website sucks. Not exactly all that informative.

Sorry for the double posting. Don't know how I did that. I guess you can't go back and edit?

PCPC wrote:
Ariens has made over 2 million snow blowers, so yup, some of them have broken.

Most of the  new Ariens consumer models - "Deluxe" - have "the little trigger that you can pull, which unlocks one wheel, allowing you to very easily spin the machine around, and switch directions."
The Pro models have an automotive style differential, as do some older models.

You can do a search here for the "R3 upgrade" to read about the drive problem some Ariens machines had, a few years ago.

What kind of machine are you using now?


You can also get answers on this forum from an Ariens engineer who gives comprehensive answers to techical questions.

That easy turn feature must be very new. I don't believe that they had it, when I was looking. I wonder why they don't use it on the pro model... I would rather have that, then a diff....

I have a Honda 1132.. work, and a Simplicity 1060 for home. I agree with someone on another post, that the Honda handles, and chute adjuster, are too low. If I were to huy another machine, I would go with the Simplicity over the Honda, unless I really needed a track drive.

Thank you everyone who has posted all this great information.  I'm going to head over to the dealer now and we'll see what happens.  I'll let you all know what I end up doing.  Again, thanks so much.

I have a Simplicity wheeled 38" and a 24" Honda tracked. I would send the Simplicity over a cliff before selling the Honda now that I have two to compare.

Advantages of the track:

Even pull, better traction, will not run away down a hill or back into you on a hill, will climb over obstacles and not fall into small ruts, is much more stable. Also, the Honda has on the fly variable tilt so I can raise the front when I know I'm coming to soft gravel or turn it down to dig into harder packed snow. The Honda I have has variable speed on the fly which is SO much better than silly speed settings. I hear that repairs on a track are more expensive, if it ever breaks.

PCPC wrote:
I'll take a differential on the Ariens any day over steering levers! After last winters experience with a Toro 1128 OXE I know what their all about. Why have the extra cables and related hardware when you can have a differential that turns just as easy.

You don't need a differential with the honda, because you can steer while you're moving (like a car does) with the hydro transmission.  I would stay away from the 1336dle pro, even if it turns real easy you'll end up locking the diff because the wheels will spin out even on pavement.  The bucket-to-impeller ratio is absolutely horrible, and you can't clear 4" in low without some of the snow spilling out the sides. 

Right now I have both the Ariens 1336dle pro and Honda hs1132tas in my garage. I bought the Ariens and was unhappy with its performance and reliability, then I saw a sweet deal on a 1yr old Honda. I've been doing testing while waiting for the Ariens to sell.  Same driveway (400ft of turns) same storms.  The ariens is nice and easy to wheel around, but even with a reduced ground speed the track is faster, stronger, better on gas,  MUCH QUIETER, and can dig like a hedgehog.  The Ariens floats above, and if you try to lift up on the handles to give the bucket more leverage down, the wheels just spin out.  I can take the Honda off my driveway, up a slope to the oil tank, around to the wood pile, an into the back yard, up my deck stairs, and blow the deck before I'm done with the Ariens.

Don't spend the extra money on a differential, unless you're a pro behind it for more than 4+ hours a day.  There is very, very little difference between the pro models and big box stores.  They only stick the label on to keep the dealers happy, after selling out to Home Depot and Lowes.  Don't waste your money on it.   Both are going to fall apart on you.

I'm sure the honda track models are great, I bought the 9526 ariens pro track model and I really like it so far. The track models are slower than the same machine in a wheeled version. I chose the ariens because it had an unlock feature so its easy to turn around at the end of the driveway, it also had hand warmers but thats beside the point.