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").  

Snowblowers are easier to turn on the snow...

You can "muscle" the machine to turn sharply...
...or...
...use reverse & forward to turn it in smaller increments with less physical force...
...or... easier yet...
...keep going forward while turning in a wider arc that you/she feel comfortable with...


Dave...

I would recommend the Ariens over the Craftsman for your area and would rather go to an Ariens dealer( not Home Depot ) and get the 926 DLE. The cast iron gear case and differential steering are well worth the extra money in your neck of the woods. 

When the "Big" storm hits you will be happy to have spent the extra dough.

                                                                                                                Dan

"The 926 DLE Emmo mentioned is THE machine"

Now we're talking about $1350 or more.  I could buy a 9hp Craftsman and a single stage Toro for small jobs at that price.  I'm trying to keep it under a $1,000.  From what I'm hearing, the Ariens 8526 won't be easy to handle if I'm at work and my wife wants to clear the driveway.

No one can show any statistics that the Craftsman is less reliable, it's all "word of mouth", yet I can't find any more posts about Craftsman problems than Ariens or any other company.  Many people state their Craftsman is running great at 15, 20 or more years. 

If I didn't want the finger control steering available on the Craftsman for $949, I could get a 9hp Craftsman for $699.  And if I buy an Ariens at HD, they don't service it, so I have to go to a local dealer who wants $1,049 for the Ariens that HD has for $900.

Ariens is just too confusing to buy, too much maintenance without "risk of death", difficult to use without male hormones, Ariens dealers won't let me return the unit if I don't like it (Sears will),  and for $150 I can get a 5 year "in home" protection plan with unlimited service calls (raising the price to $1,100 vs $1,049 for the Ariens at the dealer).

The Ariens is only a 3 year limited warranty -  requiring "The purchaser must perform maintenance and minor adjustments explained in the owner's manual." or the warranty is voided AND I have to haul the unit (not exactly light) to a service facility for repairs.

So, unless someone can show me where my numbers, stats and facts don't add up, I think the Craftsman is the way to go.  I know the Ariens owners need to defend their purchase choice (like all the Chevy Cavalier owners) but the facts just don't add up to get an Ariens.

OK Snow,

Then get the Craftsman.

C

I haven't found my 11528 DLE too difficult to turn with both wheels locked. If you have an asphalt drive I don't think you or your wife will find the smaller 8HP unit too difficult to turn with one wheel unlocked. That said, if your gut tells you to go with the Sears and service warranty, I'd go for it.

You asked and we replied,  I guess our collective knowledge and experiences don't add up to yours.

Enjoy your Consumer Reports special.

personally worked on some of those New SEARS units with the cable actuated snow deflector. I think that is the weekest part of the machine. Some have come from the factory all botched up. A traditional hand crank, of the speed crank Ariens usus, is simpler and more reliable.

Briggs Engine and Ariens would be my Ultimate machine.....

Emmo wrote:
Whenever one is in a discussion and puts themselves in a position of superiority, it means their argument holds no water.

SnowRemover wrote:
Someone came here with an agenda.

Hi...

Answering a few of your points/questions...


"No one can show any statistics that the Craftsman is less reliable, it's all "word of mouth"..."
That's what is given here... "word of mouth" advice/opinions... mostly from experienced snowblower users... some from experts... some from others...

"Many people state their Craftsman is running great at 15, 20 or more years. "
Same with other brands...
... but like most any outdoor power equipment... today's machines are not built the same... a close inspection will reveal some of the differences...  some are obvious... like plastic discharge chutes...


"And if I buy an Ariens at HD, they don't service it, so I have to go to a local dealer who wants $1,049 for the Ariens that HD has for $900."
Buy it at the Depot if you want... any Ariens dealer will service it... possibly other OPE dealers too...

"Ariens is just too confusing to buy, too much maintenance without "risk of death",..."
"The Ariens is only a 3 year limited warranty -  requiring "The purchaser must perform maintenance and minor adjustments explained in the owner's manual." or the warranty is voided AND I have to haul the unit (not exactly light) to a service facility for repairs."
Is the Craftsman blower maintenance free ?
Dealers usually offer pickup/delivery for a fee...

"Ariens dealers won't let me return the unit if I don't like it (Sears will)..."
This is a plus... how about Home Depot taking a return ?

"... for $150 I can get a 5 year "in home" protection plan with unlimited service calls ..."
I suggest you read the fine print... ...and ask what the guarenteed turn-around-time is...
I doubt this plan includes "normal maintenance and wear items" that you dislike about the Ariens...


Deliberate often... decide once...

I know it's not EZ deciding...

Please let us know what you choose...


Dave...