jpmeyer

Thanks to you all for the great suggestions. I noticed the upward-pointing cable for the chute control, but assumed that the long, flexible boot would protect the cable from water getting in. Nice to know that experience proves otherwise. That and the auger shaft will definitely get a bit of attention this weekend! Jon

Hi!  I am new to 2-stage blowers having just taken delivery of a Husqvarna 14524E.  This model has a number of control cables for chute operation, "power steering" and the like.  The external portions of the braided wire seem to be quite free of any lube.   I presume that the portions inside the jackets are similarly dry.  That seems to me to be asking for corrosion.  Do the more experienced members of the forum recommend lubing these cables with anything in particular, or are there other factors (e.g., freezing up) that suggest leaving the cables dry and dealing with the corrosion when and if it happens?  Any other lubricating "best practices" that I should know about (other than engine oil)?

Thanks!

Jon

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