37 replies to this topic

[Strat688]

Hi folks.....I'm getting too old to deal with my old single stage unit, so I've been looking at two-stage snowblowers.

So.....I'm just asking for your input, concerning units you may have (or had). 

Things like reliability issues ?, parts issues? , general performance?, etc, etc (You get the drift)

Thanks in advance

[Peconic Paladin]

(You get the drift)

 

 

LOL.....

 

last year I was contemplating this: https://www.troybilt...age-31bs6bn2711

 

They sell them at either Lowes or Home Depot (I forget now).

 

I'll be watching this thread and if no one suggests something better, I'll probably just buy that one.

[Camaro45th]

I don’t really know what the difference between single stage and 2 stage snowblowers are. When I bought my house 3 years ago I bought a 24” Toro that looks similar to the linked one above. I don’t have any problems with it. One thing I noticed was when I first bought it, I noticed that only 1 wheel would spin when you engaged the motor. I noticed a friend had the same unit, and both his wheels would spin. I thought I had a defective one and called the store. Turns out I had to move the cotter pin on the non spinning wheel so it would move with the other.

Also, I think if you can get a unit with a headlight, it is probably good to have. I wear a headlamp when I plow at night bc my SB doesn’t have one.

I think Aerins is another good brand.

[killian]

I have both a single stage and a two stage Cub Cadet. Love both of them. Zero issues with either. Bought both at Carl’s Equipment on 112. They have sales regularly.

[a7vette2]

 

(You get the drift)

 

 

LOL.....

 

last year I was contemplating this: https://www.troybilt...age-31bs6bn2711

 

They sell them at either Lowes or Home Depot (I forget now).

 

I'll be watching this thread and if no one suggests something better, I'll probably just buy that one.

 

I bought this model Troy Bilt three years ago at Lowes to replace a 1967 Ariens that I got from my parents when they moved to Fla. in 1998. My son in Michigan bought a new Ariens and quality is much better than the Troy Bilt  but it is almost double the price. I couldn't justify the cost of the Ariens considering the amount of snow we get here. One quirk in the controls you should be aware of: the shoot direction control and the auger engagement control are both on the left side. When you need to adjust the shoot direction, you need to release the auger. Good news is I solved that with a Velcro strap to keep the auger engaged. Hope this helps.

[Tom Mac]

Bought the Troybuilt listed above 4 yrs ago....paid $425 on sale.... Works fine no issues.
For me like mentioned , for the 4 or 5 times used a year I couldn't see buying one for twice the price

( don't use it unless more than 3" of snow )

[jm7480]

I have his one  it works great and i got it on sale for $700.

 

https://www.troybilt...wer-31am5cp3766

[Peconic Paladin]

I couldn't justify the cost of the Ariens considering the amount of snow we get here. One quirk in the controls you should be aware of: the shoot direction control and the auger engagement control are both on the left side. When you need to adjust the shoot direction, you need to release the auger. Good news is I solved that with a Velcro strap to keep the auger engaged. Hope this helps.

 

 

 

Bought the Troybuilt listed above 4 yrs ago....paid $425 on sale.... Works fine no issues.
For me like mentioned , for the 4 or 5 times used a year I couldn't see buying one for twice the price

( don't use it unless more than 3" of snow )

 

Thank you much, gents! I would say I'm sold. 

 

I've always wanted a snow blower and have bought a new home with a longer driveway that merges for a little bit of common driveway too. Looking to save some effort. I was also interested in the "minimum" show fall required so the 3" issue helps too.  

 

Much appreciated.

[Lou G]

Hi folks.....I'm getting too old to deal with my old single stage unit, so I've been looking at two-stage snowblowers.

So.....I'm just asking for your input, concerning units you may have (or had). 

