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gaken


Joined: Dec 25, 2007
Points: 5

Controversial Topic: What is the Most Powerful Single Stage Snowblower?
Original Message   Dec 25, 2007 12:12 pm
First Post for me ( so be kind):

I would love to have a 2 stage snowblower.  However for both space and financial reasons, I want to know what is the most powerful used single stage snowblower on the market?

Here are my requirements:

A) Must be able to clear up to 12" of wet or dry snow.  We usually get in the 6-8" range of dry snow here in Michigan.

B) Paved drive.  I ruled out 2 stage also because they don't clear all the way down to the pavement.

C) Must be able to make a good dent in the end of the drive snowplow buildup.

I considered a Toro CCR 3000 (5 HP Suzuki engine - model year '97 - '99),  a Toro 3650 (6.5 HP - R Tek Lawn Boy engine - model yr 2000 - 2007), an Ariens 722EC (7 HP),  or a Honda.  I found it interesting that when I talked to my local Toro dealer, he told me that the Toro CCR 3000 was actually stronger than the R tek  Lawn Boy engine in the 3650. He said it  was an underated Commercial engine that would be less prone to "bog down" in the deep stuff. When I called Toro about it, they told me that the 121cc Suzuki engine makes the same 6 ft/lbs of torque as the Larger 141cc Lawn Boy Duraforce engine in the Toro 3650. They also told me that the Suzuki engine had a Net HP of 5 and the Toro 3650 only had a net HP of 4 .  (6.5 HP Gross).

Anyone with first hand experience or knowledge here, please weigh in.

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Gelid


Location: Maine
Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Points: 84

Re: Controversial Topic: What is the Most Powerful Single Stage Snowblower?
Reply #7   Dec 26, 2007 2:53 pm
borat wrote:
Bold?  Why would you say that?   Are Hondas beyond reproach?  They're just machines like the others.  Seems you might be over-reacting just a bit.  No? 

I believe there were at least two posts over at the other OPE site where I read a less than favourable comment about the Honda single stage machine.  I'm not that obsessed about the subject to go looking for them.  Feel free is you so desire. 


Jeez dude get a hold of yourself I was only asking why you think one specific brand is so bad, no needs to get all up in arms about it. Sheesh!

Honda HS928 TCD - If you lived where I live you'd have one too
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Controversial Topic: What is the Most Powerful Single Stage Snowblower?
Reply #8   Dec 26, 2007 10:36 pm
Gelid wrote:
Jeez dude get a hold of yourself I was only asking why you think one specific brand is so bad, no needs to get all up in arms about it. Sheesh!


OK.  I have a hold of myself.  Now what?  I don't own a Honda sooooo........no funny stuff.  Know what I mean? 
krislu


Location: Long Island, NY
Joined: Dec 27, 2004
Points: 148

Re: Controversial Topic: What is the Most Powerful Single Stage Snowblower?
Reply #9   Dec 27, 2007 7:00 pm
gaken wrote:
First Post for me ( so be kind):

I would love to have a 2 stage snowblower.  However for both space and financial reasons, I want to know what is the most powerful used single stage snowblower on the market?

Here are my requirements:

A) Must be able to clear up to 12" of wet or dry snow.  We usually get in the 6-8" range of dry snow here in Michigan.

B) Paved drive.  I ruled out 2 stage also because they don't clear all the way down to the pavement.

C) Must be able to make a good dent in the end of the drive snowplow buildup.

I considered a Toro CCR 3000 (5 HP Suzuki engine - model year '97 - '99),  a Toro 3650 (6.5 HP - R Tek Lawn Boy engine - model yr 2000 - 2007), an Ariens 722EC (7 HP),  or a Honda.  I found it interesting that when I talked to my local Toro dealer, he told me that the Toro CCR 3000 was actually stronger than the R tek  Lawn Boy engine in the 3650. He said it  was an underated Commercial engine that would be less prone to "bog down" in the deep stuff. When I called Toro about it, they told me that the 121cc Suzuki engine makes the same 6 ft/lbs of torque as the Larger 141cc Lawn Boy Duraforce engine in the Toro 3650. They also told me that the Suzuki engine had a Net HP of 5 and the Toro 3650 only had a net HP of 4 .  (6.5 HP Gross).

