snowblower question

[verg]

After our recent dumping of snow I realize that I am in need of a newer snowblower. In looking at new ones it seems most brands are going by CC now instead of horsepower. I have always been told to not go lower than an 8hp. Well, I know you can't compare CC and hp as they are totally different but....does anyone have a recommendation on a CC # that would suffice in power? A number that is similar to at an 8 horse. I would like to be able to cut throught the drifts that the road plow throws up on my drive. (by the way..anyone want a 25 or so yr old 5 horse I will sell for $85. Runs good and would be good for an area without the large drifts)

thanks

[mn_bowhunter]

Probably get more responses in the equipment forum, but I'll give you my input. Smaller engine blowers generally have a smaller clearing path. My 26" cut runs an 8hp engine. Most 24" have similar to a 5hp engine. 10 hp engines run 30-32" cut. So I'd compare 26-28" cut blowers and get one that has a higher torque rating. Ariens are supposed to be nice. This is one of many areas where you get what you pay for, so check out what features you're getting for the money.

[Esox_Magnum]

I have an older 8hp 24 maybe 26" cut that works great, the shop has a brand new 30" and it's a snow eating machine, both are Ariens brand.

[Gus]

I got a new Ariens this year and it has been great. I bought the compact 24 model with the 205cc, 9 Torque rating brigs motor. It was $100 more than the 179CC subaru model. Like you, I was worried about getting underpowered. I love the motor, it throws snow like there is no tomorrow. No regrets.

[Eckie]

Also --- FYI -- Consumer Reports' last issue had a decent report on snowlowerss -- Toro, Ariens were in the top 5. Then again -- I have a 7 yr old MTD 8hp (Tecumseh)-- starts on the first pull each and everytime and runs flawlessly and I wouldn't trade it for any other brand.............and these aren't even on the list.

[Tom7227]

As for the original post - what makes you think that a new one is going to work much differently than your existing rig? I bet even your 25 year old rig doesn't have more than a few hundred house on it. If it runs and tosses the stuff it likely will do the job for you. Unless you have an extra $600-900 laying around my vote is to keep the old one going and realize that the guy down the street with the superbejeesus blower on his tractor is going to beat you every time. BFD.

[zamboni]

Wait another month, go to Lowes and get 25-35% off. Did that 2 years ago and got a Troy Bilt and its been a good snowblower.

Take your receipt back a month later, and they will give you more $$$ back as it was further discounted

[Steve Foss]

As for the original post - what makes you think that a new one is going to work much differently than your existing rig? I bet even your 25 year old rig doesn't have more than a few hundred house on it. If it runs and tosses the stuff it likely will do the job for you. Unless you have an extra $600-900 laying around my vote is to keep the old one going and realize that the guy down the street with the superbejeesus blower on his tractor is going to beat you every time. BFD.

Yeah, I have a 30+ year old Ariens I got from a friend for free. Couple cosmetic fixes and it throws snow like a champ. Same exact model and HP (6 HP) that I used when I was in my teens. Throws wet snow 25 feet, electric start. Always starts, always runs great, all paid for, and I use it in the handyman business.

Instead of financing a $1,000 unit, I use Old Faithful. What's not to like?

[Dave]

The neighbor's 5 horse walked through this snow pretty well. Maybe it's just the belt that is worn. Same thing happened to me on a 25 year old 5 horse my folks had, which I now use at my cabin. New belt and it throws like when new.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I got a new Ariens this year and it has been great. I bought the compact 24 model with the 205cc, 9 Torque rating brigs motor. It was $100 more than the 179CC subaru model. Like you, I was worried about getting underpowered. I love the motor, it throws snow like there is no tomorrow. No regrets.

I got the same one. I like it, too.

If you know the operating speed of the engine, you can calculate HP.

torque x RPM / 5252 = HP

The 9.0 ft/lb, 205 cc motor on my Ariens puts out:

9.0 ft/lbs x 3600 rpm / 5252 = 6.2 hp

[delcecchi]

I believe they did that after the class action lawsuit against the engine companies for fibbing about the HP of the engines. I got a notice of that.

[jwhjr]

Also --- FYI -- Consumer Reports' last issue had a decent report on snowlowerss -- Toro, Ariens were in the top 5. Then again -- I have a 7 yr old MTD 8hp (Tecumseh)-- starts on the first pull each and everytime and runs flawlessly and I wouldn't trade it for any other brand.............and these aren't even on the list.

I have a 10 yr old MTD 5hp that has been solid. Starts first pull and gets me through the snow every time. Heavy slush is another story, but almost all blowers have issues with that.

[jentz]

After our recent dumping of snow I realize that I am in need of a newer snowblower. In looking at new ones it seems most brands are going by CC now instead of horsepower. I have always been told to not go lower than an 8hp. Well, I know you can't compare CC and hp as they are totally different but....does anyone have a recommendation on a CC # that would suffice in power? A number that is similar to at an 8 horse. I would like to be able to cut throught the drifts that the road plow throws up on my drive. (by the way..anyone want a 25 or so yr old 5 horse I will sell for $85. Runs good and would be good for an area without the large drifts)

thanks

Close rule of thumb 1Cubic inch = 1 horse power 16-17 cubic centimeters = about 1 Cubic inch

[Ralph Wiggum]

Close rule of thumb 1Cubic inch = 1 horse power 16-17 cubic centimeters = about 1 Cubic inch

That puts my 205 cc B&S at 12.5 cubic inches (which is correct), but that thing isn't putting out 12.5 HP--it puts out about half that.

[Pat K]

I was told the rule of thumb for a 4 stroke was between 30cc to 34cc = one horse power depending on the manufacturer & motor design.

[JimmyJames]

I would be interested in your old one.

[verg]

As for the original post - what makes you think that a new one is going to work much differently than your existing rig? I bet even your 25 year old rig doesn't have more than a few hundred house on it. If it runs and tosses the stuff it likely will do the job for you. Unless you have an extra $600-900 laying around my vote is to keep the old one going and realize that the guy down the street with the superbejeesus blower on his tractor is going to beat you every time. BFD.

Well hate to tell ya but you are wrong in this case. My local machine repair guy sells husqvarna but ran out. He was able to get poulon pros which is made by husq. I was able to buy an 8.3 horse 27 inch cut blower with all the bells and whisles (light, power steering etc) for a little over $800. No I didn't want to spend it but holy cow is there a difference! I have to do NO work at all. I just put in gear and it roars through all drifts and throws snow at least 30-40 ft. I don't have to push and shove and wiggle etc..just hold on. Last night I even plowed a path through yard to the kennels and the snow out there is drifted a good two feet or more. I tried with the old boy before and it couldn't handle it. Love it and hope it will last as long as the old guy did.

thanks for all the ideas and advice

[verg]

I would be interested in your old one.

sorry, just sold to father in law for $75. Probably will regret it.

I also read that 15-17 cc = 1 hp. I really don't see how you can compare the two?