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Like most of the snow blowers on this list, it does not have a headlight. It also does not have an easy to use chute rotation.
This snow blower requires many more turns. It is very light compared to the other snow blowers on this list about lbs so it will have more traction issues in deeper snow. It is also available through Amazon Prime for the same price: Poulan Pro PR 24 in. A lot of owners have complained that the plastic dash cracks after a year or so of use. You can feel confident that every snow blower in the Toro is built well and built to last. The OE is no exception. Do you remember that small MTD snow blower you or your neighbor owned years ago? It threw snow — not very far — but it did get that inches of snow off your driveway.
It handled the snow plow drift at the end of your driveway as long as you got out there early in the morning before it froze into a rock hard wall.
The only disadvantages that these snow blowers have a short chute and hard to use chute rotation. The old style short chute limits as to how far the snow blower throws the snow and since it does not have a remote defector it harder to aim the snow just where you want it. Troy-Bilt 24 in.
Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. About Paul Sikkema Paul Sikkema has been writing about snow blowers, riding mowers and other lawn and garden equipment for over 10 years. Paul does most his writing out in his workshop where he feeds the wildlife and birds in the yard.
His goal is to have a red squirrel eating out of his hand. He spends as much time with his granddaughter as he can. I have an 80 x 8 driveway and only 14 feet between houses so I have to blow and reblow to get the snow to the front yard or back yard. Then the tough part where the snow plow blocks my driveway. I also get drifts at times and need drift cutters. I have no problem with a manual run chute as it is bullet proof. Electric start to me means either battery or plug in. I want plug in.
I fixed that 2 years ago and the problem is back. Sears blower. We might not have another snow. I plan to shop for the snowblower in the summer when the deals might be better. Concrete driveway. Hi James, The Ariens Deluxe 24 has the most throw for a 24 inch snow blower. Most of the time it will throw snow 40 feet. I might have posted this in a different article by mistake.
I live in Chicago and looking to purchase a snowblower. Some of the snowblowers you recommended are unavailable at store now. What are you comments about this Craftman snowblower from Lowes? The only difference is that it has a different service network than what you may be used to. What that means for snow blowers is they will be independently developing their own line of Craftsman snow blowers, parts, and repair network.
The model numbers are completely different. Apparently, Craftsman. Specifically for Snow Throwers: Thanks for this info! In terms of reliability and ease of service, would you still recommend the troy-bilt? I am also looking at this toro: I have no idea how long it will last for you. I do know that Troy-Bilt has an extensive nation-wide service and parts network — if you have problems just ask Home Depot where to take it. At this time Craftsman at Lowes has no service network. Hi Tony, Physically, the two snow blowers are the same. So, it comes down to where you want to buy them from. As you know SBD purchased Craftsman this year.
Right now you have to call an number to obtain parts or service. Troy-Bilt is owned by MTD and has been around for many, many years. They have a complete nationwide parts, warranty and service network. You can also purchase any part for your snow blower online directly from troybilt. Hi Paul, I am so confused.
I would like to buy my son a snow blower for xmas. Live in RI he only has a 2 cars side by side drive way and maybe 5 more feet behind cars, with a slight slope. What would you recommend. Home Depot Link: Toro E. Same snow blower, same price, better engine and new orange paint. One more follow up question Paul….
Hi Ravi, The SnowMaster is fast but the Troy-Bilt will handle the snow plow drift at the end of the driveway a lot better. The airless tires are easy enough for her to use on your driveway. You can take her to the store and let her play with it on the concrete. Just remember it will be harder turn in the store than out on the driveway. Paul, Terrific website and advice! Your preference? I read all above …Also, any thoughts on purchasing a craftsman from Sears themselves?
I am worried about service now that they are going out of business…will Lowes honor the service? I like those snow blowers! Lowes is not responsible for warranty repairs to Craftsman products. The way I understand it is if you have an issue with PowerSmart products you call or email them. Home Depot has it listed for less money than the Power Master single stage. Hi William, You get what you pay for. When you buy the cheapest snow blower on the market you may get one year of use — most people get one or two uses not years before it breaks.
I live north of Detroit, MI, no lake effect snow, just the normal stuff. Three-stage gas models are the latest breed of snow blower, aimed at homeowners who have to contend with 18 inches or more of wet, heavy snow. The accelerator is the feature that separates these power blowers from conventional two-stage machines. As its name implies, this feature speeds up snow clearing by taking snow from the collection augers and forcing it up into the discharge impeller.
