BHC 9,557 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Looking to buy one once they go on sale soon. Never owned one, but after this winter and back issues I can't deal with the pain at times So as far as brand, size and engine what's your opinion on what I should look into? Of course I'm looking for something that can handle above average NJ snowfall.....this winter here in North Jersey wasn't normal Link to post Share on other sites
archer36 3,462 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 (edited) Mine is about 20 years old. Don't use it enough for a recommendation. There were some years I never started it up. Edited February 20 by archer36 Link to post Share on other sites
Greybeard 8,995 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Inherited my first one 3 years ago and just got to use it this year. Made life easier, but I don't know much about the brands. It's a craftsman and still starts with one pull. Don't need to use the electric starter. One thing I can say is get one with a metal chute, not plastic. Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyScags 243 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 I have a 30” Troy Built with I think a 347cc engine. It’s performed really well. My only gripe is that sometimes if the snow is already packed it doesn’t always have the traction to get under it. Makes me think I should’ve spent the extra $200 for the upgraded model with treads instead of wheels. Other than that it’s been outstanding. I do 3-4 houses and a bunch of street parking every storm though so it may be overkill for you. Link to post Share on other sites
Cousin Brown 1,205 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Ariens....size depends on how much you got to do. Awesome machines. optowalt, hunterbob1, Asbury24 and 2 others 5 Link to post Share on other sites
hammer4reel 9,342 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 26 or 28” is fine for most driveways here . Aliens are the Cadillac machine , most others are made by MTD . ‘IMO they are tough to find on sale , seems everyone has the same idea .. . ‘always put stabile in the fuel , and drain the carb bulb after use they are super trouble free. ‘IMO my snow blowers are the best money I have ever spent on anything I have ever purchased . their time ease of use makes snow removal an easy quick task Asbury24, Bucksnbows and 308federal 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites
hammer4reel 9,342 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 3 minutes ago, JimmyScags said: I have a 30” Troy Built with I think a 347cc engine. It’s performed really well. My only gripe is that sometimes if the snow is already packed it doesn’t always have the traction to get under it. Makes me think I should’ve spent the extra $200 for the upgraded model with treads instead of wheels. Other than that it’s been outstanding. I do 3-4 houses and a bunch of street parking every storm though so it may be overkill for you. I found if put at the slowest speed it will allow it to dig down . ‘when I do areas that are gravel I use it at a higher speed so it floats up an inch or so and doesn’t dig down . JimmyScags 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Rusty 14,591 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 After 30+ years of shoveling a 300' driveway by hand my wife told me that we were buying a snow blower. I haven't used it myself yet but 2 years ago we bought a Cub Cadet 3X. The Beard runs it when we get a deep heavy snow and I have to admit that it is pretty nice. It blows through deep heavy snow without a problem. BHC, Bucksnbows and MPSR 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites
BHC 9,557 Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 Aliens are the Cadillac machine, been looking them and Toro Rjtfd 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Asbury24 53 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Bought an 28” ariens a few years ago. No complaints. A lot of power and really throws the snow Link to post Share on other sites
BillW0323 3,452 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Ariens-Deluxe-28-28-in-254-cc-Two-Stage-Self-Propelled-Gas-Snow-Blower-with-Push-Button-Electric-Start-Power-Steering-Headlight-s/1000102373 This is the snowblower I have. Thing is awesome. With the big storm we had, I had zero issues getting through the apron and clearing the street curb line. I highly recommend this blower. BHC and Asbury24 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Black Bear Bowhunter 465 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 I just bought an old Honda HS55 used with tracks. Definitely real nice the old machines super durable and get the job done. Don’t have the money for those new expensive $1500 and up machines... Link to post Share on other sites
Cousin Brown 1,205 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 My brother bought a cub cadet this year and said its been awesome. Rusty 1 Link to post Share on other sites
nmc02 3,574 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 (edited) I have an ariens compact 24...great machine. Pro tip>>> Be sure you adjust the feet height when you purchase. Use 3 paint stirrers spaced apart for proper height. .124 of an inch. Edited February 20 by nmc02 BCsaw and hiking 2 Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyScags 243 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 17 minutes ago, hammer4reel said: I found if put at the slowest speed it will allow it to dig down . ‘when I do areas that are gravel I use it at a higher speed so it floats up an inch or so and doesn’t dig down . Yeah, even on 1 it still gets above it. I’m thinking about chains maybe. Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now