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usmcskeeter


Joined: Oct 30, 2014
Points: 1

Best used snowblowers - I want your comments!
Original Message   Oct 30, 2014 2:31 pm

Having spent  over a decade out in California, I decided to move back to Minnesota, just in time for snow!  Needless to say, snow will come soon and I need to be prepared - by which I need a snowblower.  Since I haven't blown snow since 2001, I'm not sure what a good snowblower is.  My previous experience was with a Toro PowerShift when it first came out and an Ariens 2-stage mounted on a GT-20.  From what I can tell, Toro doesn't make the PowerShift any more, so I wonder if it got too costly to manufacture or if there were problems?


So, I'm looking for something used - I hate paying sticker price, but if the community feels that a new machine is by far the best option, then I will consider it.  But I also know that some older machines can move snow and are built better than moderen units.  Sometimes this is an advantage to buying old, other times it is a disadvantage.  What are some of your guys' thoughts on a good "used" units?  I've only got a driveway that is 20'x100' (concrete) and about 200' of sidewalk.


I also have a good mechanical background and wouldn't have a problem repairing an older machine as items break/wear, but I don't want to be broken down every time it snows.


Some of the units that are under consideration right now are as follows:


Ariens 1032 - $500

Craftsman Track Drive 826 - $400

Deere 826 - $400

Deere 828D - $725

Deere 924DE - $500

Deere 1032 - $500

Duetz Allis (Simplicity) 828 - $375

Snapper 1030 - $550

Snapper 826 - $380

Toro Power Max 726OE - $800

Toro Power Shift 824 - $300 ( A little beat up)


All units seem to be in good shape.  Some have chains, some have drift cutters, some have lights, etc.  I'm more concerned about base units as I can alway add different tires, chains, lighting, etc.

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jrtrebor


Location: Michigan - 3 hours north of Chicago on the lake
Joined: Feb 10, 2010
Points: 539

Re: Best used snowblowers - I want your comments!
Reply #7   Dec 9, 2014 10:21 pm
Well I'll throw in my 2 cents.
Having owned, and worked on quite a few I would suggest an Ariens.
If our going to go used.  Eighties and Ninties models.  There are still many of them around and parts are easy to find.
They are built like tanks and many of the parts for different models interchange. 
The Ariens have something no one else does and that's a differential.
Which makes turinng them a breeze.  I've got a restored 1032 repowered with Honda 13hp.
Without slowing down I can turn that beast 180 degrees with one hand.
A few things to look for if you decide to go with an Ariens.
One would be the Axle Lock which you will see on the left wheel hub.
It allows you to lock out the differential and have both wheels driving equally.
Which also means you will have to drag it to turn it like other blowers.
I have vary rarely had to lock in my axles, but it's nice to know you can.
Also some models are designated "large frame" you can tell those models by the larger wheels and tires they have.
Again, nice to have.  The 1032s have the large frame.  The largest axles and differential on any models and usually wider tires.
The ST824 (large tires and axle lock) might suit your needs fairly well.
The newer (old)  models have the Ariens control panel higher up on the handle bars than the older (old) ones.

When your checking out any blower lift up on the handles and watch at the point where the axles go through the housing.
If the axle bearing are bad or worn you will see the frame / housing rise while the axle stays put when you lift the handles.
If the bearing are in really good condition the axle should move up with the housing.  It can be kind of hard to see but do it
a couple of times and you'll see what I mean.  Badly worn axle bearing can mean other parts in the drive train are also worn quite a bit.
Not a deal breaker if you can work on it yourself.  But Worn out drive gears can get a little involved and messy.
If you buy used I would figure on replacing both drive belts and maybe the Friction drive wheel.  That way your covered for the season by replacing the 3 most
likely things to give you a problem right in the middle of a snow storm.
It's just my opinion but hope it helps a little. 

This message was modified Dec 9, 2014 by jrtrebor
RIT333


Joined: Jan 3, 2008
Points: 33

Re: Best used snowblowers - I want your comments!
Reply #8   Dec 9, 2014 11:29 pm
Dang

That was at least $0.03 !  Very good suggestions/advice. 

Great job.


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