Any recs for snow blowers?

Submitted by kickerconspiracy t3_yh10nj in vermont

Will be buying my first this winter. Not sure how they scale up. Is a 400 dollar tiny one even worth it? Do I need to go over 1000? Electric or gas? Toro seems a good brand but I only know their lawnmowers... (And I know it depends on the size of job: have no garage and would need to clear out smallish driveway and around the house, path to woodshed).

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1DollarOr1Million t1_iubhnag wrote

How wide and long is the driveway and what town do you live in?

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kickerconspiracy OP t1_iubmaty wrote

Thanks for any help! Here are some more specifics:

I'm in Hartland/Upper Valley. Pretty remote off a plowed dirt road. Driveway is maybe 15x30 ft? But there's some open area off the driveway that I'd also like to get clear, that's another 20x20 (we park there too sometimes. Would like a 4ft perimeter around house (2000 Sq ft ranch).

I'm thinking this is a moderate job? Not an light one. But also not crazy big. But I don't really know what the comparisons would be.

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rhesusfecespieces t1_iubq9oj wrote

Upper Valley for six years now: I have been running a 28 inch Ariens, two stage, electric start (which I never use, btw). No issues. Keep the gasoline fresh or treat it.

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Moose835 t1_iuboocf wrote

Gas, two stage, electric start, these are the attributes I look for in a snow blower. Electric start will not matter for the first few years of ownership, but once things wear out a little, not pulling it over 50 times in the dark, in the snow and cold, you'll be happy to drag a cord and push a button.

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kickerconspiracy OP t1_iubpa95 wrote

Thank you!

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norinco-ak47 t1_iucop5m wrote

If a wheeled machine, I'd look into dual wheel drive. Best being trac driven. The plowed snow banks at the end of the driveway will be the challenge , as well as the 4ft loop around your home with a "smaller" sized machine(miss one storm and that loop will become a battle!). You should get a decade(s) of use out of a machine so keep that in mind--it's a long term investment, don't scrimp. Factor in what you would be saving on plowing costs.

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sound_of_apocalypto t1_iuczjm1 wrote

Ariens owner here. Love it. They have ‘em at Joes Equipment in West Leb.

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sicknutley t1_iublshg wrote

You'll be good in the used range 500-1000 for longevity. Anything new will be 1k plus. I haven't seen electric compete with gas yet, I'd go gas even though I'm an electric proponent.

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mrbisthebest t1_iubmd24 wrote

I can speak to my own experience, I have a 150' driveway and I've used a smaller ariens for 10 years. Bought new, all I've had to do is yearly oil changes. Paid $1000 new, it's a real that I expect to last another 10 years if not more.

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durpdurpturd t1_iubz3y3 wrote

Ariens or a Honda although they are pricey. Unless your driveway is paved which it sounds like it isn’t get a gas not electric.

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kickerconspiracy OP t1_iud96qm wrote

Gravel, yep. Gas it is.

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durpdurpturd t1_iudhk7o wrote

All snowblowers will say to not use on gravel. Early season before the ground is really frozen sometimes It can dig into the ground and throw gravel. The first little storms of the season I try to just drive over it. Actually broke a car window last year early season from throwing a rock with the snowblower. You need that frozen hard pack underneath and it works fine.

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alunnatic t1_iudaq90 wrote

I've found them more of a hassle. I've had 2 and decided about 3 years ago to just shovel.

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Left-Link5070 t1_iudo9th wrote

I would not get one unless it has powered wheels. Save your money. One of my neighbors made that mistake and they are rather useless. Everyone on block takes turns doing their driveway whenever it snows more than 2 inches.

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Nutmegdog1959 t1_iuf8h1f wrote

You can buy a decent one on Craigslist for $200-300. Two stage 5hp 24-26"

Start there, figure out what you need this winter, then upgrade if necessary next year. If it works for you, you're good. If it's undersize/power you can sell the first one and not lose any/much money on it.

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EscapedAlcatraz t1_iuhfeqe wrote

As others have said Airens, two-stage, gasoline. I saved some $ buying a compact 24" Airens however during big storms this requires me to go out mid-storm and tackle the driveway, and then a second trip later to finish. With a larger model I could have waited. Also I recommend purchasing from a dealer as mine (Small Engine Co.) gives service priority to their customers. Finally, have the dealer do an overall service at least every other fall. Snowblowers have many moving parts that need to be lubricated and adjusted.

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happyonthehill802 t1_iudd2v4 wrote

Avoid big box stores. Dual stage for sure, one with a differential lock is a huge bonus. Honda track drive machines are superior but you'll pay the premium. Otherwise i would go toro over ariens

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ThisistheInfiniteIs t1_iuea37e wrote

The wider the better, also the little windshield is a nice option.

Don't forget to get a handful of extra shear pins and a good shovel collection.

You will break a few pins, especially on gravel and a snowblower doesn't work on all kinds of conditions, so you will still be doing some shoveling.

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Puretest t1_iuhc3d7 wrote

I’ve got a HD ClubCadet used and in good condition willing to let it go for $150; should be worth more. Really just want it gone, I’m too old now to run behind it. Stratton Mtn and you’ll need a trailer. Ric 802.379.4633.

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