Snow Blower Recommendations

[Gugny]

I had a Troy Bilt Storm 2410 for 11 years and it was fantastic.  I bought a new one two years ago ... same exact make and model ... and it has been nothing but a ***** headache since I got it.

 

Without going into detail about the troubles it's given me, I am ready to just cut my losses and buy a new machine.

 

I am in the $1000-$1200 range.  24 or 26 inches will do.  Anything over 200cc.

 

I know this limits me, pretty much, to Craftsman, Toro, Ariens and Cub Cadet.

 

Looking for recommendations based on personal experience.  Thanks!

 

 

[ExiledInIllinois]

Move to Miami... 😏 

[WhoTom]

I have a Cub Cadet - more like $400-$500 range, but we don't get nearly as much snow as upstate NY does. I only use it a few times every winter. But whatever model you get, spend a little extra to get the electric start feature.

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

Why is that smiling snowman wearing a Kiko Alonzo jersey? 🤔

[TheCockSportif]

Cub Cadet.  https://www.snowblowersdirect.com/Cub-Cadet-3528SWE-Snow-Thrower/p11995.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAxJSPBhAoEiwAeO_fP50eMt7DXvNJtY8ta4rE0XKd2-i3GnB5yEXDfqlY4TjxpMqd6VEMURoCVzYQAvD_BwE  I have a cheaper version of that one, but yeah, brand is on point.

 

What I say is don't buy the Craftsman crap.  The fabricator (MTD) totally sucks for that price point, and I endured 15 years of a horrible snow blower (the power drive was hot and steaming poop), which I would service during blizzards and so on, and I got sick of it.

[Gugny]

10 minutes ago, WhoTom said:

I have a Cub Cadet - more like $400-$500 range, but we don't get nearly as much snow as upstate NY does. I only use it a few times every winter. But whatever model you get, spend a little extra to get the electric start feature.

 

I'm leaning toward Cub Cadet.  All of the models in my price range have the electric start.  I've always had electric start over the years, but have rarely had to use it.  Even this current snowblower started this morning with a couple pulls.

[frostbitmic]

I've got the Troy Bilt 2400 Storm and this is my 3rd Winter with it. Other than breaking one of the chute clasps as I was putting it together the thing has been trouble free.

 

I've only had to use it a handful of times the first two Winters and today was the first time I've used it this year but it seems to be running better everytime I use it (break in period ?)

 

It went through today's foot+ of snow easily.

[Buffalo716]

Just Shoveled like a foot and a half of snow out of my driveway 

 

Cuz I'm a man 

 

:Edit: with possibly a torn rotator cuff now 😂

Edited January 17, 2022 by Buffalo716

[ExiledInIllinois]

How can they say: "Inflation."

 

My father bought a Toro, the bigger one made in 1978... It cost him $800.  Had plug-in electric start and hood.  I think it was the Tecumseh Snow-king 8hp... It ran for 30 years mostly in hard Upstate New York BFLo winters...

 

That's $3,400 today corrected for inflation...

Edited January 17, 2022 by ExiledInIllinois

[Helpmenow]

I have a John Deere 828D made by Ariens that is still running. It’s at least 25 years old. 

Edited January 17, 2022 by Helpmenow

[Gugny]

10 minutes ago, Helpmenow said:

I have a John Deere 828D made by Ariens that is still running. It’s at least 25 years old. 

 

That's the thing.  The whole, "they don't make them the way they used to," adage is what I'm living in real life now.  I sold my old Troy Bilt that I had for 11 years problem free and bought a new one. Exact same model.  File it under shoulda, coulda, woulda, I guess.  But now I need something dependable that's new.

[teef]

i have an ariens, and the thing is a tank.  we have our driveway plowed, but i use it for some walkways and in areas the plow can't get.  this thing has bounced around in my family and landed on me at least 10 years ago.  i've maybe had it serviced once during that time, and it starts with no problem every single year.  used it an hour ago.  i give this recommendation with no knowledge of prices or as gugny mentioned, if they don't make them the way they used to.

[Helpmenow]

Mine plowed in Elma for twenty years. I just replaced the fuel shutoff valve and put on a new scraper blade. It’s a beast!!!

