Two-Stage Snow Blowers

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cuzzinolaf

Active member
I'm in the market for one and have narrowed it down to a few brands.

1. Craftsman
2. Simplicity
3. John Deere
4. Ariens

Can anyone give me pros and cons of any of them. It will have Briggs and Statton engine for sure. The price range is anywhere between $650 and $1150. Obviously cheaper is better but I also want something that will last. Any options or features I should definitely avoid? Anything that is a must?
 
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chevyman

New member
I have had only Ariens in my lifetime. They have been a great. Never any problems. I have an older one right know but i used a newer on last year at it threw snow like crazy and thay are made right here in wisconsin. Stay away from craftsman. Just my 2 cents.
 
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snowbullet

New member
I have a murry 29 in cut with a snow king 10 hp brigs 2 stage atv tires hand warmers electric shute the caddy of snow blowers for 6 years now not a lick of problems . throws snow perfect .
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booondocker

New member
You're rolling the dice with craftsman, and parts are crazy expensive.

I agree with the above, Ariens has been around and in the business for a long time...they change things only when something better comes along and not necessarily just for the sake of changing.

John Deere probably doesn't even make the unit, and simply puts their green sticker on it and sells it.

Here is what I would do before buying:

Find a common part that is likely to break, or wear out, and price the part before you buy the whole machine. Might not be much difference, but then there might be a bunch too.

See where the units are made too....if all else equal, buy American....keep some sledder working.
 
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yama_yooper

Guest
I've had my Simplicity for close to 10 years now, and never a problem. Get one of their commercial grade machines. They are made of heavy steel, and the quality is top notch. Makes the other brands look like junk.

I live in 'da UP, and trust me...that thing gets a work out!

Yeah, they cost more, but I would much rather have a machine that runs flawlessly for over a decade, than spend less up front, and then have it constantly be broken down.
 
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xcr440

Well-known member
I had a Simplicity as well, and it was a quality machine. The wheels rusted causing an air leak on the bead for the tires before anything else ever when bad on it.
 
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ezra

Well-known member
the units like deer simpl and ariens all have or have had units thay sold at home depot.and thay are built just for home depot.do not buy one of those units.
 
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cuzzinolaf

Active member
We don't get as much snow down here in IL... but I'm looking more for something that will last. I'm using a mid-70's Yardman that was my dad's when I was a kid and thing runs great. It barely throws the heavy snow and is rusted.. but it was built good. I'm thinking I'll go with Simplicity based on everything I'm reading here and on other forums.

I saw that the John Deere's at Lowes don't come with the John Deere promise. That tells me something LOL. Craftsman is probably out, too. The Ariens is nice but I don't like the chute control and the way the self-propelled drive engages.

I guess my main motivation is to get something my fiancee' can handle if we get snow while I'm away. Everyone says the Simplicity is balanced nicely and easy to use. We'll see... I'm going to look this week/weekend.
 
mezz

mezz

Well-known member
If you want something that is going to last as long as your present machine, get an Arens. The minor differences in operation are easily adaptable. I've been using Arens for years & have not been disappointed. The snow's here in the Keweenaw are proof of what a machine can take winter after winter.-Mezz
 
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yamaholic

Member
I have a Craftsman problem free bought new in 2001 has the Briggs 7.75 OHV Intek motor 26" clearing path paid $850 starts real easy luv it.
 
lofsfire

lofsfire

Active member
"I guess my main motivation is to get something my fiancee' can handle if we get snow while I'm away."

You realize she will only do this when you are dating/ engaged. Once your married the snow will still be there when you get back! Plus she will be complaining how she could not go to the mall because you left her strand in the house. LOL

By the way my uncle still uses a Toro that was my grandfathers and still runs great. I think its a 8hp/24" 2 stage. I personally have thought Toro, Simplicity, Husqvarna, Ariens are all good and comes down to which ones you like the features on.

Good Luck!
 
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jeepbob47

New member
I have an 8 horse 2 stage MTD Yard Machine that is 8 years old. Never had a problem. Runs like a champ. It has electric start but I never use it. The pull is super easy. As a favor I snowblow 9 driveways and the sidewalks for dog walking and the kids bus stop. I also snowblow the pond so the kids can skate on it. This blower is awesome. I had a 5 horse 2 stage. The smallest I would recommend is 8 horse.
 
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mustardbucket2

Member
I have a 2 stage John Deere 8hp, 26" cut that I bought new in 1990. It has worked great. But like others have said, the new models made now may not have the same quality as the older models. I have had neighbors wear out Simplicity and Husqvarna blowers during the time I've owned my JD. I'd go with the biggest engine/frame that you can - at least 8hp.
 
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fatdaddy

Member
Hey what about Toro, made in Minneapolis, MN and a darn good unit. I have the 7 hp and its over 10 years old and running like a champ.
 
chords

chords

Active member
I'm on season 24 with my Ariens. Replaced a leaky gas hose and wear bars once and occasional oil change. Looks and runs like new.
 
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jakester

New member
Try Nielsen's or Novotny's [in Johnsburg] I bought a mtd from Novotny's last year and it was great. They carry Cub Cadet also. Both support our trails in Mchenry County.
 
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