Walk Behind Snow Blowers. I am in the Market...Need Your Help!

Gauger Danger Said:
I think you picked a bad time to start being in the market. haha.
 Phil

Well, I was not going to get one but a used one (Tractor Supply 2 stage 24" Huskee) for $300 just came in front of me.  So, am now inquiring.

Tim, I own an 8 hp old MTD( Note they make almost all of the blowers for companies to their desired specs), it has the Tecumseh motor which is not made anymore. Have at the farm a 5hp MTD as well. Simply put, would not buy the smaller unit unless a wife or kids have to run it. They do not have enough power to move any serious snow.

Looking at the current models, I see the city and many of the snow removal companies moving to the Cub Cadets. I talked with Lee with the city as to why and he said that they are a solid well built machine equal to the JD units for less money. Bearings instead of bushings that type of thing.

Stay away from the cable controlled spouts, they do not stay in place and make it miserable to move snow as you now need three hands, vibration moves the spout back instead of staying in place.

Soft knob tires will work very well and make using a unit easier than putting chains on them. Have had both, will not go back to chains. Engines are another thing to look at. Most of the new units have the Briggs which are fine but do need more long term maintenance.

In my neighborhood, we have a variety of blowers, Snapper,Toro,JD,etc... of them the Toro which was new in 09 has been in the shop the most and it has been a variety of issues from drive train, to engine. Starter has went out three times on it and it is not cheap to replace. The neighbor has a 5 year old Snapper that has worked well, it has a larger HP motor than mine and handles the snow better as a result.

Again it goes back to the old adage, more power is better!!


 

Hardwaterman Said:

Tim, I own an 8 hp old MTD( Note they make almost all of the blowers for companies to their desired specs), it has the Tecumseh motor which is not made anymore. Have at the farm a 5hp MTD as well. Simply put, would not buy the smaller unit unless a wife or kids have to run it. They do not have enough power to move any serious snow.

Looking at the current models, I see the city and many of the snow removal companies moving to the Cub Cadets. I talked with Lee with the city as to why and he said that they are a solid well built machine equal to the JD units for less money. Bearings instead of bushings that type of thing.

Stay away from the cable controlled spouts, they do not stay in place and make it miserable to move snow as you now need three hands, vibration moves the spout back instead of staying in place.

Soft knob tires will work very well and make using a unit easier than putting chains on them. Have had both, will not go back to chains. Engines are another thing to look at. Most of the new units have the Briggs which are fine but do need more long term maintenance.

In my neighborhood, we have a variety of blowers, Snapper,Toro,JD,etc... of them the Toro which was new in 09 has been in the shop the most and it has been a variety of issues from drive train, to engine. Starter has went out three times on it and it is not cheap to replace. The neighbor has a 5 year old Snapper that has worked well, it has a larger HP motor than mine and handles the snow better as a result.

Again it goes back to the old adage, more power is better!!


 

Get as much power as you can afford.

My suggestion would be to do as little shoveling as possible.  The blower gets the snow farther away from your driveway and doesn't leave a ridge to drift in every time the wind blows.

If you live in the city and have issues with the plows leaving a ridge, NEVER let it sit.  Go to work late if you have to but get that darn ridge cleaned out or it might get like concrete.  Especially in the Spring.

I bought a Snapper about 20 years ago and it is going strong.  No engine issues but have had to do some work on the chute control.  MTD is what my brother has and I like his better and he paid significantly less.

Enslow Said:
The best snowblowers are the hondas with tracks.  They are unreal and for a big price of course.

walynut Said:

Enslow Said:
The best snowblowers are the hondas with tracks.  They are unreal and for a big price of course.

Looked at one last night, I think 1100-1200 was the price tag ,wow but VERY nice!!!

Chargers Said:
Tim I got a new snapper and it has worked well for me.