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?)

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?

BTW are all the Briggs engines on the Simp OHV?

Guys,

The most important  factors when buying a blower as I see it are:  Location and amount of snow received!

Where I live, an MTD 8 HP is almost overkill. Blower might get 1 hour of use per year on the average.

So MTD is great here, would last 40 to 50 years !!

If you get pounded with huge amounts and frequency of snows, then invest in a Very high HP quality blower!

What do you buy, I like Chevys, you like Fords, buy any of the better blowers for your area and dealer support and you will enjoy having  to blow snow!!

Every blower has different Pro's and Con's, However  I would stay away from MTD blowers in heavy snow areas!!

I bought my Husky for large snow dumps, about once every 5 years,  tight easy turn capability,  great  chute control,  Tec OHV Engine, weight, and very good construction,

My Husky weighs 266 Lbs, fueled ready to go!!

It was weighed on a commercial scale!!

                                                      Fred

                                            

Fred has pretty much summed it up. 

Match the quality of the machine to the demands of the work it will be required to do.

However, if you're spending X amount of money, get the most value you can get for it.

So is the Ariens differential concept unique to them?  I seems like a good idea.

Does the Simp or Husky have something similar, or are they posi traction (is this what it's called in snowblower land? :) )  and can be unlocked to turn?

FW,

On my Husky, squeeze left trigger, turns sharp left, squeeze right, turns a sharp right!!!

Squeeze both, free wheeling for transport!

                                                                   Fred

Just to follow-up on my post,

First, thanks for all of the advice.  I ended up buying a Simplicity 8526E for slightly less than $1000 and have used it several times already -- it's been a rough winter up here in Ohio!

For those that may be looking, I have only owned my machine for a little over two months, but so far I highly recommend it.  My driveway is sloped, wide, and long, but the Simplicity has had no problem at all with clearing.  I never did try it on my deck, because basically I'm afraid to. ;)

The only strange thing is when you engage the auger, it makes a weird "skidding" noise - I"m not sure if this is normal or not, but it doesn't seem to be causing any problems at this point.  Also, I did not get the "easy-turn" feature and wish I had!  The machine is fairly heavy and not the easiest thing to turn -- but if you put it in 1st gear and turn, it's still manageable.

Thanks again!  And good luck to those who are looking.

I also am in the market for a new or used snowthrower.   I have a cabin at 6,800 feet in the Sierras.   We currently have about 6-7 feet of snow piled up around our cabin.  Storms can bring 2-3 feet of snow at a time.   For the past 4 winters I have been using a Craftsman (made by MTD) 9 HP 27 inch.   I have decided I need to upgrade.    I have been thinking about the simplicity or snapper based on the reviews on this website.   There is a used 8 hp tracked newer Honda on craigslist, that I also was thinking about, but I am wondering if it is big enough for the job I have.    The intake height is not that large.     I also was wondering about Poulan Pro and Husqavarna...  but they are made by AYP?      Probably wait until spring /summer and get the simplicity or snapper if I can find it on sale.  

But does anyone have experience with a tracked 8 hp Honda dealing with 2-3 feet of snow at time?