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

I live in Calgary - we get a moderate amount of snow, rarely more than 8 to 10inches at a time, usually in the 2-4" range. The issue here is snow drifts.  I live in a north facing house at the south end of a cul de sac and get drifts all the time on the bottom half of driveway.  My driveway is for a 3car garage - not super long (probably 25ft, but easily 40 ft wide. I have been reading lots about single stage throwers - i like the fact they clean to the pavement, but am concerned if they can throw the snow far enough or can chew through a foot deep snow drifts a few times a year.  The other option of course is the 2 stage throwers - they seem a bit big and I've read they don't get down to the pavement. I am also not the  most mechanically inclined individual in the world...

Help?? Any thoughts on what my best bets would be?  I need something that my wife would be comfortalbe using as well. Any comments are appreciated...

MN_Runner wrote:

That's definetly a skewed test. How about in actual condition of a residential property with sidewalks, walkways, and shorter driveways. Homeowners dont have huge commercial parking lots. All that was shown was cons of single stage versus pros of 2 stage. The price comparison wasn't fair , high end single versus low end 2 stage.

aa335 wrote:

Its absolutely a skewed test. However, my observation last year with my tracked MTD and the neighbor's toro single stagers last year in deep snow: The single stage is fine as long as the snow doesn't get too high. That means in practice for large storms you'll go out several times. This is not a criticism, simply an observation. I was impressed by the single stage toro, and I could see having one in places where it might be tight to take the Honda 1132. I have a large area to cover and a single stage isn't for me, but for most suburanites and city dwellers around me, its probably the right choice. For me in the country with a long road, the single stage is just outmatched with the conditions I get.

Most people don't own four snowblowers or even more than one.  For me, I just prefere owning one snowblower so a two-stage is the best option given my situation.  When the snow is light and dry (i.e., 1-2"), a shovel is very effective and quick.  I use my blower for EOD or when snow is higher than 3". 

I would accept a single stage blower if someone wants to give me one.

MN_Runner wrote:
I think you're trying to be slight.  :)  .  I own just 3 snowblowers.  I just don't get enough playtime with 3 single stage snowblowers.

Owning multiple snowblowers isnt portrayed in Arien's video.  Otherwise, a 24-28" snowblower would embarass the little 22" 2 stage in the wide open field and EOD.  And the little 21" Toro single would embarass that 22" 2 stage in tight quarters and 6 inch deep snow.  But thats apples to oranges comparison.

That 22" Ariens 2 stage was designed as an in-betweener.  For certain homeowners, this product is a perfect "compromise" to deal with EOD and deep snow.  However, if anyone have big areas to cover, a 22" is tiny and would take too long.  And if that EOD is packed and crusty, the 22" would barely do the job. 

I'm sure I can get a long fine with the 22" too.  It comes down to technique. 

MN_Runner wrote:
I'm thinking about letting go of the HS621, but I will have remorse if I do.  I have put in quite a bit of money and time into restoring it.  It's one of those things.

I have been thinking about buying a new Honda HS621 but the price is a bit too steep and will have to drive 6-7 hours to Winnepeg to get one.  So I am not sure if HS621 will perform that much better for additional $700.  A new HS520A is going for $550-600.

MN_Runner wrote:
It's not worth that price huge differential.  I can tell you that since I had both 621 and 520 last winter.  Also, the price of replaceable consumables like paddles and scraper blade is higher on the 621 too. 
But if you get a chance to see a brand new 621 in person, it's a beautiful machine and may close the deal right there. 

The 520 actually has longer throw distance most of the time.  The 621 is much better built, awesome engine, and a lot more gutsy dealing with EOD and heavy snow. 

Are there any differences between your HS621 and the current year model HS621?  I am assuming probably no or minimal differences just like HS520.

MN_Runner wrote:
I don't think there is are any differences, not that can see from comparing to the Canadian model.  The European models have additional muffler guard and chute guards, but the running mechanicals are the same.