Snowblower

[Esox_Magnum]

In the market for a snowblower any brands to stay away from?? I'll be looking for a 24-30" 2 stage don't need to be the fanciest but want something that will last and hopefully not break the bank.

[Whopper Stopper]

Check out Wikipedia for MTD. Lots of good reading and very likely a brand you choose will end up being made by MTD. MY Brother has a MTD that is now 20 years old.

I have John Deere thrower on my riding mower. I love it but then you are back to breaking the bank. My unit is also going on 20 years and being I use the tractor year around it stays in top shape.

Regardless of what you get, sitting, especially with gas in the carburetor, will kill it. My neighbor is in the fix it business and much of the problems he encounters is old gas related.

Good luck!

WS

[Eric Wettschreck]

I'll second the MTD brand. Not too ungodly expensive and the work well. Plus, you can get them local. I think Runnings and Boomgars sells them.

[Jim Almquist]

I have a Ariens that seems to be a pretty good blower. Some of the things that led me to buy it was stuff like grease zirts on the shafts and all steel construction. Before you buy a new one you should see if you can use one or at least see one in action. I had a 8hp 26" Simplicity that could barely throw light snow and a 5hp 24" Ariens that worked twice as good as the Simplicity. They are not all the same even though they make look like it.

[jwhjr]

I have an MTD for 10 years now and it has worked very well for me. I had to tweak the idle a bit and that is it as far as anything needing to be "fixed". It has a 5 HP Tecumseh engine in it and is only 22" wide. It has been enough to handle everything I've needed it for (except for the heavy wet slushy stuff).

[paceman]

I bought a MTD also 10 years ago. It is 8 hp/24" cut. It has worked flawlessly and has blown a lot of snow.

[MikeH55343]

I bought the MTD 26" 8HP 14 years ago. Just finished running it for 5 hours to clear yesterday's blizzard. I would definitely buy another MTD. I'm looking forward to buying a new snow throwing toy but this one just keeps running.

[CJH]

I am on my second season with a Craftsman and have been very happy with it. As mentioned, the only issue I have found with them is handling the wet slush - jams the chute. Think mine is a 26inch.

[Nutty Fisherman]

I have a 97 yard man, witch I think is made by Mtd with 18 hp and 442 inch blower with no problems yet. Use it mowing in the summer.

[Esox_Magnum]

Wife has a breand new push mower, not realy looking for a tractor. Yards not big enough for a rider anyway.

[chasineyes]

There's about a 1000 people in Windom MN that would appreciate you buying a TORO.

[Esox_Magnum]

My uncle worked there for 25 years, Toros not high on my to buy list. Nothing against the folks in Windom.

[CFRay]

I've owned a 5HP TORO since right after shoveling my driveway in the 1991 Halloween storm. Runs great, throws snow all the way to my neighbors on a morning like today. Made in Windom, MN.

[SFC]

I have a MTD 8hp 24 inch that I bought in 2000. Only normal maint issues so far, had to put on a gas shuttoff valve, it kept dripping fuel out of bowl when it sat for a few days. The 8hp does throw the slush enough to clear the driveway. It was grunting pretty good with this snow.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

My 30+ year old Ariens just keeps on working

[Back2Dakota]

My 30+ year old Ariens just keeps on working

Mine too!!! Every year I think this will be the year I need a new one..but nope it always works. Did a few of the neighbors drives also.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I got a craftman a few years ago and really like it..

[Tom7227]

Stay away from the big box stores and the lower end units. They may run but once they carp out parts can get to be an issue. Once you get one do routine maintenance like washing it off in the spring, keeping the oil changed and stabil in the tank.

Oh, give serious thought to a electric starter. PITA to pull start on those cold days.

[gman2002]

just bought an ariens , awsome machine

[DRH1175]

I have a older 8hp Simplicity that I have yet to find a storm it can't handle. With that said I would spend the money on a good one that will last a lifetime. I would buy a Honda, Ariens, Toro, Simplicity, or JD. All of those brands will last a lifetime. And 2 stage for sure.

[Esox_Magnum]

Well the winner is an older but well cared for Ariens with a cab. Sounds like I may need it come the start of the week.....Settled for a 24" but I realy don't need a bigger one and will take up a little less room in my already crowded garage.... Off to get it now and then get out on the ice to get supper....

[brrrr]

here is a tip for the wet snow slowing progress.

spray the chute with silicone lubricant before you start the machine, works wonders.

if it has a chance to dry before you start blowing it works even better...

[chris63]

Were on our second Toro since the 80's.Small single stage snow pups.They are very light easy to transport and throw snow a long ways.The old one threw the belt and needed a muffler.We bought a new one(same model)three or so seasons ago.No complaints about Toro's what so ever!C63