My son and his wife bought a house this past summer and they live in Conn. He was wondering about what type of snow thrower to buy. He's out in the country so their driveway is a little larger then a standard city one. I live in MN with 2 snow throwers the newer one was built in 1992 and the older one in 1966. So as you can see it's been a while since I have looked for one. He has apparently started to look because he was asking about the Arien's brand. I'm thinking he would probably want at least a 2 stage. But I was also wondering about what's considered a good dependable engine these days for this application. Thanks in advance for your help.
New snow thrower, what to buy?
- Thread starter kwijibo
- Start date
- Status
Whether to go 1 or 2 stage depends on how much snow you get. If you need to get through deep driveway drifts or if the snow plow piles up a lot of snow, then get a 2 stage because of the higher intake height. Just don't get a 2 stage with a wimpy motor. Look for at least 200 cc, and around 250 is better.
You can't go wrong with an Ariens or Toro. My preference is Ariens for snowblowers and Toro for lawnmowers. The new Ariens with the assisted turning are really nice.
You can't go wrong with an Ariens or Toro. My preference is Ariens for snowblowers and Toro for lawnmowers. The new Ariens with the assisted turning are really nice.
How long is the driveway? Any hills or significant inclines? Budget? I'm guessing in Connecticut there are plenty of dealers, but I'd have him check to see what's close and convenient, with a good reputation and service center, especially if he's buying new.
I don't think you can go too far off with a Toro, Ariens, Husqvarna, or a Honda (which will be a lot more expensive). Other than the Honda, most use China imported engines, but that's not a bad thing, they're all pretty decent nowadays. Those brands all have levels with different features and price points.
I don't think you can go too far off with a Toro, Ariens, Husqvarna, or a Honda (which will be a lot more expensive). Other than the Honda, most use China imported engines, but that's not a bad thing, they're all pretty decent nowadays. Those brands all have levels with different features and price points.
ariens are excellent units, great parts availability too.
Aries used to be a fantastic machine. The new lower price ones are absolutely garbage, equivalent to an MTD. If I was in the market for a new blower it'd be hands down a Honda. My mothers Honda is over 10 years old, starts first pull even for her at 69 years old, throws snow so far it's incredible. Hydrostatic transmission is fantastic. Can't say enough good things about it. If I wasn't going to buy a Honda I'd look for a 1970's or 80s machine back when most were well built and really lasted.
Originally Posted By: eljefino
I like the 2 stage "724" size (7 hp, 24 inches wide.) Much bigger than that and you can't wrestle the things when they get stuck. I'd get an Ariens sno-tek from a big box store for around 6 bills.
200 cc= 7 hp.
I disagree, I use a 36" Ariens and it's not too big. Less up and down passes on driveway.
Sno-Tek is the low end line from Ariens.
I would recommend a regular Ariens, not a Sno-Tek.
I like the 2 stage "724" size (7 hp, 24 inches wide.) Much bigger than that and you can't wrestle the things when they get stuck. I'd get an Ariens sno-tek from a big box store for around 6 bills.
200 cc= 7 hp.
I disagree, I use a 36" Ariens and it's not too big. Less up and down passes on driveway.
Sno-Tek is the low end line from Ariens.
I would recommend a regular Ariens, not a Sno-Tek.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
None of them are built the way they used to be. Like said, since Tecumseh engines are no longer, most are using an OHV Chinese import engine or a Briggs OHV engine. I have no preference there, they're all OK. Ariens and Toro build a decent machine. The ~$800 and under crowd will usually be made by MTD or the Husqvarna group. The large frame Simplicity used to be great, but they are not made anymore AFAIK.
I use a ~3yr/old 28" Ariens SnoTek with my 18yr old 7hp/24" MTD machine as my backup. I too prefer smaller machines because they're easier on the body.
If you're on a budget, Ariens Sno-Tek are great for the money. Look them over compared to an MTD and Husqvarna Group machine and there's no comparison. Real linkages as opposed to cables, nice bushings, bearings, etc. Not quite as nice as an orange Ariens, but very good for ~$600.
I love Honda and have put hours on various newer Honda snowblowers. I don't care for the placement of the controls on them and don't care for hydrostatic drive, where it's a pain to freewheel them. They do throw snow better than anything else I've used though.
I use a ~3yr/old 28" Ariens SnoTek with my 18yr old 7hp/24" MTD machine as my backup. I too prefer smaller machines because they're easier on the body.
