Snow Blower advice please
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Originally Posted By: boraticus
Originally Posted By: Nick R
When we lived here last time, we had an electric single stage free from Navy housing to use. It sucked, and took 3 hours to do a 20ftx 14ft driveway when there is 2 feet of snow. Never again.
Big difference between a strong running gas powered Toro or Honda and an electric. I know that my Toro 221QE will clear 20'x 14' of 8" deep average type snow in a few minutes.
I used to be a "nothing but two stage guy". I've owned three two stage machines over the last 25 years or so and presently own a 10 h.p. 28" Simplicity. I know what they can do and really appreciate them when the situation is such that a SS machine is overwhelmed. Reality is that type of snow situation is relatively rare. Maybe once or twice a year. My SS machines see 90% of the work.
The ideal situation would be to have one of each or make an arrangement with a neighbour so that one guy has a dual stage and the other has a SS machine. Make both machines available to each other. You'll be surprised to see which machine you choose most often.
I have to agree that there's nothing like a healthy two stage machine for dealing with partially frozen end of driveway snow. If the snow is fairly soft the SS can do it but no where nears as efficiently or easily as a two stage machine.
+1 This is the best post in this thread. Everything he said is good and right.
Originally Posted By: Nick R
When we lived here last time, we had an electric single stage free from Navy housing to use. It sucked, and took 3 hours to do a 20ftx 14ft driveway when there is 2 feet of snow. Never again.
Big difference between a strong running gas powered Toro or Honda and an electric. I know that my Toro 221QE will clear 20'x 14' of 8" deep average type snow in a few minutes.
I used to be a "nothing but two stage guy". I've owned three two stage machines over the last 25 years or so and presently own a 10 h.p. 28" Simplicity. I know what they can do and really appreciate them when the situation is such that a SS machine is overwhelmed. Reality is that type of snow situation is relatively rare. Maybe once or twice a year. My SS machines see 90% of the work.
The ideal situation would be to have one of each or make an arrangement with a neighbour so that one guy has a dual stage and the other has a SS machine. Make both machines available to each other. You'll be surprised to see which machine you choose most often.
I have to agree that there's nothing like a healthy two stage machine for dealing with partially frozen end of driveway snow. If the snow is fairly soft the SS can do it but no where nears as efficiently or easily as a two stage machine.
+1 This is the best post in this thread. Everything he said is good and right.
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Thank you for all the great replies.
It seems like Toro and Honda are the prefered SS brands. The price point was a strong appeal to the Simplicity I was looking at and it seemed like a solid unit, but as I get older, I have learned that cheaper isn't always the best way to go. I will go and check out a Toro next.
It seems like Toro and Honda are the prefered SS brands. The price point was a strong appeal to the Simplicity I was looking at and it seemed like a solid unit, but as I get older, I have learned that cheaper isn't always the best way to go. I will go and check out a Toro next.
check Toro's website and see if they still have free financing for 12-18 months. I did the 18 month free financing route last winter for my 11hp Toro and it rocks. I understand the single stage for its light weight and maneuverability. However with power-turning it is real easy to manhandle mine. Mine is overkill, but with that 20" storm we had last year, I was more than pleased to have mine and not a single stage. When the snow is light I put mine in 'top gear' and walk nice and fast, covering the street down 2 blocks to the park. Makes walking the dogs much easier after.
Does the OP have any roofs that will have to be cleaned with the snow blower? And if so, are they strong enough to handle the weight of a two stage when there is already a good snow on it.
Two stage are great for clearing a roof when you want to throw the snow a good distance to get it off the roof, but if the roof can't handle the weight of a two stage with the snow, you will require a lite weight SS and you will have to clear the edges and then move snow to the cleared area and clear the edge again, until you get it all done.
Two stage are great for clearing a roof when you want to throw the snow a good distance to get it off the roof, but if the roof can't handle the weight of a two stage with the snow, you will require a lite weight SS and you will have to clear the edges and then move snow to the cleared area and clear the edge again, until you get it all done.
explorer,
I don't like it. You get about the same amount of snow we do here in south east Pa... you get much colder though.
My neighbor bought one and for a small amout 3 or 4 inches, ok. for a foot, 18 inches or the occasional 30 inch snow fall. you will want to throw it in the trash. He used it once for 4 inches the next snow was around 2 ft. he did about 10 ft and quit, I went over with my 7 hp Ariens and did his drive. The next day he took the simplicity back and got a 9hp machine.
I see them at sears (okay for a home) $500 to $650 and home depot $600 or more.
My other neighbor got this one 3 years ago. I used it last year when mine was apart in my garage. and it worked awesome, better than my 25 year old Ariens. He loves it and it does the job. you need a minimum of 22 or 24 inches. Happy sno-throwing!!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07188787000P?mv=rr&i_cntr=1323614653743
or
this one
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM5835388102P?mv=rr
I don't like it. You get about the same amount of snow we do here in south east Pa... you get much colder though.
