Snowblowers

[CFX]

Anyone here know a lot about snowblowers?
I've narrowed my search to one brand name in particular, Ariens.
The Ariens 305cc Deluxe (2-stage) with a 30 inch clearing width at HomeDepot. [Link (http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=979757&Ntt=979757&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&recN=0&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber)]
http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/921013_3.jpg
Thoughts, comments, suggestions?

[laksman91]

I suggest you check out this link, http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/official-winter-2009-2010-snowthrower-snowblower-deals-thread-766309/

Will have tons of info and stuff with deals

[jurgenk]

Here (http://www.snow-blower-guide.com/ariens-snowblowers.html) is a link to an online guide reviewing Ariens' line (although I did not see that model there). I have used a Toro one and a couple of others and the one you chose looks good. Depending on how handy you are, you may want to buy one from a brick and mortar store that offers good support. There usually is some form of drive belt that may need very occasional maintenance as well as basic small engine care (cleaning air filter, replacing fuel filter and changing oil and the like).

Brad

[KenYork]

There's a snowblower thread on the forum from last year too if you do a search.

[Xerox]

This is the thread from last year http://torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=28084
but I'm sure RFD has plenty of info.

[eguiyab]

Hey Guys.

I got a noob question that I cant seem to really be able to get a straight answer to. I've never had a snow blower, and looking to get one this year.
My driveway isn't very large 2 cars wide, and about 1.5 cars long.

I am aiming for a 1 stage because its much smaller and easier to store away.

However, my main concern is that I live on a fairly busy street and on bad snow storms the snow accumlates to about 18inch on my driveway. Our bushs seem to slow down snowdrifts and stays on our lot. I am also concerned about the snowbank that the large snow plows create at the end of the driveway.

Ideally, I'd want a machine that could clear that also - and this is why i am considering a 2 stage machine.

So I guess what im really asking is - can I clear the snow bank that the plows make with a 1stage machine or should I get a 2 stage one?

[CFX]

Hey Guys.

I got a noob question that I cant seem to really be able to get a straight answer to. I've never had a snow blower, and looking to get one this year.
My driveway isn't very large 2 cars wide, and about 1.5 cars long.

I am aiming for a 1 stage because its much smaller and easier to store away.

However, my main concern is that I live on a fairly busy street and on bad snow storms the snow accumlates to about 18inch on my driveway. Our bushs seem to slow down snowdrifts and stays on our lot. I am also concerned about the snowbank that the large snow plows create at the end of the driveway.

Ideally, I'd want a machine that could clear that also - and this is why i am considering a 2 stage machine.

So I guess what im really asking is - can I clear the snow bank that the plows make with a 1stage machine or should I get a 2 stage one?

In your case, definitely two-stage. Two-stage machines are more powerful and use a second rotating, blade-equipped turbine to project the snow through the chute.

[condor888000]

Agreed. And many one stage machines have a rubber paddle as opposed to an auger, meaning that they will have a much harder time breaking up the snow.

[mazda lover]

buy a shovel ...if you have kids buy one for them, they can help..
I can see your problem, plows go by and piles the snow higher gets cold and freezes..

[-RJ3-]

To anyone who bought snow blowers last year. Make sure you have fresh gas and fuel stabalizer. My snow thrower couldn't start this year, till one of my boys had the same experience. He told me the mentioned tip and started in a couple of minutes... Boy was I lucky as I had some gas in the tank of the thrower from last year... It could have clogged the carburator and the fuel could have turned to a varnish looking liquid.

[xxSlidewaysxx]

I've had an Ariens for 2 full winters in Orangeville and it is golden. I have the 8.5Hp, 24 in model and it's plenty for here. Good choice......and the electric start helps too.