Snow blowers

[scooperhsd]

I got one a couple weeks ago. The first couple weeks, it did its job - by preventing significant amounts of snow !

However, we got a couple inches last night - it was nice to just plug it in an 15 minutes later - the driveway is clear.

Obviously it can't completely replace the snow shovel, but it sure made quick work on the driveway   .

[0leman]

I bought a new snow shovel a month ago.  So far it is doing its job.  Only had two snows since I bought it and they were less than 3" of white.   Storm yesterday that dumped feet of snow to the south of us, missed us completely.   No complains.  Still have 2 months to go.   

[Sorcerer]

Took out my 25+ old Simplicity last Saturday. Bent blower pulley, bent blower main shaft. Both obsolete. Tried to straighten both last night. No go. Going shopping today. Ouch

[scooperhsd]

Took out my 25+ old Simplicity last Saturday. Bent blower pulley, bent blower main shaft. Both obsolete. Tried to straighten both last night. No go. Going shopping today. Ouch

Yes on the OUCH factor, especially in the gas powered models (more heavy duty use). That's why I got an electric from Lowes - I don't have that much, but my back complains when I need to shovel snow. I realize this electric isn't going to clean a big parking lot, but I'm not asking it to.

[da prez]

  Simplicity is one of a line made in the factory and tagged with many different names. At twenty five years old , two bent shafts , maybe put it up for sale or find someone that takes trade ins.
  
                              R I P  . Our last snow blower was a 1967. I sold it for more than I paid for it.
 Picked up a 28 inch Craftsman from an estate sale. Sale was an hour from closing. $1500.00 blower three years old. $750.00 asking price. They said it would not start. I offered them $150.00 and take my chance. Hem and haw. They took the  $150.00. I turned in the gas , choked it and it started on the third pull. It also has an electric start. They wanted to back out of the sale. I had my bill of sale.
  We have had it for about three years now.

                                                 da prez

[Oss]

Years ago a client was moving to N Carolina and asked if I want his old sears gas blower single stage you push it around

Sure said I

He called me a few months later, yep it snowed at his house

I still have it, replaced some round cotter pins for the axle and have a splint on the handle but still it works

If I ever buy one it will be self propelled 2 stage, draggin the thing up driveway gets old quick

[Fazer]

I bought a large two stage Crafstman from Rams three years ago and have yet to use it.  Still has the same gas in it.  I guess I should try and start it.  Three forward speeds plus reverse.  It ran last year, but has not seen a bit of snow yet.  He does not need it in Mississippi.

[scooperhsd]

He just thinks he doesn't need it in Mississippi  .

He just hasn't had that once every 10-20 year winter that would make him look like a genius for keeping the snowblower.

When we got married, we were living in Jacksonville FL . As you can probably imagine - there usually isn't much snow there. Nevertheless - we had a snowshovel from when we lived in Boston MA the winter before (and our next 7 winters were spent in the DC area (where snow can definately be a "problem"  more often than not). It was nice that we had that shovel more than once, and when we moved to NC.

[Jess from VA]

We don't get all that much snow where I live.  Once in a while (years) we can get a big one or two.

It's my experience that just buying a snow blower, immediately makes it snow much less than ever before (same deal with generators).

Mine hasn't been out of the shed in 3 years. 

It did get pulled out of the back corner again (in preparation), but so far all I've done is trip over it.

[Rams]

I bought a large two stage Crafstman from Rams three years ago and have yet to use it.  Still has the same gas in it.  I guess I should try and start it.  Three forward speeds plus reverse.  It ran last year, but has not seen a bit of snow yet.  He does not need it in Mississippi.

First off, I better not need it in Southern Mississippi!

Secondly, I'd recommend changing out that gas.   Old gas tends to mess up carbs.

Third, I hope you never need to use it.

Rams

[scooperhsd]

I bought a large two stage Crafstman from Rams three years ago and have yet to use it.  Still has the same gas in it.  I guess I should try and start it.  Three forward speeds plus reverse.  It ran last year, but has not seen a bit of snow yet.  He does not need it in Mississippi.

First off, I better not need it in Southern Mississippi!

Secondly, I'd recommend changing out that gas.   Old gas tends to mess up carbs.

Third, I hope you never need to use it.

Rams

I know it gets cold enough in Pensacola to snow (not that they see very much, but it IS possible).

[Serk]

...and if it ever snowed in my part of The Republic of Texas.....

[Rams]

I bought a large two stage Crafstman from Rams three years ago and have yet to use it.  Still has the same gas in it.  I guess I should try and start it.  Three forward speeds plus reverse.  It ran last year, but has not seen a bit of snow yet.  He does not need it in Mississippi.

First off, I better not need it in Southern Mississippi!

Secondly, I'd recommend changing out that gas.   Old gas tends to mess up carbs.

