Snow Blowers

[Mikado463]

any snow blower experts on here ?

my 14 year old Ariens (24") while it performs flawlessly I'm thinking about moving up to a 30".

Ariens .......... Cub Cadet ......... Honda (no 30", 28 or 32) seem to be the top three

thoughts / opinions ??

[Cohibaman]

It's worth taking a look at Toro too.

[maxsmart]

I have a 32" track drive Honda that I really like - quiet, powerful and operates flawlessly.

If you want something with a 30" cut or more, your Honda options appear to be 32" and 36".

I bought used to reduce my cost and haven't looked back.

[salamander]

I have a 13-year-old Ariens that looks and runs like new. Never had a problem with it. I would not hesitate to buy another.

[tdelahanty]

If buying a 30" blower I would want power steering. Mine (Toro) has a trigger on each handle that steers the blower when depressed. Lights are good too.

[jdandy]

Dave.......Sorry, I can't help you with snow blower info. I live in Florida. The locals here don't have a clue what this is.

PERFECT. .

[tima]

Here in snow country, My Ariens has never let me down.

[Alki]

My parents have an Ariens, my brother has a John Deere, and I have a Toro. None if us have had any major issues. I used to use a John Deere that was a hand me down from my grand father and it was at least 25 years old when I finally gave it to a friend; he still uses it today. I think as long as you stay with a major brand in a two stage unit you should not have any issues.

The reason I choose the Toro was for the stick that controls the chute; it is all in one. Do not like the chute control on my parents Ariens. This may have changed on the current model.

The most important features for me were:

1. Chute control as I live in the city and need to change the direction constantly.

2. Electric start.

3. Must have a good light as it gets dark real quick up north.

4. Ease of changing the oil. Do not need to tip the unit to do this. Also has a long drain spot so no oil gets on the garage floor.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by maxsmart

I have a 32" track drive Honda that I really like - quiet, powerful and operates flawlessly.

+1, although I'm not sure how quiet it is. It always starts on the first pull - unless I've left the fuel line shut off - and has been super-reliable.

[maxsmart]

Originally Posted by cleeds

+1, although I'm not sure how quiet it is. It always starts on the first pull - unless I've left the fuel line shut off - and has been super-reliable.

I wasn't very clear: the Honda is quiet relative to other engines of similar HP and there is little increase in dbs at max RPMs.

On the less than desirable side, I think the chute control is too low/not located in good location (from a usability perspective).