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Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage

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MrNuke


Joined: Oct 28, 2011
Points: 16

Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage
Original Message   Oct 28, 2011 3:43 pm

I currently have an old Toro CCR 2000E.  It is still in great condition for a 19 year-old machine.  That said, I'm thinking it may be time to get a new blower.  The main issue I have right now is trying to decide between a single or two stage.  The driveway is about 50 feet long by 22 feet wide and I have about 120 feet of sidewalk to clear.  One side of the driveway has some trees/plants and the neighbors' house in fairly close proximity.  The other has a 3 to 4' tall retaining wall.  Standard procedure is to blow all of the snow over the retaining wall.  This becomes an issue if you a couple of significant events in a row as it gets very difficult for the CCR 2000 to get the snow A) over the wall and B) over the existing snow blown up there. 

We don't get the massive snowfalls some of you see back East here in Nebraska, but 8 to 12" events happen almost once a season.  If it is under 3” of snow I typically will just shovel it.  I only have space in the garage for one blower so it is either a single or two stage, keeping the old blower isn’t an option due to space.  So the question is do I want a single or two stage?  Will a two stage knock out moderate 4 to 6” events?   FWIW I've been looking at the Ariens Platinum 24 or the Toro 826 OXE and comparable Husky's as well as Honda and Toro single stages.  Thanks in advance for the advice. 

This message was modified Oct 28, 2011 by MrNuke
Replies: 10 - 19 of 19Next page of topicsPreviousAllView as Outline
Steve_Cebu


Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 888

Re: Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage
Reply #10   Oct 31, 2011 11:50 pm
MrNuke wrote:
Went to the dealer today and couldn't pull the trigger.  It is down to the 621 or 826. 


Whenever there is any doubt, there is no doubt. Sounds like you really want a 2 stage. If the snow is light just run it up in 4th or 5th gear and it'll clear it in a hurry.

"If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England."  "If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England."
aa335


Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434

Re: Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage
Reply #11   Oct 31, 2011 11:58 pm
MrNuke wrote:
Went to the dealer today and couldn't pull the trigger.  It is down to the 621 or 826. 

Go to a Honda dealer and check out the 928, most beautiful snowblower ever made. 

My local dealer has two on display, with enough space between them to drive a golf cart.  All the other snowblowers were side by side, 4 inches from each other.  They had it set up so you can admire it from all angles.

Just kidding! 

Looks like a 2 stage is for you.
aa335


Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434

Re: Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage
Reply #12   Nov 1, 2011 12:01 am
Steve_Cebu wrote:
Whenever there is any doubt, there is no doubt. Sounds like you really want a 2 stage. If the snow is light just run it up in 4th or 5th gear and it'll clear it in a hurry.

By any chance you sell cars for a living? 
Steve_Cebu


Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 888

Re: Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage
Reply #13   Nov 1, 2011 1:16 am
aa335 wrote:
By any chance you sell cars for a living? 



Now now, no need for insults.

If the guy couldn't pull the trigger on a single stage Toro then he's probably thinking he really could use a 2 stage which is IMO a pretty good choice. The Toro 826 is a nice machine and will handle almost anything you can throw at it. For less snow that we get the Toro 826 is a good choice. For more snow the 1028 is up there with Honda and Ariens and IMO a bit better in some ways.

"If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England."  "If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England."
aa335


Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434

Re: Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage
Reply #14   Nov 1, 2011 12:01 pm
Steve_Cebu wrote:
Now now, no need for insults.

Ok.  I'm sorry. 
This message was modified Nov 1, 2011 by aa335
New_Yorker


Preach the Gospel always, use words when necessary

Location: Long Island, NY
Joined: Nov 26, 2010
Points: 219

Re: Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage
Reply #15   Nov 12, 2011 10:13 am
A One Size fits all machine would be the 7 hp two stage from Honda.  These machines are nearly bullet proof, can handle the monster storm when needed, and are extremely low in maintenance.  The handles are low, like better sized for a woman or a japanese man (they were designed by Japanese).  They have no steering other then you shoving the handles, so Consumer Reports rates them low.  But IF you check out the reviews for Honda snowblowers people practically marry them.  If you can pay the price, you'll never have to buy another machine again. wish you luck.
mobiledynamics


Joined: Oct 1, 2011
Points: 81

Re: Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage
Reply #16   Nov 12, 2011 11:40 am
Note .....for observation purposes....as I was looking at the tracks the other day.
The bucket height is about 4" smaller on the trax version of the 724 & the impeller looks to to be about 33% smaller.

Don't know why as everything else 724 wheeled, and everything above is all the sa,e
MrNuke


Joined: Oct 28, 2011
Points: 16

Re: Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage
Reply #17   Nov 13, 2011 11:44 pm
I ended up getting an 826 got a good deal from the dealer and it was too good to pass up. 
aa335


Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434

Re: Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage
Reply #18   Nov 14, 2011 12:10 am
mobiledynamics wrote:
Note .....for observation purposes....as I was looking at the tracks the other day.
The bucket height is about 4" smaller on the trax version of the 724 & the impeller looks to to be about 33% smaller.

Don't know why as everything else 724 wheeled, and everything above is all the sa,e

When I was shopping for a snowblower, I did noticed that the HS724 tracked version had a lower bucket height.  I would guess that the HS724 engine is underpowered with the hydro transmission and tracks, hence the bucket was sized smaller.  Overall, the HS724 was extremely compact in size and very maneuverable. 
Shryp


Location: Cleveland, OH
Joined: Jul 26, 2010
Points: 532

Re: Trying to Decide Between Single or Two Stage
Reply #19   Nov 14, 2011 1:42 am
mobiledynamics wrote:
Note .....for observation purposes....as I was looking at the tracks the other day.
The bucket height is about 4" smaller on the trax version of the 724 & the impeller looks to to be about 33% smaller.

Don't know why as everything else 724 wheeled, and everything above is all the sa,e

I read that even though the track version is smaller, it spins the auger/impellers faster so the volume of snow it can process is actually higher.  Of course, that probably doesn't help when the snow is higher than the bucket.  Also, one could assume if it is spinning faster it would throw further?
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