In the market for a snow blower

[Xerox]

I'm looking to buy a snow blower. We have a 2 car garage. I don't mind paying for quality. If anyone has any experience with what to look for, features, where to buy, etc. let me know.
Thanks

[3GFX]

We've had and MTD snowthrower for about 20 years, never skips a beat.

[Kevin@nextmod]

Toro is what you should look for. I got one, my friends got one and best of all, they have lots of stores that can repair it for you under warranty period.

[Donutz]

HP is something to keep in mind. You'll definitely want a snowblower that has power to pick up the snow, but also throw it far so it doesn't fall back onto your driveway.

Features:

- You want to be able to direct your output. A hand crank that can be operated from the position you will be pushing from is a good feature.

- Something I've encountered is how easy is it to change the oil. We have to take out 2 plugs, take off the cap, and tilt it on the side or something silly like that.

- The size of the wheels plays a huge role in how easy it is to operate. Particularly if you choose to buy one that doesn't have power to the wheels.

I can't remember which one we have (it's yellow), but it's not too bad. Although we don't have a large area to clear, it does the job for us.

[x_o_k_x]

-HP Rating for sure
-The adjustability heaight of a snow being thrown. Esspecially this winter we had, there was almost 2 meters of snow, and out snowblower wasnt be able to overthrow the snow, you had to throw it almost in front of you to the side
-the start up, oil changes, options, safety features, wheels, and wideness of the "scoop".
We have red one again dont know the name..

[jaimie08mazda3]

i hate to say this but honda. these things are amazing. and i dont much care for hondas (even though my best friend and my parents all drive them. they are amazing though for snow blowers

[3GFX]

As they said, you'll want a decent HP rating. Obviously you'd want more than not enough.

[x_o_k_x]

As they said, you'll want a decent HP rating. Obviously you'd want more than not enough.

ex. Like that V8 snowblower lol

Anyways back on topic

[condor888000]

Generally look for at least an 8 or 8.5hp, if you're getting a larger one get a 10.5. Both will do the job fairly well, a 10.5 will have a larger width compared to a 8.5. Say 30" versus 24-26".

Most new blowers have the crank, it's lifesaving. Take a look at the height of the chute, the taller it is the further the snow travels before being blown back on you, always a nice thing.

I was in CT recently and they had some crazy stuff. Troybilt was the brand I think, they had power steering and heated hand grips....

And this monster....45", two drivewheels on each side...Here it is.

[jaimie08mazda3]

hmmm put a 454 v8 big block chevy motor in a snow blower. your driveway will be done in 5 seconds LOL.

[Walrus]

Where do you live, and how much snow do you get? Here in Waterloo, I get by perfectly fine with a Toro 2-stroke rubber paddle snowblower, like this one:

http://www.toro.com/intl/ca_en/home/...e/421qeqr.html

[Donutz]

hmmm put a 454 v8 big block chevy motor in a snow blower. your driveway will be done in 5 seconds LOL.

And a turbo...

Back on topic...

[Kevin@nextmod]

Mine does not need an oil change. You'll have to put some additives to the gasoline which will also lubricate the snow blower.

[Flagrum_3]

Venturing thru CT yesterday saw a couple of nice blowers on sale, had all the features you'd need plus some...check it out!

_3

[tweak_s]

using a honda, works great. I think when we were researching Toro and Honda were 2 great ones to look at, but with Toro the only other thing you needed to do as Pearly mentioned was mix your gasoline. Honda is just straight in (well at least for the model i'm using). But can't go wrong with either from what i've read/heard.

[condor888000]

Wait, so are Toro 2 stroke?

[Walrus]

Only the small ones with rubber paddles. The larger will be 4-stroke.

[condor888000]

Thats what I though, so how would you not have to change the oil then?

[Walrus]

The 2-stroke Toros take oil in the gas, which is how they get lubrication. They don't have oil to change, it is constantly added via mixed gas. The 4-strokes would require oil in the crank like a car, thus requiring oil changes.

[condor888000]

Alright, I gotcha. I read it like they were saying all Toro's required you to mix gas and something.

[Xerox]

Thanks everyone.

I'll keep everything mentioned in mind while at the store.
We have a Toro 4-stroke lawn mower we'll happy with so I'll definitely take a look at their snow blower lines too.

[vanpatrick81]

I know we're thinking of quality here but what do you guys think of the Yard Machines snow throwers?

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/s...k=P_PartNumber

[KenYork]

The "Yard Machines" has a MTD engine in it. So I'm assuming it's been re-named. Read post #2 above.

I know we're thinking of quality here but what do you guys think of the Yard Machines snow throwers?

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/s...k=P_PartNumber

[vanpatrick81]

Yeah saw 3GFX's post. Just wondering what other people thinks or encountered.

[jaimie08mazda3]

also one other thing. the canadian tire ones. the craftsman or whatever. my dad has one from back like 1992 or so. and its STILL kicking around. its loud but it still kicks ass.. and my dad still uses it every winter