What is the most reliable brand of snowblower?

[busymom]

Blackdiamond's thread got me thinking about winter. (Boo!) We really need to get a new snowblower this year.  Since the last couple of winters have been a bit rough, we want a brand that can "take a licking, & keep on ticking". What are your experiences, good or bad, with different brands of snowblowers?

[yogiii]

Don't get one with a plastic chute - I remember that was one of DH's big things on his list, as many metal parts as you can find.

[jkapp]

My dad always swore by Toro - but he hasn't had a snow blower in over a decade, so I don't know if the quality has kept up

Since I am in NE WI, I have to suggest Ariens (to give a boost to the local economy) - they do make good stuff though 

[yogiii]

We have an Ariens

[jkapp]

Aug 7, 2014 14:06:22 GMT -5 yogiii said:

Don't get one with a plastic chute - I remember that was one of DH's big things on his list, as many metal parts as you can find.

I agree with that.  I have a small electric one....pretty much plastic through and through.  Its ok for small 1-3 inch storms, but can't handle the bigger onces as well (it makes it, but struggles).  And forget about the end of the driveway stuff, its terrible with that

But the snow shooter is plastic and is constantly bending if the snow is heavy, causing the snow to shoot sideways right next to me instead of up and away

[greeniis10]

I have no advice about snowblowers, but my first thought after I saw two threads talking about snow (when it's currently 90+ degrees here) that clearly this is YM where people thoroughly plan ahead and buy off-season!

[Malarky]

My first thought when I saw the title of the thread was "snow shovel." 

It never runs out of gas, gets clogged, or wakes the neighbors up.

Not very helpful, I know.  Sorry.

[Lizard Queen]

FIL gave us his Snapper snowblower. It's a larger one, self-propelled. We've had it for 6 years, and it's been great.

[The Captain]

MTD two stage snow thrower.  We used to have a 100ft driveway to clear and this thing is still going strong after 10+ years.

I want to say back then they used briggs and straten engins but could be wrong - it was a name I'd recognize.  The engine they now use is not one I recognize so I can't say much about the newer machines.

[imawino]

LOL. Malarky beat me to it. I was going to say "a man and a shovel" or alternatively - "moving to Florida".

[sesfw]

Don't know about a brand but we went to HD to buy our blower (2002). Had to be self propelled and electric start. Those were my only 2 requirements. We had it 5 years and sold it to a friend that is still using it in his blowing business.  Paid around $350 but it was worth it.

[teen persuasion]

Aug 7, 2014 14:59:05 GMT -5 imawino said:

LOL. Malarky beat me to it. I was going to say "a mom man and a shovel" or alternatively - "moving to Florida".

Fixed it for you.  DH is a total wimp about shoveling, so I do the majority.  He'll just drive over it - drives me crazy.

[tskeeter]

Over the last 3+ decades I've had a variety of Toro snow blowers.  The only reason I've had a variety is that I've moved and sold the blowers.  Buffalo, NY to Atlanta to Chicago to LA to the Sierra Mountains.  All of the snow blowers have been just fine.  Never been a repair to any of them.  Had the Chicago blower for  8 years.  Have had the current blower for 7 years. 

The blowers have ranged from the 8 hp, two stage blower for a foot or more of heavy snow to the "snow pup" size, single stage, plastic body and chute versions.  Obviously, I don't follow the no plastic rule.  I haven't had any issues with the Toro plastic chutes flexing.  Even in the heavy, compacted snow from snow plow winrows, when blowing heavy, very slushy snow, or when blowing foot deep snowfalls (which is more than the "snow pup' type blower is intended for).  I think plastic is just fine if the manufacturer has used the right plastics and the plastic is heavy enough.  If you can grab a plastic discharge chute and flex or twist the plastic, it's too light.  If the chute won't flex, I think it'll be just fine.

Some thoughts on two stage vs. single stage snowblowers.  I make this decision based primarily on two factors.  The usual moisture content of the snow and how often the area gets snowfall of more than 6 inches.  Wet snow doesn't do well in a two stage blower.  When the moisture in the snow gets to the high speed discharge blower of the second stage, the snow turns to soupy slush and tends to clog the discharge chute (Over the years this has caused operaters to stick their hand into clogged discharge chutes to clear the slush.  Not a good thing when the jam clears, the blower at the bottom of the chute starts to spin, and the operator loses a hand.).  The auger/impeller on single stage blowers turns slower than the blower on a two stage machine, so the snow is less likely to turn to slush.  A two stage blower is just the ticket if you live in an area that regulary gets snowfalls that are more than 6 inches and the snow is fairly dry.  Two stage machines are appropriate, too, if you have to move the snow a long distance.  A two stage machine will pften throw the snow 20 or 30 feet.  A single stage machine will throw the snow up to about 10 - 12 feet.  On my current 30 foot wide double garage driveway, with my single stage blower, this means that I have to blow the snow to as close to the edge of the driveway as I can get, then blow a double load of snow as I get closer to the edge of the driveway.  Not a big problem, but it is a compromise that I chose to be able to blow wet snow without clogging a discharge chute.  A final consideration is how clean the blower can get the driveway and sidewalk.  To prevent the metal auger and other parts in a two stage blower from hitting and gouging the driveway, most two stage blowers are designed to leave about 1/4 inch of snow on the driveway or sidewalk.  Single stage blowers use a rubber impeller/auger, which wipes the driveway surface like a squeege, and leaves the driveway or sidewalk pretty close to broom clean.

Not sure that which brand makes a lot of difference.  They are all pretty good for a machine that most of us don't make heavy use of.  I think the bigger decision is single stage vs. two stage and which model.    

[busymom]

Thank you for all of your input!

Toro is fairly popular around here, but you have all given me some other brands to take a look at.  I also greatly appreciate your experiences with different types of machines.  Ours "died" last winter, & after having to shovel by hand the last couple of heavy storms, we want to be prepared for this season.  And, if it's an easy winter, that's o.k. too!

[Deleted]

I have a Craftsman two stage.  I think it's like the biggest one they make.  I've had it for two years and do a LOT of snow clearing.  It has heated hand grips and electric start and I have to use it on drifts up to 3 feet deep sometimes. 

My previous was also a Craftsman.  It made it 4 years maybe then it blew a rod and the engine was shot.

[wyouser]

What you do is load a snowblower into your pickup and head south. When you finally reach a gas station where people ask you "What's that?" Set up housekeeping in that local. It won't matter one iota whether the snowblower is reliable or not. It won't even matter if the thing will start.