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

I would like to get some input on a new snowblower  for home use. I have a 20 x 50 ft drive with and 10 deg incline halfway up that goes level, and 100 ft of walk. Maneuverability is an issue, since I have to  blow snow between cars. I have limited storage space too.  My area gets about 25 inches of snow per year,  but sometimes we get a dump of a foot of wet snow.

The Ariens Compact 24  920014   and  Sno-tek 24 920402 are on my short list.  Others I should consider? Are the upgrades for the steel chute, cast iron gear box and Briggs Ariens orange models worth it in this price point? How about the Briggs 250 cc and dual belt auger  on the Ariens 24  921031 which is a step up in $$? LCT snow engine reliability and parts availability?

I am concerned about some of the  poor online reviews of the Ariens Compact 24  920014 that cite problems with Briggs engine, carb and friction disk.  It is surprising the Sno-tek reviews seem to  have much fewer problems.  As many of you may know , it is the similar to the Compact 24  with the LCT engine and without above upgrades..

Hello Edge,
I live on a cul-de-sac where the neighbors own Ariens, Honda, Toro, and the cheaper box-store blowers. Based on the performance (other than Honda - can't beat Honda, but the price is senseless - for a frickin' snowblower) of all the neighbors blowers I purchased an Ariens Platinum 30. The reason I purchased this particular Ariens is because all other Ariens were sold out at the time. My choice would have been the Compact 24 you mention. 2 of the neighbors have this machine and it's performance is just about comparable to my Platinum 30. It's also pretty easy to manoeuver due to it's smaller size. Mine is a 30 inch path, the compact is 24 -  a difference of 6 inches. NOT a big deal at all on a 20 foot wide driveway 10 passes for you, 8 passes for me. Certainly not worth paying the extra dollars for a 26, 28, or 30 inch. Also, you want maneuverability to blow between cars - 24 wins there. Are you blowing to each side of your driveway? If so, that means you have to blow 10 feet. Not a problem at all for the Compact 24. Remember, it's a snowblower. I don't see any need for bells and whistles on something that you are going to shove into the worst kind of elements. My neighbor with his 24 gets his driveway done as well as me with my 30. As a matter of fact, his doesn't ride up as easily in the end of driveway stuff as mine does. IN MY OPINION, if you don't have the money to blow on a Honda, get the Ariens Compact 24. Where do you live? I live on Canada's east coast in Newfoundland. We get a lot of wet snow here. Neighbor's 24 handles it easily (well, as easily as the rest of us anyway).

As for your concerns about the engine and friction disk. Nothing wrong with Briggs engine. They've been around for years. I remember my father's old McCulloch generator with the Briggs and Stratton engine from 35 years ago. It bit the dust last year in a house fire. And the friction disks. This technology is used in millions of snowblowers, and is very reliable. I believe there was a bad batch of friction disks in some Ariens machines. This has been remedied, and you should not have a problem there. With a little maintenance, a Compact 24 should last you for years. There are other choices but the Compact 24 is a great choice. Watch for a significant price drop online. It's gone from 650 to 800. Back down to 675, and now sits at at $1099 at Home Depot in Canada. it was 675 last week. I'm guessing it will be back down there again next week.

GC

The Ariens Sno-Tek 24 for $599.00 is definitely a bargin and warrants strong consideration. For $200.00 more you can get the Ariens Compact 24"  which has many of the same features as the Sno-Tek but also includes a headlight and the Briggs engine vs. the LCT. Not sure if the Briggs engines are even made in the USA anymore for what it's worth. I would also consider the Toro 724 OE as it seems to have many nice features and appears to be well designed. Many of the Toro snowblower owners on this site speak very highly of the performance and ergonomics of their machines. It also compares quite well with the Ariens Compact 24 for the same $799.00 price tag.

25" of snow per year is not a whole lot of snow so any of these choices would most likely satisfy your needs quite easily.

Here's a photo of the Toro 724 OE:

Can't argue with Frank's response. If all you get is 25 inches a year you do NOT need a high-end snowblower. The Compact 24, as well as Frank's suggestions are all good choices.

I believe that only 3 of the Briggs engines are manufactured in the U.S. right now (at least in the Arien's line). But I believe the Chinese Briggs would be just as good. I can't comment on the LCT engines. I have a Chinese engine in my Champion generator. Can't really comment on that either as it has less than 5 hours use.

