I need a snowblower

[KaRLiToS]

I really need a snowblower because I just bought a house and we have a huge parking.

I'm looking at this one right now.

http://powerequipment.honda.ca/snowblowers/dual-stage/HSS928tcd

But as you can see, it is 4024$ CAD. It is like A LOT money.

Any suggestions?

 

[Elixer]

How much snow you get, and just how big is a "huge" parking lot ?

 

[KaRLiToS]

65' x 20'

And I live in Quebec, last year we had around 300cm of snow.

Maybe I don't need the track drive though. It will be the first time I buy this, it is my first house.

http://powerequipment.honda.ca/snowblowers/dual-stage/HSS928wc

 

[shabby]

Why not this one at almost a third of the price? Why are you stuck on 3-4k honda ones? http://www.homedepot.ca/product/pow...o-stage-electric-start-gas-snow-blower/809903

 

[Zivic]

I have the track model. It throws snow like no other machine I have experience with. Not sure I would buy tracks again for though. You have to just let the machine do the work. It kind of goes against the traditional way you handle a blower. Also, it isn't the easiest to turn.

My main complaint with the machine are the handles. I'm only 5'8" and I find them a fee inches short to be comfortable.

Its a lot of money, but it will last you 20+ years

Edit:
Don't spend the money on an electric start model. Mine starts first pull . ... I have the hs1132 model

 

[Red Squirrel]

It's crazy how they stop selling snow blowers so early. It's already getting hard to find them and winter is not even half way done yet. One dealer I went to said the factories are already starting to make lawnmowers! Winter is not even half way through yet! That said, hurry up and don't wait or you might be out of luck.

Decided this year that I want to buy one as well, yesterday I bought a 24" Ariens at Home Depot. Had to prebuy it as from the sounds of it it's probably the last batch of the season. Can't wait to get it! This is the one I got:

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/ari...art-24-inch-two-stage-gas-snow-thrower/402917

Should arrive in the next few days as the shipment had already left from Toronto.

I'm guessing a lot of them are probably going to Buffalo too.

Also I would imagine the track models are a pain to move around when they're off, I would stick with wheeled.

 

[KaRLiToS]

I have the track model. It throws snow like no other machine I have experience with. Not sure I would buy tracks again for though. You have to just let the machine do the work. It kind of goes against the traditional way you handle a blower. Also, it isn't the easiest to turn.

My main complaint with the machine are the handles. I'm only 5'8" and I find them a fee inches short to be comfortable.

Its a lot of money, but it will last you 20+ years

Edit:
Don't spend the money on an electric start model. Mine starts first pull . ... I have the hs1132 model

The HS1132 is too expensive for me I guess. It is 4,224$ or 4,824$. Also, I have read everywhere that electric start model is very good. I cannot really afford spending over 3000$ honestly.

I need a wide one that throws the snow far.

 

[KaRLiToS]

Why not this one at almost a third of the price? Why are you stuck on 3-4k honda ones? http://www.homedepot.ca/product/pow...o-stage-electric-start-gas-snow-blower/809903

I heard that honda will last me a long while.

 

[MDE]

My grandparents bought a Toro 25 or so years ago and it's still running strong. The electric start is only useful for the first time you start it each season, after that it starts up on the first pull.

 

[KaRLiToS]

So will I see a difference between the Honda (HSS928WC) and the Ariens Deluxe 30 Electric Start 30 Inch outside of the price.

I want something to last 15 years.

 

[3chordcharlie]

So will I see a difference between the Honda (HSS928WC) and the Ariens Deluxe 30 Electric Start 30 Inch outside of the price.

I want something to last 15 years.

Those ariens are generally good machines. We've put one through 3 seasons of 'professional duty' with a sidewalk crew and it hasn't even blinked yet. That is unusual for a walk-behind blower being pounded on and off a truck 500+ times per season.

So the only concern would be long-term reliability of the motor, which in my experience has more to do with fuel-quality management than anything else. Old fuel, and fuel left in open containers causes a lot of problems. It's also worth finding an ethanol-free fuel (sometimes have to buy premium) for longevity of the rubber and plastic bits.

Electric start and some starting fluid can sometimes be a real help getting a machine to start the first time in the fall.

 

[boomerang]

I've got a single stage 21" Toro 2-stroke that I've had for about five or six years. Last Winter we spent out of state and we got no snowfall requiring removal before we left. So it had not been started since Spring of 2013 when I ran the last vestiges of fuel out of it after draining the tank.

I had to use it yesterday. I fueled it and it started on the second pull. I was very pleased.

 

[Kaido]

My only advice is don't get an electric one. My brother got a really nice electric model & it turned out to be garbage. I've heard similar things from people who have tried electric...gas definitely seems to be the way to go.

 

[KaRLiToS]

My only advice is don't get an electric one. My brother got a really nice electric model & it turned out to be garbage. I've heard similar things from people who have tried electric...gas definitely seems to be the way to go.

I cannot even buy an electric leaf blower or hedge trimmer. I will NEVER buy an electric snowblower for sure.

Honestly, it is a tough choice, Hondo engine is really hard to beat, but is it worth the extre 1500$ ?

By the way, thank you to all for the help, I take EVERY posts into consideration (even if I didn't quote you)

 

[seepy83]

I'll just say that I have an Ariens Compact 24, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Ariens if I were in the market for something bigger. The only reason I got the Compact 24 was due to space limitations (I need to fit it in a narrow 1-car garage, with a car parked inside). It's a workhorse, and Ariens have a reputation for lasting 15+ years.

