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

I believe there were at least two posts over at the other OPE site where I read a less than favourable comment about the Honda single stage machine.  I'm not that obsessed about the subject to go looking for them.  Feel free is you so desire. 

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.

Gaken- I understand your reasons but I think they are flawed. If your buying new any of the more powerful single stage machines are right there with the price  of a 2 stage. The top of the line Toros are $1000 (ball park). I have to believe ( haven't checked as I'm not in the market for one) that the top of the line Honda and Ariens are right there too. For a $1000 you could and imo should get a Ariens 8hp/24" machine. Also size wise (for storage) the bigger single stage machines aren't much smaller than an entry level 2 stage machine. 2 stage machines will clear down to pavement if the owner/operator sets the skids to do so. As for eod I would any day rather be tackling it with a 2 stage. I've had on very rare occasion had to clear a 3' eod. There is no guarantee on how high the plow truck driver will pile it up on you. I have no first hand experience with the machines you listed, I am coming from a price/size stand point.

Borat- I personally don't think Honda is all that either and I do find if anyone critcises honda they are open to alot of flack but I thought your post was a pretty general statement. It's ok to post that but then you should provide some proof like a link to a site where you read that. No funny stuff intended. Keep on posting.

- Kris

when I say space is a consideration, weight goes along with it.