Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > How Much Power Do I need
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
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How Much Power Do I need
Original Message Jan 12, 2005 1:56 pm |
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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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Dantheman
Location: Orange County, N.Y.
Joined: Jan 21, 2003
Points: 561
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #15 Jan 13, 2005 9:55 am |
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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
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SnowRemover
Toro 828LXE
Location: Near Albany, NY
Joined: Jan 12, 2005
Points: 139
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #16 Jan 13, 2005 11:05 am |
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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
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Dave___in___CT
Deliberate often... ...decide once...
Location: West-Central Connecticut
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Points: 3159
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #17 Jan 13, 2005 11:11 am |
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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
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Emmo
Joined: May 22, 2003
Points: 1065
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #18 Jan 13, 2005 11:29 am |
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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 though and 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 OHVNow 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
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ChrisS
Appreciate what you have already been blessed with.
Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 2793
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #19 Jan 13, 2005 11:34 am |
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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. 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.
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Dave___in___CT
Deliberate often... ...decide once...
Location: West-Central Connecticut
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Points: 3159
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #22 Jan 13, 2005 12:01 pm |
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One other Ariens plus... Parts availability for old (and Newer) equipment... Some manufacturer's stop parts support after several (7?) years... Example: ~ two years ago I bought a used 1960's Ariens snowblower... Contacted Ariens and got the original Owner's and Service manuals for it... copies of course... Dave...
Whether you think you can or you can't... you're right.Henry Ford BCS Tractor & snowblower
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SnowRemover
Toro 828LXE
Location: Near Albany, NY
Joined: Jan 12, 2005
Points: 139
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #23 Jan 13, 2005 12:19 pm |
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OK, if I go with the Ariens, how do you turn the unit around? Do I need to keep the wheel lock clips out to make turns? Do i have to pick it up and shove it? Can my wife (petite) use this unit. This is where I'm confused - handling. Consumers gave Ariens its worse rating for maneuvarability.
It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them! --Friedrich Nietzsche
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