Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > How Much Power Do I need
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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SnowRemover
Toro 828LXE
Location: Near Albany, NY
Joined: Jan 12, 2005
Points: 139
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How Much Power Do I need
Original Message Jan 12, 2005 1:56 pm |
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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").
This message was modified Jan 12, 2005 by SnowRemover
It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them! --Friedrich Nietzsche
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Dave___in___CT
Deliberate often... ...decide once...
Location: West-Central Connecticut
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Points: 3159
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #7 Jan 12, 2005 3:46 pm |
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Hi... Go ahead and try a single stage and see how you like it... Ask local equipment dealers if they have a demo unit you can try... If not... buy one... You can always sell or keep it and get a 2-stage if needed... 1-stage will be good for the smaller storms at least... and it never hurts to have more than one machine ! Right tool for the job... Dave...
Whether you think you can or you can't... you're right.Henry Ford BCS Tractor & snowblower
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jubol
Location: Dover, De
Joined: Oct 3, 2003
Points: 1558
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #8 Jan 12, 2005 3:47 pm |
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SnowRemover, I would sooner buy the Craftsman 8HP, Murray built blower for $699.00 than buy a single stage blower. It has an 8Hp overhead valve engine, which folks tell me is equal to about 9.6 Hp in a flat head engine. It should handle any thing you get in your area!! Fred
This message was modified Jan 12, 2005 by jubol
Husqvarna STE927(11.5HP) snowblower, MTD Pro Series 18/42 Lawnmower, MTD 6.5 HP Self Prop Lawn Mower, Weedeater 1500 Blower, Web Gensis 2000
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ChrisS
Appreciate what you have already been blessed with.
Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 2793
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #10 Jan 12, 2005 4:02 pm |
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Ok, I would highly encourage you to follow the advice given so far. This is not the piece of equipment that you should be looking to cut costs on. Where you live I guarantee you will regret your decision and eventually have to pay for the machine you should have bought in the first place. Now that will cost you. Yes Welcome! C
Honda 928TA, Ariens 924 STE, Toro single stage S-620, 95 Jeep Wrangler with a 6 foot Fisher Plow, many shovels, one 14 year old boy. Craftsman 01 1000 LTX pimp Gold LT 20hp Briggs OHV V-twin. Tough as it is ugly.
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Emmo
Joined: May 22, 2003
Points: 1065
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #11 Jan 12, 2005 4:17 pm |
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Snowremover....I've already PM"d some info to you..... What kind of units do your neighbors have?? Talk to them and get the pro's and con's as they see it. My perception is that a 2 stage will be a better fit. Self propelled, better for EOD, able to easlily handle the big dumps. The singles are probably quicker to use, they're very nimble. Take up less storage space. Easily handle the 4-8 inch storms. The overall question of whether you can justify one or not. Like Marshall said, who wants to wait on the snow dude? You can do it when you need it done. No more shovelling those storms of 4" or less like you were talking about(Think of the time savings not shovelling). I don't know how old you are, but if you can affford it, living where you do, by all means go for it. It will quickly pay for itself and if it saves you a heart attack along the way......well, PRICELESS.
This message was modified Jan 12, 2005 by Emmo
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hickster
Location: Chugiak, Alaska
Joined: Apr 15, 2004
Points: 163
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #12 Jan 12, 2005 9:33 pm |
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Hate Maintenance? Buy a HONDA! 928WA (wheels) or 928TA (Tracks!) Think more like 12-15 years of ownership. Yes, they are worth it (but can be bought for less than MSRP). hickster
Weather outlook for the "Anchorage bowl"Blower HS928TA Mower HRR216PDA Washer Excell XR2700 (6.5 Honda-GX/AR-2700psi/3gpm) Trimmer John Deere (Homelite clone) Saw Husky 141
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Dantheman
Location: Orange County, N.Y.
Joined: Jan 21, 2003
Points: 561
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #15 Jan 13, 2005 9:55 am |
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I have a friend that lives in $#%*ton Spa that had an older small frame two stage Toro.I think it was 5 or 6 HP. He said it did the trick but he always felt like he could have used more horsepower. Especially at the end of the driveway. I live in Orange County NY and went with an overkill of 11.5 HP. But I help some of the older neighbors out as well. You're in the "snowbelt" of NYS so I would recommend a large frame two stage with a bare minimum of 8 HP. I always like to go one size higher than I really need so that would be 9 or 10 HP depending on what is offered in the brand that your looking at. Then when the nor'easter hits you will be removing the snow with ease without struggeling. I like the Simplicity Brand and think they are worth the extra bucks.....even if you have to streach the ol' wallet a bit....you won't regret it. But a good Toro or Ariens DLE will work too. Dan
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SnowRemover
Toro 828LXE
Location: Near Albany, NY
Joined: Jan 12, 2005
Points: 139
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Re: How Much Power Do I need
Reply #16 Jan 13, 2005 11:05 am |
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I'm down to two models - the highly rated Craftsman 9hp two-stage for $949, or the not so highly rated (by Consumers) Ariens 8.5hp, on sale at HD for $900. Is there a consensus? I like the craftsmen's turning ability (little handles under the main handle) to help turn the unit in one direction or the other. The Ariens doesn't have that. However, will the Craftsmen last 15 years? Thoughts appreciated.
It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them! --Friedrich Nietzsche
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