I suggest a Toro 621 single-stage machine.  It'll handle snows up to 10" or so, cleans down to the pavement, and takes up less storage space than a two-stage.  If you get a monster snowfall or EOD ice that the SS can't handle, have one of these for a backup http://www.acecalumet.com/images/snow-scoop-400.jpg  You can get the scoop at your local Ace Hardware for around $40-$50 - I've got one and it will handle anything I can throw at it, and it won't hurt your back.  Hang it up in the garage when you're done with it.

I'd also lean toward a Toro 621.  Very capable machine.  Particularly in an area that gets so little snow.  However, if you get all 25" in one event, you might be out doing the driveway more than once as it's coming down.  Chances are you have a neighbour with a dual stage.  If you have an unusually large EOD, you can make a deal with a neighbour to use the dual stage for the EOD and you can take care of his driveway with the SS.  I find that with normal amounts of snowfall (3-10" of regular type snow) if I hustle with the SS machine, I can get the driveway done much easier and usually quicker than wrestling with a big two stage machine. 

I don't think that buying a single stage for 600, and borrowing a neighbors 2 stage when the going gets tough is a sensible idea at all! Especially when he can get a 2 stage Ariens or Toro for 6 to 8 hundred. What if neighbor is away? Or what if it's an emergency and you need to clear your driveway at 3 o'clock in the morning? To me, it doesn't make sense to buy a single stage where there is a real good probability that a 2 stage will be needed.

Edit to add:

This is the first time I have ever seen one of these!! Have any of you ever seen this??!!

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/arctic-wolf-wheeled-snow-shovel/807150

I also would have suggested a single stage machine but it sounds like the OP often gets a good dumping of heavy wet snow that may be a bit much for a SS machine, especially at the EOD area. It's a tough call whether a SS or 2 stage would be the better fit based on the small snowfall amounts but the heavy dumpings that happen from time to time. This is the classic "got to have one of each" to handle anything that may come your way....

FrankMA wrote:

Or..just one machine that can handle anything that may come your way! ;)
such as a small two-stage, like the two Ariens machines that Edge is considering..
IMO, one of those should work fine..
I wouldnt get a single-stage for this situation, because what if he does get that
rare "big snowstorm" that is too much for the single-stage to handle?
what is the sense in having a snowblower that you cant use when you need it the most? ;)

definately get the small 2-stage..

Scot

I see that you have somewhat of a dilema because you do have  limited storage space.  I have a similar driveway as yours that is shared with the house next door.  I have to be able to park behind my house or inside the garage in the winter months.  The first few years in the house I shoveled which became to labor intensive. I bought a used MTD and refurbished it. Had it 5 years but the 26 inch 8 hp setup was $#%*bersome to steer and the shute operation required extra labor. I bought the Ariens deluxe 28 inch with the USA made Briggs 250 cc motor.  This machine works well for me as I'm able to lay waste to heavy snow and send to another area. No one in my area has a blower that blows the snow as far as this machine.  There is a reason why Ariens has the patent on a two belt impeller drive. There is also a reason why Ariens uses a 14 inch impellar instead of a 12 inch. I paid $1050.00 for my machine which included delivery and setup. It has been worth every nickel.

edge10 wrote:
Last year, I got 19 inches of snow for the whole winter.  This was not a typical snowfall, but a low one.  My single stage Toro 421QE did all the work, the big 2 stage didn't even see any action.  No need to bring out the big gun when I can zip around with the Toro SS.  The most snowfall at one time was 8 inches, which I was able to handle with just the single stage and a shovel.

With a SS, one has to be diligent and go out and take care of the snow before it overwhelms the machine.  Pretty simple and not a bad practice.  My neighbor only has the Toro SS and he does fine with it.  We typically get 50 inches of snow per year.  One or two times, we get blizzard that dumps 12-20 inches.  He does what he can with his driveway and I come over and help dig out the EOD with my large 2 stage.

Sounds like a single stage would work for you.  25 inches isn't a whole lot of snow.  An occasional 1 footer isn't a strong reason to get a big machine.  You'd be surprised what a good SS and a shovel can handle, provided that you are physically fit.  Just break down the big pile into small pieces that the machine and you can handle. 

Now that's the practical advice.  I myself have 4 snowblowers, not that I need all four.  I'm just a gearhead, likes OPE and power, and I have room to store them.  :)  But my advice to you is still applies, in a pragmatic sense.  If you're an OPE fanatic, then I recommend the Ariens Pro 28.  No faults on that machine except the price of $2000. 