Third, I hope you never need to use it.

Rams

I know it gets cold enough in Pensacola to snow (not that they see very much, but it IS possible).

I'll agree, it is possible but, the probability is small and if it does, it's not likely to stick around long enough to justify keeping a snow blower.   It was just something else I'd have that I didn't need.   I still have the snow blade for my tractor and it's just sitting there.  
I'll make you a heck of a deal on the tractor and snow blade..............  

Heck, based on your location, I'll even deliver (for a small fee)

Rams

[Jersey mike]

My 2001 Honda 7/24 has run flawlessly since I’ve had it. Whether it’s 6” or over 2’, heavy and wet or light and fluffy it’s a workhorse. I didn’t get the tracks I have tires. When I’m done with my house I usually help 3 or 4 neighbors get the driveway barricades done left by the plows.

Silicone spray on the augers and chute is a big help, but cooking spray and WD40 work well also.

[John Schmidt]

This reminds me of when my dad bought his first snow blower while still living in central Iowa before retiring. First understand, dad had a schnoz on him close to Jimmy Durante's. He was all excited in his usual quiet way, assembling what needed to be assembled before using. The chute was mounted on a swivel of sorts so it could be aimed. All you had to do was pull a spring loaded pin, turn it in the direction desired, and release the pin to lock it in place. Or(dad's downfall) you could give the pin a half turn and it stayed out of the lock position. I was home on leave from the USAF, mom and I were watching from the large front room window as dad pulled it through the new fallen snow down to the bottom of the drive, about 35'. There he was with his cap with the furry flaps down over his ears and tied under the chin, his oversized specs shining in the sun, wearing what used to been known as a storm coat...sorta like a heavy winter overcoat down to the knees. We watched as he gave a thumbs up, pulled the rope a couple times when mom suddenly started to rap on the window. He couldn't hear her since it started for the first time on the 3rd pull.  He took aim at the nearby bank left by the street snow plow, the machine dug into it with a fury and the unlocked chute responded in kind. It instantly whipped around a full 360 about four times before dad could pull it back. He killed the motor and just stood there covered with snow from head to toe. At the point mom started laughing hysterically saying, the nose gives him away. Sure enough, the front of him was totally covered including behind his glassed, but his one redeeming factor came shining through....his nose. My girls, still quite small at the time, looked at "grandpa" and asked me in a serious tone....is that how it's supposed to work. 

As for preventing the plow from blocking your driveway, it's rather simple. On either side of the drive down at the curb you have to clear out an area about 15-20' long and a couple a couple feet in. When the plow comes through his blade will unload in that open area before getting to the drive. I know, some will say that's as much work as clearing out the end of the drive anyway. True, but you're already out there and have cleared the drive entry. Why not make a couple more passes on eithe side as suggested, cuz if you don't and the plow dumps on the end of your drive, you now have to go back out and do it all over again.

[Sorcerer]

Grease the grease fittings on your first stage. That was my downfall. Shear pins never sheared. Rusted/ frozen to the shaft. Cost me $1,075.

[Jack B]

I have a long driveway so I need something a little bigger.
I do like the flamethrower idea.

[Rams]

I have a long driveway so I need something a little bigger.
I do like the flamethrower idea.

Now, that's what I call a serious "Personal" snow blower.  
I'm think'n you win this one.  
I do not want to live anywhere I need something like that.  
Although, that tractor/snow blade I mentioned previously would move a lot of snow with it's five foot blade.


Rams

[cookiedough]

yah,  Jack's got me beat on big snowblower capacity thrower for sure.  I use shovels if under 3-4 inches but 5 inches and above I get out my mother in law's old 1972 Sears MONSTER chute all metal construction all blue with white chute on 2nd engine 5hp but throws snow 2x's further than any newer snowblower today in that 600-750 range new say 5hp with plastic smaller chute.  It ONLY has 1 forward and 1 reverse gear but IMO that is all you need anyways if about the right speed to begin with.  darn good shape for near 50 years old and only on 2nd engine they made to last in the early 70's steel gauge 3x's thicker than anything made today.  OLD BLUE gets the job done.  Mother in law age 78 can no longer pull the VERY VERY long cord to get it started and too big for her to handle it anymore very heavy and no way to get electric start installed on it for her.  Is a 2 person lift in back of a truck where as the newer ones same 5hp I can lift easier into the back of a truck, but still best to have 2 people lift them up not as young and strong like I once was.

Newer snowblowers are wider than OLD BLUE being only about 20 or 22 inches wide but tall thus the reason somewhat why less deep snow going in the more it will throw and not clog the chute just takes a few more passes back and forth is all on driveway.

if I get desperate and had longer driveway, besides a plow truck,  I am set have ATV with 60 inch mooseplow to get the job done, but having only a 50 foot driveway gets annoying backing up again and again and still then having to clean up the mess droppings left on the driveway with a shovel.  ATV plows are best suited for LONG driveways where you can roll the snow to the side much like a snowplow truck does on the hwy. 