If you're on a budget, Ariens Sno-Tek are great for the money. Look them over compared to an MTD and Husqvarna Group machine and there's no comparison. Real linkages as opposed to cables, nice bushings, bearings, etc. Not quite as nice as an orange Ariens, but very good for ~$600.
I love Honda and have put hours on various newer Honda snowblowers. I don't care for the placement of the controls on them and don't care for hydrostatic drive, where it's a pain to freewheel them. They do throw snow better than anything else I've used though.
Last edited:
My preference would be to shop around for a 1990s to 2007 Airens, Toro, Simplicy, Honda and/or Yamaha in very good shape. That was pretty much the end of the reasonably priced, solidly built machines.
I think Simplicity still make large frame machines. Find on with the cast iron gearbox and you'll be getting a rugged machine.
I think Simplicity still make large frame machines. Find on with the cast iron gearbox and you'll be getting a rugged machine.
I see Briggs has their own snowblower now. Anyone have comments on it?
I have an Ariens 11-28,got it in 2003 ,starts on like the 2nd pull every time and runs and looks new still,and its moved alot of snow.Only replaced a few shear pins is all. Ariens or Honda
Buy an Ariens or Toro. Buy once, cry once. Both of them are good. They will have either Briggs engines or the Honda clone engines depending on the model you get, both are reliable.
I would never buy a Honda snowblower. I love Honda engines, they are great, but the snowblower is WAY overpriced for what you get. You could buy two Ariens for the price of the Honda. The Honda blowers have nice features, but flimsy metal and delicate expensive to repair transmissions. Many of the track drive Hondas have a pin that breaks in the transmission causing the blower to stop moving. The part is cheap, but it requires taking the whole thing apart which is expensive. I've had customers get quoted over $1000 for the repair.
I'd also get a two stage for here in Connecticut. Single stages are good for smaller areas/snowfalls. Toro has a SnowMaster which is a large single stage, but for the price of them you could spend a bit more and get a nice 2 stage that will handle anything you throw at it.
I would never buy a Honda snowblower. I love Honda engines, they are great, but the snowblower is WAY overpriced for what you get. You could buy two Ariens for the price of the Honda. The Honda blowers have nice features, but flimsy metal and delicate expensive to repair transmissions. Many of the track drive Hondas have a pin that breaks in the transmission causing the blower to stop moving. The part is cheap, but it requires taking the whole thing apart which is expensive. I've had customers get quoted over $1000 for the repair.
I'd also get a two stage for here in Connecticut. Single stages are good for smaller areas/snowfalls. Toro has a SnowMaster which is a large single stage, but for the price of them you could spend a bit more and get a nice 2 stage that will handle anything you throw at it.
The 24" is a good compromise for me. My back likes it better. Walking is good for you. I started the Ariens' Chonda on the 2nd pull. It was down on power due to 10 month old e10. Don't care as long as the tank isn't rusty. I will drain and re-fill the tank with fresh gas after Thanksgiving. There is a new belt on the handle bars and 2 extra shear bolts in the shop.
Luckily I got my 1980's Honda HS55 with tracks..for free. I have never had an issue with it...except when it was -40F and the transmission engaged slower than normal.
Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
Luckily I got my 1980's Honda HS55 with tracks..for free. I have never had an issue with it...except when it was -40F and the transmission engaged slower than normal.
Like anything else, the older ones are slightly heavier duty, and the track drives are usually fine on those. The newer ones have been cheapened and that is where the failures occur.
Luckily I got my 1980's Honda HS55 with tracks..for free. I have never had an issue with it...except when it was -40F and the transmission engaged slower than normal.
Like anything else, the older ones are slightly heavier duty, and the track drives are usually fine on those. The newer ones have been cheapened and that is where the failures occur.
I love my late 80s MTD 24" two stage with a Tecumseh. Works great, always starts on one pull. I had it in Chicago from 89-99, then moved to FL and put it in storage. Brought it out in 2011 when I moved here. Rebuilt the carb and put a new muffler on it, good to go. Had to replace some random spring a few years ago. New MTDs make me weep.
I'd go Ariens, or find some good old iron. I like my 24" as a jack of all trades size, but it's hard to pick a size without seeing the place.
I'd go Ariens, or find some good old iron. I like my 24" as a jack of all trades size, but it's hard to pick a size without seeing the place.
I have a 1991 Honda HS521 5hp, single stage that I bought brand new and it still runs like day 1. I use it for light to moderate snowfall. For bigger jobs, I use a Noma/Murray 24" 8hp. But the Honda is such a better built machine.
- Status