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

Looking for some advice on a two stage snowblower.  I originally fell in love with the Troybilt 3090XP or the Craftsman equal.  But just found out that it is
a china made engine. 

My drive is about 180 ft long and gravel, currently.  Should have some pavement on it next year.

I'd like something that's wide, 28+.  A decent amount of power, something that can throw the snow.  Not outrageously expensive, perhaps 1200 tops. 

What are your thoughts? 

Thank you.

Just went through the buying process for a snow thrower...  Looked at many brands, most are MTD knock offs brands....  Was not all that impressed with the plastic on the MTD's including the chute, but most who have bought these machines seem happy with them, and the chute does not seem to be a problem. It seems to be hit or miss on each MTD about which engine is on it, some are B&S some are Chinese.  I have no idea about the quality of these engines. Finally settled on an Ariens ST28LE Deluxe....  why?  Three things impressed me about them. This years model 2011(serial # 3500 and up)  all have cast iron auger gear cases, all have dual auger drive belts and 14" augers....  The "dash board and springs on the 2011 models have been improved with thicker metal, than last years models. It has a light for night use.  Otherwise just about all snow throwers seem to be similar in design in this price range. The Ariens has a remote wheel lock to lock and unlock the left wheel for easier turning.  This seems to be a weak point of their design. You pull on the leaver to lock and pull again to unlock. I found it to be somewhat hit or miss as to whether  the wheel actually did lock and unlock....  got the Ariens at HD for $900 including tax, by signing up for their credit card and received $100off the $999 price. Ariens did seem to me to be a bit better built than most of the others, and with the discount was the most bang for the buck.

In Canada , some Craftsman models are built by Husqvarna , i would recommend these models,

I went through this same thing last season spengding countless hours online reading and asking questions. I wound up going with the Toro 826OXE very happy but I am looking to go with something with a larger engine. Dont get me wrong last year we got hit with the big one the day after X-mas and 3/4 of my neighbors blowers wouldnt move through the 26+ of snow while mine pretty much cut rite through it.

I am probably going to go with the 1028OXE by Toro but I want to check out Deere 1028 & the Husqvarna 12527HV (which is super cheap compared to the Toro's) or the Husqvarna 14527E or monster motor 1827EXLT !!

I just dont know how they turn compared to my Toro, a friend of a friend has a snow removal business and he swears by the Husqvarna's, so I need to find a dealer and check them out.

One important thing is make sure you make a decision in the next month or two, after that you will have to settle as everyone will be nearly sold out!

aa335 wrote:
I agree with most of what aa335 said. Three years ago I spent hours researching the different brands of snowblowers and the guys on this web site were very helpful. The one brand name that was consistently recommended was Simplicity and I ended up purchasing the 924E as a result. My only regret is that I did not go bigger, such as a 28 or 30 inch bucket. The two most important features of the Simplicity to me were the all-steel construction and the awesome Briggs & Stratton motor. Last winter we experienced a 24 inch snowstorm in Chicago. I live on a busy street and the city snowplows did a magnificent job of dumping five feet of snow, ice and road salt at the end of my driveway. It took three hours of continuous use to finally clear my driveway and the Simplicity didn't even burp once. That snowstorm proved to me I made the right choice and I recommend Simplicity to everyone. John Deere makes Simplicity so the Deere should be equal in quality. Buy the biggest and most powerful snowblower you can afford...it's better to have too much snowblower than too little. Good luck!

@ Summerwinds

IMO dont go to wide if you live in an area that gets large snow falls. When battling the EOD mountains I am sure you know that you have to manhandle/rock the machine back and fourth to get through it, its something that your not gonna do with a 30 or 32" unit. IMHO

I have a 26" and the only reason I am going with a 28 is cause its limited being a want a large engine. I guess to each his own and I am sure guys will argue the opposite of what I said but I am telling you from experience.

If you amortize the cost over 10 - 12- 15 years (or more), the total dollars spent become less relevant. You're the guy that's going to be behind the dashpanel for many years of use during cold, snowblowing sessions so you may as well be happy and comfortable with your purchase. That said, I realize we all have budgets to stay within so you may want to consider a lightly used, higher end machine. Now is a good time to look on CL, etc... if you're comfortable going that route.

I had a Honda HS624WA (6 HP, 24" Bucket) and now have a Honda HS928TA (9 HP, 28" Bucket). The HS624WA was nice because it was smaller and easier to maneuver and I had bought it second hand when I owned a much smaller property than I do now. I got my lightly used HS928TA last year and the difference between the 6 HP & 9 HP motor as well as the 24" & 28" bucket is very noticeable. Not sure I would go any larger on the bucket than 28" or maybe 30" as you begin to compromise maneuverability, especially if you have walkways or other areas where a larger bucket can become a detriment. Nice on the large driveway but a PITA on smaller areas that require a bit more finess. If you think about it, you might have to make one more pass with a 28" bucket as opposed to a 30" or 32" bucket on an average 10' wide driveway.

FrankMA wrote:

I couldnt agree anymore! Great post!

Hi every one! Thanks all for you input. here is what A dealer (Precision Mower & Power Equipment) explained me. Ariens lacking the quick turn on both sides. Toro Lacking the hand warmers. Simplicity, cub, and all others are MTD Junk I should stay away from it. The ones I "Should" look is the "Husqvarna", but NOT the cheeper models cus thats also not good, only the Husqvarna big models. so he showed me a Husqvarna 14527-XLS with all bells and whistles... 27" wide 305 B&S engine hydro drive hand warmers etc.. etc.. etc... for a price of only $1,400 I gave a $200 deposit. I went home and was surpriced that i could NOT find the 14527-XLS "ANY WERE", at the Husqvarna.com I saw the 14527E, but not the XLS. so folks, what do you say about Husqvarna? (I can still change my mind and ask for toro if u want) Thanks!

Here is a link to it

http://www.husqvarna.com/ddoc/HUSO/HUSO2010_USen/HUSO2010_USen__532435660.pdf

The link is only the Operator's Manual from husqvarana's site. but this modal looks to be no were to find "alive"