Punching Bag Posted November 18, 2016 Share Posted November 18, 2016 It is getting that time of year (maybe already in WNY) that a snow blower is going to be needed soon. Last year our snow blower broke and thinking we need a more heavy duty one. Northern VA does not get as much snow as WNY always but we get we WNY like storms down here. Last year we were snowed in for more than a week and it was only a week because we live near major (major for VA) road. I looked into snow blowers and I think we need a Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower, last year we had a One-Stage one. Electric will not work for it is too large of an area. The Two-Stage seem a lot more complicated - what do I need to watch out for? Any brands with experience? . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpberr Posted November 18, 2016 Share Posted November 18, 2016 I asked the same question last year. Perhaps you'll find the thread useful. http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/182334-snowblower-recommendations/page-2?hl=snowblowers&do=findComment&comment=3754737 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jauronimo Posted November 18, 2016 Share Posted November 18, 2016 The PC term is Canadian Americans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkyMannn Posted November 18, 2016 Share Posted November 18, 2016 Stay away from any brand made by MTD, like Troybilt. Go Ariens or 3stage Cub Cadet I asked the same question last year. Perhaps you'll find the thread useful. http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/182334-snowblower-recommendations/page-2?hl=snowblowers&do=findComment&comment=3754737 HAHA good to see my opinion has not changed in a year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBud Posted November 18, 2016 Share Posted November 18, 2016 And whatever you do - DO NOT put your hand down the chute of a two stage. You'll be missing fingers or more. We had a IH 2 stage when I was growing up. Dad showed me the implications of doing such by putting a broom handle into the chute and having it hit the impeller. Not pretty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted November 19, 2016 Author Share Posted November 19, 2016 I ordered one online recommended by 2 posters in thread. Hope it does not smell like Boston Beans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted November 19, 2016 Share Posted November 19, 2016 And whatever you do - DO NOT put your hand down the chute of a two stage. You'll be missing fingers or more. We had a IH 2 stage when I was growing up. Dad showed me the implications of doing such by putting a broom handle into the chute and having it hit the impeller. Not pretty. I had a friend in college who was from Cleveland and learned that lesson the hard way. Very nasty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted November 19, 2016 Author Share Posted November 19, 2016 I had a friend in college who was from Cleveland and learned that lesson the hard way. Very nasty. I learned that lesson before I learned lesson not to hold firecrackers when lit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrags Posted November 19, 2016 Share Posted November 19, 2016 Get an Arians. You won't regret it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted November 19, 2016 Share Posted November 19, 2016 I learned that lesson before I learned lesson not to hold firecrackers when lit. I spent my summers at Crystal Beach as a little kid. They would sell dynamite to a 5 year old. Lessons hard learned..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted November 19, 2016 Share Posted November 19, 2016 I bought one of these 2 years ago. Love it. http://m.homedepot.com/p/Sno-Tek-24-in-2-Stage-Electric-Start-Gas-Snow-Blower-920402/202222489?cm_mmc=SEM%7CTHD%7Cgoogle%7C&mid=svrZOaRw4%7Cdm_mtid_890338a25189_pcrid_139636283740_pkw__pmt__product_202222489_slid_&gclid=CJ2b7rmRtNACFcpMDQodIBsNCQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dib Posted November 19, 2016 Share Posted November 19, 2016 I thought this thread was about why the snowmen were excited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted November 19, 2016 Author Share Posted November 19, 2016 I bought one of these 2 years ago. Love it. http://m.homedepot.com/p/Sno-Tek-24-in-2-Stage-Electric-Start-Gas-Snow-Blower-920402/202222489?cm_mmc=SEM%7CTHD%7Cgoogle%7C&mid=svrZOaRw4%7Cdm_mtid_890338a25189_pcrid_139636283740_pkw__pmt__product_202222489_slid_&gclid=CJ2b7rmRtNACFcpMDQodIBsNCQ That is what I bought with the extended warranty. I am most concerned with maintenance. I know nothing about mechanics/engines; my wife tinkers a bit since she needed to keep her own machines in order but this is completely different type of beast! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Hammersticks Posted November 19, 2016 Share Posted November 19, 2016 That is what I bought with the extended warranty. I am most concerned with maintenance. I know nothing about mechanics/engines; my wife tinkers a bit since she needed to keep her own machines in order but this is completely different type of beast! I hear ya. I barely know how to put gas in the thing. My father "winterizes" it once or twice a year when he visits. I think he checks the regular oil, tops off the drum oil, and adds some type of fuel additive for ethanol even though I use ethanol free fuel. This snow blower is a beast, and has an Ariens engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanker Posted November 19, 2016 Share Posted November 19, 2016 I thought this thread was about why the snowmen were excited. Yep. It's why you always see Frosty with a smile on his face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nervous Guy Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 That is what I bought with the extended warranty. I am most concerned with maintenance. I know nothing about mechanics/engines; my wife tinkers a bit since she needed to keep her own machines in order but this is completely different type of beast! We've had this machine for going on 3 years....not one single problem. The electric start is great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted November 20, 2016 Author Share Posted November 20, 2016 Our issue is when something breaks we rarely can fix and cost to even get estimate it is so high we rarely can get it fixed in shop. When I was in high school there were always guys fixing things on side for money but none like that in this area of VA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve O Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 How do you turn your lawn mower into a snow blower? Buy her a shovel! (couldn't resist adding it to this thread) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbb Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Get an Arians. You won't regret it Agreed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punching Bag Posted November 21, 2016 Author Share Posted November 21, 2016 I wish there was a rideable appliance which did grass cutting, leaf gathering/mulching, fertilizing and snow care. When researching snow blowers I saw an appliance, non rideable, which allowed you to connect various tools including hoses for cleaning leaves but I am looking for more of a riding lawnmower or cart which you can do more than just grass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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