But let's not forget that 25 inches isn't a whole lot of snow.  No need to get an elephant rifle to hunt rabbits.

sscotsman wrote:
"just one machine" will get the budget passed by the CFO, but that won't last long...

That's what I started out with, a monster 32" wide 11 HP snowblower.   Then I got 3 more SS.  :)  Now I can handle anything, big and small. 

aa335 wrote:

But you shouldn't use a .410 on a moose either.

The point is, a single stage may do him MOST of the time but not all of the time. A 2 stage will do him ALL of the time. So for the difference in price, I think it's much more sensible to get the 2 stage. I certainly don't want to depend on my neighbor to clear the snow out of the end of my driveway because I bought a single stage.

GreatCanadian wrote:
You have a valid point.  There's nothing wrong with being self sufficient and equipping yourself with the right tools for the job. 

A good single stage isn't going be rendered useless for the original poster's area.

One thing to add is that a single stage is so so much easier, cheaper, and quicker to service and maintain.  I can replace all paddles, scraper bar, belt, lube and adjust cable tension, clean carburetor within two hours.  No special tools needed.  An assessment / troubleshooting of what needs to be done requires no more than 5 minutes.  Also, a $600 single stage is not the same as a $600 2 stage when it comes to cost of ownership.  With a 2 stage, there are friction disc, skids, scraper, belts, cables, shifter mechanism, auger shear pins, impeller pins.  Lots of things to keep an eye on to make sure they are in good shape and not let you down during a big storm.

edge10 wrote:

My take on this,with a similar slope on my drive is: I wouldn't go with an SS because I have been where you are heading meaning, that slope is going to be difficult with the SS. It will pull you down that slope faster then you can get traction with your feet. Up hill is also an issue and not what you think. It will go where it wants and give you a workout. Just ask me how I know. I've been on my a$$ more than once because of it and will never go that route again. I also have a 2 stage Ariens model 7524e for the last 7 years with only praise. I have had snow bucket high and yet some without any trouble. Just my two cents, Allan.

aa335 wrote:

At least, no suffering for poor rabbits.  SS snowblowers, such as Honda HS520 or Toro 621, are a great choice.  I really like the way SS can really clean it up the driveway and my pond.  For my small driveway, my 2-stage is an overkill but you don't get the satisfaction of snow blast (i.e., a clean kill of a rabbit with the 357 magnum) when it snows more than 6 inches.

GreatCanadian wrote:
I don't recall advising to "borrow" anything.  I suggested reciprocating work. 

Don't know how you operate but I get along fine with my neighbours and strangely enough, I've never seen a day when at least one of my nearest neighbours with a dual stage wasn't home after a snow storm.  
We take care of each other around here. 

I have four SS machines and one large frame Simplicity dual stage.   In the last two years, the dual stage has seen about 1/2 an hour of work.   Anyone with any experience with a decent SS machine knows what they can do.  From your response, it sounds like you may not have had the pleasure to use a good SS snowthrower.   I will agree though that with  the slope of the OP's driveway involved, a small dual stage might be a better choice in order to maintain control.  If the driveway was flat, I'd go with a Toro SS. 

borat wrote:

In my neighborhood, almost every 3 houses has a 2 stage snowblower.  I can pretty much tells who hasn't been home or late to take care of the snow on the apron.  In all my 5 years here, I've never seen anyone's driveway blocked in that they can't get in or out. Both of my adjacent neighbors do not have a 2 stage snowblower, but between the 3 nearby houses that do have them, the whole block is taken care of.  On one side, my neighbor has two useless teenage boys and a father that never does any outdoor work to clear their driveway, I just clear their apron when it's more than 18 inches high.  Less than that, they just drive their car through it.  On the other side, a new neighbor just moved in, so I knew they were not equipped to handle their driveway, plus they just had a 3 month old baby.  So I take care of them too.  I don't think anyone ever asked for help, it just happens.

aa335 wrote:
That's the way we roll in this neighbourhood too.  

We actually all enjoy getting out and "showing off our wares".   Because I'm the only one on the street with SS machines, it's an oddity that the neighbours seem to enjoy watching.  Especially when I crank up the old Tecumseh machines and actually out-throw a number of, lets say, less than premium snow blowers on the street.  

