Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Input on a new Snowblower
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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edge10
Joined: Oct 21, 2011
Points: 2
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Input on a new Snowblower
Original Message Mar 6, 2013 10:03 pm |
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I would like to get some input on a new snowblower for home use. I have a 20 x 50 ft drive with and 10 deg incline halfway up that goes level, and 100 ft of walk. Maneuverability is an issue, since I have to blow snow between cars. I have limited storage space too. My area gets about 25 inches of snow per year, but sometimes we get a dump of a foot of wet snow.
The Ariens Compact 24 920014 and Sno-tek 24 920402 are on my short list. Others I should consider? Are the upgrades for the steel chute, cast iron gear box and Briggs Ariens orange models worth it in this price point? How about the Briggs 250 cc and dual belt auger on the Ariens 24 921031 which is a step up in $$? LCT snow engine reliability and parts availability?
I am concerned about some of the poor online reviews of the Ariens Compact 24 920014 that cite problems with Briggs engine, carb and friction disk. It is surprising the Sno-tek reviews seem to have much fewer problems. As many of you may know , it is the similar to the Compact 24 with the LCT engine and without above upgrades..
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GreatCanadian
Joined: Mar 5, 2013
Points: 15
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Re: Input on a new Snowblower
Reply #19 Mar 8, 2013 10:37 am |
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II will agree though that with the slope of the OP's driveway involved, a small dual stage might be a better choice in order to maintain control. If the driveway was flat, I'd go with a Toro SS.
If you are agreeing, then why are you arguing with me???? OP described his conditions, driveway slope, and requirements. I gave my recommendation. And apparently you agree with it, so I just don't get the rest of your post.
I live in Newfoundland, in eastern Canada. Trust me, people here are VERY neighborly, friendly, and help one another out all the time. I just don't get the concept of "Well, my neighbor has a 2 stage so I'll get a single stage". GC
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GreatCanadian
Joined: Mar 5, 2013
Points: 15
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Re: Input on a new Snowblower
Reply #23 Mar 11, 2013 10:25 am |
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Umm, that is why I suggested the snow scoop for anything the SS couldn't handle. The snow scoop is NOT a shovel, and if you haven't tried it, please don't knock it. I live in Eastern Canada. I'm no stranger to snow. I HAVE a snow scoop. And it's no pleasure pushing around a scoop of heavy wet snow. It weighs a ton. I much prefer to move that stuff with my snowblower.
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GreatCanadian
Joined: Mar 5, 2013
Points: 15
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Re: Input on a new Snowblower
Reply #25 Mar 12, 2013 9:49 am |
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Are you sure you are using it correctly? I can push/pull a 2'x2'x2' chunk of snow over a hundred yards, er, meters, with no effort at all, other than walking. You need to slide it over the snow, not across bare pavement. Am I using a snow scoop correctly?????????????????????????????????? Come on Longboat. That's just a silly question. You're talking like it's rocket science. Plus, a hundred yards is 300 feet. Your 2x2x2 block will take you 150 scoops. Then you have ONE path cleared. If your driveway is 20 feet wide. That's 10 paths. 1500 scoops. Go for it. I'll use my 2 stage. Edit: Just noticed that your driveway is only 2500 square feet, so that lowers the number of scoops to 625. If your driveway is 100 yards, that's a lot of walking!!
This message was modified Mar 12, 2013 by GreatCanadian
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aa335
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Input on a new Snowblower
Reply #26 Mar 12, 2013 11:36 am |
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GC, You convinced me. I'm not walking 100 yards to deposit any snow. Out comes the snowblower at full throttle, chute straight up. Show that snow who's boss. Just make sure to point the chute down wind, and don't eat yellow snow.
This message was modified Mar 12, 2013 by aa335
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longboat
Joined: Feb 11, 2009
Points: 103
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Re: Input on a new Snowblower
Reply #27 Mar 12, 2013 1:26 pm |
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I've used the scoop a couple of times in lieu of the two-stage 928. It takes about 10% longer using the scoop, regardless of snow depth (we don't often get more than 20 inches in one snowfall). I don't have to sled it 100 yards, only 10 yards - the point is there is no difference in effort, other than walking. Really, the scoop is nice to use. No noise, no snow blowing around. I sweat about the same amount as I do wrestling the 2-stage around. When done, you feel great, like after a good cardio workout at the gym. When done wrestling with the 2-stage, you feel like you just had a workout with weights at the gym. Either way, you sweat the same. If you're into heart-healthy, you'll love the scoop. If your into muscle-building workouts, you'll love the two-stage. Just my experience and opinions... Btw, the scoop is really nice around the yard, sidewalks, deck and other tight quarters where it is difficult getting most OPE.
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