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

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SnowRemover


Toro 828LXE

Location: Near Albany, NY
Joined: Jan 12, 2005
Points: 139

How Much Power Do I need
Original Message   Jan 12, 2005 1:56 pm
I'm looking into a snow blower/thrower.  I live in upstate NY (near Albany) and would estimate we get about four to five storms a year with about 8".  There are the rare NorthEasters that may drop 15" every three or four years.

My driveway is on about a 3 degree grade, one car length in width for about thirty feet, then it opens up to about three car lengths wide (in an L shape) for about twenty feet.

Is a single stage thrower too small, or will it work but just take more time to clear the snow?

I see CR reviewed models recently and liked the single stage Toro CCR-2450 which I can get online (free shipping, no tax) for $537 at SpeedWaysales.com.

The two-stage model they liked was a Craftsman 88790, which Sears has on sale for $949.

I would love to hear what people think about the two-stage versus one-stage, especially if you live in the Northeast near Albany, and what models you think are the best.

Lastly, I HATE maintenance, and the Ariens web site scared the bejeesus out of me with their maintenance section (You must tighten the drive belt after 20 hours of usage.  Then in the drive belt section it says, "Be careful, if this is not done right you may be injured or killed").  
This message was modified Jan 12, 2005 by SnowRemover


It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them!
--Friedrich Nietzsche
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ChrisS


Appreciate what you have already been blessed with.


Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 2793

Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #10   Jan 12, 2005 4:02 pm
Ok, I would highly encourage you to follow the advice given so far.  This is not the piece of equipment that you should be looking to cut costs on.  Where you live I guarantee you will regret your decision and eventually have to pay for the machine you should have bought in the first place.  Now that will cost you.

Yes Welcome!

C

Honda 928TA, Ariens 924 STE, Toro single stage S-620, 95 Jeep Wrangler with a 6 foot Fisher Plow, many shovels, one 14 year old boy.  Craftsman 01 1000 LTX pimp Gold LT 20hp Briggs OHV V-twin.  Tough as it is ugly.
Emmo


Joined: May 22, 2003
Points: 1065

Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #11   Jan 12, 2005 4:17 pm
Snowremover....I've already PM"d some info to you.....

What kind of units do your neighbors have??  Talk to them and get the pro's and con's as they see it.  My perception is that a 2 stage will be a better fit.  Self propelled, better for EOD, able to easlily handle the big dumps.

The singles are probably quicker to use, they're very nimble.  Take up less storage space.  Easily handle the 4-8 inch storms.

The overall question of whether you can justify one or not.  Like Marshall said, who wants to wait on the snow dude?  You can do it when you need it done.  No more shovelling those storms of 4" or less like you were talking about(Think of the time savings not shovelling).  I don't know how old you are, but if you can affford it, living where you do, by all  means go for it.  It will quickly pay for itself and if it saves you a heart attack along the way......well, PRICELESS. 
This message was modified Jan 12, 2005 by Emmo
hickster


Location: Chugiak, Alaska
Joined: Apr 15, 2004
Points: 163

Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #12   Jan 12, 2005 9:33 pm
Hate Maintenance? Buy a HONDA!

928WA (wheels) or 928TA (Tracks!)

Think more like 12-15 years of ownership.

Yes, they are worth it (but can be bought for less than MSRP).

hickster

Weather outlook for the "Anchorage bowl"

Blower      HS928TA 
Mower      HRR216PDA 
Washer    Excell XR2700 (6.5 Honda-GX/AR-2700psi/3gpm) 
Trimmer   John Deere (Homelite clone)
Saw         Husky 141 

Dave


Craftsman 88799

Location: Wisconsin
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Points: 593

Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #13   Jan 12, 2005 10:25 pm
Snowremover, a single stage would handle your needs. It is a personal choice, and there are pros and cons with both single stage and 2 stage. With a single stage you will need to clear your area more that once in bigger storms in order to keep up with it, especially when it comes to the EOD. If you are willing to do this, I would consider the Toro 3650 which is only about $70 more than the 2450. The Toro Snow Commander rules in the single stsge machines, but more money. Good luck, and let us know what you decide on. Dave
MountainMan


Overpowered is Usually Adequate


Location: Connecticut
Joined: Feb 19, 2003
Points: 1564

Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #14   Jan 12, 2005 11:30 pm
My famouse Quote is " OVERPOWERED IS USUALLY ADEQUATE".

I have used both style machines, and for now my main machine is 11.5 hp two stage. For the money, in that area, a 2 stage makes a lot of scence. If you pay a little more, and get a POWERFULL machine, you wont regret getting a machine that isunderpowered and takes along time to do a job, when your running short on time and patients.

