Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Need advice on new 2-stage
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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jpmeyer
Joined: Nov 12, 2011
Points: 3
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Need advice on new 2-stage
Original Message Nov 12, 2011 2:15 pm |
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I plan on replacing a 12 year-old Toro 1-stage with a new 2-stage this season. I live in Northern Illinois and we get around 50 inches per year, with only a few snowfalls of more than 8 inches. However, my old Toro was sadly overmatched against last February's 20-incher and I need something that my wife can use in a pinch. I've got about 200 feet of sidewalk and about a 5-car driveway, all with modest slope. I also need to deal with significant end-of-driveway muck and to clear a curb cut that the neighborhood kids use to get to the bus stop. Ideally, I want something that can throw snow from my driveway and back walk over a 5-7 foot retaining wall and onto a hillside behind my house, something my Toro can do under only very limited circumstances. My garage space limits me to a 24- or 26-inch wide model. I tend to buy higher-quality, more expensive machines and to keep them maintained and in service for quite a while. Questions: How do 2-stage machines of this size do with the more common, smaller snowfalls (3 to 6 inches)? Any particular features I should look for to maximize performance in these common conditions? Would a 26-inch model do better because it collects snow from a larger path? I am leaning toward a Husqvarna 24-inch model because it will be easier to manage in the garage and has roughly the same power as a 26-inch Toro (which also seems to be using a brand new engine this year, which causes me concern). Any thoughts on these or other brands? Thanks, Jon
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Steve_Cebu
Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 888
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Re: Need advice on new 2-stage
Reply #2 Nov 12, 2011 8:39 pm |
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I plan on replacing a 12 year-old Toro 1-stage with a new 2-stage this season. I live in Northern Illinois and we get around 50 inches per year, with only a few snowfalls of more than 8 inches. However, my old Toro was sadly overmatched against last February's 20-incher and I need something that my wife can use in a pinch. I've got about 200 feet of sidewalk and about a 5-car driveway, all with modest slope. I also need to deal with significant end-of-driveway muck and to clear a curb cut that the neighborhood kids use to get to the bus stop. Ideally, I want something that can throw snow from my driveway and back walk over a 5-7 foot retaining wall and onto a hillside behind my house, something my Toro can do under only very limited circumstances. My garage space limits me to a 24- or 26-inch wide model. I tend to buy higher-quality, more expensive machines and to keep them maintained and in service for quite a while. Questions: How do 2-stage machines of this size do with the more common, smaller snowfalls (3 to 6 inches)? Any particular features I should look for to maximize performance in these common conditions? Would a 26-inch model do better because it collects snow from a larger path? I am leaning toward a Husqvarna 24-inch model because it will be easier to manage in the garage and has roughly the same power as a 26-inch Toro (which also seems to be using a brand new engine this year, which causes me concern). Any thoughts on these or other brands? Thanks, Jon If you can get a Toro 1028 with the Briggs engine then that would be a good choice. I have not had the time to check out the Husqvarna's as they are not local to me. If it was powdery snow my 1028 could easily do what you are trying to do. If it was slush it would be a different story. The 1028 cab throw slush but how far will depend on just how slushy it is.
"If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England." "If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England."
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MrNuke
Joined: Oct 28, 2011
Points: 16
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Re: Need advice on new 2-stage
Reply #3 Nov 13, 2011 11:56 pm |
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This message was modified Nov 14, 2011 by MrNuke
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