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

I currently have an old Toro CCR 2000E.  It is still in great condition for a 19 year-old machine.  That said, I'm thinking it may be time to get a new blower.  The main issue I have right now is trying to decide between a single or two stage.  The driveway is about 50 feet long by 22 feet wide and I have about 120 feet of sidewalk to clear.  One side of the driveway has some trees/plants and the neighbors' house in fairly close proximity.  The other has a 3 to 4' tall retaining wall.  Standard procedure is to blow all of the snow over the retaining wall.  This becomes an issue if you a couple of significant events in a row as it gets very difficult for the CCR 2000 to get the snow A) over the wall and B) over the existing snow blown up there. 

We don't get the massive snowfalls some of you see back East here in Nebraska, but 8 to 12" events happen almost once a season.  If it is under 3” of snow I typically will just shovel it.  I only have space in the garage for one blower so it is either a single or two stage, keeping the old blower isn’t an option due to space.  So the question is do I want a single or two stage?  Will a two stage knock out moderate 4 to 6” events?   FWIW I've been looking at the Ariens Platinum 24 or the Toro 826 OXE and comparable Husky's as well as Honda and Toro single stages.  Thanks in advance for the advice. 

MrNuke wrote:

Whenever there is any doubt, there is no doubt. Sounds like you really want a 2 stage. If the snow is light just run it up in 4th or 5th gear and it'll clear it in a hurry.

MrNuke wrote:
Go to a Honda dealer and check out the 928, most beautiful snowblower ever made. 

My local dealer has two on display, with enough space between them to drive a golf cart.  All the other snowblowers were side by side, 4 inches from each other.  They had it set up so you can admire it from all angles.

Just kidding! 

Looks like a 2 stage is for you.

Steve_Cebu wrote:
By any chance you sell cars for a living? 

aa335 wrote:

Now now, no need for insults.

If the guy couldn't pull the trigger on a single stage Toro then he's probably thinking he really could use a 2 stage which is IMO a pretty good choice. The Toro 826 is a nice machine and will handle almost anything you can throw at it. For less snow that we get the Toro 826 is a good choice. For more snow the 1028 is up there with Honda and Ariens and IMO a bit better in some ways.

Steve_Cebu wrote:
Ok.  I'm sorry. 

A One Size fits all machine would be the 7 hp two stage from Honda.  These machines are nearly bullet proof, can handle the monster storm when needed, and are extremely low in maintenance.  The handles are low, like better sized for a woman or a japanese man (they were designed by Japanese).  They have no steering other then you shoving the handles, so Consumer Reports rates them low.  But IF you check out the reviews for Honda snowblowers people practically marry them.  If you can pay the price, you'll never have to buy another machine again. wish you luck.

Note .....for observation purposes....as I was looking at the tracks the other day.
The bucket height is about 4" smaller on the trax version of the 724 & the impeller looks to to be about 33% smaller.

Don't know why as everything else 724 wheeled, and everything above is all the sa,e

I ended up getting an 826 got a good deal from the dealer and it was too good to pass up. 

mobiledynamics wrote:
When I was shopping for a snowblower, I did noticed that the HS724 tracked version had a lower bucket height.  I would guess that the HS724 engine is underpowered with the hydro transmission and tracks, hence the bucket was sized smaller.  Overall, the HS724 was extremely compact in size and very maneuverable. 

mobiledynamics wrote:
I read that even though the track version is smaller, it spins the auger/impellers faster so the volume of snow it can process is actually higher.  Of course, that probably doesn't help when the snow is higher than the bucket.  Also, one could assume if it is spinning faster it would throw further?