Best Snow Blower?

**Josh Ryan** · #1 01-02-2008, 05:44 PM

Mine had some sort of internal detonation. I blame my towns DPW, bunch of drunks. I think moving the weight of all the snow from the road that got piled onto the sidewalk did it it. (yes, it had oil). It was an MTD made Crapsman, I mean Craftsman.

To be fair most of the plow guys do a great job and know how to do their job, but some really suck hard at it and ruin it for everyone.

even though the thing sucks in a lot of ways, I'm going to look at fixing it. I haven't opened it up yet, waiting for Monday. I would like recommendations should the cost of repair (parts) outweigh the benefit of not buying a new one.

santucci218 · #2 01-02-2008, 05:47 PM

craftsman...arent they lifetime guarantee?

TrooperFarva · #3 01-02-2008, 05:51 PM

Doesn't Craftsman offer a lifetime warranty on all their stuff?

onemorebass · #4 01-02-2008, 05:58 PM

Ariens... used to work for a dealer in Oshkosh, WI years ago, they work better, last longer, were easier to repair when needed and held they're value real well.

http://www.ariens.com/snow_products/

theshadow2001 · #5 01-02-2008, 06:01 PM

Damn TB and its rules. I've got a most suiting dirty cartoon. Ah well whatchagonna do?

dman_113 · #6 01-02-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santucci218

craftsman...arent they lifetime guarantee?

On their hand tools, on any thing that uses electricity or gas to run its a 1 year warranty I think.

Human Bass · #7 01-02-2008, 06:10 PM

I find snowballing rather romantic...

**Josh Ryan** · #8 01-02-2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Human Bass

I find snowballing rather romantic...

good grief, where are the puke smilies....

Craftsman offered a two or three year, it's over now. the hand tools are warrantied for life, as stated above but otherwise I'm SOL.

**Josh Ryan** · #9 01-02-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onemorebass

Ariens... used to work for a dealer in Oshkosh, WI years ago, they work better, last longer, were easier to repair when needed and held they're value real well.

http://www.ariens.com/snow_products/

this is what I see crews around here using, I'm thinking it's the way to go.

seanm · #10 01-02-2008, 06:59 PM

Those Arien's are expensive but they do look like quality units.

We have been having really light winters snow wise. But when we got 20cm in December I went out and bought this snowblower:

White moderate duty 8.5Hp, 26" (full specs). I like it so far, but haven't owned it long enough to say how reliable it will be and I don't claim it is the best.

What do I look for in a snowblower? 26", 27" at most, since I want it to go through the regular door in the garage, not the big door shown in the picture. I also want one hand operation and the ability to control the chute while blowing the snow.

I also bought local from a well established store that will have a good stock of parts for years to come.

Vince S. · #11 01-02-2008, 07:02 PM

We have a Toro CCR that's older than I am. Still runs like a champ.

**Josh Ryan** · #12 01-02-2008, 07:07 PM

this is a bit much, but it would help with the plow situation:

http://www.ariens.com/snow_products/...ros/9526_dlet/

crikker · #13 01-02-2008, 07:24 PM

Get an Ariens now. The reason they cost a little more is for the quality. You won't regret it (after it's paid off).

**Josh Ryan** · #14 01-02-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crikker

Get an Ariens now. The reason they cost a little more is for the quality. You won't regret it (after it's paid off).

I think you are right. My interweb research is coming up that way everywhere I look.

seanm · #15 01-02-2008, 07:48 PM

My Dad had a tracked snowblower and I didn't really like using it. You can just see a foot bar behind the track in that photo. You have to lock down the blade while running and hit the bar to release it and let the unit "float".

Some people *love* this feature, some hate it. It would help if you could get a chance to "try before you buy".

Pros:

Great traction.
You don't get that "riding up" effect, the blade stays locked down. This is the main selling feature IMHO.

Cons:

I found it a pain to be locking/unlocking all the time
I found it sometimes locked when you didn't want it too
Feels heavier

I blow the snow a bit back from the edge of the lawn. So I need to let the blade float over the lip of the grass. I also find high gear too slow for traveling, especially backing up, so I just push or pull the snow blower with the power disengaged when traveling. These two things probably bias me against the tracks since I need to keep locking/unlocking.

Geoff St. Germaine · #16 01-02-2008, 07:49 PM

That should do it.

seanm · #17 01-02-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff St. Germaine

That should do it.

I don't know Dude, I hear the upkeep on that model is pretty expensive

jady · #18 01-02-2008, 08:14 PM

I thought this was gonna be a thread about Cocaine use

Geoff St. Germaine · #19 01-02-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanm

I don't know Dude, I hear the upkeep on that model is pretty expensive

I figured there'd be plenty for rent in most neighbourhoods.

**Josh Ryan** · #20 01-02-2008, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff St. Germaine

I figured there'd be plenty for rent in most neighbourhoods.

I have two very long sidewalks (corner lot) and huge driveway, there just isn't enough time for a shovel and making it to work.

We used to trudge around in pairs and make good money shoveling, you just don't see that anymore, at least not here.