Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Never owned a snow blower - thoughts on what will work?
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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gdoll
Joined: Nov 18, 2010
Points: 2
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Never owned a snow blower - thoughts on what will work?
Original Message Nov 18, 2010 3:41 pm |
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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... |
tkrotchko
Location: Maryland
Joined: Feb 9, 2010
Points: 143
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Re: Never owned a snow blower - thoughts on what will work?
Reply #33 Jan 15, 2011 9:04 am |
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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. 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.
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aa335
 
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Never owned a snow blower - thoughts on what will work?
Reply #36 Jan 15, 2011 9:51 am |
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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 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.
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