Posted: 11/18/2006 10:08:55 AM EDT
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In in the market for a new snowblower, I would like to go with a single stage due to less mech problem in the future. I have three that I looking at, which one would you go with... Ariens 7.0HP Model 722EC (SnowKing 2 cycle engine) Toro 6.5HP Model 3650 (Toros 2 cycle engine) Honda 5.5HP (Hondas 4 cycle engine) The Ariens recieved the best buy from Comsumer Digest FYI Thanks Bri |
I have an MTD snowblower. Not the most expensive thing out there, but it works well. I bought it because the shop I work at sells parts for MTD (but I bought the snowblower somewhere else! )We sell Simplicity snowblowers and lawnmowers, they are very nice, but I work here and still can't afford one (even at cost!). |
| I bought some 11HP MTD job at Costco. I think it was $800. Much cheaper than the similar featured stuff at HD or Lowes for the same engine. It has a Techumsi engine. The thing works great, but it's heavy as hell. I would not get something that big unless you have a lot of area to clear. An Ariens or other top brand would probably be better, but much more $. |
| I agree, I like the Toro blowers a great deal as they're very reliable, easy to fix, and I especially like their largest "Rubber blade" type throwers as they can get all the snow down to the concrete instead of leaving 'tracks' or 1/4" of snow underneath that will still need to get shoveled anyway. |
I guess the biggest question is how much snow do you have to clear? I used to have a John Deere 2 cycle rubber paddle wheel type, and it was insufficient when clearing my 75 foot driveway. It wasn't because of the size of the driveway, but because those rubber broom type blowers suck when it gets heavy or deep. That and the two cycles are more finicky than a 4 cycle when the weather gets really cold. Here is my current snowblower:  It's an 8 HP 2 stage with a 27" cutting path. Yeah it takes up more room in the garage, but the thing ALWAYS starts (and it has electric start if you have pussy arms. Me of course, I pull start it and it always goes the first pull). It has no problem clearing 18" of snow in one pass and it throws it far enough to get it off the driveway. No maintenance to speak of in the 6 or so years I've owned it. Just drain the gas in the spring and change the oil. ETA: That's the little 2 stroke right behind it (I know the pic sucks) and the brand is Yard King by MTD. Tecumseh Snow King engine. I think I gave around $650 for it at Menards at the time. |
| i work with snowthrowers as well. simplicity is very nice but pricy. in the single stage unit the toro ccr3650 is the only way to go. the power curve rotor will out preform the compition hands down. if you looking at a 2 stage the cub cadet has the best bang for the buck. simplicity is very nice but usally more than most want to spend. just thought id chime in |
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www.snapper.com/snowthrowers.html Another brand certainly worth considering |