My neighbor bought one and for a small amout 3 or 4 inches, ok. for a foot, 18 inches or the occasional 30 inch snow fall. you will want to throw it in the trash. He used it once for 4 inches the next snow was around 2 ft. he did about 10 ft and quit, I went over with my 7 hp Ariens and did his drive. The next day he took the simplicity back and got a 9hp machine.
I see them at sears (okay for a home) $500 to $650 and home depot $600 or more.
My other neighbor got this one 3 years ago. I used it last year when mine was apart in my garage. and it worked awesome, better than my 25 year old Ariens. He loves it and it does the job. you need a minimum of 22 or 24 inches. Happy sno-throwing!!
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07188787000P?mv=rr&i_cntr=1323614653743
or
this one
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM5835388102P?mv=rr
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JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
I wish Sears would have kept more of their snowblower line based off the former Murray design.
The only ones they carry that do are the Snapper 2-stage machines.
The Murray design always seemed to perform and hold up better.
Joel
The only ones they carry that do are the Snapper 2-stage machines.
The Murray design always seemed to perform and hold up better.
Joel
I've used the same single stage Toro in Indianapolis since 1997. Only twice did I have problems with the amount of snow. My driveway is about 75' x 18' and a typical 3-5" snowfall takes about an hour - including shoveling a patio and porch. Some winters it is only used a couple of times (the first year I bought it I'm not sure if I ever used it). The little two-stroke always starts and the only maintainance has been replacement of the worn paddle/blades & scraper, a muffler gasket, and a primer bulb.
FWIW - I have used my Toro S-200 SS since 1979 in the Chicago far NW suburbs and it's carried me through every storm since. Drive is 75'x20' with a 16' square pad on the side. I have only replaced it this year with last year's model Toro 621QR (last of the 2-strokes) because the handle finally failed from metal fatigue. So sometimes I do have to go out twice during a storm, but when there's only 2", I have no issue firing it up and being done in minutes.
Originally Posted By: provels
FWIW - I have used my Toro S-200 SS since 1979 in the Chicago far NW suburbs and it's carried me through every storm since. Drive is 75'x20' with a 16' square pad on the side. I have only replaced it this year with last year's model Toro 621QR (last of the 2-strokes) because the handle finally failed from metal fatigue. So sometimes I do have to go out twice during a storm, but when there's only 2", I have no issue firing it up and being done in minutes.
You must have purchased a 221 because it's the last of the two cycle SS machines. I bought a new 221QRE in January because I knew the two cycles were being phased out.
The 621 has a four cycle engine. Unless of course, someone dropped a two cycle engine into a 621 chassis.
FWIW - I have used my Toro S-200 SS since 1979 in the Chicago far NW suburbs and it's carried me through every storm since. Drive is 75'x20' with a 16' square pad on the side. I have only replaced it this year with last year's model Toro 621QR (last of the 2-strokes) because the handle finally failed from metal fatigue. So sometimes I do have to go out twice during a storm, but when there's only 2", I have no issue firing it up and being done in minutes.
You must have purchased a 221 because it's the last of the two cycle SS machines. I bought a new 221QRE in January because I knew the two cycles were being phased out.
The 621 has a four cycle engine. Unless of course, someone dropped a two cycle engine into a 621 chassis.
If you have a single stage- and you know your getting a few feet- you just have to go out more often and with a 2 stage- you might not have to out as often. I grew up in the snow belt- we never let the snow get over 5-6 inches before clearing it. When the snow is heavy and deep- better to just go over it a few times when it is manageable rather than trying to just get it all at once and possibly breaking your machine and your back.
Originally Posted By: boraticus
You must have purchased a 221 because it's the last of the two cycle SS machines. I bought a new 221QRE in January because I knew the two cycles were being phased out.
The 621 has a four cycle engine. Unless of course, someone dropped a two cycle engine into a 621 chassis.
Yes, you're right. Too much comparison shopping..
Toro Power Clear 221QR #38583
You must have purchased a 221 because it's the last of the two cycle SS machines. I bought a new 221QRE in January because I knew the two cycles were being phased out.
The 621 has a four cycle engine. Unless of course, someone dropped a two cycle engine into a 621 chassis.
Yes, you're right. Too much comparison shopping..
Toro Power Clear 221QR #38583
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Kestas
Staff member
Originally Posted By: tdpark
When the snow is heavy and deep- better to just go over it a few times when it is manageable rather than trying to just get it all at once and possibly breaking your machine and your back.
Not always possible if you work and have other responsibilities. Otherwise I agree that it's better to shovel a few times during a storm, and not all at once.
When the snow is heavy and deep- better to just go over it a few times when it is manageable rather than trying to just get it all at once and possibly breaking your machine and your back.
