I am looking for advice on snowblowers. It will be for personal use, driveway and sidewalk, nothing special.
It's sort of a personal preference thing.
How big a driveway and sidewalk?
Generally the single stage blowers are ok for 6 inches or less of snow and smallish areas. Anything more than that and you'll want a 2 stage.
I'd highly recommend Toro, but you'll pay a bit more.
Just the average suburban 2-story, 2-car garage with a 40 ft. setback.
Also, any reccomendations on where to buy, anybody offer a military discount?
Also, anybody use an electric?
Exactly what I have. Toro single stage, very nice. My neighbors have the big auger types and they stink for anything less than about 6" of snow. My drive is clean when I am done, theirs still has snow all over it.
I have actually gone and helped them with my "cheap" model.
Exactly what I have. Toro single stage, very nice. My neighbors have the big auger types and they stink for anything less than about 6" of snow. My drive is clean when I am done, theirs still has snow all over it.
I have actually gone and helped them with my "cheap" model.
I'm just the opposite of some. Had a big two stage, and it was too big to handle. Am going back to a single stage "thrower" with an electric start. If you are moving lots of snow, a two stage is best. If you plan to get out and get after it, the single is sure a lot easier to handle, and much quicker. Just my op.
If you don't get 2 stage, you are throwing your money away, IMO.
I have 22" MTD Yard Machine. It is going on 8 years old and still runs perfectly. I have cafefully maintained it, however.
This year, I had to replace the skid shoes on the side of the intake since they had worn all the way through. Those pieces are designed to wear, though.
The engine is Tecumseh and seems to have enough power. There was one snow storm in CO where we got 24" of snow and blowing and drifting and I couldn't get through some areas without killing the engine. That was the only time it felt underpowered. Otherwise, it does fine.
Also, mine pull starts very easily which is great in case I'm out of town and my wife needs to snowblow.
Hope this helps.
PS...I think MTD got bought by a much larger company that owns Toro and some others.