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

I asked this question as part of another post but thought that it would get a better response if I posted it as a stand alone thread.  I am considering a snow cab for my snow thrower.  First do you think that they are a good investment or is a snow thrower better without one?  Second, if you do have one and think that they are worth the effort to buy and install, which one would you recomend?  Borat, gave me a nice link in the other thread and there is a how to install video that I found interesting here: http://www.classicaccessories.com/instructions/.

How important is it to have one that has the easy on, easy off feature.  It was toughted as good for storage.  Thanks for the input,

Rick

nhmatt wrote:

I own both a snow suit and a snow cab.  They each have their purpose.  The problem with a snow suit is that it doesn't offer the face/eye protection that a cab does.  If you get a face mask, goggles etc., they fog up and inhibit vision considerably.  That in itself can be a real annoyance.  Another down side to the snow suit is the time it takes to gear up and gear down.  Especially if you have to take a leak.  Know what I mean?   Then there's the necessity to get the snow off of yourself before you go in the house. 

The cab seldom has to have the window cleared off because the machine's vibrations pretty much shakes everything off.  If snow does manage to stick to the window, a tap from the inside takes care of that.  Believe me, it's a much better experience clearing the driveway on a windy day inside a well built snow cab. 

borat wrote:
You got me thinking, I wonder if Armor-All would make that vinyl slick enough that the snow would fall off by itself? or Rain-X?


I think you guys have convinced me to get one of these. The  wind always seems to blow in opposite directions at the top and bottom of my driveway - about 100' separated by heavy woods. I always wear a cowboy hat when blowing as I can tilt my head and the large brim will catch it before it gets on my glasses, but I'm not always fast enough.

Bill_H wrote:

On my snow cab, I believe the vinyl windows are already coated to prevent fogging and sticking of snow.    There's no need to put anything else on it.

Hi Clay:
I'am running an Ariens 927LE and purchased an Ariens Sno Cab for it (paid a premium price) and look upon it as one of the best investments I ever made. When in use, it's like using the Snow Blower in the garage. No wind, no snow all over you and seems like 15 degrees warmer than outside. As far as removal of the cab goes, it's not worth taking the time to do. I will take it apart in Spring for Summer storage and also make it easier to do my maintenace work if any. Then come Fall, back it goes and gets attached to the machine. There are some aftermarket Cabs out there and they are probably OK, but I love my orange Ariens Cab with the heavy duty material.
So the short answer is: Yes, a Snow Cab is definitely work investing in.  

The one thing that is important about having a removeable cab is if you transport your machine on a trailer or in the back of a pick up.  The wind at hwy speeds would not be good for the cab.  Being able to take it off and put it back on would be the only way to go in that situation.  I totally agree about it being warmer inside of the cab.  It's actually pleasant.  Like one of the previous posters I wish that it had 4 sides instead of 3.  I wouldn't mind bending down and coming up into the unit from the bottom.  Once in a while I get some snow blow back on the back of my neck, but it is 100% better than not having a cab.  Like I said, I'm surprised that I never had one on the old thrower.

Rick

Wouldn't take too much to put a piece of tarp on the back and allow it to hang down or put simple fasteners at the bottome to keep it from flapping in the wind. 

The Ariens cab looks similar to the Classic Deluxe albeit two and a half times the price. 

I kind of like the screw eye on top as you mentioned to store it. by the way how wide is this cab side to side?

borat wrote:
This is a good idea.  I will probably try to do this when it's warmer.

borat wrote:
I concur.  If it's not windy, I would go snowblowing topless. 

hirschallan wrote:

It's twenty nine inches across. 

For the money, these units are pretty hard to beat.  They have 3/4" steel tubing frame that's powder coated black.  The fabric is thick & durable and the window plastic is also tough.  All of the mounting hardware is robust and it comes with enough various sized mounting brackets to match just about any machine.   The quick release feature is one of the best things about it.   I bought mine last year for $89.00.  More than pleased with it.  Particularly for what I paid.

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