Need help in buying a snowblower

[izzy]

OK, I may live in the "South," but where I live in Virginia, we can still get some whopper snowstorms. This year I've decided to buy a snowblower to help me clear my driveway and sidewalk. (We won't go into how many days it takes a 40 year old single woman to shovel a 50 foot double driveway that's covered with 12" of pure sleet - YIKES!!)

I've done some research of snowblowers, but I'm thoroughly confused. So, for those of you who have snowblowers, what features do you recommend? Any particular brand better than another?

Some facts from me:

* We can get anywhere from a few inches (which I can shovel) to 3+ feet in one storm.

* I would like an electric start

* I would prefer not to spend more than $800

* Being single and female (we won't discuss the age thing), I don't want something that's too big or heavy to handle.


Thanks in advance for your help!!

Izzy

 

[Big V]

Being from Wisconsin I know a little about snowblowers.
Some good brand names are Toro and Ariens.
Get a 2 stage snowblower as it shoots the snow out farther.
I would prefer an 8 horsepower engine, but seeing you're a female a 6 horsepower should be OK.
Electric start costs about $100 more, but sometimes you can get a deal where they will throw it in free!
Any other questions, just let me know!
Scott

 

[MICKEY88]

definitely 2 stage..I have an 8 hp Troybilt, that I bought last year electric start is great..power driven rather than one you must push...... check out this site ..Sears has some good buys right now...http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/sear...eel+Power+Propelled&displayTarget=Subcategory

 

[MacGyverTDS]

I second the thought of checking Sears. We just bought one from there last week. Electric start is a huge plus, it looked like quite a few models had it standard. OTOH, my Dad had an Ariens for about 30 years, they are built to last.

Judy

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We really lucked out last year. Some friends of friends moved to NYC and sold us a year old Craftsman (sears) that retailed for $800, for $300! We had a few mild winters and were wondering if we were nuts to even pay that, but we really got hammered last year and the thing works great! DH will often do our house and then go all the way around the cul-de-sac!
Robin M.

 

[pumba]

to know what will last too.....and how much maintenance you would have to do with the snowblower.......we got a toro and gave it to our son after 20 odd years.....got a new one and it is in its 5th year with us.......we would never buy anything but a Toro.......now i am not a salesperson.....but being from Maine.......it has to be good...check dealers and also some trade ins.....

 

[MICKEY88]

I'd personally recommend 24' width and 20 inch intake if you're expecting snow in the 2-3 foot range..



the following web site lists the sites for all the major manufaturers


http://www.lawnmowerdealers.net/makers/tpl_x1.php/CURTIS_TRACTOR_CAB


MTD is a a good place to start


MTD is the parent company of the MTD conglomerate that includes Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Ryobi, White Outdoor, Yard Machines and Yard-Man.

For more than 40 years, MTD has been a leader in designing and building durable, easy-to-use outdoor power equipment. Our family of brands offers award-winning products designed to meet lawn and garden needs for both residential and commercial markets. Explore our brands to find the product that's right for you.









info from the troy-bilt web site...

Two-stage snowthrowers are designed to power through even the heaviest drifts and tackle the longest driveways with little effort from you. First, the auger breaks up the snow and ice and pushes it to the back of the unit. Then the impeller propels the snow out of the chute for fast and efficient snow removal.

Look for these performance features:
Standard 4-cycle engines for more torque, no mixing of oil and gas, and lower emissions
Standard Push-Button Electric Start
Touch 'n Turn Steering - allows you to make easy turns in either direction with a touch of a trigger
All Wheel Drive
Our exclusive Just One Hand Operation
Heated Handles
In-Dash Halogen Headlights

http://www.troybilt.com/servlet/BrandProductDetail?ID=894&CAT=14&SUB=124



any questions feel free to PM me...

 

[dianeschlicht]

LOL, my first reaction was...Why, is it snowing?

In reality, we have a VERY long driveway, so we have someone come and do it with a big plow. It would take weeks to do it with a snow bower!

 

[Marla Hellwig]

I ended up with a electric power one - the gas ones were too 'heavy' for me to deal with - also some take a mixture of gas and oil to run - didn't want to deal with trying to mix it every time - and couldn't afford the electric start one believe it is a toro and came from sears