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

Amazon has a deal going for a Poulan Pro 8.5 hp 27 inch snow blower (PP8527ES) for $639 (list $999) (minus an additional 10% for YARDSALE promo code posted on the web page, valid until Monday 3/5/2007). They also have a deal going on a Poulan Pro 10.5 hp 30 inch snow blower (PP10530ES) for $759 (list $1299)(also minus an additional 10% using the promo code). Shipping on either is a flat rate $99. Total costs would be $675 and $783 respectively (not including tax if applicable).

It sounds like a good deal to me given the features of the machines so I've been trying to do a little research and wanted to get some opinions on Poulan Pro. I'm leaning towards the larger 10.5 hp 30 inch model, as it has power steering whereas the 27 inch model does not. It would appear that the PP10530ES model is the same as the Sears Craftsman 88105 ($1049.88 on clearance) and the Husqvarna 1130SBE ($1199 at Lowes, but 11hp vs. 10.5). From what I've gathered, they are all the same machine with different branding and different engines.

Unfortunately Amazon's site lists very little information about the Poulan Pro and I am not able to find very many reviews about those particular machines.

My current machine is an 8hp 24in Murray with the Tecumseh Snow King engine. It's probably 10-12 years old now and I haven't had many issues with it. However the new machines I've seen with the remote chute joysticks are twisting my arm and tempting me to get a newer, bigger, toy (err, tool).

Does anyone have a Poulan Pro snow blower that they can provide some feedback on?

I have a Sears Craftsman 11.5 hp snow blower with the trigger/power steering.  This is a heavy machine, around 300 lbs, with lots of power so you need this kind of assistance to move it around.  Feels like a bulldozer with all that engine power and steering that stops one wheel.  Although you haven't described the area you'll be clearing, I assume it's sizeable.  My feeling is to buy a machine in the 10 to 11 hp range.  You'll need it in heavy wet snow or at the entrance to your driveway when the street plows do their dump.

This is a great time of year to buy!  You'll have to move quickly to buy because they dissapear fast.  The prices you quoted reflect a deep discount compared to the normal selling prices during the season.  I'd also get a service plan which includes house calls unless you don't mind hauling a heavy machine to a service facility.  You need to be decisive.  Buy the larger one now and don't look back if you hear that someone else bought it for $30 to $60 less.  You can drive yourself crazy thinking about the other guy who bought it for less yet in reality you (and the other guy) are actually some of a few who will be fortunate enough to buy one at a bargain price.  Go for it!

I bought mine for $900 this time last year.

Forgot about one more item:

Check out the Classic Deluxe Snow Thrower Cab.  I bought one for $79.95 on Amazon.  Sears was selling it for $109 and I've also seen them at higher prices.  I don't think you'll find it any cheaper anywhere else than on Amazon.  Don't consider buying the lower priced version from Classic.  It would blow away in a light breeze.  The Deluxe is a quality product, very sturdy and it takes a couple of hours or less to assemble but it's worth it.  You'll be somewhat protected in foul weather except from maybe a strong tailwind.  Classic also includes a bag to fill with 13 lbs of sand for mounting on the top front of the auger housing.  This allows for a forward counter weight to compensate for the cab weight.

The cab is easily removeable when not in use just in case you don't have a tall enough space for storage.