Before I read this thread I didn't even know Honda made smowblowers, so when my MTD craps out for the last time, I'm gettin me a honda. I have a honda lawnmower that runs as good as it did the day I bought it and all I've done is put gas in it and this summer it will be six years old. It was kinda pricey for a walk behind mover ($700) but you get what you pay for. And frankly I'm tired of the crap 300 dollar MTD's, craftsman or any of the ten thousand other crap movers I've had over the years that last 2-3 years and then the garbage briggs & stratton engine is shot and it cost more to fix it then to replace it. Whatever happened to the good engines that lasted longer than the mower itself?

 

I have a 10 HP 26" Craftsman and it runs like a champ. It's 3 years old and has cleared alot of heavy snow in that time. Get something that's 2 stage or you'll find yourself constantly clearing the shute with a broom handle. 4 stroke engine is the way to go, electric start is nice but if you do proper maintenance the old fashioned pull start will never let you down. Stay away from Tecumseh engines, they are junk IMO. I've had two and they both failed within 2 years. That's with more then proper maintenance. Briggs & Stratton all the way.

One thing I highly recommend is always using fuel stabilizer. My machine can go 2-3 months without being used but the stabilizer keeps the fuel fresh and prevents it from turning to sludge so it's ready to go when I need it.

 

Almost everything built now is designed to compete for the lowest price. Quality is the second priority.

 

I hear yuh, -use one of those as well. She's an old one, uses two blades and doesn't bog down in tall grass. I'm a fan of Briggs and Straton, but have to say, -Honda's got em beat with quality - hands down.



Actually, there's a Honda engine on the power washer too lol, that damn thing is dangerous, - augured a hole in my boot in about half a second, but you can pick off a wasp on swing set @ about 50 yards w/ a 0 degree nozzle loaded -



I don't think it's so much the HP, it's their low end torque.

 

I bought a used ( it had to be 25 years old when I bought it ) Toro 724 2 stage blower.

I paid 75.00 for it at a garage sale, cleaned the carb on it, installed the Toro Electric start kit ( that was 110.00 at the time ), and installed a fuel cut off on it ( from the gas tank to the carb.

Every time I use it, I cut the fuel off, and let it run dry ( feather the choke to get it good and drained ), next time, turn on the fuel, let it sit for 5 min, and it starts right up with the pull ( 3 pulls max ).

The honda blowers are great, and are in line price wise with a new Toro, but take a look at Craigslist for used Toro blowers at the end of the season. Usually that is when people decide that a big 4 stage is too much for them, and get a smaller 2 cycle single stage. Anything 521 to 724 ( HP & clearing path ) would work nice. You can go bigger if you need to. I have seen some 1036 models, they are monsters ( Buffalo NY & North Dakota type blowers ).

Mine was the people moving to NV, so they did not need it anymore, and wanted it gone before they left Chicago.

On CL for Chicago ( know it does you no good, just an example ) there are some Toros for sale now, 826 for 350.00 ( looks to be the age of mine ), and a 824 for 300.00 ( much newer than mine ).

 

i have this same snow blower.



and only once has it even boged down.we had about 3-4" of slush that stuff is heavy i just had to walk a lil slower.

we had 13" of snow and it just walked threw with no probs.

its older than me and the carb needs to be rebuilt but still the best snowblower ive ever used.

 

I believe they make the Craftsman as well.

Stick with Ariens or paint it green and buy it from Deere.

 

The old addage that you get what you pay for is once again true when it comes to snowblowers.If you are serious about clearing snow ,and you are in an area that receives large amounts of snow the Honda is worth the investment,especially if you are going to be there a while.I have a Honda tractor as well as a 8hp walk behind which is probably 20 years old and it will start first time.If you decide on a Honda,buy it without the starter as it is not required it is that reliable.

 

id say find a simplycity like i got that thing is awesome. never had any probs in 22 years i dont think the oil has ever been changed in that thing. the carb needs to be clean it wont run without the choke. but its an electic start ya plug it in push the button it fires up in about 5 seconds. even with the choke on the whole time it doesnt care how much snow is out there. i dont know who made that engine but its pretty sweet.

 

My Deere came with a Kawasaki engine in it. I was surprised, damn good runner tho.

 

You get what you pay for when it comes to snowblowers. Don't waste your time or money going to Lowes, Home Depot (except for Ariens brand), or Sears to buy a snowblower. Find a local dealer and see if you can take a few for a test drive. Your needs might be different than my needs when it somes to snow fall removal and you will have to decide what type, size, and features of machine meets your needs.

The Ferrari of snowblowers are Honda's. However, they cost twice as much as the next and in my opinion aren't worth the extra dough. Stick with the Cadillac's - Ariens, Toro, and Simplicity. They are made quite well and with proper maintenance will last you 20+ years. Look to spend at least a $1000 for a good one. A $1000 for 20 years of use isn't a bad deal. Look for a "professional" model or at least a "pro-sumer", they'll last longer. Don't waste your time with the residential/homeowner models. I wouldn't get anything less than 8 horsepower, 9-11hp is plenty. You might not need the extra hp most of the time but when you do you'll be glad to have it.

I live in New England and I have an Ariens 9hp with a 24" cut. The great thing about this model is that it has a differential for the wheels and you can spin a 240lb machine on a dime with one finger. My wife has no problem tossing it around the driveway either.

 

Excellent advice.

 

thanks for the advice everyone. I called home depot about the ariens 27" 2 stage and ofcourse they are sold out! was trying to get it before this next storm hits tuesday night. O well will just have to use a shovel agian. Do snowblowers usually go on sale in the summer at all? Also anything else negative about the ariens? Is the 249cc briggs and stratton engine powerful enough for anyone that has it?

 

Did you ever check an Ariens dealer? That's what my dad did. Got a commercial grade model: nice powerful light, heated grips, plenty of power ect

 

Call around, that ones okay. 249cc should be around 11 +, relative torque = Probably tuned @ 7- 8 hp. Should be plenty.

Google outdoor power equipment sellers in your area.