[Qnpqbpac]

Now that I am 40 years old, and have and old mans back, I plan to by a new snow blower.
I shall only buy from a quality manufacturer. I am considering the following: John Deere, Ariens, Toro.
I don't want to spend more than $1400.
Any recommendations?

[shashaffff]

Ariens 5-8hp 2-stage. You can pretty much tell snow to go F*ck itself with that thing. I don't know about there brand new ones...but i've used a handful of them, and even the one we have at work (5hp, self-driven and about 23 years old) still kicks ass. Just make sure the belt is good and tight and the tensionors are working (bearings not seized) and your good to go.

The thing about ariens blowers is you can work on them like a car imo..i don't see that with the more "plasticy" toro etc.
The ariens can be dissasembled and worked on in a very mechanical sense....no plastic rivets and awkward snap-clips. just nuts n bolts.

[penpizdes]

I am old too I have an MTD it is 5hp 22" path and has worked very well over the 12 years I have had it.

Look for:

• Electric start

• NO plastic discharge shoots

• I don' t care for the cables that control the chutes they don't hold well

• Serrated edges on the rotating drum helps bust up the ice

• If they still make this not sure the auger blades angled in a little, this helps feed the snow inwards to break it down

• The largest HP and path width you can afford

• Zero turn radius is nice but my friend has it and says it is a PITA

• The straight edges that protrude up from the auger bay, they help cut the snow that is very deep and drops it into the auger area

I'm looking for a new one for next year
Just a few things I know about, hope this helps
-Slyder

[Qnpqbpac]

Wow! That is a lot of sweet information. I just got a windfall of $1550 insurance check.
Some women hit my Tercel DD. I ain't gonna fix nuthin'. Take the money and run.

[Qnpqbpac]

Bought a John Deere at Lowes. $1300. Thanks.

[shashaffff]

that was quick...good luck with the deer!

[LeviBrawn]

Bought a John Deere at Lowes. $1300. Thanks.

Should treat you well, my grandpa has a Deere and it throws snow a little over 150ft. Works like a champ even in that heavy wet shit we seem to always end up with around here.