I used to have "attitude" about SS machines.  The reason was because I had never owned or used one before.   Now that I've seen the light, I've learned to appreciate and respect their capabilities. 

Looks like we've got about ten inches of wettish snow coming our way tonight and tomorrow.  Got the old Murray gassed up and ready to go!

borat wrote:

If you are agreeing, then why are you arguing with me???? OP described his conditions, driveway slope, and requirements. I gave my recommendation. And apparently you agree with it, so I just don't get the rest of your post.

I live in Newfoundland, in eastern Canada. Trust me, people here are VERY neighborly, friendly, and help one another out all the time.  I just don't get the concept of "Well, my neighbor has a 2 stage so I'll get a single stage".

GC

edge10.   i have a 1986 8 hp tecumseh 924 ariens that has served me well since i bought it new. my driveway is 20ft wide and 135 ft. long and yes there are years we don't get lots of snow here in wisconsin but there are also years like this year that we get more than the season average.is it too big sometimes? yes! but i sure am glad it can do the work when i need it to. if you are phisically able to handle a larger snowthrower that's what i would buy! it will do a good job on the light snowfalls and an even better job on the heavy ones! not only that but if you take care of it could be the last snowblower you'll ever buy.

GreatCanadian wrote:

Before owning a Honda HS520, I thought having 2-stage was a must and required.  After having both HS928 and HS520 this year, I am not so sure about saying HS928 is the best option.  SS will have a hard time in certain conditons, but for 95% of the time, it will be more than good enough. I would not want to bother my neighbors either and I like being indepedent.  Don't under-estimate SS like I did.

GreatCanadian wrote:

Umm, that is why I suggested the snow scoop for anything the SS couldn't handle.  The snow scoop is NOT a shovel, and if you haven't tried it, please don't knock it.  I can clear my 2500sf driveway with it almost as fast as I can with my 928 2-stage, and the scoop will handle EOD with ease.  It's perfect for the "5%" that the SS might not handle.  The scoop and SS will take up less room in the garage than a 2-stage (one of the OP's concerns).

longboat wrote:

I live in Eastern Canada. I'm no stranger to snow. I HAVE a snow scoop. And it's no pleasure pushing around a scoop of heavy wet snow. It weighs a ton. I much prefer to move that stuff with my snowblower.

GreatCanadian wrote:
Are you sure you are using it correctly?  I can push/pull a 2'x2'x2' chunk of snow over a hundred yards, er, meters, with no effort at all, other than walking.  You need to slide it over the snow, not across bare pavement. 

longboat wrote:

Am I using a snow scoop correctly?????????????????????????????????? Come on Longboat. That's just a silly question. You're talking like it's rocket science.

Plus, a hundred yards is 300 feet. Your 2x2x2 block will take you 150 scoops. Then you have ONE path cleared. If your driveway is 20 feet wide. That's 10 paths. 1500 scoops. Go for it. I'll use my 2 stage.

Edit: Just noticed that your driveway is only 2500 square feet, so that lowers the number of scoops to 625. If your driveway is 100 yards, that's a lot of walking!!

GC,

You convinced me.  I'm not walking 100 yards to deposit any snow.  Out comes the snowblower at full throttle, chute straight up.    Show that snow who's boss. 

Just make sure to point the chute down wind, and don't eat yellow snow.

I've used the scoop a couple of times in lieu of the two-stage 928.  It takes about 10% longer using the scoop, regardless of snow depth (we don't often get more than 20 inches in one snowfall).  I don't have to sled it 100 yards, only 10 yards - the point is there is no difference in effort, other than walking.   Really, the scoop is nice to use.  No noise, no snow blowing around.  I sweat about the same amount as I do wrestling the 2-stage around.  When done, you feel great, like after a good cardio workout at the gym.  When done wrestling with the 2-stage, you feel like you just had a workout with weights at the gym.  Either way, you sweat the same.  If you're into heart-healthy, you'll love the scoop.  If your into muscle-building workouts, you'll love the two-stage.  Just my experience and opinions...

Btw, the scoop is really nice around the yard, sidewalks, deck and other tight quarters where it is difficult getting most OPE.

GreatCanadian wrote:

You would be amazed at how many people don't use a snow scoop correctly!

I haven't lifted a snow shovel in years.   I do use a double-handle Garant pusher shovel for snows less than 2-3 inches, but that doesn't involve lifting.