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

And lived in the Northeast,with a 175 foot driveway,with a slight incline, and a rather large turning pad what snow blower would you buy? Currently have a 12 year old, 24", 7 hp Yardman that I need to retire soon! Thanks in advance.

If you want to spend around $1500 this is a nice machine

 http://www.ariens.com/products_snow/s_deluxe_platinum_group/s_deluxe_platinum_24/Pages/default.aspx

It has a differential which makes turning real easy and good traction to boot. You can spend less on the compact series and get pretty near the same blowing performance but at a handling and maneuvering cost.

To me the ability to maneuver without another lever to operate is a major advantage.  This machine has a nice wide stance and good balance.

There is a Simplicity Pro model

 http://www.simplicitymfg.com/products/snow-throwers/signature-pro-commercial-duty-dual-stage/

It is built well with real nice channel handle bars but a lever operated turning system. The cost is a bit high but I give the link for information.

Put a differential on that unit and that would be tops for me.

O

Hello,

  I just had a very similar predicament, and I ended up going with the Toro 826 OXE.  The main reasons I went with this was the freewheel steering and the quick stick chute control, as well as some brand loyalty to Toro.  I can't speak about longevity as of yet, only got to use it for the one storm.  But it handled my 400' driveway no problem after the blizzard last week. 

Good Luck,

-dan

I have a Deere 1020e I got for 1300. You can buy the 1330se for 1500. It was over kill for me. But a sweet machine.

I have a Deere 1020e I got for 1300. You can buy the 1330se for 1500. It was over kill for me. But a sweet machine.

tgseaver wrote:

Go with a Toro either the 826 or 828 depending on if they have any left. Great machines and have a quick chute joystick feature an auger system that recycles the snow if it bites off too big a chunk and you can turn these on a dime by pulling on the trigger. Easy to roll when off and they chew up the nasty stuff in a big way. I have some vids on YouTube of my 1028 if you'd like to see how fast the quick chute works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u66VEMXQtPA

The chute flick is about 20 seconds in. Far better than cranking the chute around IMO.

After lots of hands-on and on-line comparison shopping, that's what I spent on my new John Deere 1330SE; and I think it was a great choice. It's already blown plenty of snow to prove itself.

jdpilot wrote:

tgseaver wrote:

I would use the $1500 for a down payment on the Yamaha YS928J.

In Fact, I plan to get one this week, just waiting for the dealer to get them in stock, he sold out before the Holidays.

rubinew wrote:

He can't do that if he lives in the USA. They will not sell us Yamaha snowblowers here, unfortunately. Also the Yamaha is like $4k a LOT over his budget. Great machine tho. So you really decided on the Yamaha over the Honda?

Simplicity Pro Signature series are top domestic products.  I wouldn't overlook them.