Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I'm looking into a snow blower/thrower.  I live in upstate NY (near Albany) and would estimate we get about four to five storms a year with about 8".  There are the rare NorthEasters that may drop 15" every three or four years.

My driveway is on about a 3 degree grade, one car length in width for about thirty feet, then it opens up to about three car lengths wide (in an L shape) for about twenty feet.

Is a single stage thrower too small, or will it work but just take more time to clear the snow?

I see CR reviewed models recently and liked the single stage Toro CCR-2450 which I can get online (free shipping, no tax) for $537 at SpeedWaysales.com.

The two-stage model they liked was a Craftsman 88790, which Sears has on sale for $949.

I would love to hear what people think about the two-stage versus one-stage, especially if you live in the Northeast near Albany, and what models you think are the best.

Lastly, I HATE maintenance, and the Ariens web site scared the bejeesus out of me with their maintenance section (You must tighten the drive belt after 20 hours of usage.  Then in the drive belt section it says, "Be careful, if this is not done right you may be injured or killed").  

Walt wrote:
Walt - good points.  The #1 rated blower was the Toro, but HD (at least the two in my area) don't stock it and can't order it for me.  The local dealers want $1,350 for it, and then add 8.25% sales tax = $1,461.

Now, speedwaysales.com has this unit for $1,294 with free shipping and no tax.  If I bought the Craftsman for $950 and added $150 for the 5 yr plan = $1,100 + 8.25% tax  =$1,190.  For $100 more I can get the top rated Snow Thrower instead of the 4th highest rated unit.

Now you've got me thinking...Toro might be the way to go.

Hahahaha, 4 post in a row to me, must have made great points, got him flustered as hell. 

Snowdude, take your agenda, your rant and the fight you're wishing to pick somplace else. There's much to say but  frankly you're not worth the time. Buy your Craftsman and get your three year plan, read CR until your hearts content, keep trolling websites trying to push Craftsman over Ariens as you've done before and will attempt to do again. I know who you are and so do the others.

Now you've got me thinking...Toro might be the way to go.

Please dont do that!
All of the dealers throughout  North America are out of stock of the model your are looking for and they will probley never stock it again. They may even stop making them altogether.
Sears sounds like a much better option for you.