Discussions

First time snow blower purchaser here. Can you please provide your opinions and advice on best features, brands etc  
Thank you

I work on small engines, tractors, motorized equipment of all sorts as my career. Know this.  
You certainly get what you pay for in most cases. If your blower was $499 brand new, it's likely very light duty and of sub-standard quality but might be just what you need if you only put on 2 hours of blowing/year. However, if you put on a bunch of time or operate a commercial snow removal business, a cheap blower will not stand up to the extended use.  
 
Also keep in mind how small or huge and heavy it is. If you are a smaller person, you may want to consider a smaller machine so you don't get exhausted trying to manhandle a big beast. Get one that fits you and the area to be cleared.  
 
Lastly, look at after sales service. You can purchase a blower from a big box store but ask them where the warranty repair facility is. If they can't answer you then head to a dealership like Collyer's, Enns or Lindenberg's. They sell and service blowers, keep parts in stock, and have knowledgeable staff to offer good advice, repairs and warranty... not just sell them.  
 
Also check out the classifieds on this site- many good deals to be had! Just try it out before you buy.  
 
Good luck!

Buy the next biggest size than the one you think you need.  
 
I picked up a 5hp 24" ariens from the classifieds last year for a good price, but find that 5hp isn't enough to clear a full width 24" cut, I have to make 12-16" passes if the snow is deeper than 3 inches.  
 
I had hoped to find one with electric start but settled without for the cheap price of the used one and wish I had held out for an electric start model.  
 
I saw the new ariens even have the option of electronic fuel injection eliminating the carb and choke, supposedly just turn the key and push the button, that would be nice but it is elctronic so bound to fail lol.

I've often wondered how the newer blowers with all the joystick-operated chutes and other plastic handles are to actually use; I've only ever used hand-me-down fixer-uppers. The women certainly don't find me handsome.....  
 
Such experience from owners of newer equipment would be greatly appreciated here...

Don't buy from stores..... suppose Local. We deal with Collyers. Mechanic is great and the guys are nice!  
Plus if u buy from  
A big store then the little guys have to fix their stuff.....

Mine is about 4 years old. Is that considered new?  
 
It is a Yard Works 24 inch. I am a woman and it's perfect for me. A little heavy to get it into my shed but I have a small ramp.  
 
It has electric start (thank God), a head light, reverse and I cannot say enough good things about it.  
 
Easy to start operate and maneuver.

I love mine. It is my second Ariens 8-24. The first one lasted over 20 years. I bought a new one from Collyers three years ago. It was the same model as earlier, but with smaller tires and a smaller engine block. I was concerned that it might be too small. Wrong ! It clearly out-performs the earlier model and the smaller tires have not been an issue at all. It also has two reverse speeds, a bright headlight, and quick adjustments for chute direction and angle of ejection.  
 
When I have needed service, it has been done quickly and has been a reasonable cost.  
 
If I was buying a new snowblower tomorrow, I would head to the nearest Ariens dealer, and definitely one that does service in their own shop.  
 
Edited by standard standard h8r, 2017-11-12 09:39:47

We have a Honda 928 track. We live on a acreage and it is great. It will blow the snow 20' (conservative distance) up and away easily, which reduces a lot of blowing the same snow multiple times. It has a hydrostatic drive so you can match the speed to keep the snowblower working well without over working it. The tracks make it easy to load into the back of a pickup, or up and down hills.  
 
When I have to do driveways in Bdn, I have to be careful to not blow the snow onto a neighbours yard.  
 
It can be harder to turn at the end, but if the tracks are moving when you turn it, it isn't too bad. Honda can be expensive, but they work very well. This is my second one.  
 
I have never used a wheel snowblower, other than on a lawn tractor, which is why I have a track snowblower now.  
 
I only use premium 91 octane gas on small engines. I don't have a problem the next year starting the small engines because of bad gas. This fall, it was 2 or 3 pulls and the snowblower was running fine.

I agree that you should buy one from a dealership with regards to service and parts available.Get one with power steering as they are easy to turn around.Also get one with electric star.

Motorized chute features are nice, but can also be fragile.

about 8 years ago, would not be without it. you will have it for a long time, longer than a lawn mower. so buy as much as your can reasonable afford, robust rather than fancy.  
must haves, 2 stage, 32 wide, electric cord push button start, 2 reverse gears, head light, bigger the HP the better.  
 
I have a cable handle that turns the chute but the up down on the chute is manual, it's doable but would be nice to have a cable to adjust.  
 
It is a Yard works I believe no issues.  
 
no matter what you get though, one thing very important. Dont snow blow anything that is not snow. period  
 
I ran into a long forgotten before the snow came 50 ft power cord. Power cord won.  
 
couple years prior I ran into a 2 ft length of chain buried in the snow that was supposed to have been in the garbage can. sounded like i dropped a piston. in the second it took for me release the auger handle..... well lets just say the chain won. but after some tender loving the blower is just fine.  
 
so the lesson is no matter what you get, dont run over anything that that does not look like snow, your blower wont like it. and if you have never handled a blower before. do not ever...ever stick your hand down the chute to clear a blockage. quick way to lose fingers  
 
other than that i love it when it snows cause I get to go play with my toy.  
 
have fun