Gas snow blower opinions?

[lone racer]

Hey group, I’m getting ready to purchase a new snow blower and could use YOUR personal experience with your *2 stage* snow blower.
$800ish range seems typ..but not the max.
Just curious has anyone bought a snowblower in the last 5 years and had a quality type issue?
How about one you have beaten year after year and takes it?
Throws snow across the street?
That kinda input would be helpful for a few people probably!

Thanks for any input.

 

[YLWFVR]

Anything with a Briggs and Stratton engine should be solid. Have had mine for 13 years with no issues. Fires up every winter. Change the oil and go!

 

[lone racer]

A Briggs and Stratton is exactly what I’m going to get, but there is so many reviews on all snow blowers they are all in the same boat review wise. That’s why I figure asking people I know (in a sense) may void any worry or even confirm some issues.

 

[mikesfastss]

2 stage, electric and pull start. End of discussion.

 

[AutoRoc]

Your going to want something with a lot more than 5hp is my suggestion. I still use an old 2 stroke snapper I got on Craigslist for $120 10 years ago. It only throws snow about 10ft on a good day. Goodluck!

 

[derbydad276]

I had a 2 stage Ariens for over 20 years & I bought it used ....all I ever did to it was change the oil / spark plug 3 times ... the belts once... and put air in the tires each year ...
I gave it to my nephew .. and bought a new 5 hp 4 stroke single stage Ariens 3 years ago .. unless you have a mile long drive way or live near Gaylord ... 2 stage is over kill

https://www.ariens.com/en-us/power-equipment/snow-products/snow-blowers/path-pro

 

[lone racer]

My driveway is between my house and the neighbors garage, my garage is 60’ past the front of the house with no where for snow on one side. I have killed 4 snow blowers by over working them over the last 10 years. 6” turns into 2 feet by time I make 2 passes. I need 2 stage.

 

[93 saturn sl2]

2 stage Craftsman with a Tecumseh engine here. My uncle bought it probably around 2000-ish and Ive had it for the past 6-7 years. Changed the belt on it this summer as the old one was stretched and caused it to jam with snow, spark plug and oil change this year too. 2 stage is overkill for my property but it's still nice to have for the deep snow.

 

[jsxtreme]

I realize this is not at all the question you asked, but just something to think about after my many years battling gas snow blowers: get a tractor with a plow. I spent like $1000 on an used John Deere with a mowing deck, plow, and bagger and it was the best money I ever spent. Snow blowers are just so unreliable.

Just something to consider. Its saved me a ton of time.

 

[lone racer]

I total would if I wouldn’t feel like he looks! Lmao. I don’t have enough grass or other uses to justify a tractor, or the room.
The dude next to me has a huge Ariens I swear 3 stage remote everything, heated grips, light bar you name it-it has it! His garage is up front and has no driveway like mine and after 10 years he still has it BUT I still crack up at him then get pissed because he is done in 5 minutes and still takes me 45 for the same front area. Damb I need a obnoxiously huge snow blower!

 

[Killjoy]

Hard to beat an Ariens in that price range, esp when you can competitively shop at HD and other big box stores.

Toro also makes some nice 2 stage units, but will be hard new for $800.

My Toro single stage does everything I need it do in suburbia, and usually cleans the pavement better than a 2-stage, but I won't start the single vs. two stage debate. Really just comes down to the environment you need to clear.

 

[kammi10]

i got this same snowblower from sears about 5 years ago now. its never skipped a beat and almost always will start up 2nd or 3rd pull even after sitting all summer. was well worth the money

https://www.americanfreight.com/br/...455&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=PLA_unpaid

 

[Golden]

Ariens hands down. From a dealer. Go check the snowblower forums you’ll see the same recommendation.

 

[WayFastWhitey]

If you’re on the east side, may I suggest here:

https://www.bourlier.com/new-models

Locally owned business, and I’ve always had good service there.

 

[lone racer]

Thanks guy’s
The Ariens,Craftsman and B&S are proven workhorses.
If I don’t pick up a lightly used one off of a member here I see Snow Tek(ariens) might be my best choice, the only brand EVERYONE knows is top notch but too $$$ except Snow Tek is affordable.

 

[spys gt]

Electric Start FTW....

 

[avbcon12]

I went unrealistically overboard and got a track drive honda. All the bells and whistles, always starts. I got it because I have a situation like yours, long single wide driveway but houses on both sides so the snow needs to go from one end to the other. This thing will throw (most) snow 70ft. In hindsight, I should've gotten a wheeled version as my driveway is flat and narrow so its tough to turn with the track drive.

Like other have said, Ariens is hard to beat for the money.

 

[DetroitStyle]

I bought a 9hp Craftsman 2-stage, like new... off of FB marketplace about 2 years ago... paid $100 because the guy couldn’t get it to start and was moving.

$10 eBay carb later I’m chucking snow across the street! I live on a corner and for years have also done my neighbor’s sidewalk... so, yeah, it’s saved me a ton of time over the shitty one I had previously (also pictured)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[YLWFVR]

Electric Start FTW....

That’s a compelling argument for electric. I’ll buy one tomorrow.