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

Hi,

I live in Wisconsin and we get some pretty good snow here. What I need is a 16inch wide snowblower because my walkway is only 18" wide and I don't want to hit grass on either side of the walkway. I want it to be a 4 stroke because I heard it's easier starting and I don't like mixing fuel/oil. I also want as much HP as I can get in a machine that size. (preferably around 1000 pounds per minute rating)

My budget is $500. Could you please make a suggestion on a quality item that will last many year? Thanks.

Okay the weight of snow topic captured my interest so I tried to research it but my brain farted out.

If anyone else is interested here the link I tried to use.

http://www.islandnet.com/~see/weather/almanac/arc2007/alm07feb.htm

By the way, it it were me and I had a budget of $500 I'd try to find a good used 2 stage self-propelled snow-thrower.  7-8 horsepower minimum.  And look for a machine with a large heavy frame...if two men can lift it "easily", it's too light.

I think his width limitations for sidewalk precludes a two-stage. :)

I know but if it were me I'd rather have a 2 stage.  I run my 2 stage over grass to help out the dogs.  It doesn't harm the grass at all.  Frankly I think that a single stage would be more likely to tear up grass.  I'd go for a used 24" 2 stage with around 7-8 hp since he want to move snow quickly...and adjusted properly it shouldn't hurt the lawn.

Mr. Borat,

I too share your love of two strokes,  but if i may correct your statement.

"In addition, new two strokes use less oil in their mix with fuel.  That combined with superior oils of the day, you will be pleasantly surprised with how clean they burn."

All two stroke engines have the same needs/ requirements,  over time only the quality of the oil has changed ..

Give me an old engine that says "25-1" mix in the manual,  I will run it all day on 100-1  ratio premium  2 stroke oil , or  25-1  ratio of SAE 10w30 

Likewise if you check most manuals of newer two strokes they give a alternate of 25-1 for use of SAE 10w30 or so on....