Edited January 17, 2022 by Helpmenow

[Irv]

I just did 14" of snow with my Airens 24" 7hp.  The good is that it is really light and easy to maneuver.  The bad is that in really deep snow, you may have to take a second pass.  I might go a little bigger.  It has the Tecumseh OHV engine and electric start which I almost always use because I'm lazy.  Had it about 15 years.  Still runs strong.  I put a little Stabil in it and the end of the season, turn off the gas line and run it dry.  No problems.      

[Helpmenow]

Many walk behinds need a second pass especially with the amount of snow today

Edited January 17, 2022 by Helpmenow

[ExiledInIllinois]

2 hours ago, Helpmenow said:

I have a John Deere 828D made by Ariens that is still running. It’s at least 25 years old. 

Ariens invented the modern snowblower IIRC... Good Wisconsin company, Mecca of the small engine.

 

Then there's that douche in Tampa.   Oh wait,  wrong spelling.   That's Arians...

1 hour ago, Irv said:

I just did 14" of snow with my Airens 24" 7hp.  The good is that it is really light and easy to maneuver.  The bad is that in really deep snow, you may have to take a second pass.  I might go a little bigger.  It has the Tecumseh OHV engine and electric start which I almost always use because I'm lazy.  Had it about 15 years.  Still runs strong.  I put a little Stabil in it and the end of the season, turn off the gas line and run it dry.  No problems.      

Put drift bars on it:

 

[LewPort71]

I have an MTD model circa 1996 and it still runs great. In fact today, I used it 

for the first time in 3 years.  Thank you electric starter. 

"They" dont make 'em like they used to as others have said.

 

[Greybeard]

     I have a MTD 26", 8 HP which is about 15 years old.  Oddly I am having trouble with it for the first time.  I believe I have something wrong with the gas or the carb.  I did the usual Stabil and in October it started right up.  It still starts up but sometimes going up a slight slope on the driveway it starts dying.  I figure maybe water in the gas or the carb needs some work.

   The only other thing I ever had to work on was the friction drive wheel which I replaced.  My daughter was doing the driveway one year and I think she let the drive slip a bit.

 

   I am curious on what you are having issues with.  I have watched quite a few of the YouTube snow blower maintenance video's and the really are simple devices.

14 minutes ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

Ariens invented the modern snowblower IIRC... Good Wisconsin company, Mecca of the small engine.

 

Then there's that douche in Tampa.   Oh wait,  wrong spelling.   That's Arians...

Put drift bars on it:

 

    Those must be the one you took off your car.

[qwksilver]

I am going to file stuff like this on the "stay in Florida" ledger. 

Man I don't miss this sh!t.

[ExiledInIllinois]

29 minutes ago, Greybeard said:

     I have a MTD 26", 8 HP which is about 15 years old.  Oddly I am having trouble with it for the first time.  I believe I have something wrong with the gas or the carb.  I did the usual Stabil and in October it started right up.  It still starts up but sometimes going up a slight slope on the driveway it starts dying.  I figure maybe water in the gas or the carb needs some work.

   The only other thing I ever had to work on was the friction drive wheel which I replaced.  My daughter was doing the driveway one year and I think she let the drive slip a bit.

 

   I am curious on what you are having issues with.  I have watched quite a few of the YouTube snow blower maintenance video's and the really are simple devices.

    Those must be the one you took off your car.

I never use Stabil.  Just keep the tank filled right to top!

 

Always keep the gas tank full!!! Store it full with fuel! I know it sounds odd... But I've never had a problem.  I do everything to destroy my lawn mower except keep an empty tank.  

 

https://www.berrymanproducts.com/reasons-to-keep-your-gas-tank-full/

 

Dirt in the Fuel Tank

"Yes, you read that correctly. Dirt and debris can find their way into your fuel tank over time.

Sounds bad, right? 

When you leave your gas tank partly full — especially for an extended time — it allows for dirt, rust, sediment and other pollutants to build up in your tank and mix with the gasoline. ..."

 

 

Condensation & Corrosion

"You leave a water bottle half full in the sun. What happens next? 

>> Answer: It gets condensation in the top of the bottle that then drips down into the bottle. 

