Snowblower Ideas

[BGP]

I'm in the market for a snowblower. I have a very large driveway to my house and another out to my second garage. I've got a plow on my 4 wheeler but dont like using it. I'm in the market for the biggest walk behind snowblower I can find.

Any suggestions?

[LwnmwnMan2]

Since you asked....

Wait, you said walkbehind... sorry.

[Dragonsm]

Yep....he said walk behind.....

Anyway....since you asked!

Q: What has 8 cylinders, a spool in the differential and still turns on a dime?

A: A unique, one of a kind machine machine…a V8 snow blower built in Muskoka.

At first glance, the visual appearance and concept of utilizing a big block V8 to clear your average suburban driveway seemed, well, ludicrous. Why would anyone ever need this much motor? Why? Are the fuel prices not high enough for you yet? My initial impression was one of surprise and astonishment at the shear girth of the Herculean beast. Without a doubt, this machine is eye candy for gear heads of all walks of life. A true testament to this fact were the numerous, unsuspecting citizens driving by rubber-necking and feverishly trying to slow down as they drove by with just a hint of what this machine had to offer. In most cases, this machine has nearly double the engine displacement of most modern vehicles sliding by the driveway. I suddenly felt like I was 18 and bullet proof again! The one task that I loathe has now taken on a whole new meaning. Yup, I could get used to this!

I began to compare this ‘thing’ to well, what else? A traditional garden variety snow blower. Once familiarized with the features, I realized that there is a lot more going on here. It LOOKS like a conventional blower. Well sort of…but that is where it ends. Once you use it, there really is nothing to compare it too. Nothing! It has electric start, auger and steering controls and yes, it clears real-estate of snow (and anything else if you let it.) However, there is so much more to the point. The machine is a perfect blend of automotive, industrial and ergonomic balance. The final product is ease and simplicity with reliability. Upon closer inspection, it becomes very clear that each part has more than one function in the interest of spartan design and ensuring the engine remains the star of the show. The twin vertical 4 inch pipes scream testosterone, but they also have the throaty exhaust note barking at the sky, and along with them, those nasty fumes that are usually getting in my face with my 12 horse. It is as quiet as any new blower on the market. The gear whine from the Milodon gear drive is music to my ears. The machine has a full compliment of gauges and yes, the handle bars are heated with the engine coolant and serve as the main control center with fail safe spring return to center hydraulically actuated spool valves crafted to appear as traditional snow blower cable controls. A unique approach to using what most blowers do not have, coolant! I was able to use my favorite mitts without compromising my comfort by using gloves and index fingers to access steering controls. A very nice feature. From there, the fluid force is directed at twin hydraulic motors placed discretely inboard of each independent walking beam. This puppy turns on a zero turning radius akin to skid steer loaders. No effort, no belts slipping or freezing up. It goes where I want it to with little effort from me. A slight downward force on the handle bars tips the Chevy 10 bolt equipped auger off the ground to place it on the next tier of my walkway. This is actually easier to use than my old faithful Ford. The 800 plus lb beast is nimble and restrained. Now I feel like a God! I confidently made my first pass at a freshly deposited quality snow drift. Sort of using a chainsaw to cut butter would be a close analogy. This is where I stop, for one simple reason. I am unable to accurately describe the fun when using “CRANKENSTEIN”.

For those who are fortunate enough to get behind one of these, you will remember this article and agree. For those who have not had the chance, well, I strongly recommend to make an effort. This machine is magic!

[LwnmwnMan2]

Here ya go... straight from Japan...

Just make sure the dog doesn't jump in the way....

[Dragonsm]

On a serious note, my father has a John Deere TRS32 (10hp) that tosses everything and anything in it's way. I have a John Deere TRS26 (8hp) that does well too. Both these are the heavy duty JD's that the dealers sold, not the models at home depot.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Took me a while to remember which blower I was thinking of, hence the other pictures.

Honda makes an 11hp, electric start, track drive blower.

[FishingIdiot]

I don't know if you're a member of Costco, but they have a Poulan 30" 2 stage 11 H.P. @ $899. I own one. It has plenty of power and throws the snow a good distance.

[McGurk]

Ariens has a 13 hp B&S 32" clearing path blower on tracks for 3 large.

Toro has an 11 hp 28" path for around 1800.

Northern Tools has a "Swisher" 14.5 hp B&S 29" path for 1150.

I guess if I were you I'd be looking for a snow thrower attachment for the 4 wheeler if the biggest one available were your search criteria.

[GotOne]

I had a track type one and hated it. It was only 24" wide Sears or Craftsman, it was heavy and hard to maneuver. Plus, you can't just "pull them backwards" when you want to turn or adjust your course.

[DRH1175]

( Note from admin,please read forum policy before posting again. Thank-you. )

Here is a 13hp Cub Cadet this would clear some serious snow!!

[BGP]

Sorry for the dealy in getting back to all who provided ideas. Anyway, I ended up buying this Cub Cadet model. Man does it blow the snow. Very easy to use as well. Overall I really like this unit.