Anyone with first hand experience or knowledge here, please weigh in.

Gaken- I understand your reasons but I think they are flawed. If your buying new any of the more powerful single stage machines are right there with the price  of a 2 stage. The top of the line Toros are $1000 (ball park). I have to believe ( haven't checked as I'm not in the market for one) that the top of the line Honda and Ariens are right there too. For a $1000 you could and imo should get a Ariens 8hp/24" machine. Also size wise (for storage) the bigger single stage machines aren't much smaller than an entry level 2 stage machine. 2 stage machines will clear down to pavement if the owner/operator sets the skids to do so. As for eod I would any day rather be tackling it with a 2 stage. I've had on very rare occasion had to clear a 3' eod. There is no guarantee on how high the plow truck driver will pile it up on you. I have no first hand experience with the machines you listed, I am coming from a price/size stand point.

Borat- I personally don't think Honda is all that either and I do find if anyone critcises honda they are open to alot of flack but I thought your post was a pretty general statement. It's ok to post that but then you should provide some proof like a link to a site where you read that. No funny stuff intended. Keep on posting.

- Kris

This message was modified Dec 27, 2007 by krislu


           
gaken


Joined: Dec 25, 2007
Points: 5

Re: Controversial Topic: What is the Most Powerful Single Stage Snowblower?
Reply #10   Dec 27, 2007 7:56 pm
krislu wrote:



Thanks everyone for your response.

Krislu,

I don't think my reasons are flawed, also when I say space is a consideration, weight goes along with it.  I am used to lifting a snowblower or mower and putting it in the back of my car (for service or to clear a relative's driveway.  Not so easy to do so by yourself with  2 stage snowblowers (find a pickup truck, ramps,  second person......)   If you can benchpress 80 lbs, you are golden for "tossing " a single stage in a typical car trunk.  I like that superior power to weight ratio of  2 cycle engines.

If I am out of town when a snow storm hits, my wife will start up a single stage and clear "some" of my driveway (enough to get out).  With a 2 stage, forget about it, I better hurry home.  Maybe your wife is different.  Get my "drift"?

borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Controversial Topic: What is the Most Powerful Single Stage Snowblower?
Reply #11   Dec 27, 2007 10:31 pm
"Borat- I personally don't think Honda is all that either and I do find if anyone critcises honda they are open to alot of flack but I thought your post was a pretty general statement. It's ok to post that but then you should provide some proof like a link to a site where you read that. No funny stuff intended. Keep on posting."

I'll have my legal team peruse future posts to ensure I comply with your criteria. 

krislu


Location: Long Island, NY
Joined: Dec 27, 2004
Points: 148

Re: Controversial Topic: What is the Most Powerful Single Stage Snowblower?
Reply #12   Dec 28, 2007 3:11 pm
gaken wrote:

when I say space is a consideration, weight goes along with it. 



You should have said this in your post. Anyway good luck in whatever you decide to do. - Kris

           
krislu


Location: Long Island, NY
Joined: Dec 27, 2004
Points: 148

Re: Controversial Topic: What is the Most Powerful Single Stage Snowblower?
Reply #13   Dec 28, 2007 3:16 pm
borat wrote:
"Borat- I personally don't think Honda is all that either and I do find if anyone critcises honda they are open to alot of flack but I thought your post was a pretty general statement. It's ok to post that but then you should provide some proof like a link to a site where you read that. No funny stuff intended. Keep on posting."

I'll have my legal team peruse future posts to ensure I comply with your criteria. 



