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

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").  

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.

The Ariens for me...

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


Dave...

SnowRemover wrote:
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.

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 

ChrisS wrote:
Dave and Chris,

Great minds............

I agree that the Ariens is the way to over the long haul in the Albany area. When you buy from Home Depot you'll just need to make sure the assembly steps outlined in your manual were properly carried out and you'll need to do the inital run-in for the belts (as per page 12 of your manual). If you need helpful advice as you go along you'll find plenty on this forum.

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...

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.

Any unit with the pin-lock system, regardless of make, will be more difficult to maneuver than one with power steering or a differential.

Most get along just fine with the wheel pin lock out.   Only one wheel drives the unit allowing the other wheel to spin freely allowing you to turn it around with minimal effort.  You would pin both wheels for that "Huge dump".  Others pin both together all the time and just man-handle it.  It is much easier to man-handle on snow or ice covered surfaces as opposed to a dry showroom floor  or driveway.

Or if you want the ultimate,  Click here


It has a differential gear box that allows free steering, easy to maneuver. OHV engine, remote chute deflector,cast iron gear box, etc.etc

You should be able to find it for less than MSRP.

Snow, Dude, you can't go withe the MTD where you live.  If your wife is going to be using it then look at the Honda 724 WA/TA's which are lighter or one of the smaller Ariens or Simp units.  They will still be hard to turn for her but will be small enough for her to handle also.  The 926 DLE Emmo mentioned is THE machine and she will be able to turn it with it's differential easily.

C