Looking to buy: Teach me your ways about snow blowers / throwers

[Murdoc]

For the driveway you decribed above, those are both complete overkill.

This one will more than do the job:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ariens-C...Snow-Blower-920021/205376710?N=5yc1vZbxc5Z2ci

Still overkill, but the compact 22" isn't showing on the site. With that small of a driveway, I'd be looking more for lighter weight, since you will be tuning around every 20 feet.

Or even this one:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Sno-Tek-...920402/202222489?N=5yc1vZbxc5Z1z0wwdxZ1z0uxk9

I'll second the Ariens recommendation in the first link. It is the next model above mine (slightly bigger auger, bigger engine, and a remote chute deflector (which I really wish I had gotten)). At 250 lbs, it should be fairly maneuverable too.

 

[Murdoc]

For that size driveway, an Ariens Compact 22 would work just fine. That's what I use on my 100' long driveway. It's 14' wide at the road and 28' wide at the garage, much larger than the OP's. Takes 15 minutes in light snow, 25 to 30 in heavy snow. Throws the snow 35' to 40' easily, biggest issue is not getting it in the neighbors driveway.

Too bad you can't still get them with the Subaru engine. I love mine, starts first pull every time. Not worth the time to plug in the electric start.

Got the same blower, but my driveway is slightly smaller. Does a great job, though the wheels slip sometimes at the and of the driveway. May look for chains for them. Unfortunately, I don't think mine has the Subaru engine.

 

[bruceb]

I currently own a Snapper 6HP 22 inch model here in NJ which does quite well. But for the New England area, I would definitely step up to a 10HP or more model with a bigger chute and longer throw distance of the snow. If your winters are extremely bad or on a hilly driveway consider getting tire chains or a model with tracks. As to engines, Briggs is reliable and mine starts on 1 pull every time (and it is an easy pull) Honda engines are great, but will cost more initially. For all of them, change oil before each winter (I like to run synthetic) and check it before each use , check or clean / replace spark plug. When storing for next year, run out the gas in the tank and carb. Check the auger has enough grease (most have Zerk fittings) Check your tire pressures before use (I go about 3PSI over what it says on the tire) Be sure you have spare Shear Pins which are designed to break and save the Auger if you run over something (like a buried newspaper)

 

[teatheif]

I live in NH and have an Ariens St926DLE bought back in 2005. It has been great and is still going strong. I will admit that I have been lazy on maintenance and leaving gas in the blower during the summer. Even with all my negligence, it has never failed me.

Just a bit of advise for heavy wet snow. I spray silcone in my chute and on the auger. This helps prevent the snow from sticking to your blower.