First Post for me ( so be kind):
I would love to have a 2 stage snowblower. However for both space and financial reasons, I want to know what is the most powerful used single stage snowblower on the market?
Here are my requirements:
A) Must be able to clear up to 12" of wet or dry snow. We usually get in the 6-8" range of dry snow here in Michigan.
B) Paved drive. I ruled out 2 stage also because they don't clear all the way down to the pavement.
C) Must be able to make a good dent in the end of the drive snowplow buildup.
I considered a Toro CCR 3000 (5 HP Suzuki engine - model year '97 - '99), a Toro 3650 (6.5 HP - R Tek Lawn Boy engine - model yr 2000 - 2007), an Ariens 722EC (7 HP), or a Honda. I found it interesting that when I talked to my local Toro dealer, he told me that the Toro CCR 3000 was actually stronger than the R tek Lawn Boy engine in the 3650. He said it was an underated Commercial engine that would be less prone to "bog down" in the deep stuff. When I called Toro about it, they told me that the 121cc Suzuki engine makes the same 6 ft/lbs of torque as the Larger 141cc Lawn Boy Duraforce engine in the Toro 3650. They also told me that the Suzuki engine had a Net HP of 5 and the Toro 3650 only had a net HP of 4 . (6.5 HP Gross).
Anyone with first hand experience or knowledge here, please weigh in.