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

Hi there folks,

I've been poking around the forum here hoping to pick up some advice on a snow thrower purchase. Here's my question - does anyone have a Husqvarna model, particularly the 524STE? Any feedback would be appreciated on this or other Husky models. I stopped at a dealer to look at them and was impressed with the contruction and features. The 5hp is in my price range although I might consider jumping up to the 8.5. I like the idea of the extra width and the light might be a nice feature too. Do I need the HP though? I used an older 5 hp Craftsmen, 22 inch 4-5 times a season in some pretty considerable storms. Maybe 12-18 inch snowfalls/drifts. I had to work hard with it at the end of the drive from plow spill overs. It gave out this year - gears are shot and an estimate was $200-$250 for repairs. It appeared to be enough machine and that's why I'm considering the Husqvarna 524STE. But maybe that built up snow from the plows contributed to the failure of the Craftsmen, and will it be the same for the Husky?
Any advice would surely be appreciated.

Note: I'm also finding that I can find the 5hp as well as the 10 hp at this time of the season, but no Husqvarna in the mid-range.

Regards,
Matt

Without knowing where you live, how much snow you get, and how much area you have to clear it would be difficult to steer you towards the best choice!

Thanks for responding-

Garandman, I live west of you just north of Springfield. I have a 70 ft. single car width driveway, open at 2 ends, and approx. 200 ft. of sidewalk to clear. We've had some pretty substantial snowfall in the past. 18 inches or so. It's been fairly mild so far this year. 6-8 inches per snowfall, maybe 3 or 4 times this season.

Any other input is welcome.

That part of MA seems to get 60-90" of snow per season. Along with the Northeasters we get, and your driveway that really puts you in the 8-11hp league.

The 10.5hp Huskie seems to sell for about the same price as an Ariens 926LE - which seems to be their most popular model around here. Home Depot seems to be offering 20% off on snowblowers. Lowes carries Husky, along with some dealers, and one would guess they'd follow suit.

I don't know anyone that owns one. The 12" auger and impeller compared to the larger 14" impeller on the Ariens seems to be a concern, but the "power steering" seems to be helpful.
There are a few folks here who have used them seem pretty happy with them. Some have OHV engibnes and some have L heads.

Toro is probably second to Ariens in popularity around her, and have some nice features but most all models seems to have the Tecumseh L head, a proven but noisy engine.
Simplicity is a well made
They likely also have some sort of sale. If we don't have a couple two dayy storms between now and President's Day weekend, you can expent to see everything on sale.

the 10.5 steerable husky is nice I used one and they are great. The L head engine that it had took a while to warm up and run right though.   They will move alot of snow and they handle like a dream.

I own an ariens 11.5 le and after a few problems it works great. The tecumseh OHV is a great engine and starts and runs nicer than the L head.  It is quite a heavy blower though.  We get alot of snow here in NewBrunswick and the bigger auger/impeller/and intake housing come in handy for big drifts and deep snow.

Your best bet would be HD with the 20% OFF. I was at a local Lowes today and still no discounts on snowblowers

leadie wrote:

Leadie,

I was originally looking at a 5Hp Husky, but ended up getting the 8.5Hp model.   For $300 extra it gave the extra power, extra width, a headlight, single hand operation for auger and drive, electric start and hand controls for the chute deflector adjustment. 

To be honest, I would have got the 5Hp but for the lack of single hand operation, and the controls for the chute deflector adjustment.  

I'm happy with the purchase of my Husky, and I found the price to be better than all comparable blowers.  Oh, and the orange colour is the coolest :)