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

Hi all,

Just curious, what brand of snowblower do you think is the best and most reliable. I learned my lesson a while back with getting what turned out to be an unrelaible machine. Since people on here seem to know quite a bit about snowblowers i thought I would solicit opinions.

Thanks

"What is the best brand?"  is a very general term.  There is best brand at no cost consideration.  Then there is best value.  If money is not a concern, I'd say Honda is likely the best you can buy.  However, if value is important to you, Honda is NOT a good deal.  There is no way that a Honda will last two or three times longer than say a Simplicity.  Nor will maintenance be two or three times less.  Any decent domestic brand (Ariens, Toro, Simplicity, Husqvarna, even some high end Craftsman machines will do most everything the Honda will for around one third the cost if properly maintained.  To me, value is more important than ultimate best.  The best value I have found has been Simplicity.  Very well built, overhead B&S engine, trigger controlled two wheel drive engagement, strong controls and cast iron gear case.  Lots of quality components at a very decent price.  Check one out.     

                                     TORO     

This question gets posted every so often, generally without any criteria ( money, usage pattern, area to be cleared etc). Try doing searches in the archives there is a lot of good discussion there and you will get some guidance on how to ask the question.

I am not sure where the original poster lives,  that may make a differance in my opinion.  But,  In Ohio,  Service for the Honda brand equipment is hard to find and very expensive.  Also,  the yearly snowfall and the size of the drive/lot to be cleared will have a huge impact on the decision.  I personaly have been considering purchasing an atv just to put a snow blower attachment on.  I currently have a yard machine brand snow blower and have had great luck with it.  I also had a toro that I just threw out,  it was nothing but trouble.  The snapper that I bought for my dad 12 years ago is still going strong.  So,  you are right borat,  any good quality domestic machine should be just fine.  Just make sure that parts and service are readily available

borat wrote:

borat wrote:

Husqvarna is actually a Swedish brand rather than an American one.

This aside, I agree with the best value analysis. In my experience with Ariens, Toro, & Craftsman I have found the Ariens to be the best value bar none. The lack of service with a Craftsman negates any upfront savings & the Ariens has a broader, better designed line compared to Toro although I wouldn't say Toro is junk but snowthrowers do not seem to be the priority to Toro that it is to Ariens. I'd make the opposite statement for mowers...

  there are only a handfull of manufacturers.  alot of people use these mans and put there name on the unit.  example  sears craftsman snowblowers.........  depending on the exact unit   they are made by  M.T.D   or   MURRAY.    husqvarna by poulan.   toro by toro.   lawnboy  by lawnboy.    MTD  by  MTD    MURRAY  by  MURRAY    ARIENS  by  ARIENS.  

mech12 wrote:
Thanks for pointing that out & I am aware of that. The quote was "domestic brand" & Husqvarna is not a "domestic brand" despite being manufactured by Poulan. The brand is Swedish regardless of who actually makes it as was pointed-out that Honda is a Japanese brand even though their OPE is domestically-produced.