I just had rotator cuff surgery in September and found out a month ago that I'll need another surgery on the same shoulder because of a torn labrum so scooping with a shovel makes it pretty dang sore. I have a 2-Stage Craftsman that I bought used that I have never been happy with (pretty sure that's why the old man was selling it lol). Anyway, I have a large, 3-car garage driveway so I am thinking that I probably need a 2-stage blower to throw the snow far enough but don't want a super heavy one. In my area, we don't normally get a bunch on snow at once. Usually get 2-4 inches at once but can sometimes be a heavy, wet snow. Occasionally (maybe once or twice and year) we may get 6-12 inches. Anyone have a snow blower that they are really happy with?

Have you considered making your current snowblower work much better ?

Watch this vid 12:40
Doing this to a snowblower works wonders
This is why the Honda machine is highly rated , tight tolerances with the augers and the housing.

I bought an Ariens 36" Professional EFI this year, it has hydrostatic drive so it's easy to maneuver- I have a wheeled unit but it's available with tracks if you have an incline. In addition, I do not have a lot of hours on it but impressed with the performance thus far.

Looks like a good improvement. Unfortunately, I am pretty sure the impeller on my Craftsman snowblower is plastic.

I have a Columbia 26 inch it turns very easily with the trigger type differential unlock want to turn right pull the right trigger it unlock the drive for the right wheel and the left wheel drives it right

it is my first new snow blower ever , I got tired of fighting the old ones.

Columbia is a division of MTD , Columbia is the Canadian line my local dealer got some new old stock from the warehouse.

it has eclectic start , I am not thrilled about the placement of the headlight it is rather low and behind the chute so it leaves a shadow in front of you but it works and my last two blowers both old and used didn't have any light at all so I got used to wearing a head lamp.

with the those cable controls get some lube on the cables so that they don't rust and seize up I use a spray penetrating oil at beginning and end of season

86" It costs a little more than some, but moves snow well.

Nothing under 300 ccs. Alot of the ones sold are in the low 200s and won't shoot the snow far enough. I tried to tell my girlfriend this but she insisted on the Ariens 205 cc (I think it was). she hates it.

I got the Yardman (by MTD) 357 CC from Northern Tool about 10 yrs ago. Not one issue with it and As easy to pull start as a lawnmower, yet throws snow plenty far away...and has heated grips. Something as dumb as heated grips in the winter makes a big difference I found. They make a 402CC model too.

Some jobs are better hired out. Often when you figure gas and maintenance and the initial cost of the equipment and then throw in your injury, you'd be pretty well off hiring some one else. It's kind of a relief to get home and have it all done, be it yard mowing or snow removal or whatever. I'd look into the costs, these services can be had very reasonably priced if you look around.

We have the craftsman. The paddles need frequently changed, for it to work well. If you change the paddles, you may be pleasantly surprised by how well it works. The paddles are easy to change out and fairly cheap.

Keith

I am currently doing that and I guess I am too picky lol. Really don't like that they can't/don't get to it until after I drive on it, which usually means I will have strips of ice where my tire tracks were for a couple of weeks. I have a north facing driveway and it doesn't melt very fast at all even when it warms up a little. I end up going out and scooping up/chipping the ice/slush which is almost more work than just clearing it myself. I agree with you on cost benefit being way better when you hire it out though.

I understand that too. (ice melt helps. lol)

It's not a solution for everyone, but in the right circumstances it makes sense.

I think it's a bigger issue than that on mine unfortunately. I will look at changing them out though. Thanks for the advice.

for 2 to 4 inches this fine:

The Snowplow "the Original Snow Pusher" 36" Wide Model 50536


I get significant snow so infrequently owning a blower is not cost effective. Neighbor has plow for 4- 6 inches+ and does my driveway and I pay him

Ariens or Snow King

A Honda has been great for sidewalks and porches.
The rest I plow.
As said above, a little more expensive but it works.

This is my 3rd season with an Ariens 28 inch Delux Sno Thro. I bought the hood as well. It is only 255 cc. but throws heavy and lighter snow very, very well for me. I have a circular drive with areas that I need to throw snow 20-30 feet and I can do that unless the wind is against me.

Bryce

Neighbor I helped start trapping just pulled in and cleared the 200 yd. Driveway
With his Truck n plow
I haven't used my blower this year.

Good Friends

I just upgraded to a Ariens classic plus, we don't get frequent snow, but the old push it yourself blower is hard on the knees, lol
We just has a 22" blizzard with big drifts and the Ariens handled it no problem and shot the snow farther then I could have imagined..That said, you still have to manhandle it on turns.
The higher priced models have turn assist, headlights etc. I wanted a basic machine though which works good enough for my conditions.

i sell briggs-stratten,used to be snapper,now they painted them gray an put briggs stickers on them ,i get great reveiws from my customers,but im sold out and cant get anymore this year.i watched the video and can honestly say the briggs blowers will blow at least twice as far as his after the paddles were installed

Appreciate all the recommendations. Thanks!