Things like reliability issues ?, parts issues? , general performance?, etc, etc (You get the drift)

Thanks in advance

Get the biggest one you can afford. With a small one you might get swamped in a heavy storm. Make sure it has a electric start. preferably 120 volt over 12 volt battery, If the ignition  system gets wet from the snow blowing on it and it stalls you may pull it a couple of times to get it going Pull starting for us old guys is a bitch.  Have heated grips,Headlight, and electric rotating cute. Make sure it has power to both wheels and look into optional chains. You can get some blowers with a see thru canvas but I think it will get covered with snow.  

[2edgesword]

You may want to consider tire chains for the snowblower tires if your driveway has a steep incline. The chains will help with traction on snow or ice covered surfaces. Also, consider a model with a reverse gear. It's helpful in spots where it's difficult to make a full turn.

[Gary_Hungerford]

You want a Husqvarna. You'll pay a bit more for it but, in the long run, you will have an infinitely better machine. I bought mine at Lowe's, several years back and have never regretted it. A friend, who is in the snow removal business, recommended it to me. Get the 22" or 24" model, depending on length and width of your driveway.

Gary

[Peconic Paladin]

You want a Husqvarna. You'll pay a bit more for it but, in the long run, you will have an infinitely better machine. I bought mine at Lowe's, several years back and have never regretted it. A friend, who is in the snow removal business, recommended it to me. Get the 22" or 24" model, depending on length and width of your driveway.

Gary

 

It seems like they only have 24" models. Don't see how 2" would make a difference. I was skeptical about going with some unknown foreign company, but since you mentioned the friend recommending it, maybe I'll give it a try/investigate further.

[a7vette2]

Husqvarna is a very well known high a quality brand. It  will be more money than the Toro but it will also be worth it depending on how much you use it. As I said, the Toro is just fine for me but an Ariens or Husqvarna is going the be a better machine with more bells and whistles.

[blue05]

Metal chute..................... only buy a machine with a metal discharge chute.....

[Gary_Hungerford]

It seems like they only have 24" models. Don't see how 2" would make a difference. I was skeptical about going with some unknown foreign company, but since you mentioned the friend recommending it, maybe I'll give it a try/investigate further.

 

The Husqvarna units' blade/churner areas get higher, as they get wider, handling deeper snow. Mine has 15 inch wheels, 6 forward speeds and one reverse, twin headlights and with a steel chute, which can rotate 180 degrees. There are separate controls, for the blades and the transmission. You can set  it up for plug-in-the-wall starting or use the pull cord. Mine always starts on the first pull. It blows though snow, slush and ice, even packed snow, from the plows, like no other machine I've ever owned. I have the older version of the ST224 model. The newer version is push button start. My driveway is 100 feet long and double wide, plus a wide and deep patio, in the rear.

Gary

[Peconic Paladin]

The Husqvarna units' blade/churner areas get higher, as they get wider, handling deeper snow. Mine has 15 inch wheels, 6 forward speeds and one reverse, twin headlights and with a steel chute, which can rotate 180 degrees. There are separate controls, for the blades and the transmission. You can set  it up for plug-in-the-wall starting or use the pull cord. Mine always starts on the first pull. It blows though snow, slush and ice, even packed snow, from the plows, like no other machine I've ever owned. I have the older version of the ST224 model. The newer version is push button start. My driveway is 100 feet long and double wide, plus a wide and deep patio, in the rear.

Gary

 

Is the chute controlled by a crank/manual like the Toro 2410, or is controlled from the handles/controler area

[NRATC53]

My research shows I no longer need one. Ariens or Husqvarna for the win. 2 stage means it has a feed auger that chews up the snow and feeds it to a separate fan that throws the snow up the chute. All things said here (metal chute, controls, electric start, speeds w/ reverse and chains for slopes) are valid for all but the smallest driveways. Colder climes also offer heated grips, cabs, and other options

. Lived in Syracuse, Buffalo, UP Michigan and other places so I've seen my share of snow

[Gary_Hungerford]

Is the chute controlled by a crank/manual like the Toro 2410, or is controlled from the handles/controler area

 

It's controlled by a slide, just in front of the handles. Very smooth motion.

[Nester]

.

[Phoenix69]

Nester. WTF?