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

I think I'm going to buy a new  snow blower, but am not sure which to get. I have a 10 year old Yard Machines 30" with a Tecumseh engine which has suited me fine, BUT the vibration coming off the handles really bothered me last year.

Maybe a Honda is the way to go, but they sure are pricey.

I guess another option is to go with a tractor mounted blower, but that seems like a lot of hassle and money.
(I do have an old 2wd Wheelhorse which perhaps I could mount a blower on and leave on, but I would want a 2 stage blower and it looks like the old Wheelhorse blowers were single stage.)

We live outside Boston, so snowfall varies a lot year to year.


Thanks,

Laz

Tolerance for vibration is subjective so tough to estimate what would be smooth for you.  You probably have a 10-12hp engine and maybe an OHV.   Has the machine vibration been the same since day one and you are just fed up with it or has it increased over the years?

 

  I’ve never had a problem with vibration unless something was wrong with a machine.  Do you have arthritis in your hands?   Maybe there is something wrong with your machine?  

 

Vibration could some from,

engine timing,

friction disk rubber could have sections missing,

augers bent,

auger shaft bent,

skids worn and scraper bar worn so low the rakes hit,

impeller out of balance,

overly worn bearings.

 

  Honda’s are pretty smooth.  A second hand Yamaha 828 is smooth running and could do the job of a YM 30 easily.  I'd go to various dealers and try out their machines.

 

I’m in Marlboro and we don’t get all that much snow.  Unless you have a super big area a big MTD should last and not vibrate much.  Most of those machines had wide tires so absorb quite a bit.  Hard to say what new machines would be enough to make a difference for you.

Yes, it is a 10HP.  I think that my tolerance to the vibration has decreased and also probably the blower vibrates more than it used to.

I have had the same problem with some push mowers-- my hands get a bit numb and tingly after an hour or so.

Thanks,

Laz





trouts2 wrote: