snow. blowers (throwers)
- Thread starter polarisrider1
- Start date
booondocker
New member
Actually, I have to side with Indy on this one. The older units were better made and lasted longer. If you look closely at the new stuff out there all except the super expensive stuff has so many corners cut that they lack the longevity that most look for in a blower.
Since anywhere but the big dump Snowbelts produce good quantities of used stuff, I would drill in on a used unit that is 10 years or less. Not that older units didn't do a good job and last a long time, but the technology has changed for better starting..
When you live around the area where the masses live, there are always good deals to be had...and unlike a lawn mower, the blower just doesn't get used enough to wear out. Usually they let them sit around with gas in the carbs which can cause problems, but if you know how to tear that down and clean it up....you save a bushel of money on a used and get a better quality unit along with it.
Remember that there are always those who feel better about spending the big bucks on this stuff....but their rumps get cold right along with the guy who bought the elcheapo unit....and then there are really tight wades who recycle an nice barely used unit and pocket the change....makes for a few more snomo trips..don't yeah know!
Since anywhere but the big dump Snowbelts produce good quantities of used stuff, I would drill in on a used unit that is 10 years or less. Not that older units didn't do a good job and last a long time, but the technology has changed for better starting..
When you live around the area where the masses live, there are always good deals to be had...and unlike a lawn mower, the blower just doesn't get used enough to wear out. Usually they let them sit around with gas in the carbs which can cause problems, but if you know how to tear that down and clean it up....you save a bushel of money on a used and get a better quality unit along with it.
Remember that there are always those who feel better about spending the big bucks on this stuff....but their rumps get cold right along with the guy who bought the elcheapo unit....and then there are really tight wades who recycle an nice barely used unit and pocket the change....makes for a few more snomo trips..don't yeah know!
Depends A LOT on where you live. If you live in a place that you only need to move snow 5-10 times a year, then a used one or even an El Cheapo unit would probably cut it.
However, if you live in a spot where moving snow is pretty much a daily part of life, then you have to pony up. My first year up here I thought I would be the "smart guy" and get a good used unit. Found an early 80's Toro in pretty good shape and have never been more frustrated with a piece of machinery in my life (except for maybe that RMK 700!)! Nothing worse than having to clear snow and not having a working thrower. It was a lot more than just a carb cleaning or adjustment that it needed (although it needed that too!). The list was long, but included things like a new friction wheel, new adjustment mechanism for the friction wheel, transfer case and gearing for the impeller.
The next season I listened to what locals had told me the year before and wedged open my wallet and bought a top of the line Ariens. As mentioned in a previous post, it has given me absolutely no problems since I got it.
So I guess it just depends on how reliable you need the unit to be. Sure you can save some money that can be used for snowmobile trips, but keep in mind if you are constantly busy fixing the thing, then you won't have time to spend that money snowmobiling! That was my case. Spent many a frustrating afternoon trying to fix it myself or at the local dealer getting it fixed and missed out on a lot of riding.
All things to consider. By the way, there looks to be a pretty good used Ariens for sale on this site. Check it out in the Misc. section of the classifieds.
-John
However, if you live in a spot where moving snow is pretty much a daily part of life, then you have to pony up. My first year up here I thought I would be the "smart guy" and get a good used unit. Found an early 80's Toro in pretty good shape and have never been more frustrated with a piece of machinery in my life (except for maybe that RMK 700!)! Nothing worse than having to clear snow and not having a working thrower. It was a lot more than just a carb cleaning or adjustment that it needed (although it needed that too!). The list was long, but included things like a new friction wheel, new adjustment mechanism for the friction wheel, transfer case and gearing for the impeller.
The next season I listened to what locals had told me the year before and wedged open my wallet and bought a top of the line Ariens. As mentioned in a previous post, it has given me absolutely no problems since I got it.
So I guess it just depends on how reliable you need the unit to be. Sure you can save some money that can be used for snowmobile trips, but keep in mind if you are constantly busy fixing the thing, then you won't have time to spend that money snowmobiling! That was my case. Spent many a frustrating afternoon trying to fix it myself or at the local dealer getting it fixed and missed out on a lot of riding.
All things to consider. By the way, there looks to be a pretty good used Ariens for sale on this site. Check it out in the Misc. section of the classifieds.
-John
Picked up a yard machine 8 years ago from farm and fleet. It's a 10hp 24" 2 stage and runs like the day I bought it. Only thing I've had to replace is the wear bars on it. I take very good care of stuff though. If you're not a maintenance buff, then you'll get what you pay for I suppose.
polarisrider1
No matter what you get, take my advice. Either don't tell anyone, or make sure it is made in the USA, by an American Company and by Americans (preferably union). It can run on either OEM oil or after market oil. Can smoke or not smoke- depending on your preference. Uses hand signals for those that believe in them, but does not for those that don't want it to. Only rides the groomed trails after they have had a minimum of 6 hours to set up and when it goes off trail, shares with EVERYONE where it found the best conditions.
I think that about covers it.
-John
No matter what you get, take my advice. Either don't tell anyone, or make sure it is made in the USA, by an American Company and by Americans (preferably union). It can run on either OEM oil or after market oil. Can smoke or not smoke- depending on your preference. Uses hand signals for those that believe in them, but does not for those that don't want it to. Only rides the groomed trails after they have had a minimum of 6 hours to set up and when it goes off trail, shares with EVERYONE where it found the best conditions.
I think that about covers it.
-John
polarisrider1
No matter what you get, take my advice. Either don't tell anyone, or make sure it is made in the USA, by an American Company and by Americans (preferably union). It can run on either OEM oil or after market oil. Can smoke or not smoke- depending on your preference. Uses hand signals for those that believe in them, but does not for those that don't want it to. Only rides the groomed trails after they have had a minimum of 6 hours to set up and when it goes off trail, shares with EVERYONE where it found the best conditions.
I think that about covers it.
-John
LMAO!
I bought a well used Ariens 12 years ago or more, it is a 10 horse 32", and runs perfect, and everything works just great. looks like **** though. LOL. Hmmm, maybe that could be my summer project next year, restore the snowthrower!
jbsugarbrown
New member
John, That is hilarious!
polarisrider1
New member
John, very nice. Lol.
vw56german
New member
I am surprised no one has brought up Honda. I have an HS35 (smaller single stage) I bought used in 1991 and it has been flawless for me. Maintenance is key, change the oil each season, stabil the fuel, run the carb dry and a new plug as needed. I have had other Honda equipment as well, lawn mowers and presure washer, I love the easy starting and reliability. I also have a yardman 13 Hp 33" picked it up around 2002 needed a carb cleaning and an oil change. Again with proper maintenance runs great and I love the steering feature. In the end, no matter what you buy, take care of it and it should last for a long time.
sledboy482
Member
A couple years ago, we had a tremendous winter here in Central WI. Near the middle of February, my 20 year old 5 HP Ariens just wasn't handling the heavy stuff anymore. I figured I'd hop on down to the hardware store or Fleet Farm and just snap one up on an end of year deal. None to be found-ANYWHERE. I then went to my Central WI Co-Op, where I'd bought the first Ariens. Figured I'd get an 8Hp. NONE left. All they had left was a sidewalk snowthrower thing, or the Top of the line 11.5 HP Industrial model. Well, I popped on that one. It is huge, but my wife handles it very easily-she's used to handling big equipment anyhow. I think I paid around $1400 for it. But, when I picked it up a guy I know who works there told me to be sure to leave it in my will for my kids, because that model is indestructible. So far, it's been a great buy. I figure if I add up the years of use and divide that by the cost, it's not a bad purchase at all. Ariens, Baby!
I think I paid around $1400 for it. But, when I picked it up a guy I know who works there told me to be sure to leave it in my will for my kids, because that model is indestructible. So far, it's been a great buy. I figure if I add up the years of use and divide that by the cost, it's not a bad purchase at all. Ariens, Baby!
When I moved to Houghton Lake in '97 I bought a 5hp Kmart (MTD) machine. Fairly reliable though I did have some carb issues occasionally. I think about 6 or 7 years ago I bought a snowblower attachment for my tractor and gave the MTD to my neighbor on extended loan. He is still using it, as far as I know it's worked well for him. Right now I'm working on rehabilitating the attachment. I bought it used, and apparently it was time for it's 25 year tune up.
polarisrider1
No matter what you get, take my advice. Either don't tell anyone, or make sure it is made in the USA, by an American Company and by Americans (preferably union). It can run on either OEM oil or after market oil. Can smoke or not smoke- depending on your preference. Uses hand signals for those that believe in them, but does not for those that don't want it to. Only rides the groomed trails after they have had a minimum of 6 hours to set up and when it goes off trail, shares with EVERYONE where it found the best conditions.
I think that about covers it.
-John
John, you missed Ma Ma, trains, dogs and pickup trucks.
Ariens for sure, They are built to last and have a very large following. If you ever need parts (Rare) they are easy to get, and they have a great website.
I know the Home Depot's in Chicago are swamped with leftover 2009 models, so if you know anyone in that area you may want to check that out. Big Sales
Of course buying from a dealer and not a big box store is always better......Home Depot cant service anything you buy from them.
Stack
I know the Home Depot's in Chicago are swamped with leftover 2009 models, so if you know anyone in that area you may want to check that out. Big Sales
Of course buying from a dealer and not a big box store is always better......Home Depot cant service anything you buy from them.
Stack
yamahauler
Active member
I have a toro that is late 90's. Only issue I have had is this year I have to replace the carb. I developed a leak around the throttle shaft so it sucks air. Other than that is has been great.
I would make sure to get electric start.
I would not buy from any big box store.
If I were to buy a new one I would either go to a co-op or somewhere that sells the good quality model. Generally that small town farm country does.
An old neighbor of mine has an early 1980's Toro and a little seafoam in each tank of gas and that things blows snow like no tomorrow.
Also, I would go with 10hp+ and 2 stage.
I would make sure to get electric start.
I would not buy from any big box store.
If I were to buy a new one I would either go to a co-op or somewhere that sells the good quality model. Generally that small town farm country does.
An old neighbor of mine has an early 1980's Toro and a little seafoam in each tank of gas and that things blows snow like no tomorrow.
Also, I would go with 10hp+ and 2 stage.
booondocker
New member
polarisrider1
No matter what you get, take my advice. Either don't tell anyone, or make sure it is made in the USA, by an American Company and by Americans (preferably union). It can run on either OEM oil or after market oil. Can smoke or not smoke- depending on your preference. Uses hand signals for those that believe in them, but does not for those that don't want it to. Only rides the groomed trails after they have had a minimum of 6 hours to set up and when it goes off trail, shares with EVERYONE where it found the best conditions.
I think that about covers it.
-John
http://www.wisesales.com/arienssnow2010.html
Check out the prior year models
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200442171_200442171
PLEASE NOTE* MADE IN THE USA, BY UNION MEMBERS WHO SNOWMOBILE...IF THEY CAN AFFORD TO GO...(and probably made by Ariens for husky) with 2 year warranty....why? Cause it is made in the USA by UNION MEMBERS who want to keep their jobs and so they can go snowmobiling up north.....
Want a real run down on most of the popular units?
Go here---> http://www.snowblowers.net/
But whatever you do....remember to BUY AMERICAN, UNION MADE UNITS SO THAT THOSE POOR FELLA'S CAN EARN A LIVING AND GO SNOWMOBILING UP NORTH SOME WHERE.....(course it is all up to YOU cause I could give a rip!)
Or you could take a bit of time...say, longer than the average trip to the can...and look for a good used unit that has spent most of it's life sitting on some garage floor in the corner, under garage stuff.....but then that would NOT HELP THE POOR AMERICAN COMPANY AND THE UNION BOYS WHO ONLY WANT TO EARN A LIVING AND GO UP NORTH SNOWMOBILING....eh?
memories
I like the comment about making sure it's something the wife can handle. Almost 20 years ago we had a huge snow fall and the wife needed to clear the drive for she drove a 5.0 stang. I was banged up from a bad accident, so she asked me how to start the snowblower. From inside the warmth of the house, I heard it running. I made the mistake of asking how it went (seem to take awhile). She told me going down the drive was O K, but pushing it up the drive was hard work. Oops, I forgot to tell her it was self propelled with forward and reverse. She was NOT a happy camper hearing that!!!
I still have that old thing (5HP TrueValue) that I pu for 10 bucks in about 50 pieces; guy tore it apart to rebuild it and gave up. Best machine I got for hard packed snow, chain driven w/ a gearbox single stage that vibrates enough to cut into the hardest pack. Also have a 10hp MTD, 5HP MTD and two old lawnboys, (all run) and a HD garden tractor w/ a 48 plow.
The 10hp MTD has a plastic chute that I've had to beef up because of me in a hurry with heavy snow.
Buy the way, Wife doesn't do anything with the snow now, Why? ask her and she'll tell you- I DRIVE A COMMANDER!
I like the comment about making sure it's something the wife can handle. Almost 20 years ago we had a huge snow fall and the wife needed to clear the drive for she drove a 5.0 stang. I was banged up from a bad accident, so she asked me how to start the snowblower. From inside the warmth of the house, I heard it running. I made the mistake of asking how it went (seem to take awhile). She told me going down the drive was O K, but pushing it up the drive was hard work. Oops, I forgot to tell her it was self propelled with forward and reverse. She was NOT a happy camper hearing that!!!
I still have that old thing (5HP TrueValue) that I pu for 10 bucks in about 50 pieces; guy tore it apart to rebuild it and gave up. Best machine I got for hard packed snow, chain driven w/ a gearbox single stage that vibrates enough to cut into the hardest pack. Also have a 10hp MTD, 5HP MTD and two old lawnboys, (all run) and a HD garden tractor w/ a 48 plow.
The 10hp MTD has a plastic chute that I've had to beef up because of me in a hurry with heavy snow.
Buy the way, Wife doesn't do anything with the snow now, Why? ask her and she'll tell you- I DRIVE A COMMANDER!
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groomerdriver
New member
As John and others mentioned, buy an Ariens, and put it in your will, because unless you use it as part of your vehicle in a demo derby, it will be passed down to your next generation.
Look at the most HP and clearing width that your pocket can handle, then buy the next size up.
One feature to look for - the ability to easily engage and disengage one of the two wheels. Sometimes you don't need both wheels driving forward, and having one of the wheels not engaged makes turning a whole lot easier.
I have a 10HP 28" wide Ariens that you can disengage one wheel, but you have to remove a pin and slid the wheel in and out on the drive axle. Some of the models have a simple knob on the axle that you push and pull.
Did I mention that you should buy an Ariens?!!! LOL!!!
Look at the most HP and clearing width that your pocket can handle, then buy the next size up.
One feature to look for - the ability to easily engage and disengage one of the two wheels. Sometimes you don't need both wheels driving forward, and having one of the wheels not engaged makes turning a whole lot easier.
I have a 10HP 28" wide Ariens that you can disengage one wheel, but you have to remove a pin and slid the wheel in and out on the drive axle. Some of the models have a simple knob on the axle that you push and pull.
Did I mention that you should buy an Ariens?!!! LOL!!!