help with snowblowers...

[rh71]

Budget is max $400.

First thing's first though... how well do those smaller "electric power shovels" work ? Not a huge property but don't want to waste money on these if they're just gimmicky.
search for 79002 here
search for 31A-040-800 here

Back to the big machines... which is better :
3.5HP Yard Machines @ $329
4HP Craftsman @ $352
Toro electric - search for 38025 here

- what are stages good for ?
- are there problems with starting in cold weather (no electric start) ?

Anything else I need to know ?

 

[bonkers325]

something like this would probably be more fun

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: bonkers325
something like this would probably be more fun

I can picture it now:

1. You use a flamethrower to melt the snow.
2. The water begins to freeze around your feet.
3. You run out of gas & can't post here! Go for it!

 

[sharkeeper]

Flamethrowers are quite ineffective for snow removal unless you posess a ? Six Bunker C Diesel "buttercup" burner, thirty two thousand horsepower.

A two stage unit is much more efficient especially if you live in areas prone to frequent heavy, wet snow.

Even the pull start machines are easy to start as they have a primer "button" you push a few times before starting. The biggest enemy to the snow thrower is the owner that leaves the machine sit with the same charge of gasoline in the tank all summer long...

Those little shovels are good if you have a small sidewalk to clear. More than that and it's time to get a real machine. If you're clearing anything on an incline invest in a self propelled machine always.

Cheers!

 

[Mokmo418]

A pull start with a good engine will last you years.
i dunno if you really need anything bigger than a single stage in Long Island's snow.
around here (north of northern Maine), you need the two stage wit a 6 or 7 HP engine... used it last wednesday to clear 4 inches of snow and it was still rushing to get through the heavier one.

But in the end, not having to shovel the whole driveway is worth every penny.

 

[mugs]

Those don't appear to be self-propelled... are they?

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: Mokmo418


But in the end, not having to shovel the whole driveway is worth every penny.

:thumbsup:

 

[Iron Woode]

We had an old 8 HP 2 stage blower. Self-propelled and chains on the tires, this unit was a monster snow removal machine.

Back in the day (late 70's) we got lots of snow. 1-2 feet per storm was common. Try shovelling that much wet snow and see how long it takes for you to have a heart attack.

EDIT: 20 inch auger height and about 2 feet across.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: mugs
Those don't appear to be self-propelled... are they?

I don't mind propelling it... the worst part of shoveling is straining my back when I toss it time and again... the pushing isn't a problem.

I don't have a self-propelling lawn mower and I don't mind that.

 

[rh71]

^ for more.

 

[cavemanmoron]

spend more money
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product....7188355000&subcat=Snow+Throwers%2C+Gas

 

[sao123]

The ultimate in snow removal technology

 

[olds]

I can send one of my guys over:
Sno Go

 

[m2kewl]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
I can send one of my guys over:
Sno Go

park that snow in the neighbor's yard - priceless!!!

 

[rh71]

does the clearing height much matter ? If the snow is higher than the mouth of the machine, will it just "drop" during the process and get thrown as well ?

 

[Ornery]

1. Don't waste $300.00. Invest in quality, it's cheaper in the long run.

 

[olds]

I will guaranfvckingtee you that you want self-propelled.
Other than that, HP.

 

[Anubis]

we basically have a 15 year old version of this one
http://www.ariens.com/snow_products/compact_sno_thros/7524_e/

ours is 8.5HP but basically teh same specs in terms of size, it had worked flawlessly for about 15 years now, gets good to heavy use every winter, has never failed us

 

[Armitage]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
I will guaranfvckingtee you that you want self-propelled.
Other than that, HP.

Agree on both counts.

 

[Conky]

You need an electric starter option because these things are hard to start in the cold after they've been sitting for a year.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: Crazyfool
You need an electric starter option because these things are hard to start in the cold after they've been sitting for a year.

yes you definitly want one, we get ours serviced every fall to make sure its good to go in the winter, and when its extreamly cold out sometrimes that had trouble getting it started, if you have a heated gerrage it will be fine but ours sits in a cold barn untill its used and sometimes starting it when its 10F out can be a bitch

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
I will guaranfvckingtee you that you want self-propelled.
Other than that, HP.

I get the feeling you guys are applying it to your own situations of a lot of snowfall. We don't get it that badly and it's not a big property either... just enough that shoveling for > 30 mins is a P.I.T.Back so we want the simplest solution that doesn't cost TOO much. I also say WE because I plan on packing it up and heading to my dad's house a couple miles away after snowfall so it's gotta be light enough to lift into the truck.

 

[Sundog]

Originally posted by: Crazyfool
You need an electric starter option because these things are hard to start in the cold after they've been sitting for a year.

I disagree. Electric start is an option, not a requirement. If the carb is properly tuned/jetted and the jets are all open then hand starting shouldn't be a problem. The problem is most do not take care of their equipment and think that just adding some Stabil to already crappy gas will ensure the engine starting 6-9 months down the road. :roll:

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat
I can send one of my guys over:
Sno Go

http://home.earthlink.net/~nbrass1/nike/fueling.jpg

Watch out for men with gloves,ANd face shields!!

 

[Ornery]

1. That $300.00 unit is a piece of junk that you will be replacing before long.
2. Your dad should buy his own. He owns his own mower, doesn't he?
3. Our Ariens was at least 10 years old, and used commercially before I bought it in the early '80s. I can still get replacement parts for it.
4. I don't use it that much, but when I need it, I NEED IT!
5. It has electric start, but I don't use it, and I NEVER prep it in any way.
6. My dad learned the hard way about buying crap equipment. My step-sister's husband found him a used Ariens, and now he swears by it... :roll: Better late than never I guess.