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

I'd like to buy a snowblower (for $1,500 or less if possible).  I have a normal sized driveway (10 feet by 80 feet) and get pretty heavy snow as I'm in the snowbelt here in northeast Ohio.  If you guys could help me witih the exact brand/model to get, it would help me out a lot.

1.  I read that the Briggs & Stratton engines are better than Tecumseh -- how true is this?

2.  Research has indicated the best brand names (in approximate order) are:  Honda, Simplicity (Snapper), Ariens, Toro -- is this fairly accurate?

3.  However, since my budget is $1,500 I'm looking for the best VALUE too (not necessarily the best blower).  I'm thinking the best value might be: Simplicity, Toro, Ariens, Honda -- is this accurate or am I way off?

4.  If I spend an extra $500 will I get something SUBSTANTIALLY better than what a $1,500 (or less)  snowthrower can give me? 

I'm not into bells and whistles (i.e. I don't want hand-warmers or electronic shute controls).  If you can offer any advice on the exact brand/model to get, I'd appreciate it!!

(P.S.  I also have a 600 squarefoot deck - is it OK to use a snowblower on a deck?)

fireworks wrote:
You pull a small lever on the left side handle.  It dis-engages two wheel traction drive to allow one wheel traction drive.  One wheel is still driving but turning is much  easier in either direction.  Trust me, it's simple and it works very well.  You will also like the one handed operation feature.  When you depress the wheel drive lever after depressing the auger drive lever, you can take you right hand off of the handle to operate controls and the auger keeps turning.  Releasing the wheel drive lever also disengages the auger drive.  The mechanics of it are simple yet effective.  Not too much to adjust or go wrong.

jubol wrote:

Maybe this one?

http://www.prestonhardware.com/estore-product-details.asp?id=24682

The part I find difficult is finding the details of things like bearing/bushings, belt change difficulty, etc.  It looks good for the cash.  Especially the power steering.  I assume this means it actually will use power to turn versus a wheel disengaging and you pushing it around?

It's the 90 degree turn in the snow that I unsure about.

borat wrote:
 How well does it turn when it's in 12 inch or more of snow?
The one hand thing sounds good. I think simple has merit!

Almost the same blower as mine!!

Difference, yours 10.5 Tec L head, mine 9.5 Tec OHV.

It is a great machine that is user friendly!!

Turns on a Dime!

The one hand allows you to work chute controls without stopping!

Also has infinate speeds.

I would buy mine again!!

                                                    Fred

jubol wrote:

Husky's web site doesn't even list your model and all of the blowers are Fixed Disc.

I don't get it.

Mine is 3 years old!!

All have disk drives, just that Huskies are infinite and others 2, 3 5, or 6 speeds.

                                 Fred

fireworks wrote:

It's like any other snow thrower in deep snow.  If the snow is heavy there will be resistance regardless of what machine you are using.  I used my Simplicity a couple of weeks ago after a big 20+ inch snow fall of heavy drift snow.  It just ate it up.  If I have trouble getting it to turn in very deep snow, I just use the machine to make a big enough hole to turn it around.  You'd be doing the same regardless of one or two wheel drive. 

borat wrote:

Do you think this http://www.prestonhardware.com/estore-product-details.asp?id=24682 is comparable to the Simplicity L9528E ?

fireworks wrote:

Without physically inspecting the machine, I'd say it's a respectable effort but I'd still swing toward the Simplicity. 

The Husqvarna has a number of features that the Simp doesn't but, I can live without them.  The Simplicity on the other hand has desirable features that I prefer.  For instance it has the ohv B&S engine.  It's one horse power short but being an ohv it will likely outperform the Tecumseh engine and will certainly be more pleasant to live with due to less vibration and quieter running.  Another couple things on the Simp that I like are the chute control rod and the huge cast iron auger drive gear case.  I cannot compare build quality between the two machines because I have not physically inspected the Husky.  I will however take  Fred's word that it's put together well.  Dollar for dollar, I'd still go with the Simplicity. 

 

borat wrote:

True about the OHV.  Is the cast iron gear case that big a deal? Aluminum can be strong if done right.   I see what you mean about the rods.  Less maintenance I take it?