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

Yeah, I'm with you. 

Our winters the last few years have been nothing like what we got 30 or 40 years ago.  This climate change issue is real.  Forty years ago, it wasn't unusual to see snow banks on the sides of streets eight to twelve feet high and the road narrowed down to one lane.  Now, snow banks don't get much over 5 ft.   We're also getting a lot of southern critters coming our way.  We never had raccoons before.  Now I'm seeing (and shooting) several every year.  I even heard of one guy catching an oppossum up our way.  We're on the north shore of Lake Superior.  We never used to see animals like that this far north.  We even get turkey vultures up here now.  Never saw them 20 years ago.  Up in the arctic, people are seeing robins!  Unreal. 

No wonder I'm down to using single stage machines moreso than the big two stage snow blower.  We just don't get the same winters.  Not too happy with that either.  I love winter and I love snow.  

"What happened to yur memory Borat?  Winter of 2011 set records in our area!"

My memory is good enough to know I wasn't in "your area".   

On average, what have your winters been like compared to 30 years ago?   Last winter, we didn't get enough snow for me to use my snowmobile even once.  A walk out in the bush revealed no snow under the bows of the spruce trees.  Don't recall the snow being much more than ankle deep after most snow falls.  I'm hoping this is more of an anomolie than an omen of the future.  Got to have snow!   

Yeah, you have to move quickly when you see one.  For some reason, they're a rarity despite the fact that they're a relatively lame machine when operated at stock rpms.  However, once the string is attached and the revs cranked up,  these things are impressive performers.   They even out-perform my stock 221Q Toro which is no slouch.    And, they're so much fun to use when the engine speed can be increased as required.  Cannot attest to how long the engine can take the additional load/speed.  I've used my old '97 Craftsman as my primary snow clearer for a couple winters now and it's seen some steady, fairly heavy work.  It's not showing any signs of giving up any time soon.  Those 139cc Tecumseh engines have been stout little units so far. 

Good luck in your search.  Something should come up in the fall. 

Just scooped up this 2006 Murray SS machine with the vernerable Tecumseh TH139SA engine.  The thing is almost mint.  Got it for $30.00!  Took it home, pulled the carb apart, to clean it but it was spotless.  It does have a cheap plastic main jet in it though.  Nonetheless, it runs like a champ.  Previous owner said he couldn't get it running and probably needed the carb cleaned.  I found out that all that was keeping it from running was old gas with more oil in the mix than fuel.  Cleaned everything up, added fresh fuel and it fired right up.  I was amazed how good it looks considering it sat outside in the elements for a couple of years, uncovered and unprotected.  It's got a bit of rust on the muffler but nothing to be concerned about. 

Note string attached.  I figured that since I had it apart, I might as well give it the treatment.  This engine has the same crank dimensions as my Craftsman machine.  They're virtually identical.  Might as well unload the MTD now that I have two of these babies!

By the way, I noticed how quiet it is on the site.  What's happening?  Nothing going on or is everyone too busy? 

We are the Snow People.  And, unlike the Bears, we hibernate in summer!  Three more monthe to go (yawn).