Like their two-stage counterparts, three-stage blowers can clear a inch-wide swath of snow, or more in some cases. The machines are on the expensive side, they're heavy, and they take up a lot of storage space in a garage or shed; consider a compact, inch-wide three-stage blower if space is tight.
This start is quick and relatively easy compared to other similar machines. At this time Craftsman at Lowes has no service network. You can buy extra batteries so that you have enough to complete your job, but they are usually quite expensive. The Toro SnowMaster QXE Gas Snow Blower is our top pick because it uses a self-propel system to match your pace, handles all varieties of snow, and has a joystick that makes adjusting the chute effortless. Compact, lightweight, easy to maneuver, self-propelled, two-year full "Guaranteed to Start" warranty. And, a joystick allows you to adjust the chute direction and angle. Out of stock.
In the interactive video below you can skip to chapters on machine basics, job size, troubleshooting, and other must-know topics. Even a well-maintained snow blower can have problems. Keep these extra items handy to ensure your machine is operational when you need it most: On two-stage models, they protect the engine and transmission by breaking if the auger hits something too hard. Keep extras on hand. But when the machine sits idle, gasoline in the tank, fuel lines, and carburetor breaks down and thickens.
Adding stabilizer to your fuel can slow down this process. A good snow blower blends competent clearing ability with smooth, single-lever chute control that sends snow any direction you want it to go. Retailers typically have floor samples you can check out. Be sure you're comfortable with the height of the handle and with the chute adjustment controls, which you'll be using frequently.
Here are other important features to keep in mind. All the snow blowers we tested have a dead-man control—a critical safety feature that stops the spinning auger and impeller when you release the handlebar grips. A longer handle on single-stage models lets you quickly change the height and direction of the snow thrown from the discharge chute. Most gas-powered models now offer plug-in electric starting for use near an outlet, which is much easier than yanking a pull cord in cold weather.
It also prolongs the life of the pull cord, your only means of starting a model that lacks electric start.
Most multi-stage snow blowers have four to six forward speeds—plus one or two reverse speeds—for the drive wheels compared with just one on single-stage models. A choice of speeds can help prevent clogs while you slog through heavy snow. A handlebar-mounted trigger release on multi-stage models eases steering by disengaging power to either or both drive wheels. Joystick chute controls let you change the vertical and horizontal direction of the discharge chute with the push of a lever.
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Last updated: October Find the Best Snow Blower We test, evaluate, and compare the latest snow blowers, so you can save time and money. Check Our Snow Blower Ratings. Types of Snow Blowers.
Because of their limited power, save these tools for light dustings on decks and walkways. Snow-Blower Features Check out the must-have features below. Interactive Video Buying Guide In the interactive video below you can skip to chapters on machine basics, job size, troubleshooting, and other must-know topics. Snow Blower Ratings by Consumer Reports.
Snow Blower Ratings. Features to Consider A good snow blower blends competent clearing ability with smooth, single-lever chute control that sends snow any direction you want it to go. Dead-Man Control All the snow blowers we tested have a dead-man control—a critical safety feature that stops the spinning auger and impeller when you release the handlebar grips.
Long Handle A longer handle on single-stage models lets you quickly change the height and direction of the snow thrown from the discharge chute. Electric Start Most gas-powered models now offer plug-in electric starting for use near an outlet, which is much easier than yanking a pull cord in cold weather. Headlight This feature on many two- and three-stage machines lets you work after dark.
Speeds Most multi-stage snow blowers have four to six forward speeds—plus one or two reverse speeds—for the drive wheels compared with just one on single-stage models. Trigger A handlebar-mounted trigger release on multi-stage models eases steering by disengaging power to either or both drive wheels. Discharge Shoot Control Joystick chute controls let you change the vertical and horizontal direction of the discharge chute with the push of a lever.
Ariens snow blowers are available at outdoor power equipment dealers and Home Depot. It's a leading marketer whose model line consists of single- and two-stage gas models with available electric start and snow clearing widths of 21 to 30 inches. Craftsman is made for and sold by Sears, and can be purchased online and in Sears and Kmart retail stores.