Snow blowers
Jan 14, 2017 08:57:43 #
I would like to hear comments from folks who own snow blowers re brands and models. Wondering what works best. I have owned a 5hp 24inch Ariens for 13yrs and the verdict is it can't do the job here in the mid-Atlantic region, 30 miles from the ocean. The Shute gets clogged and then I'm spending more time clearing it than if I were to shovel it. I read somewhere that an upstate NY Husqvarna owner praised the model he has which handled a large wet snow fall without clogging. Any comments on brands' quality and how they performed will be appreciated. I want to buy a make/model that will do the job.
Jan 14, 2017 09:00:45 #
Jan 14, 2017 09:02:26 #
Sounds like you might have a single stage blower. Check out two-stage units. They're more expensive but they usually don't clog with wet snow.
Jan 14, 2017 09:03:18 #
Hi billybobboy42,
I can't speak to your area but I often use Pam kitchen pan spray to keep snow from sticking to my snow shovels. It might work on your snow blower as well. Take care & ...
I can't speak to your area but I often use Pam kitchen pan spray to keep snow from sticking to my snow shovels. It might work on your snow blower as well. Take care & ...
Jan 14, 2017 09:04:43 #
Longshadow wrote:
Sounds like you might have a single stage blower. Check out two-stage units. They're more expensive but they usually don't clog with wet snow.
Thanks. I'm sure it is single stage. Just learned a few days ago about the difference.
Jan 14, 2017 09:07:38 #
Billbobboy42 wrote:
Thanks. I'm sure it is single stage. Just learned a few days ago about the difference.
(Ask your friend in NY if his is a two stage.)
Jan 14, 2017 09:08:08 #
Daddeo wrote:
Try spraying silcon lube onto the blades and scoop area!
I have done that but an application is short lived. Seems it is needed too frequently to get the job done as quickly as I prefer.
Jan 14, 2017 09:08:45 #
Longshadow wrote:
(Ask your friend in NY if his is a two stage.)
(Ask your friend in NY if his is a two stage.)
It is.
Jan 14, 2017 09:11:46 #
Jaackil
Loc: Massachusetts
Your problems not the snow blower it self. It's the wet snow. Spray the chute with silicon or in a pinch Pam cooking spray before each use. Give it a few minutes to dry and you should be good to go. One other thing slow down. The other thing that can cause clogging is trying to go too fast. I have an Ariens also, its close to 30 years old. in wet heavy snow I never go over 3 sometimes as slow as 2. Let the machine do its work. Don't feed it more than it can swallow. Remember your mother telling you to slow down when you eat or you will choke. Good Luck
Jan 14, 2017 09:16:29 #
Hi,
Living in New England and along the coast south of Boston we experience a wide variety of snow types from dry to wet.
I just handed off a Toro 5 HP that I used for 22 years. With the 5 HP it handled a majority of sonwfalls but would always chunk up on very wet snow. I contribute that failure to the 5 HP not the make of the machine.
I replaced the Toro with an Arians SHO 28" machine I call The Beast. It handles everything from snow, cats and even my dogs poop ; - ). I love it. But again the HP is what is pushing the snow. The only thing I would change for you I'd the HP.
Living in New England and along the coast south of Boston we experience a wide variety of snow types from dry to wet.
I just handed off a Toro 5 HP that I used for 22 years. With the 5 HP it handled a majority of sonwfalls but would always chunk up on very wet snow. I contribute that failure to the 5 HP not the make of the machine.
I replaced the Toro with an Arians SHO 28" machine I call The Beast. It handles everything from snow, cats and even my dogs poop ; - ). I love it. But again the HP is what is pushing the snow. The only thing I would change for you I'd the HP.
Jan 14, 2017 09:18:53 #
If it is very wet, heavy snow even a two stage will clog up on occasion. If you buy one just remember to shut itdown before trying to unclog the chute. It seems as if every year we have a local that ends up getting badly hurt when they get in a hurry and don't shut the snowblower down first. I always shut it down and use a short stick to free it up.
Jan 14, 2017 09:21:05 #
machia
Loc: NJ
We have a Troy Bilt 2 stage 179cc . It clogs all the time especially when the snow is wet . The chute has been sprayed with teflon several times and it still clogs . Perhaps it's the engine size , not enough power . However a neighbor has the same model and his works . So in the final analysis I think we just got a lemon and after reading about these blowers , I think the problem is the gap between the impellar and the housing . If the gap is too wide it will begin to clog . So in the small storm 2 weeks ago I got out my shovel . I called Troy Bilt but all they would do is to tell me to take it to a service center . More money that I'm not spending . It's a lemon . Buyer beware !
Jan 14, 2017 09:21:20 #
Jaackil
Loc: Massachusetts
Billbobboy42 wrote:
I have done that but an application is short lived. Seems it is needed too frequently to get the job done as quickly as I prefer.
Right there is your problem. Your going too fast that is why you are clogging. you re feeding the machine too much at a time. Just because you have a speed of 5 dosent mean you can always go that fast. Never over 3 in wet heavy snow sometimes you have to slow it down to 2. Also give the spray a couple of minutes to dry and adhear to the chute and blades before you start otherwise the snow is just going to wash it away. I have a 300 foot drive way and a 40x80 outdoor rink as well as walkways that I clear with mine and one spray lasts all day even if I have to go out and do it multiple times. Good luck
Jan 14, 2017 09:22:24 #
Back when we lived in Mass., about 25 miles NW of Boston, I had an International 12 HP garden tractor with a snowblower attachment (and chains) that I used for our two car length long and double width driveway. The blower was a single stage unit and handled powder snow very well, but the heavy wet snow that we generally had in late winter and the Blizzard of '76 defeated it. I found that a Teflon spray helped because it hardened in place, but typical oil lubricants were just scraped off by the snow going through the chute.
I eventually changed to a plow blade; the removal took longer but wasn't as frustrating.
Try Teflon spray, but I really think you need two stage unit.
I eventually changed to a plow blade; the removal took longer but wasn't as frustrating.
Try Teflon spray, but I really think you need two stage unit.
Jan 14, 2017 09:37:41 #
Billbobboy42 wrote:
I would like to hear comments from folks who own s... (show quote)
Lowes have many different makes. I choose an Aierns 28" snow blower. They are built strong and I think they are the best after comparing different models. They are built in Northern WI. so they are tested in snow country. Like others have said, spray the chute.
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