New Snowblower Opinions

[spierceisu]

I have a old 2 stage 27" wide John Deere that runs ok, but I think it is at the end of its life (it is 25-30 years old). I am looking to upgrade to a new 2 stage. I am thinking 24" wide will be fine for me. I am thinking Ariens or Toro. Does anyone have opinions/recommendations?

 

[NoCreativity]

I have an Ariens Compact 24, its a workhorse. I have alot of concrete and I can get my driveway done in 20 minutes.

I got it out Saturday in anticipation of this mornings snow and it started right up after sitting 7 months.

 

[LeaningCy]

Both seem to be trusted brands. We live in the Twin Cities and just picked up an Ariens Deluxe 28" based on recommendations from family/friends.

 

[Clonehomer]

If you have the space to store the Ariens deluxe, do it. The compact will get through the snow just fine, but turning it is a beast if you leave both wheels driving. It can be done, it's just easier to let it turn on its own.

 

[NodawayRiverClone]

Either brand should be great. Be sure you are satisfied with the dealer if you plan on them doing any maintenance work or need warranty work.

 

[jdcyclone19]

I have a toro 828LE, its a beast (in a good way). Highly recommend. I'd also see if you can find a good used one on CL and marketplace. New snowblowers are really expensive for the little bit of usage each year. I bought mine 7 years ago used for $350. New its close to $1000.

Electric start and hand warms are reallly nice, if you are going all out.

If you can get through this winter with your current one, you can buy one a lot cheaper in spring.

 

[mattyheiden]

I have a 2 stage John Deere 826 and a new Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO (dealer only) and both are great. The JD is obviously 30+ years old. Can’t go wrong with an Ariens but make sure you get one that’s big enough. I’d recommend not going thru a big box store either. The motorsports shop delivers free of charge and will pick up and return the machine for repairs as long as I own it.

 

[MuskieCy]

My most reliable snow blower,
been used for decades.

 

[Tre4ISU]

I've been looking at the same thing and have come down to these two. I'll likely go with Toro as my neighbor runs the shop they sell them at. I liked their control system a little better and with all the bells and whistles they seem a little cheaper. Also, I know more people with them who have raved about them.

 

[JP4CY]

Another Ariens vote here. I've got a Deluxe 24 or 28, can't remember off hand.

 

[cygrads]

I bought a two stage from menards about 18 years ago with electric start and a B&S engine and still going strong. At the time I checked out JD, Toro and others and based on the fact I'm cheap and I only need to use it a few hours a year I got the menards brand and saved about half - maybe I'm lucky.

 

[NickTheGreat]

My most reliable snow blower,
been used for decades.

Seems like that would take forever

 

[mattyheiden]

The Canadians seem to love their Yamaha snowblowers. Can’t get them here in the USA tho

 

[MuskieCy]

Seems like that would take forever

In conjunction with this,

 

[Hoggins]

Put a blade in front of your riding mower. Boom

 

[somecyguy]

If I can recommend something a little different.

https://www.craftsman.com/products/...art-two-stage-snow-blower-sb425?taxon_id=6656

I bought this Craftman a couple years ago, because the reviews were great and I have been very pleased with it. One of the biggest positives is the quieter engine. I don't need ear protection and can actually hear people when I'm using it. My last Craftman lasted 14 years, so I've really been happy with them.

 

[BoxsterCy]

My most reliable snow blower,
been used for decades.

Seems like that would take forever

Gotta get the deluxe fiery model.

 

[IcSyU]

Another Ariens Deluxe 28" SHO here. Foot of snow? No problem. Heavy wet snow? No problem.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

My most reliable snow blower,
been used for decades.

In conjunction with this,

**** that. Life isn't worth scooping snow.

 

[ATCy]

I have an Ariens Compact 24, its a workhorse. I have alot of concrete and I can get my driveway done in 20 minutes.

I got it out Saturday in anticipation of this mornings snow and it started right up after sitting 7 months.

Same here. Bigger is always nice but for the handful of times you need to use it, it's also nice to have a smaller one to take up less space in your garage. I wanted to get a 28" but the salesman talked me out of it for that reason and I'm glad he did.