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

I am looking at replacing a 25 year old snow blower. I live in Iowa and have a driveway that measures roughly 70X30. I do get some nice drifting, last year over the bed of my old truck, and some nice piles at the end of the drive. I am looking at the Toro Power Max 2-Stage 26 in. Snow Blower and the Ariens Deluxe 2-Stage 28 in. Snow Blower. They are the same price so I am not really sure which one to buy. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I wasn’t necessarily thinking of you Steve.  But more so when someone is looking for a snow blower, has a $1,000 budget and someone recommends a $3,000 machine.  Yes the more expensive machine is better and will get the job done quicker but why stop there.  Why not recommend spending $20,000 more to get a Bobcat...it’s better and even faster.  Point is neither recommendation is of any use to the poster.

By the way I don’t know if you remember but I was the one who advised you to pay the restocking fee to return the Honda and get the Toro.  Seemed like the better fit for you and especially your wife. 

Paul7 wrote:

Oh I agree with what you just said if their budget is $1K and you suggest a $2K unit that's not gooing to work at all. I did see a Bobcat today owned by the city with a snowblower attachment (envy) But that's overkill for most people's needs.

The thing is it costs nothing to try out all the machines at the various dealers that fall within the buyers budget. What is a factor for one person or even a dealbreaker like the Honda was for my wife, another person might not even notice.

But there are good brands and crap brands and good and bad within the good brands themselves. Toro and Hondas leaking fuel for example. Both good machines but not perfect.

I recall your suggesting that and I really do appreciate it.  Now my wife is will spend time and gas doing the entire driveway herself tomorrow for practice. We had about 2 inches of powder last night. I might or might not take any videos. She never could have done the driveway with the Honda. Now she's eager to use the Toro. ....and since we've no where to go..... Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Good to see it looks like others may have felt the same way i did. Not to single out anyone in particular, and i think it's great that some people will go all out to show brand loyalty but it tends to make post quickly get off topic.

Steve...lucky man that the Mrs. wants to get out there and use your toro, mine only looks at it and says that its in the way.  I shouldn't say that, on the first storm that i used it out I got her to make about 2 passes down the driveway, then she thought it was kind of fun. Sorta like all sorts of chores, seems kinda fun at first, but it quickly gets old. Although I can't say the task seems old yet with the new machine. With my last junker it truly was a crummy task. I guess thats what a better piece of machinery will do for you.

For me, operating a good running machine tossing snow 35 to 40 feet, never gets old.   I really enjoy it.  However, on the flip side, an unreliable piece of junk dribbling snow down the side of the machine is anything but fun.

borat wrote:
+1

If I can toss it from my lawn back to the driveway without the neighbors watching, I'd do it too. 

shiva916 wrote:

Thanks, she's a great gal, The only problem is we have a lot of sun this morning and it's all melted for the most part. I think she can do the EOD but other than that there isn't much left for her to blow. I think it's because the Toro is very easy to use compared to others that we tried/bought. The twin trigger steering should be an industry wide standard IMO. It makes it so easy. The quick chute is very fast and easy. I think if we still had the Honda I'd be out there myself with her filming but not using it.