Snowblower: tracks vs wheels?

[MikeH55343]

I started looking for a new snowblower. Saw the Honda models with the tracks in place of wheels.

Any opinions on the models with tracks?

[upnorth]

A friend had one with tracks and it worked great, except that the tracks would freeze to the ground/concrete if there any dripage from melting.

[Tom7227]

I have been looking at the Honda's with tracks after talking to a friend who just loves his. Prices on the HSOforum of $2700 to $3400 sort of set be back in my chair a bit. I think you can get a pretty decent wheeled rig and chains for $2,000 and probably a lot of lower end units for a lot less. My current rig is 30 years old and about worn out but it wasn't a super high end rig to start with. I might pop for the Honda if I was 40 and looking at another 40 years of snow.

[Mr.Seaguar]

Whats the advantage to the tracks? I have never had a complaint about the wheeld machines I have run

[BoxMN]

After reading this, and seeing the prices of $2k+ .... or heck even the $1300 my neighbor paid for a nice Toro(?) last year, I just gotta wonder what the extra $$ really gets you. The only thing that I really wish my 15 year old Craftsman (9hp 29") had was the joystick chute control. And even that one cost about under a grand now, just wondering what that extra grand is... gotta say I haven't shopped and have no problem getting nice stuff. And I like spending ca$h on nice fishing rods/reels so I guess same sort stuff. But wow, $2k I just about shat Maybe I need to use one to realize I need one, god knows I have done that before.

Luxury once tasted becomes a necessity

[hawgchaser]

My main experience with tracks vs wheels is using skid loaders. On uneven or slick ground the tracks bridge the bumps and provide more surface contact with the ground. If you're clearing a smooth surface such as a paved or asphalt driveway, I can't see the justification for the additional cost. If you're like me (who lives in the country with a gravel drive and a very uneven yard), the tracks may prove far more efficient, although wheel weights and tire chains should be pretty good compensation for a lot less cash. I'd have the weights/chains regardless of the surface.

[CigarGuy]

I had an old Craftsman that my father in-law gave me that I hated. When you just want to turn the thing, you have to drag it around or horse it around. With wheels they just easily swivel/pivot around. It was also heavy, newer ones might be lighter. I would never buy one with tracks based on past experience. Before you buy, try turning it or just moving it without the motor running, it's a pia trying to move them. Might be a different story under power with the newer one's, maybe they have hand controls that that stop one track and drive the opposite to make them turn more easily. The one I had, you couldn't move it without the motor running, just too hard to drag around.

[kerryd15]

Tracks on a tractor are for spreading weight and reducing compaction. Meaning less weight per square inch and less traction or bite. A track tractor on ice is very dangerous and hard to control. If you are going to be cleaning right to the cement or pavement i would go with wheels. leaving some snow for traction the track would work. tracks will be hard to turn unless it has steering.