 

[KaRLiToS]

I'll just say that I have an Ariens Compact 24, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Ariens if I were in the market for something bigger. The only reason I got the Compact 24 was due to space limitations (I need to fit it in a narrow 1-car garage, with a car parked inside). It's a workhorse, and Ariens have a reputation for lasting 15+ years.

I saw at many occasions that Ariens are cheaper than before!?!?! But sometime I doubt it. I think I would have to go at Home Depot to see them.

Yes there is a forum for snowblowers, lol ----> http://www.snowblowerforum.com/

 

[Zivic]

The HS1132 is too expensive for me I guess. It is 4,224$ or 4,824$. Also, I have read everywhere that electric start model is very good. I cannot really afford spending over 3000$ honestly.

I need a wide one that throws the snow far.

the electric start model is a waste of 200 bucks or whatever the price bump is. You don't need it.

I paid just over 3000 usd for mine 3-4 yrs ago, but you are looking at a 28" model. I just stated my model number for reference

I looked at other brands, mainly simplicity. (signature pro professional duty) They have a 38" model that was about the same money as the 32" honda I bought. IMHO it is a better machine than the ariens you linked. and would be my recommendation if you don't buy the honda.

What really sets the honda apart from the rest is the hydra static drive. The other machines are belt/friction disc drives. The honda motor goes without saying. is it worth the price premium? to me it was, for you? you have to decide

don't buy something at a big box store. if you are prepared to pay decent money, go to an implement dealer and buy from them.

 

[KaRLiToS]

Ok, but which Honda do you propose then? Can you link it for me please? I just started learning about snowblowers yesterday. I had zero knowledge. But after studying them for more than 8-10 hours I'm starting to get a feel of them. Can you choose from here please http://powerequipment.honda.ca/compare/snowblowers

I really want an Honda I think. I know it will last couple of decades.

I have looked over the net for reviews and they never mention Honda in their top snowblowers. I saw many Husqvarnas too.

If the Honda I want last me 15 years, at a price of 3450$ with tax, it is 230$ per/year. It is less than a SnowPlow contractor.

 

[seepy83]

I saw at many occasions that Ariens are cheaper than before!?!?! But sometime I doubt it. I think I would have to go at Home Depot to see them.

Yes there is a forum for snowblowers, lol ----> http://www.snowblowerforum.com/

I also read reviews/complaints that they aren't making the same quality product anymore. I don't know whether to believe it or not. I think the same can probably said for a lot of brands/products. It's the "they don't make em like they used to!" mantra...my parent's first TV lasted 20+ years...my uncle has an icebox in his basement that is 40-50 years old and it's still working without a problem.

I do know that Ariens started using their own engines on a lot of the models. Some of the bigger/professional ones still come with Briggs & Stratton Engines. A lot of the complaints I read were related to Ariens not using Briggs & Stratton anymore.

 

[KaRLiToS]

I also read reviews/complaints that they aren't making the same quality product anymore. I don't know whether to believe it or not. I think the same can probably said for a lot of brands/products. It's the "they don't make em like they used to!" mantra...my parent's first TV lasted 20+ years...my uncle has an icebox in his basement that is 40-50 years old and it's still working without a problem.

I do know that Ariens started using their own engines on a lot of the models. Some of the bigger/professional ones still come with Briggs & Stratton Engines. A lot of the complaints I read were related to Ariens not using Briggs & Stratton anymore.

Exactly, I really find the Deluxe 30 to be very appealing to me though.

__________________________________________________

Two threads that were interesting:

• http://www.snowblowerforum.com/foru...on/9378-ariens-926056-vs-honda-hss928tcd.html
• http://www.snowblowerforum.com/forum/honda-snowblowers/7546-new-honda-928-wheels.html

 

[seepy83]

Exactly, I really find the Deluxe 30 to be very appealing to me though.

That is what I would own today if I had room for it in my garage.

 

[Zivic]

given your 3000 budget. I would opt for one of these

http://powerequipment.honda.ca/snowblowers/dual-stage/HSS928tc

or

http://powerequipment.honda.ca/snowblowers/dual-stage/HSS928wc

or go with a simplicity:

Simplicity P2132E

I think you are going to have a hard time finding what you want given the time of year and the storms in the eastern US.

Good luck

 

[KaRLiToS]

given your 3000 budget. I would opt for one of these

http://powerequipment.honda.ca/snowblowers/dual-stage/HSS928tc

or

http://powerequipment.honda.ca/snowblowers/dual-stage/HSS928wc

or go with a simplicity:

Simplicity P2132E

I think you are going to have a hard time finding what you want given the time of year and the storms in the eastern US.

Good luck

The second one you linked is the one I have been lurking since the begginning of my researches. It is the one I want the most, I have no need for the tracks, everything at my house is flat.

 

[LegendKiller]

I have an Ariens Deluxe 28+ with a 305cc B&S. The thing is a tank and handled last winter with ease despite several large snowfalls. We had 8" of heavy wet snow a few weeks back and it didn't have a problem there either. I got it for $1,099, don't see spending 3x more gets you a whole lot more for something that sees use only a part of the year, especially for a smaller driveway. I have ~32'x 40' driveway and about 250' of sidewalk to blow and I wouldn't spend that much. But each to his own.

Don't think you can go wrong with Ariens.

 

[LegendKiller]

Why not this one at almost a third of the price? Why are you stuck on 3-4k honda ones? http://www.homedepot.ca/product/pow...o-stage-electric-start-gas-snow-blower/809903

Plastic like that on a snowblower? No thanks.

I don't see why people are accepting that for snowblowers. Pretty ridiculous if you ask me.