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. 

I've owned a few two stage machines over the years.  My latest is a 2006 Simplicity 928.  Last season I got into the single stage mode.  I bought a cheap used Craftsman 5-21 and as it was, it was pretty lame.  The fact that it had a broken motor mount, which led to a broken belt, didn't impress me either.  Nonetheless, I repaired the machine, bought a new belt then devised a system to over-ride the governor and spin that little Tecumseh 2 cycle engine up to 6500 rpm.  At that kind of speed, the old Craftsman really impresses me.  So much so that I went out and bought a newer, used MTD single stage machine with the same engine.   The MTD is too light and doesn't work as well as the Craftsman.  If the Craftsman engine blows, I'll have another one on hand to replace it. 

That's not the end of my SS machine acquisition.  After hearing so many favourable reviews for the Toro SS machines, I jumped on a really good sale for a brand new 221QE.  Needless to say, it has lived up to all the hype.  It's a serious snow mover.  So much so that my Simplicity seldom sees any action unless the snow accumulation is over 10" wet and heavy.

Thanks for the advice everyone.  I think I'm going to pick up a new 621 tomorrow. 

MrNuke wrote:
Hope that works out for you. 

Went to the dealer today and couldn't pull the trigger.  It is down to the 621 or 826. 

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.