Not always possible if you work and have other responsibilities. Otherwise I agree that it's better to shovel a few times during a storm, and not all at once.
If I'm in the mood to throw some snow around I might go out during a snowfall. Generally, I'll let it snow until it either stops or in the very, very rare occurrence, more snow is falling than the biggest of my machines might have trouble with if I don't go out.
Otherwise, I'll just put another log on the fire, look out the window and watch the show.
Otherwise, I'll just put another log on the fire, look out the window and watch the show.
Up here in Maine you only see two stage blowers.
I have a Sears 1993 vintage, with 10HP tecumseh two stage 29" wide.
People ask me all the time, what kind of blower to get, I tell them get the two stage and most HP you can get. I would probably prefer a slightly narrower unit, maybe 26" wide but other than that, with a signle stage you will throw it in the trash when you get wet heavy snow.
My sears has been great, sees about 60-100 hrs a year. I have repalced a few shear pins, blets and 1 carb and that is it in 18 years of service.
If I repalced it, I would get an Ariens or Simplicity hands down.
I have a Sears 1993 vintage, with 10HP tecumseh two stage 29" wide.
People ask me all the time, what kind of blower to get, I tell them get the two stage and most HP you can get. I would probably prefer a slightly narrower unit, maybe 26" wide but other than that, with a signle stage you will throw it in the trash when you get wet heavy snow.
My sears has been great, sees about 60-100 hrs a year. I have repalced a few shear pins, blets and 1 carb and that is it in 18 years of service.
If I repalced it, I would get an Ariens or Simplicity hands down.
I disagree on SB multiple times.
It may be a regional thing...
But when it SB, the wind just blows whatever you just blew and snow will just *settle* and level back in the same spot anyways. I always wait till it's done snowing till I go out. It's a moot point doing it anytime beforethen IMO
It may be a regional thing...
But when it SB, the wind just blows whatever you just blew and snow will just *settle* and level back in the same spot anyways. I always wait till it's done snowing till I go out. It's a moot point doing it anytime beforethen IMO
Originally Posted By: chefwong
I disagree on SB multiple times.
It may be a regional thing...
But when it SB, the wind just blows whatever you just blew and snow will just *settle* and level back in the same spot anyways. I always wait till it's done snowing till I go out. It's a moot point doing it anytime beforethen IMO
I seldom do it myself but what you're saying is wrong unless some kind of blizzard with high winds and drifting snow is raging.
Otherwise, long steady heavy snow can be moved in stages and manageable. On one rare occasion, I went out and cleared my driveway with ten inches of snow on it. Snow continued to fall unabated for another twenty hours. By the time it was done, we had 30" total. I know for a fact that it would have been a much more difficult job to deal with 30" of dense snow rather than 20". Sometimes, if a big dump is coming, it does make sense to clear the snow when it's still manageable.
I disagree on SB multiple times.
It may be a regional thing...
But when it SB, the wind just blows whatever you just blew and snow will just *settle* and level back in the same spot anyways. I always wait till it's done snowing till I go out. It's a moot point doing it anytime beforethen IMO
I seldom do it myself but what you're saying is wrong unless some kind of blizzard with high winds and drifting snow is raging.
Otherwise, long steady heavy snow can be moved in stages and manageable. On one rare occasion, I went out and cleared my driveway with ten inches of snow on it. Snow continued to fall unabated for another twenty hours. By the time it was done, we had 30" total. I know for a fact that it would have been a much more difficult job to deal with 30" of dense snow rather than 20". Sometimes, if a big dump is coming, it does make sense to clear the snow when it's still manageable.
Been using my Honda HS35 since I bought it new in 1987, still starts first pull
A few bad stories to pass along. I have a friend who bought a new snow blower a few years ago. He had it for a few days and someone broke in the thin wood side door of his garage to steal it. So remember they can be stolen. You might want to chain them down, even in a garage.
And once someone I worked with said he had a one year old snow blower that he had not used yet, and it now would not start. I asked him if the gas was a year old, and he said yes. Told him to replace the gas, and it fired right up. Then his brother in law comes over and borrows a channel lock pliers to work on his car while it is in their drive way. It snows that night, and he busted his blower when it sucked in the pliers that his brother in law left laying in his drive way. And to top it off the machine was now out of warranty.
And once someone I worked with said he had a one year old snow blower that he had not used yet, and it now would not start. I asked him if the gas was a year old, and he said yes. Told him to replace the gas, and it fired right up. Then his brother in law comes over and borrows a channel lock pliers to work on his car while it is in their drive way. It snows that night, and he busted his blower when it sucked in the pliers that his brother in law left laying in his drive way. And to top it off the machine was now out of warranty.
OP, your signature says you have a Honda and a Toyota. You obviously prefer Japanese brands. Why change on a snowblower?
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