Ariens 1128PRO- Honda Generator_ Husky 480-257 Jonsered 2050Turbo- Shindiawa T2500 SCAG Mower -little wonder blower-Sears track blower-Coleman Generator- Bombadier ATV-Stihl HS-45 Etc-Etc-Etc
Dantheman


Location: Orange County, N.Y.
Joined: Jan 21, 2003
Points: 561

Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #15   Jan 13, 2005 9:55 am
I have a friend that lives in $#%*ton Spa that had an older small frame two stage Toro.I think it was 5 or 6 HP. He said it did the trick but he always felt like he could have used more horsepower. Especially at the end of the driveway. I live in Orange County NY and went with an overkill of 11.5 HP. But I help some of the older neighbors out as well.

You're in the "snowbelt" of NYS so I would recommend a large frame two stage with a bare minimum of 8 HP. I always like to go one size higher than I really need so that would be 9 or 10 HP depending on what is offered in the brand that your looking at.

Then when the nor'easter hits you will be removing the snow with ease without struggeling.

I like the Simplicity Brand and think they are worth the extra bucks.....even if you have to streach the ol' wallet a bit....you won't regret it. But a good Toro or Ariens DLE will work too.

                                                                                                                       Dan

SnowRemover


Toro 828LXE

Location: Near Albany, NY
Joined: Jan 12, 2005
Points: 139

Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #16   Jan 13, 2005 11:05 am
I'm down to two models - the highly rated Craftsman 9hp two-stage for $949, or the not so highly rated (by Consumers) Ariens 8.5hp, on sale at HD for $900.

Is there a consensus?  I like the craftsmen's turning ability (little handles under the main handle) to help turn the unit in one direction or the other.  The Ariens doesn't have that.  However, will the Craftsmen last 15 years? 

Thoughts appreciated.

It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them!
--Friedrich Nietzsche
Dave___in___CT


Deliberate often...
...decide once...


Location: West-Central Connecticut
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Points: 3159

Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #17   Jan 13, 2005 11:11 am
The Ariens for me...

I'd take what Consumer's says about snoblower ranking with a grain of salt...


Dave...

Whether you think you can or you can't... you're right.
Henry Ford

   BCS Tractor & snowblower

Emmo


Joined: May 22, 2003
Points: 1065

Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #18   Jan 13, 2005 11:29 am
SnowRemover wrote:
I'm down to two models - the highly rated Craftsman 9hp two-stage for $949, or the not so highly rated (by Consumers) Ariens 8.5hp, on sale at HD for $900.

Is there a consensus?  I like the craftsmen's turning ability (little handles under the main handle) to help turn the unit in one direction or the other.  The Ariens doesn't have that.  However, will the Craftsmen last 15 years? 

Thoughts appreciated.

As Dave has already stated and many others here will agree  (Fred will definately be defending the Craftsman thoughand thats OK!) the ariens will be the way to go.  If I'm looking at the right Craftsman, the 88790, shown here:

Those "little handles, under the main handles" are actually the ONLY handles.  The things on top are levers to engage the drive wheels and the auger.  This unit does have power steering that will increase your manueverability.   This unit is made by MTD, and some here will argue that the better Craftsman are made by Murray.  There are many here who also believe that the Briggs motor is superior to the Tecumseh that this model has.

As the Craftsman go, many here believe this unit is the "Best Buy" of the bunch.  It is a Murray built unit with the Briggs OHV

Now many others will prefer the Ariens,  better built, longer lasting, all steel construction, backed by a consumer concerned company.  They will also tell you to buy it from a dealer not a box store.  Agent Orange(Home Depot that is, NOT Ariens!) does not service what they sell.  You'll still be going to a dealer for help, why not put the money in his pocket on the front side of this transaction so that you're already on his good side when you need to go see him for service?  Likely the Ariens will do a better job for a longer period of time!

You can find an Ariens dealer by clicking here


I hope this helps!


PS     I agree that Consumer reports doesn't represent an accurate long term view of any of the products they review.   They look at upfront costs, initial performance at very common tasks, not taking into account longevity, servicablility, or performance at extreme demands.


This message was modified Jan 13, 2005 by Emmo
ChrisS


Appreciate what you have already been blessed with.


Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 2793

Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #19   Jan 13, 2005 11:34 am
I echo Dave's point.  Consumer Reports looks at features and entry price for their rating.  What they don't look for is construction and longevity.

The Crafstman unit you are looking at is made by MTD.  We have beat this horse to death over on the old forum so I will summarize, it is not the machine for a person who lives in a snow belt.  You need to buy a Premium machine for where you live and buy if for the what-if storms you WILL get. 

You are afraid of the Ariens maintenance we have never touched my Dad's 96 924 STE, except to change the oil.  It has been serviced for the first time this year.  It has always run perfectly. 

Emmo has led you to the water, it is now time for you to have a drink.



Honda 928TA, Ariens 924 STE, Toro single stage S-620, 95 Jeep Wrangler with a 6 foot Fisher Plow, many shovels, one 14 year old boy.  Craftsman 01 1000 LTX pimp Gold LT 20hp Briggs OHV V-twin.  Tough as it is ugly.
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