[pais]

I've used both styles of snow blowers. Our first house had a long driveway and parking area. I picked up a used 8hp, 2 stage snow thrower. Do not remember the name(off brand, used from a pawn shop) but it had a Tecumseh Snow King motor. This was 30yrs ago and at the time, that was the motor to have on a snow thrower. Did the job well. Moved into the city and used it for 1 winter. Too big for the new house. Sold to a co-worker. Found a used Toro single stage, 2cycle blower for a $100 in 2004. Just used it yesterday afternoon. It's loud but it moves the snow. Actually works better with moist (not slush)snow compared to yesterdays powdery snow. Best $100 I've spent.
Neighbor lady moved a few years back and she had a Toro single stage, 2 stroke, newer and a couple sizes bigger, gently used, Toro shop maintained. So I bought for $50. She gave me a deal for my son and I helping her move a couple items. I was hedging my bets that my existing wasn't gonna last much longer. That was 6 or 7yrs ago. When I finally used it for the 1st time a few years ago on a heavier snowfall the thing couldn't match my smaller older one. Just does not rev as high as my old one. So it sits in the basement. Thought about looking at it to see if I can increase revs. Looking around, I'm not the only one with the issue. Could not find a solution, so it sits.
I'm sure newer snow blowers like leaf blowers(hand held and back pack) do not rev anywhere near as high as the old ones. That is an assumption based on what I hear from some. Can't wait until I'm forced to buy electric for more $ and less performance.
Used to be, if you bought a single stage, Toro was the brand to own. I will attest to that. 2 Stage, Ariens was the one to own. Now, I have no idea. Hoping my old one lasts 5 more winters. After that I will no longer need one!

[mbramley]

  I bought an 2 stage Ariens snow blower a couple of years ago. It was supposed to be one of the better ones for what it is. With the snow we get around here on the shores of Lake Erie it does OK. I really only use it for the walks or if I'm having a problem with the truck and plow. So far this year have only had to plow twice and use the snow blower once. They had the flame thrower on the news up here. Many liked the Idea and of course you got some were like "where would anybody get a flame thrower?" They don't realize how many uses there are for one, especially where it gets really cold like here.

[SpidyJ]

....they don't like gravel driveways.

 

[Jess from VA]

When it's light and fluffy snow and not too deep, my backpack Stihl blower works much better and quicker than my little Toro.  And it blows off the cars and 'scape and places the Toro can't reach.  But you have to get at it quickly before any melt. 

[Patrick]

I left home in 1965 and my grandmother then bought a new Ariens blower to replace me. That blower is still going. It served my parents well and now I use it to clean out in front of the hanger and as a plane toter.

[Oldfishguy]

1979 Model

[Patrick]

1979 Model

Hmmm, what kind of car do I see in the background ?

[cookiedough]

I left home in 1965 and my grandmother then bought a new Ariens blower to replace me. That blower is still going. It served my parents well and now I use it to clean out in front of the hanger and as a plane toter.

and here I inherited the oldest good working snowblower around 1972 but mine on 2nd engine.  You got me beat being 1965.

[hueco]

All of us Texans will chip in to buy all of ya'll a new snow blower as long as ya'll stay up there.

[cookiedough]

old blue from 1972 got a good workout today went thru 2 full tanks of gas doing 3 driveways the heavy 6 inches of snow we got and 2 feet at the end of the driveways from snowplow trucks was well appreciated the beast is still running pretty good.    Even got a big thank you from my neighbor telling me that old snowblower does a good job.   I did most of his driveway for him since he is recovering from prostate surgery and saw last 8 inch snowfall last week (was much fluffier and lighter) he even had his wife 1st time in 30 years out there helping him.   I would hate to have his wife help him out a 2nd time.... 

My wife and I make a good combo removing snow.  I worked the snowblower and she cleaned up the scrappings left behind all over as well as removing the snow from the 2 vehicles sitting in the driveway, as well as chopping the snow breaking it up some at the end of the driveway and uncovering the mailbox since the snowpile is about 3 feet above the mailbox now.   Once the snowblower blows snow covering up the top of the mailbox, is like concrete trying to uncover the mailbox.

[MarkT]

Here's my snow solution.  Not this year - we've had almost no snow yet.  Now if I wasn't ready, we would have been buried...

[cookiedough]

Here's my snow solution.  Not this year - we've had almost no snow yet.  Now if I wasn't ready, we would have been buried...

