Snow Blower Recommendations for Iowa Winters

[Jacktronic]

Planning on purchasing a snow blower for my parents this Christmas. For those with experience using them during Iowa winters, would a single-stage blower be adequate or should I just go ahead with a two-stage? Residential neighborhood in Des Moines, fairly standard single car driveway (maybe 60 feet long) and sidewalk to clear. Open to any recommendations or brands to avoid, I was thinking of getting a gasoline powered blower with an electric start. Thanks in advance.

 

[nfrine]

 

[Jacktronic]

I have Amazon Prime, do you think I'll get free shipping?

 

[CyCrazy]

A single stage toro is more than fine.

 

[nfrine]

Two-stage is the way to go. The single stage units won't touch the bigger snowfall or heavy (wet) snow. Electric start is good. I like Honda engines but that is overkill for the amount of use it will probably see.

 

[isu22andy]

Oh god the annual single vs two stage debate

 

[BCClone]

Two stage. That way you can throw it in the neighbors drive. I have an Ariens and a Swiess. First is 11 hp the second is 140 hp.

 

[BCClone]

Oh god the annual single vs two stage debate

Gotta pull that ruler out every so often and compare.

 

[3TrueFans]

Oh god the annual single vs two stage debate

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

 

[Clonehomer]

Depends on their health and ability. A single stage would probably work, but there's typically a lot more effort to get through drifts. A two stage will typically just let you walk behind it, but are really heavy to maneuver if they aren't running.

I really compare it to a walk behind mower and a self propelled. The standard walk behind is much lighter weight and will do the job. The self propelled does the same job, but with less effort by the operator.

 

[NWICY]

Ariens makes a good one, gas w/electric start is excellent. I'm partial to a two stage but lots of people like a single stage because they are a lot lighter.

 

[BoxsterCy]

I have a couple of old Toros. A two-stage and a single stage. I start the two-stage each fall to make sure it starts/runs but have not bothered to use it in at least three years because the single was more than adequate for the snow. But then again I am not the kinda guy that thinks he needs a million cubic liter hemi four wheel drive Grand Titanic to drive to the corner market for a gallon of milk.

 

[JP4CY]

Ariens makes a good one, gas w/electric start is excellent. I'm partial to a two stage but lots of people like a single stage because they are a lot lighter.

Another Ariens owner. I have a deluxe 28. Dip **** free paper delivery creepy dude must have thrown one at the end of the driveway before a huge snowstorm. That thing went thru the Ariens and it sounded like a cannon ball getting shot and then there way more confetti floating down than the Super Bowl. Scared the **** out of me.

Got mine at Van Wall

 

[iowa_wildcat]

HS720AS
(7 reviews)

• Single stage
• 4 cycle, 190cc Honda OHC engine
• Clears 20" wide, up to 1800 lb./min
• Throws snow up to 33 feet
• Semi-self propelled auger drive
• Snow Director chute control - easy control of distance and direction
• Electric Start

MSRP $799*

 

[CarlHungus]

Go the city of Ames route. Solar

 

[JP4CY]

HS720AS
(7 reviews)

• Single stage
• 4 cycle, 190cc Honda OHC engine
• Clears 20" wide, up to 1800 lb./min
• Throws snow up to 33 feet
• Semi-self propelled auger drive
• Snow Director chute control - easy control of distance and direction
• Electric Start

MSRP $799*

Honda stuff is nice but $800 for a single stage?

 

[iowa_wildcat]

That is the official suggested retail. It does not mean that I would pay that for that unit. I only sold cars for 23 years. You have to start somewhere!







1

 

[dmclone]

Do you think anyone with a 2 stage has ever said to themselves "I wish I would have gotten a less powerful single stage"? It's like buying a 4cyl Mustang, you'll always be wishing that you had paid just a little more for the V8.

 

[Clonehomer]

Do you think anyone with a 2 stage has ever said to themselves "I wish I would have gotten a less powerful single stage"? It's like buying a 4cyl Mustang, you'll always be wishing that you had paid just a little more for the V8.

Only when trying to get it into the car to get it serviced. Found out when I got there that they would have picked it up for me.

 

[runbikeswim]

Love my 2 stage ariens. the $1000 one at one depot is'a'sure bet. Big enough for the big ones, not too heavy my wife can't use it in a pinch. Blows a good'distance too which is helpful for wide/ tough drives