Borat- Don't get all upset now.            - Kris

           
67L48


Joined: Nov 8, 2007
Points: 12

Re: Controversial Topic: What is the Most Powerful Single Stage Snowblower?
Reply #14   Jan 2, 2008 11:46 am
I was in a similar situation as you back in November 2007.  I wanted a snowblower, but a 2-stage just doesn't work for me.  Expensive, big, and probably overkill.  I posted here in mid-November and you can look up that post for more info.  Here's the summary:

Toro:  I wanted a 4-stroke and really liked the new chute control mechanism.  However, the dealer wanted full MSRP at $760 and wouldn't budge.  Didn't seem to know a whole lot about the product -- probably spends more time learning about the 2-stagers and the myriad Stihl products he sells.

Honda:  Have had good experience with Honda engines/products in the past.  Have read lots of good reviews on the internet.  Lists for $650, but widely available at local dealers for $600.

Ariens:  Highest hp rating at 7, but a 2-stroke engine.  Could not find any information about this blower on the internet.  Ariens makes great 2-stage units, but single-stage is a completely different beast.  The ariens dealer was across town from me and I got lazy.  Never checked it out.  Still have never seen any info on it.

For me, it came down to Toro vs. Honda.  I couldn't find a reason to spend $160 more on the Toro, so I went with the Honda.  I've now used it about 6 times and here are some brief thoughts:

1)  Easiest thing to start.  I just give a limp-wristed half-hearted pull and it fires right up

2)  Eats snow.  Have had mostly 3 - 5", and our latest was 8-10".  Some spots I was blowing were over 12" deep.  The snow isn't slushy wet, but wet enough that you could make snowballs and snowmen.  No problems at all.  I tend to keep the chute pointed down, but when wide open, I think it's throwing between 25 - 35' (I can throw snow across the street and from my driveway to my neighbor's driveway).

3)  Love the chute control design.  Before using it, I was a little concerned about the handle design, versus a crank design.  I now love the handle.  I can easily reach out and spin the chute.  Takes about 0.5 seconds.  The chute has never moved on its own.

4)  My neighbor got a new CCR3650, 2-str.  Much louder and has more of a surging sound to it.  Watching him use the hand crank also makes me glad I don't have one.  With that said, his blows the snow just as well as mine does.  Performance-wise, they appear to do the same job with the same quality.

5)  Fully self-propelled.  When those augers hit the pavement, look out.  I'm 5'11" and 175 lbs and this thing will take me for a ride if I'm not careful. I ended up buying some stabilicers (metal cleats -- like Yak Trax on steroids) to keep the snowblower from dragging me around my driveway.

I am so glad now not to have a 2-stage blower.  The Honda 1-stage works so well, is easy to use, and the lawn-mower size fits my garage perfectly.  Good luck.

Denny


Joined: Dec 12, 2007
Points: 7

Re: Controversial Topic: What is the Most Powerful Single Stage Snowblower?
Reply #15   Jan 2, 2008 2:15 pm
I just repaired my 1994 Toro CCR2000 and I am glad it's back in action.

The 1.5"x1.5"  magneto module was bad.  The guys at this site and lawnsite.com helped diagnose.

I was able to order an aftermarket module for $18.00 vs $110.00.

I have been very happy with this toro.  I used it in Burlington VT for the last 12 years on a paved driveway about 70' long 15' wide.

I recently moved to Saratoga NY and have a similar driveway. 

It gets down to pavement no problem.  The only service I had to do during it's lifetime , besides the above, was replacing the rubber augers once, and the plastic skid plate on the bottom.

I have the suzuki 141cc engine and this thing is bulletproof.

gopherice


Location: Minnesota
Joined: Dec 23, 2007
Points: 6

Re: Controversial Topic: What is the Most Powerful Single Stage Snowblower?
Reply #16   Jan 2, 2008 2:30 pm
Add another vote for a single-stage...I actually sold my 2yr old 2-stage 7.5hp Craftsman earlier this season so that I could buy another single-stage, as I already owned a S-200 that is old but works great...it just does not have the power I need.  I prefer the single for pretty much all of the reasons listed above and found a used Snow Commander for a reasonable price and am very happy with it so far.

Toro Snow Commander - Toro S-200 - Toro 20017 Personal Pace
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