The same thing happens in your fuel tank. ..."

[Punching Bag]

4 hours ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

Move to Miami... 😏 

 

Miami is definitely snow blowing country.

[ExiledInIllinois]

38 minutes ago, Greybeard said:

     I have a MTD 26", 8 HP which is about 15 years old.  Oddly I am having trouble with it for the first time.  I believe I have something wrong with the gas or the carb.  I did the usual Stabil and in October it started right up.  It still starts up but sometimes going up a slight slope on the driveway it starts dying.  I figure maybe water in the gas or the carb needs some work.

   The only other thing I ever had to work on was the friction drive wheel which I replaced.  My daughter was doing the driveway one year and I think she let the drive slip a bit.

 

   I am curious on what you are having issues with.  I have watched quite a few of the YouTube snow blower maintenance video's and the really are simple devices.

    Those must be the one you took off your car.

That's not  mine.  I don't own a snowblower.  Don't get enough snow a year.  Shovel does a cleaner job. 

[EmotionallyUnstable]

3 hours ago, teef said:

i have an ariens, and the thing is a tank.  we have our driveway plowed, but i use it for some walkways and in areas the plow can't get.  this thing has bounced around in my family and landed on me at least 10 years ago.  i've maybe had it serviced once during that time, and it starts with no problem every single year.  used it an hour ago.  i give this recommendation with no knowledge of prices or as gugny mentioned, if they don't make them the way they used to.

I do too with similar circumstances.

 

Got it from an uncle about 5 years ago. Usually take it out on snows over 6 inches. Started up again no problem, cleared out my 16 inches in the drive way and as I went to help out a shoveling neighbor, snapped the belt that drives the thrower. 
 

Debating looking into getting a new one or attempting to fix this one. 

[Johnny Hammersticks]

I have a 24” Briggs and Stratton.  Have had it for about 6-7 years.  The thing is unreal.  A tank.  I take it once a year for a $35 tune up.  Think I paid ~$700.

 

Happy belated birthday, Focker 😘

[MarkyMannn]

I bought an Ariens 30" couple years ago.  Struggles with any amount. Auger & impeller clog constantly.  Spray silicone in it doesn't help. 

[SoTier]

I have a Cub Cadet 24" that's at least 5 or 6 years old.  It a reliable hard working beast that handles big snows like today well enough while being easy to handle and maneuver in tight spaces.  I do my driveway plus 3 of my neighbors' sidewalks as well as plowing a path in the backyard for the pup.  It even clears the 2 foot ice berm that the snowplows put across my driveway.   It has electric start and power steering, both of which I recommend.  I don't have heated handles because I don't think they were available for my price range when I bought it.  I would recommend those as well.  

Edited January 18, 2022 by SoTier

[ExiledInIllinois]

55 minutes ago, MarkyMannn said:

I bought an Ariens 30" couple years ago.  Struggles with any amount. Auger & impeller clog constantly.  Spray silicone in it doesn't help. 

2 stage I assume with that size?  Is it working properly?

[That's No Moon]

I have a Craftsman 24" and I agree with others who say not to buy them.  Mine is absolutely fine for the snow I get in SEPA and if it runs more than a handful of times in a typical winter that's a lot.  The most it probably runs in a year is in March when I run it dry because I put too much gas in it to clear the 4 inches of snow we got in February. I've had it for a decade but there is absolutely no way this thing would last that long in actual winter conditions. For here though, it's actually perfect. It was dirt cheap, it's ultra basic so there are less things to break, it's light so it's easy to move around when it's in the way the 362 days a year I'm not using it, and it starts and runs well (I do baby it quite a bit to make sure it runs when I need it to).  I always put Stabil Marine in my fuel when I buy it in the fall/winter because IDK how long it's going to sit around before it's used. You never really know when the last mow will be down here (this year was mid November) and then there is a strong possibility that you won't use the fuel again until April.  In the summer I don't bother because my kids mow lawns in the neighborhood and we blow through the gas fast enough that I don't need to worry about the gas turning.  In the winter though? Ehhhh. I don't really want to run 4 month old ethanol blended gas through a carburetor without some level of insurance so that's when the fuel stabilizer becomes a thing. 

