Snowblower recommendations?

[arcas]

Here's a question for all y'all northerners...

I live in central Kentucky so our snowfalls tend to be modest compared to northern states...2-5 inches per snowfall normally. In the past that wasn't much of a problem unless it was a heavy wet snow. But last spring I hurt my back and while it's better now I don't want to risk re-injuring it. So I think I'll get a small snowblower this year.

I have about 200 feet of sidewalk and a 30' x 20' driveway that need to be cleared. I don't have a lot of storage space in the garage so that probably limits me to a small single-stage model (which is probably all I need anyway given how much area I need to clear). Ideally it should be large enough to handle a moderate snowfall...say 8-10 inches.

I'm looking for recommendations/experiences. Has anybody used an electric snowblower? Are there any small models with 4-cycle gas engines (most the small gas-powered snowblowers I've seen are 2-cycle)?

Thanks.

 

[Anubis]

ours is 4 cycle 8.5 HP Cast Iron Block 4 foot wide 2.5 foot high intake 5 forward gears and reverse

you wouldent need that a small one would be fine for your use, just go look at Lowes, Home Depo.... whatever lots of people make them, a small 2 stroke one shoudl be fine, i dont beleive they make small 4 cycle ones

 

[Ornery]

"...small single-stage model..."

Ugh, do it right and get a two stage. I bought a WELL used Ariens about 15 years ago. I've repaired it a couple times, but the nice thing is, parts are still available. Snapper makes very similar machines, and they also carry parts for decades and decades.

 

[Anubis]

Yea ours is an Ariens probibily 15 years old, other then normal maintaience the thing is a TANK

 

[Anubis]

something like this woudl be perfect for you

http://www.ariens.com/snow_products/compact_sno_thros/5520_e/

i have to agree with Ornery STAY AWAY FROM SINGLE STAGE

 

[Brutuskend]

Made me think of this

 

[Ornery]

Hah! Ariens makes little ones, too. They're so cute!

 

[psiu]

Yeah get a small one.....and don't ever move to the U.P. (Snow Thermometer)

A big one will probably hurt your back movng it around....just buy whatever they have available in your area.

 

[arcas]

Thanks, guys. The "small" 2-stage Ariens 5520E is attractive but still somewhat bulky (133lbs) though physically not much larger than their single-stage models. I wonder if it's possible to remove the impeller housing for summer storage? That would make it far more compact. I wish my garage were 100sq ft larger.