Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Hubby's xmas present, need help choosing btwn 2 models.
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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cwags
Joined: Dec 14, 2006
Points: 2
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Hubby's xmas present, need help choosing btwn 2 models.
Original Message Dec 14, 2006 9:39 pm |
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Hi, I've decided to get my husband his dream present...a snowblower. It's a total surprise and I really want it to be the right one. We are in MA, have a medium-sized driveway and long sidewalks. So, I'm considering 2 models: Craftsman 5.5hp dual stage 24" #88355 (can get for $558) website: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Snow+Equipment&pid=07188355000&vertical=LAWN&subcat=Snow+Throwers%2C+Gas&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes OR Yard Machines 2 stage 5.5hp 24" Snow Blower (31AS6BEE700) item no: 7171093 ($650) website: http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2422176&cp=1254884.1900505&clickid=lefttnav_catlinks_txt&parentPage=family&searchId=1900505#specs The seem very similar with one difference being that the Yard Machines one has a knob at the top where handles are and craftsman has that knowb down lower. I've come to a dead end in my research and and hoping for some guidance. Thanks so much! |
Snowmann
 
Joined: Dec 3, 2003
Points: 494
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Re: Hubby's xmas present, need help choosing btwn 2 models.
Reply #12 Dec 15, 2006 5:17 pm |
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Wife again: I have to say, this is absolutely maddening. Let me know if you think he needs a bigger machine. Our driveway is only long/wide enough to fit 1 minivan and 1 sedan back to back. Then a long sidewalk spanning a few houses (as he will want to plow the neighbors too.) We live right outside boston so maybe an average of 8-10" per snowfall. The 5.5 hp craftsman (tecumseh engine) had good reviews but the 8.5hp craftsman (Briggs & Stratton OHV Engine) had mixed reviews. So that was my reason for picking the 5.5hp. But maybe the 8.5 would be a better choice? OR...since Ariens is CLEARLY the MUCH better model. However, the reason I wasn't considering them was b/c the models in my budget (520 E and 5520--is one better than the other? Only $10 difference btwn) didn't have the chute turner out in back ... was in front of user. Let me know if that is not a big deal? Would user need to shut thrower off to turn chute? From reading consumer reports the ease of moving chute is a big deal, since he'll be going up and down driveway. Def don't want that to be a pain. I guess next model up from there w/ the snow chute adjustment in back is the Ariens 5524E. $779. Guess I could do that but wasn't planning on spending that much. Is it really necessary for a driveway like ours? Not like we live out in the country with a 1/2 mile drive... Sorry, I'm so confused but need to figure this out by tonight b/c sears is having a 10% off sale sat morn and If I"m getting a craftsman I need to be there. Thanks so very much for your help on this. I really appreicate it and my husband will too!
$779 for the ST5524E is list/retail price. You should be able to get the Ariens ST5524E for $699 and the ST724E for $799. These are the often advertised "promotional" prices and are realistic selling prices. If someone won't sell one for that right now, keep walking. Just don't try to get them for that price in the middle of a snowstorm or when they are in short supply.
PK
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jubol
Location: Dover, De
Joined: Oct 3, 2003
Points: 1558
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Re: Hubby's xmas present, need help choosing btwn 2 models.
Reply #13 Dec 15, 2006 5:25 pm |
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70 Chevy, I had a HD 20 % off coupon, up to $2000.00 purchase. I went to Lowes asked if they would honer it, they said yes. Bought a new double oven and dishwasher;came to $2100.00, gave me a $400.00 discount!!!  Fred
Husqvarna STE927(11.5HP) snowblower, MTD Pro Series 18/42 Lawnmower, MTD 6.5 HP Self Prop Lawn Mower, Weedeater 1500 Blower, Web Gensis 2000
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RalphS
There's a reason for more than one snowblower.
Because.
1974 Ariens 824 SnoThro
197? Ariens ST270 SnoThro
1988 Ariens ST824 SnoThro
196? REO Snowblower
1960 Ariens SnoThro
1964 Ariens SnoThro
Location: MA
Joined: Dec 21, 2004
Points: 70
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Re: Hubby's xmas present, need help choosing btwn 2 models.
Reply #14 Dec 17, 2006 12:32 am |
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I'm partial to Ariens, but several friends have had good luck with Toro units (I'm picking up a used Toro from brother in law and a used Ariens from another friend tomorrow). I rebuild what I find or what is given to me and then give them to family members. My experience with older (1988 and earlier) Ariens is that parts and service are available for just about every model made (I have purchased parts for models from the 60's). You might consider a used unit from a local dealer, but might be a semi-lame gift, maybe give your husband the option? In my opinion, your driveway and sidewalk needs aren't that great, you might be able to get by with a smaller unit, but just use patience. I am just outside of the 495 belt near Route 2 in Mass, so we do get dumped on (but not in the near future :( Good Luck. Ralph |
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