[teef]

11 hours ago, EmotionallyUnstable said:

I do too with similar circumstances.

 

Got it from an uncle about 5 years ago. Usually take it out on snows over 6 inches. Started up again no problem, cleared out my 16 inches in the drive way and as I went to help out a shoveling neighbor, snapped the belt that drives the thrower. 
 

Debating looking into getting a new one or attempting to fix this one. 

it must be worth fixing.  when i go to lowes/home depot, the smaller ones they have on display outside are pricey.  this may be the small investment you have to make into it.  

[Beerball]

17 hours ago, Gugny said:

I had a Troy Bilt Storm 2410 for 11 years and it was fantastic.  I bought a new one two years ago ... same exact make and model ... and it has been nothing but a ***** headache since I got it.

 

Without going into detail about the troubles it's given me, I am ready to just cut my losses and buy a new machine.

 

I am in the $1000-$1200 range.  24 or 26 inches will do.  Anything over 200cc.

 

I know this limits me, pretty much, to Craftsman, Toro, Ariens and Cub Cadet.

 

Looking for recommendations based on personal experience.  Thanks!

 

 

You won’t spend 150 for a Sue vide but you’ll pop for $1200 to blow snow?

[Gugny]

I'm thankful to all of the great input ... much appreciated and I hope more keeps coming.

 

It's also worth mentioning that most of the advice in this thread has a) come unsolicited, b) been irrelevant to the topic and c) come from someone who DOESN'T EVEN OWN A FU*KING SNOWBLOWER.  This place is just priceless sometmes.

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

6 minutes ago, Gugny said:

This place is just priceless sometmes.

'All advice given worth price paid for it!' 😁

[ExiledInIllinois]

1 hour ago, Gugny said:

I'm thankful to all of the great input ... much appreciated and I hope more keeps coming.

 

It's also worth mentioning that most of the advice in this thread has a) come unsolicited, b) been irrelevant to the topic and c) come from someone who DOESN'T EVEN OWN A FU*KING SNOWBLOWER.  This place is just priceless sometmes.

I used to own snowblowers.  Simply don't need them anymore.   Maybe when I am 60 I will get one again.

[Mark80]

Ariens is the brand you want for snow blowers.

[ExiledInIllinois]

1 hour ago, Mark80 said:

Ariens is the brand you want for snow blowers.

+1

 

Yet... I can't figure out why the poster above is having issues with theirs Ariens. Ours at work is a the big 8hp... Two stage and it will throw anything,  including wet concrete... 

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

19 hours ago, Buffalo716 said:

Just Shoveled like a foot and a half of snow out of my driveway 

 

Cuz I'm a man 

 

:Edit: with possibly a torn rotator cuff now 😂

[teef]

12 hours ago, MarkyMannn said:

I bought an Ariens 30" couple years ago.  Struggles with any amount. Auger & impeller clog constantly.  Spray silicone in it doesn't help. 

this happens to mine on occasion, but it's really only with that ultra heavy/slushy snow.  i just thought it was due to me never servicing the thing.

[WotAGuy]

I have an Ariens that’s about 4 years old. Definitely not made like they used to be made. Already had to replace the friction plate that turns the auger/impeller. Planned obsolescence. 

[LabattBlue]

I bought a Toro Power Max(~$1600), and after one season entire front end started rusting beyond belief. Sent pics to Toro…and they said not their fault.  Runs great, but pisses me off that since Year 2, I have to touch it up with Rustoleum primer and then paint. 

F Toro. 👎

[Augie]

@Gugny I have two recommendations:

 

A) Move south

 

B) If you aren’t able to make “A” happen, keep your damn fingers away from places they shouldn’t be. I had a buddy in college from Cleveland, and he did NOT have the full compliment of digits due to a snow blower. Saw that more with construction workers, but the snowblower does a fine job of it too. 

 

I’m sure you are well aware, but what a nasty event! Early adulthood I had a friend who lost a finger and a half early in life working construction. He became a shop teacher and drove himself to the hospital after losing a couple more at school on the weekend. “Professional” carpenters I worked with during summer breaks were both missing some digits. It almost seems “normal” to them!