Snow Blower Advice

[kashun84]

Hi guys, I am in the market of the snow blower after the storm in NE. I think I am getting a electric one, about 13amp. Talked to a couple people locally and all of them tell me just go for a gas one due to the power. This remind me at the time I was planing to get my 250 earlier this year. Everyone just told me it's under power and I will be disappointed. I rode my 250 for 10k already and I love it. I think I am facing a same situation, just different field this time. What I am looking forward is a blower to clean my 1 car driveway + 20' sidewalk. Do you think I will be good with the electric blower? Lower maintenance cost / time + easier to use is a factor of concern as well. Do you guys have any experience on any brand / model? I appreciate for any input.

Thanks,
Jason

[greg737]

Funny, just this morning I was wondering if there was such a thing as a good, powerful electric snowblower.

My neighbor was shovelling his driveway this morning which was strange because he owns a snow blower. He's usually all over the place with his snowblower. He'll clear his driveway, his front walkway, the sidewalk and even the sidewalk in front of his adjacent neighbors' houses.

So when I drove by and saw him manually shovelling I had to stop and ask why. He told me he had an appointment to go to and he didn't want to smell like exhaust fumes when he got there. His snowblower is a really small model and I think it might have a two-stroke "weed-eater" type engine. Either that or it's a "weed-eater" sized four-stroke that runs "messy" rich.

So if you do choose to go with a gas-powered model, I'd suggest avoiding anything two-stroke or anything with a "weed-eater" sized engine.

[g21-30]

Snow Joe is the way to go. Last February (24"+ in Virginia), I cleared my 50 foot driveway, walkway, and upper deck with one.

Already used it this year for a 2" dusting!

Check it out here:

http://vminnovations.com/product_671...FcTb4AodVRJ_mw

[kashun84]

Thanks, Snow Joe catched my eyes as well. Are you using the SJ622? Anyone heard Greenworks before?

[mrlmd]

In my experience, those electric blowers are useless if you have a foot of snow or any real heavy wet icy snow. Most of them have flat rubber blades that rotate instead of a metal auger and no fan to blow the snow out, and are nowhere near as powerful as a good gas operated blower. They are only good for a few inches of snow when it first comes down before it hardens or compacts. The one you are looking at has an auger-type blade but it still looks like it's made of rubber. It also only cuts a swath 18" wide because that's all it can handle, most gas ones are wider, which means less going back and forth to clear your area. The only bad thing about the gas engine is that it has to be maintained, which is minimal effort, and you have to put Stabil or something in the fuel for long periods of inactivity, or drain it dry. There's nothing as good as a quality gas snow blower, unless you find some kid who has one and pay him to do it.
You have to think of how often you need one before you make the investment, but when you get it you'll be glad you did when you get 6-12+ inches of snow overnight and you have to clear it the next day after it sits for many hours.

[almost40]

Buy 5 gallons of gas and a tank sprayer.
Spray snow with gas (good even coating)
Ignite
POOF....... CLEAN DRIVEWAY

[Flashmonkey]

Depends really. I'll say this right now, though: if the snow is light enough or sparse enough for you to be able to shovel it with ease, then you definitely don't need a snow blower. In my opinion it's only worth getting one if you get crapped on regularly with heavy snow...and in that case a gas powered snow blower is a must. Those electric ones are poop for that scenario.

The small, light duty stuff is good if you can't shovel for whatever reason...regardless, you will need a larger snowblower for the heavier stuff.

[kkim]

um... wut's snow?

[Flashmonkey]

Originally Posted by kkim

um... wut's snow?

Damn you and your hawaiian ways!!!

[Jerry]

I'll give a thumbs up to this one. They get hundreds of hours of use every winter, and with minimal maintenance. We average 200+ inches of snow, and these things rock.

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/p...odelid=HS724TA

But if I only had to clear 20' of driveway a few times a year, I'd probably just shovel:
These are best for snow
http://lawn-and-garden.hardwarestore...le-663618.aspx

Oh, yeah, here's mine

[kashun84]

Originally Posted by g21-30

24+ inches of snow!!!

Nice pic bro. Do you have any issue so far? I read some bad reviews due to poor construction of the unit.

[kashun84]

Originally Posted by kkim

um... wut's snow?

And I bet you duno what winter is, right?

[g21-30]

Originally Posted by kashun84

Nice pic bro. Do you have any issue so far? I read some bad reviews due to poor construction of the unit.

I read the same review, before I bought mine. It has a 2 yr guarantee. I haven't had any problems.

Contrary to what someone else said, the blades are steel! 650 lbs/hr and portable

[Rayme]

I think small electric blowers are fine for older people with a small amount of snow or small driveway..if you need a blower because shoveling is too tiring (or don't have enough time), definitly go with a gas one, don't abuse it too much (like leaning them upward) and they should last a long time, they're pretty simple machinery. You need ALOT of power to throw the snow far away.

I got a 2 car driveway with about 25 feet long, I shovel..because i'm stubborn and can't afford a blower, hahah!

[lockie]

I lived in Labrador for 30 years where we averaged 10 feet of snow each winter. Single stage blowers were no better than a snow scoop and a lot more of a hassle. A good two stage blower was what everybody used. The American made ones were good. The Honda was better but more expensive. The Yamaha's were the Caddys of blowers with a great reputation. Bought one ten years ago for 3300 dollars. Sold it this summer for a grand, no questions asked.

[Ninja_Moose]

If you plan on using it every winter and expect heavy snow, then I would look for a gas powered two-stage snow blower.

[gfloyd2002]