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

Preface: I've have has a HS520. Due to space contraints, etc - I'm not looking at 2 stage. Single stage for the most part is a perfect fit just short of....living on the right side and the plows only plow to the right so I cam constantly getting plowed in... Throw is fine already on the HS520. I was only curios does the 421/221 or even any current models on the market may have a bit more bite on the EOD/overnight plowed snow...

Thx all for the feedback...While the 2 stage is probably the Correct Machine given the *ultimate application* - plowing myself out after getting plowed in (they only plow to the right ). The only downside is footprint. The single stage I can store when the season is over. With a 2 stage, even a smaller monster engine 24-26" machine, it's too big of a machine for me to store at this time. That unfortunately is the compromise that I will suffer, and thus the single stage takes precendence.

No problems.  Remember we're here to help if you're itching to spend money.  :)

As far as hiding it from your wife, well, that's your problem.  :)

Heh. We all have moooooor power envy at times ;-)

aa335 wrote:

"New? No that's not new honey, we've had that for years."

FrankMA wrote:
"Sure looks shiny and clean"

"I just detailed and waxed it"

"It looks brand new"

"I changed the lightbulb in the garage"

"Why is it blue?  I thought you had a red one"

"I had it painted.  Do you like that blue paint?  I think it goes well with the white and black Yamaha sticker."

"It looks bigger, a lot bigger!"

"I just moved closer to your truck."

"It looks wider."

"I turned it a bit to the left."

"It now has tracks"

"You sure don't miss a thing.  It came with tracks, I just got around to putting it on.  Tracks are in vogue this year.  Wheels are so passe"

I've been hemming and hawing at this. Anything that blows the snow is sure better than shoveling... Now alot of Toro's 221 or 421 for the matter on Clist. I could snag a Honda 4 Cycle for around half the price if I ended up buying a BNIB 221QE. The SB is a short term item. Meaning, we do plan to move in around 2 years. Dare I ask, are the older Ariens units better in some ways than the current stash of Ariens. There are plenty of Ariens on CL......of all makes and models. Even saw this 30" monster Simplicity. If I had to look at 2 stages, I think the Toro Powerchute is pretty bada$$ though.. This is just a hypothetical question should I consider looking at a 2 stage ;-)

chefwong wrote: You should always consider looking at a 2-stage, it doesn't cost any money until you actually buy.      That's a fact and you can put that hypothesis to rest. 

I would recommend you look at the current 20-24" compact 2 stage snowblowers.  They are more effective for EOD piles than single stage.  A lot of it also depend on technique.  My neighbor with his single stage and  shovel is quite good at taking apart one foot piles.  If it's over 2 feet, I'm coming over to help him and another neighbor, with my 2 stage of course.  Do you have the option to make that arrangement with the neighbors?

I'm not sure how much you want to tackle on taking care of older models for the next two years.  You might be lucky and find a used one that is in perfect condition.  But buying new and selling it when you don't need it may be a smarter choice.  At least new, everything should be working and you have a manufacturer's warranty during that 2 year period.

Remember that convenience and peace of mind costs money.  Factor that in also.  There are dollars and cents but also the fuzzy factors too.

I'm sure any 2 stage will be considerably more effective when clearing the EOD. The local borg has a 22" Compact Machine and realistically, that machine is too big already for storage. So if I end up figuring out how to make room and fit a 2 stager, I'd probably just pull the gun on a 24-26" machine with at least 300+CC's on it. I don't have OCD OPE needs, but maybe it will turn out where I'll want a bigger and better machine...but I'd rather just get it right the 1st time around if I go the 2 stage route.

chefwong wrote:
The key word is bigger and better.    Don't you want something BIG and GUTSY that you can grow into?  Not something small and weakly that you will quickly outgrow?

Space constraints?    Not in my book.  For every problem, there's an opportunity.

Anyways, good luck with your shopping.

chefwong: Sounds like you really want a 2 stage but don't have a spot to store it - at least you think you don't.... Why not stash it under a good quality cover somewhere in your yard that's secluded or under a deck or stairway? Is this an option? What about a small shed? I picked up a nice 8' x 8' shed for my pool stuff for about $ 300.00. It's not the top of the line but it serves its purpose, looks decent and provides an adequate amount of dry storage. Just a thought...