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.

@ 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"

JoelKlein wrote:
I'm not 100% sure but I think the 14527-XLS is last years' model....??? The only ones listed this year that sound similar to the 14527-XLS are the 1827EXLT & the 1830EXLT.

I can get that last year modal for $1,400. Should I go foe it?

Hand Warmers, I just don't know....  Have a great pair of ski gloves. Anyone tried with or without hand warmers and found any real difference?

JoelKlein wrote:
It sounds good but with no feedback either way it's a tough call. I think last year was the first year Husqvarna offered a hydro drive snowblower so I'm not sure if a lot of information is available yet.