Snow Blower Recommendations for Iowa Winters

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dmclone

Well-Known Member
Oct 20, 2006
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The only thing I don't like with my 11 year old snowblower are the wear pads(skid shoes) on the side. I found myself replacing them every few years. Last year I switched them over to some rubber ones and they are so much better and quieter.
 

bos

Legend
Staff member
Apr 10, 2006
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My buddy has had his for 40 years. Im hoping my purchase will be the same.
 

Tailg8er

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Feb 25, 2011
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Johnston
Sorry, I didn't realize that you could buy a single stage 4 stroke, auto start , and self propelled for $200-$300. I didn't realize single stages were so cheap with so many options. The ones I've seen with those options have been around $600.

I didn't realize I said anything about a $200-300 snow blower. Some of the 2 stage recommendations in this thread cost over a grand.

If you want to compare a top of the line single stage to a budget 2 stage, that's a whole other convo. I was comparing a very good single stage to very good 2 stage.
 

dmclone

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Oct 20, 2006
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I didn't realize I said anything about a $200-300 snow blower. Some of the 2 stage recommendations in this thread cost over a grand.

If you want to compare a top of the line single stage to a budget 2 stage, that's a whole other convo. I was comparing a very good single stage to very good 2 stage.

You said two stage were $400-$500 more. A good two stage that has every feature you mentioned start at about $600 and can be easily purchased for under $800. With this information I assumed you were implying that a single stage could be bought for $200 to $300.
 

Tailg8er

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Feb 25, 2011
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Johnston
You said two stage were $400-$500 more. A good two stage that has every feature you mentioned start at about $600 and can be easily purchased for under $800. With this information I assumed you were implying that a single stage could be bought for $200 to $300.
Again, I was going off of the recommended models that go for $1000+.

You can get a nice single stage with all of those features (and more reputable brand name, imo) for $500.
 

NATEizKING

Well-Known Member
Feb 18, 2011
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Hilton
We are moving into a new house in a couple of weeks and will be in the same position. Bigger driveway too. I am leaning towards a 2 stage. Menards has a Poulan Ive been eyeing.

http://www.menards.com/main/outdoor...10124624-c-12370.htm?tid=-4621448297543742170

Last year dropped some heavy deep snow to finish off the season and my current thrower couldnt handle it at all. Took me twice as long.
Without knowing anything about reputable brands, this one has the features I'm looking for at a good price. Might be the one.
 
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VTXCyRyD

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Sep 2, 2010
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With heated grips?
Honestly, if you're going all out you should get these. The hollow grips on my old 2 stage will suck the heat right through your gloves and out of you hands. I had to get some big mittens to keep my hands warm when using it. I thought about adding heated grips to mine, but I don't use it near as much as the single stage.
 
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bos

Legend
Staff member
Apr 10, 2006
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Honestly, if you're going all out you should get these. The hollow grips on my old 2 stage will suck the heat right through your gloves and out of you hands. I had to get some big mittens to keep my hands warm when using it. I thought about adding heated grips to mine, but I don't use it near as much as the single stage.


I made fun of heated seats in cars until I had some. Then I stopped hatin'
 
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MNCYWX

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Feb 7, 2010
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Med City, MN
Waiting to use this bad boy I picked up on the cheap earlier this Spring! (Thank you, neighbor moving to Texas)

2 stage 24" Craftsman.

I live on the edge of town and that wind just whips across the fields. Can't wait.

Sorry, I'm of no help for a useful review.

13164281_10103260708885220_4830992233792890201_n.jpg
 
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BCClone

Well Seen Member.
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Sep 4, 2011
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Not exactly sure.
Waiting to use this bad boy I picked up on the cheap earlier this Spring! (Thank you, neighbor moving to Texas)

2 stage 24" Craftsman.

I live on the edge of town and that wind just whips across the fields. Can't wait.

Sorry, I'm of no help for a useful review.

13164281_10103260708885220_4830992233792890201_n.jpg


Looks like a snapper with a craftsman label. See that sidewalk to the left? That's where your snow is going.
 

dmclone

Well-Known Member
Oct 20, 2006
20,690
4,810
113
50131
Waiting to use this bad boy I picked up on the cheap earlier this Spring! (Thank you, neighbor moving to Texas)

2 stage 24" Craftsman.

I live on the edge of town and that wind just whips across the fields. Can't wait.

Sorry, I'm of no help for a useful review.

13164281_10103260708885220_4830992233792890201_n.jpg

That's almost identical to the one that I've had for the last decade. Blows the snow at least 8 feet.