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").  

SnowRemover,

            I would sooner buy the Craftsman 8HP, Murray built blower for $699.00 than buy a single stage blower. It has an

8Hp overhead valve engine, which folks tell me is equal to about 9.6 Hp in a flat head engine.

It should handle any thing you get in your area!!

                                                                             Fred

Snowremover, by the way, welcome to the forum! 

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

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. 

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

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

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.

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

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...