Nice setup is it 4wd?  The plow would work fine but do you also have a bucket attachment to dump the snow off the LONG driveway if need be?  If I lived in the country with a long driveway,  a setup such as what you have would be needed/essential.

A lot of folks in town have skid loaders/bobcats with buckets in front doing just driveways. Doesn't take them long to do a standard 18x40 foot driveway with ease.

[MarkT]

I remove the bucket to install the snow blade.  It's faster than a bucket and I can still handle deep snow with it.  This Kubota is a small ag tractor - 3 cyl diesel, 4WD, 3 pnt hitch, PTO's, all hydraulic, hi/lo range, locking back differential.  Huge torque for it's size.  Weighs over a ton including ballast.  I wired it to power my electric riding gear so plowing is still toasty even if it gets really cold - which it doesn't at least compared to WI.  Front Range Kubota is only 12 miles away - great, local service/parts though I do most service myself.  I used to have a snow plowing business in Kenosha.  This little tractor isn't as fast as a pickup with a blade but I'm not doing commercial plowing here.  Just help a few neighbors with their snow.  We get less than WI most winters.  The big snow is up in the mountains.

[Patrick]

To mow, move snow and everything else I now use a Kubota tractor with a bucket. The bucket works good for dual duty, as a push blade or bucket. I made 18" extensions for each side. But, I haven't had to move snow in quite awhile. We're not there during those months, haven't seen a flake in years.

[Fazer]

We had "winter weather advisories" all week so I fired up the Craftsman I bought from Ron, BTW, it's 8hp six forward speeds and two reverse, and even with the old gas, started on the third pull.  I also have single stage two stroke I use when there is just a little snow.  It started as well after priming and a couple of pulls.  I had treated both with Marine Stabil.  My neighbor came over and we kicked tires for a while--he just bought a big two stager, but he needs it with his driveway.  Anyway, we were both geared up for a big snow and ended up getting about 1" that was turned to slush a few hours later by a steady cold 35 degree rain.  Yuck. 

We mover here from NE Ohio (Munroe Falls, near Kent where PAIS lives).  There we had a lot of snow.  Not quite in the snow belt, but close enough to need a snow blower.  Our driveway was an "S" shape with negative slope on the turns.  If we had snow the night before, I would have to clear the driveway to get to the road, or risk sliding off thru the landscaping.  I just had a singe stage at the time, but it was a Toro and got a real work out.

[cookiedough]

MarkT,

they could have used you near Kenosha/Racine area Sunday morning they got the most snow at 10 or so inches overnight Saturday.   WE are 2 hours about away due west and got only 6 inches snow Saturday overnight, still enough.  

went online last night comparing new commercial grade Ariens and Honda snowblowers top of the line in the 2600 to 3200 price range which for our needs is overkill.  Most have 5 hp 600-800 dollar units around me which is good enough for most scenarios but see my rich neighbor got rid of his old Toro mix oil/gas for a brand new what appears to be 1 grand Ariens model.  Old BLUE of mine made in 1972 and him out there with driveways about 60 feet apart was darn close only about 20 feet away from throwing snow into each others driveways.  I see the 3K snowblowers throw snow about 50 feet which with the right wind conditions I could  throw my snow into his driveway - LOL

[Rams]

We had "winter weather advisories" all week so I fired up the Craftsman I bought from Ron, BTW, it's 8hp six forward speeds and two reverse, and even with the old gas, started on the third pull.

Greg,
Glad you did that and happy as heck that gas didn't go bad.   That snow blower was a great back saver for me in KY but, have absolutely no use for it here in Mississippi.   I'm glad it's found a good home to (hopefully) meet retirement.  

For some reason, I just had the image of a Valkyrie with a mud & Snow tire with chains and a snow blade mounted to the front come into my head.............   

It's been a long day is all I can say.   

Rams  

[da prez]

Neighbor had a blower sitting by the driveway.  Hasn't been used during snowfall.  I stopped and asked if they wanted to part with it. Take it , it will not start. Track drive craftsman.  Less than an hour I have it running. Spark plug ,carb cleaning and oil change. I've got about $10.00 in it.  They sell for about $250.00 around here. In spring time  , estate sales on the last day is worth looking for. Pick them up cheap.

               da prez

[Patrick]

Neighbor had a blower sitting by the driveway.  Hasn't been used during snowfall.  I stopped and asked if they wanted to part with it. Take it , it will not start. Track drive craftsman.  Less than an hour I have it running. Spark plug ,carb cleaning and oil change. I've got about $10.00 in it.  They sell for about $250.00 around here. In spring time  , estate sales on the last day is worth looking for. Pick them up cheap.

               da prez

A friend picked up a brand new Troy Built tiller for free.  There wasn't a single scratch on it. The guy couldn't start it and broke the starter cord.  I fixed the cord and it works just fine. Its amazing the things people do.