Let's talk snow blowers... (buy, vs, shop)

[LloydinMaine]

What is everyone using? What do you like or dislike about your snow blower? If you were purchasing a new unit, what would you go for?

I have it narrowed down to Ariens and Honda brands. I'm going to look into Toro as well. I've always been a big fan of Honda. I think they make quality products and from what I've read their snow blowers are the best in the business. That being said they are the most expensive and that has me considering other brands.

Here are a few of the models I'm considering so far.

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO
Ariens Platinum 30 SHO
Honda HSS928AWD

The other thing is tracks vs wheels. Anyone have tracks and regret it or vice versa?

[AustinB]

I've always preferred the wheels over tracks. Tracks distribute the weight to much. It would tend to ride up on the snow.

[Asgardian]

Read about the Craftsman, they are good and reliable. I have had 3 over the years and never any problem.

[Fern435]

Ariens Deluxe 28 Wheels here. It's been great! Super powerful, very reliable. We chose Honda for the backup generators.

[399083453]

Personally I prefer the 24" I had a 30" and its just too much of a beast to move around. The 24" is super easy to maneuver and bring into the shop when it comes time to changes belts, etc. So what if I have to make 2 more swipes of the driveway. Its much easier to move around.

If I were you I would buy the 24" Ariens Deluxe. Same size tires and engine as the 28" but will give you more power as its pushing less snow, etc.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

My son bought a Cub Cadet 3 stage blower last year. He loves it. It chews right through the snow packed by plows out at thr road.

3X Three-Stage Snow Thrower: Heavy-Duty Commercial Snow Blowers

There is a video within that site. Just ciick on it.

[LloydinMaine]

It seems that the wheeled blowers are much easier to maneuver and handle. I think the tracks might be better if you have a steep drive.

[LloydinMaine]

I see the that the Ariens Deluxe 24 and 28 both use the same 254cc engine. The Platinum 24 has a 369cc engine. That's a decent size difference when comparing the two. The last thing I want to do is drop some coin on a new snow blower and wish I had more power or a bigger machine.

I'm sure I could manage just fine with a 24". Good point having more power since it will be throwing less snow using the same size engine. My biggest concern is busting through the berm of snow the plow truck will leave at the entrance of the driveway.

[LloydinMaine]

The Cub Cadet looks interesting. I wasn't aware there was three-stage snow blower. It looks like a beast.

[kellysmith]

Track will pull itself into the snow better than wheel if you are doing much over a foot of snow. If wheel, make sure you get chains for it. To me, the best buy is a Husqvarna. The 27 inch 8.5 hp will move a lot of snow.