I recently purchased/acquired an existing business. I have a good amount of land for inventory (cars) and need a snow thrower. The previous owner had one for the business but gave it away to his friend before selling everything and moving down to Florida. Up until now, the snow throwers I used were my brothers and me, but I need to get the real thing this time. Anyone know anything about them, or have any suggestions on what to buy? I'd like to budget myself to around $500, but would spend a little more if needed (but not $1000). I've been looking at what sears has to offer, saw a few, but really don't know what to look for in a snow thrower. Help?
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Ed

 

In the two stage world, there are basically two tiers of product (we're talking new).

Ariens and Simplicity sit in the upper tier. Almost everyone else is in the lower tier.

In fact, Poulen, Craftsman, Yard Machines, Husqvarna, MTD are all basically the same Electrolux product.

Toro makes a decent product.

When you read the reviews you find that products like the Craftsman product break down frequently and require yearly fixing -- while Ariens runs strong for 20-30 years. They'll all blow the snow around, but some are more reliable.

Look for an OHV engine and a axle with a locking/unlocking differential in the better models. The L-head engines, while good, have occasionally had issues with throwing rods when used on an incline.

Read through some of the reviews on http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/tools/

I don't have the link off hand, but there's a great snow blower shopping guide out there -- warns against the lower tier product for long term use.

Go to a local lawn and garden shop and talk to the dudes. Get a feel of the machines. Bigger is better, but depending on what you really need, too big can be annoying.

I just bought a Ariens 926DLE. Hopefully it'll be the first and last blower that I buy.

 

I would not recommend Sears power products to anyone. They are fine for part time use, but if this is going to be something you depend on, I would spend a few more bucks and get a better machine.

Also, you need to look at the area that you are cleaning. I think a 5.5 hp might be to small. You want to try and get one that can throw if off the pavement in the first throw. I would suggest noting smaller that a 7.5 hp.. If not, the snow tends to pack and becomes more work for you, not the machine.

Me, I will only buy Snapper puch equpiment. They have really performed for me very well over the years with no problems. But they can be 200 bucks more that another brand.

http://www.snapper.com/large_frame_snowthrowers.html

 

John Deere! Two Stage.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/home-garden-37/snow-throwers-what-do-you-have-320805/ I made some comments about the sears products there...

Slimey, Nice... The DLE comes with heated grips (hand warmers)

I've been looking at the 926LE... but I think I probably going to hold off for another couple of years... My driveway is only 16 1/2 x 52, and I can use the exercise in the winter

Ed, how big is the lot ?? One of the professional blowers (like Mr. Slimey's) would probably do the trick, but it'll be over your $1000 budget. On something like this, it's better to buy a little oversized, then undersized.

 

Uh-hum...
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=320805

 

You need to be really careful when you own a business and you are dealing with snow. Its a big time liability if someone falls on your lot.

I suggest you screw the snow blower and get a contract from a reputable company to clear your snow. That way if someone falls on your lot you can hopefully shift the blame. You should talk to an attorney about the risks and then make an educated decision.

 

Here's a link to a great review site that I looked back to a number of times during the shopping experience:

http://home.gwi.net/~spectrum/snowblower.html
and the buying guide http://home.gwi.net/~spectrum/snowbuying.html <--some really good stuff here

Here's another list of who makes what http://searchwarp.com/swa16027.htm

I justified speding a bit more money for a couple more bells & whistles (like heated grips) after I saw NUMEROUS posts about people owning their Ariens for >20 trouble free years. I was very close to buying a Simplicity (also rated very high) but dollar for dollar, the Ariens gives just a bit more. The Toro had too much plastic for being similarly priced. Deere is made by Frontier. Honda is good, but the track design is gimmicky more then practical.

I was very tempted to do an internet purchase for this but found the local guy to price match without any haggle (still have to pay tax). I read a number of reviews of these things not getting set up right from box dealers and the service/care to be much better from local lawn & garden dudes.

 

and the OHV engine/upgraded transaxle... I thought worth the extra $200-$300.

 

GM, I saw that link, I searched and found that. I figured it's a year old link, things change over a year..
BTW, I have a lot on the side that holds 10 cars, and a spot in front for one or two cars, and the driveway entrance and walkway. There's a pic of my place somewhere on the web...one sec... Click

 

First post in that thread, 10-04-2005, 12:02 PM, what year is it?

 

See this thread https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/i-cant-sleep-tired-324412/

 

The case iron gear case and the ovh engine (vs. the l-head) will make for a machince that will last forever...

The Ariens "Professional" series are true professional grade machines

edit: For lightduty use, I think the Ariens "deluxe" series is a great value too.

 

 

Is that a six speed? Paddle shift?

 

There is alot of good stuff there... even some non-snowblower related stuff (camping, pizza, etc).