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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drifter
Joined: Oct 13, 2010
Points: 115
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Re: Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Reply #81 Oct 18, 2010 10:37 pm |
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Yes, I realize that, and in fact, that is why I'm looking at the TC models, rather than the electric-start models. The Yamaha just looked like a heavier build all around. You have to see it, and hear it, to really appreciate it. Probably the first and last snow-thrower I'll ever need to buy. Every inch of it is impressive, even the cables are impressive, lol..
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aa335
 
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Reply #83 Oct 18, 2010 11:25 pm |
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Not that I know of. Never occurred to me to ask, but I'm reasonably certain that this option is only available on the larger machines. 130 additional pounds without independent track steering or differential would be a deal breaker for me. Perhaps you should try to steer it and see if manageable. My HS1132 is already approximately 280lbs wet and with snow cab. I wouldn't want it to be any heavier with the fixed axle.
This message was modified Oct 18, 2010 by aa335
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drifter
Joined: Oct 13, 2010
Points: 115
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Re: Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Reply #84 Oct 18, 2010 11:44 pm |
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Actually, the Honda HS1132TC, and the Yamaha YS928J will cost the same,,, if the Honda dealer gives me the same discount that he did on the HS928TC. The added throughput of the 1132 Honda is definitely attractive, but it seems a LOT noisier than the Yamaha. I had no trouble moving the Yamaha around, in the showroom. Maybe just the way the weight was distributed. Even with a full gas-tank, I doubt it would affect things, since the gas-tank is centered over the tracks. I'm also fairly husky, roughly 225 lbs. so maybe that helps. They both have a lot going for them. It's a tough call.
This message was modified Oct 18, 2010 by drifter
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drifter
Joined: Oct 13, 2010
Points: 115
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Re: Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Reply #86 Oct 19, 2010 12:25 am |
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Oh I was going by the msrp of the hs1132tc which is $3799.99 and then take $200 off that making it that much less than your yamaha quote. Your dealer must be listing them higher than msrp. You're right. For some reason, I thought the HS1132TC was $3999. It's actually $3599. if I get the same discount, so $250 cheaper than the Yamaha. At this point, it's no longer about the money I guess. The HS 1132TCS with 120v electric start, would be $$50 more than the Yamaha. Looks like it's down to "speed vs comfort". The Yammie can also be operated with one hand. We rarely get storms over 6-8", so that might enter into the equation. Mind you, we do get the occasional 12-15" storm. Last winter was exceptional. Record-breaking lack of precipitation. Most of the big storms, blew by to the south of us. It barely snowed after January.
This message was modified Oct 19, 2010 by drifter
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Shryp
Location: Cleveland, OH
Joined: Jul 26, 2010
Points: 532
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Re: Snow thrower noob, Need advice please.
Reply #87 Oct 19, 2010 4:30 am |
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The Yammie can also be operated with one hand.
Hey, if that is all you want then find yourself a 1960s Ariens. Those can be operated with no hands. :) Honestly though, I think all modern snow blowers have some way of locking the 2 levers together now.
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