Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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drifter
Joined: Oct 13, 2010
Points: 115
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Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Original Message Oct 13, 2010 12:06 pm |
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Hi Everyone, snowblower noob here.
First off, GREAT forum.  I've spent the last few days researching here, and the amount and quality of information is superb.
I live in SouthWestern Quebec.(1 hour n/w of Montreal) Our annual snowfall averages around 7 feet. We rarely get storms that'll dump 1 foot of snow, but it does happen.
My driveway is roughly 135' long, double-width, and a "Y" that extends around the front of the house. Total sq. footage of paved surface is over 4000 sq.ft. My driveway has a sloped entry of approximately 15-20 degrees, and 50' long, and the mouth of the entrance is roughly 40' wide. That 40' mouth is a bear to shovel out after the friendly snow-plow dude buries me in.
About me, I'm 62, and just recovering from a back injury which has kept me off work for just over 4 months now. In the past, I've been shoveling the driveway with a snow-scraper. This year, I'm going to buy my first-ever snow-blower.
After reading through many threads here, I realize there are many Ariens fans here. Although I've looked at the Ariens machines in the past, I think I'm going to go with the heavy-duty Troy-Bilt 33" machine. I'm still flexible at this point, and I'm also considering the Ariens 30"/305cc machine, but I intend to purchase by next weekend. (Oct.17th) I'm interested in your comments and opinions.
The Troy-Bilt unit I'm presently looking at has a 357cc OHV PowerMore engine w/electric start, 16" impeller and augers, 16"x6.5" tires, halogen light/hand-warmers, remote chute direction-deflection, and a 4 year warranty, for $1899. CDN. At 379 lbs, it strikes me as being a much more robust machine than the smaller 30" Ariens unit that I'm also considering (305 cc/$1599./245 lbs). Financing for the Troy-Bilt is 0% interest, no payments, no fees, for 1 year. I'm looking for a unit that can throw at least 30', and preferably over 40'. While the Ariens "32" Pro" series looks interesting, it's also $800. more than the Troy-Bilt here in Quebec, with a shorter 3 year warranty.($2699.)
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/2 ... ?locale=en
http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stor ... PartNumber
I have no intention to use this machine commercially btw, otherwise, I might consider the Ariens 32" Pro series. The smaller Ariens unit (30") has smaller tires than the Troy-Bilt(15"??), no hand-warmers, manual chute deflection, smaller motor, smaller frame, shorter warranty, smaller augers and impeller, but it's $300. less than the Troy-Bilt. Doesn't seem worthwhile. What do you guys think?
The Troy-Bilts' "PowerMore" 357cc engine is manufactured in China, by the same folks who manufacture Harley-Davidson engines. It has a cast-iron cylinder-sleeve, cast-iron cam-shaft, and forged-steel crank-shaft. I'm presently awaiting confirmation of the16" impeller rotation-speed from MTD..If it's the same as the 12" model, it should be 1123 rpm. That would put it at roughly the same tip-speed as a 14" impeller, turning at 1300 rpm. (roughly 53-54 mph.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Bob
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GtWtNorth
https://t.me/pump_upp
Location: https://t.me/pump_upp
Joined: Nov 16, 2008
Points: 264
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Re: Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Reply #58 Oct 17, 2010 10:58 pm |
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when I could hire someone to do it for me at $400-$500 / season.
Drifter, maybe you should confirm that price. Where I am I think the price for a contract is closer to $1000 if not more for a regular 12' x 30' drive. Throws a whole new light on the make vs buy calculation! Cheers
https://t.me/pump_upp
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drifter
Joined: Oct 13, 2010
Points: 115
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Re: Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Reply #59 Oct 17, 2010 11:40 pm |
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Yes, you're right. It's been quite a while since I checked. Ten years ago, when I bought my present home, it was costing me $160./season. When fuel prices surged a few years back, it went to $400. Gas is cheaper now, so I'm not sure there's been an increase, but I will check it out in the morning. Last time I talked to the guy, he told me he'd come to do my driveway for $25. for a single storm. BTW, I've also got a line on a couple of Honda HS1132TCD's, a 2004, and a 2007 at $2300, and $2700 respectively. One thing I'm curious about is; how "small" of a machine I should consider? Example; a dealer reconditioned Yamaha YS624 for only $999. I'm thinking that this machine may be totally fine for me as a temporary solution. Why would I want a "temporary solution"? Well, my gut instinct tells me that Yamaha has fired a shot across Hondas' bow, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see at least one new model in Honda's line-up in the near future, to up the ante. Mind you, these things don't happen overnight. I'm thinking that the competition will be very beneficial for consumers. RE, a used 624 or 724, I wouldn't lose much on a resale, and could wait to pounce on the right deal for a newer, bigger machine. From my perspective, it's a toss-up. Yamaha or Honda, and I'll be a very happy drift-buster.  |
aa335
 
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Reply #60 Oct 17, 2010 11:42 pm |
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Guys, I'm starting to think there might be a "blue" snow thrower in my driveway shortly.
I dunno,,,, that Yamaha YS928J sure is starting to look VERY attractive to me. I really liked how quiet this machine was. It has 12vdc start (battery), the engine shroud which keeps noise levels down, serrated scraper-bar, teflon-lined chute and impeller housing, fuel gauge(need to verify), drift-cutter, auto-choke, and electronic chute control.
http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/products.php?model=3537§ion=td&group=G#contentTop Those Yamaha are nice. I don't know if you had perused the literature, but the Yamaha 928 model does away with the shear pins for the auger. Something they call "shock protector". Sweet. Or for a little more, you can step up to the 1232 and get the independent track locks with a lever. I think it does automatic auger lift when you shift into reverse.
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aa335
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Reply #62 Oct 18, 2010 12:05 am |
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No, I'm not. I wished I was musically inclined, that is a sweet looking guitar. I really like those Yamaha. Haven't seen them around here in the US. With those kind of prices, I would expect home demo's before plunking down that kind of cash. You should see Yamaha promotion videos on youtube, they depict a young lady operating the Yamaha and smiling. :) How far from reality that is, but great snowblowing and scenery. If I were retiring, I want that kind of environment.
This message was modified Oct 18, 2010 by aa335
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aa335
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Reply #66 Oct 18, 2010 12:20 am |
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Oh come on now,,,,, you know you WAAAAAAAANT IT. Tell them the  made you do it. You just show me how to hide a 350 lb Yamaha next to a 250 lb Honda snowblower and maybe I'll do it. I got enough slush fund to do it. Hehehe. How many Gibson does it take to buy one Yamaha?
This message was modified Oct 18, 2010 by aa335
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