I know, I know, it's only August, but I think I might get better pricing now as opposed to November. I have never owned one in my life. I have expanded my driveway to about 40' wide by 36' deep (room enought to park 8 cars easily. 4 across, 2 deep) and being in my 50's I just don't feel like shoveling anymore. We get maybe 2-4 major snow storms in my area over the winter season, so I don't think I need a top o the line super duper heavy duty one, and I want to spend less than 1k.

Any suggestions on size? Brands that you guys have been happy with? Or unhappy with?

I am going to say this knowing full well what you want to spend. However this WILL NOT fit in your budgeted amount.

Get a Honda, genuine in RED, not just powered by. Self propelled track drive, with 2 stage. I would get the 724. I have the 624 myself (724 wasn't available at the time).
I say this for several reasons. If you want it to be realiable, first pull everytime. Mine has ALWAYS started the first pull, EVERYTIME.
And it will handle anything from 1/2" to 16" deep. I've even hogged it through 24" of snow. The deeper it is, the further it throws it.

The only downside is its heavy, and big for storage. But the handle flips and folds when I pull the 4 bolts. About the size of my lawnmower. And the other downside is, your neighbors will want you to do theirs after you throw all of your snow into their yards 100 feet away....:D

I should note, I did have an issue with mine. It got and oil leak around the axle shaft last year. Fixed it for a few bucks no big deal. And it was time to change the case fluid anyway, at least thats what I tell myself.:o

Just thought I should mention it has not been absolutely flawless, I'd hate to mislead you.;)

Thanks for the comments Havin' Fun. I looked up the Honda 724 on line, looks like a great unit, but the msrp is well over 2k, one site was $2,700 :eek: :eek: :eek: I just can't justify that kind of $ for the amount I'll be using it. (I know you mentioned this would be out of my budget, but holy ****!!!)

I was thinking more on the line of Ariens, Toro, Yardman, Craftsman, etc. for 1k or less. Any comments pro or con in this price range?

i dont even want to start think the s word but i know what you mean about shoveling snow. it bites. been there done that. get at least a 8-10 horsepower engine with at least 24" path. that should do the job. i have a old cub cadet international with a 8 horsepower engine 24" clearing width and it does the job just fine, best $175 bucks i ever spent(bought used). the only drawback is mine doesnt work very well in wet snow conditions. clogges up the chute. for under $1000 you should be able to get a nice snowblower. good luck.

I have a toro single stage 2450. I bought it about 4 years ago and paid somewhere in the $600 range. I always starts on the first or second pull. It can clear up to about 12 inches of snow. when I expect a lot of snow, i will go out an clean up at about 6-8 inches. While it can do more, it is a lot more more work. the paddle propels the unit with little effort required. Rough surfaces will eat up the paddle, but replacing it is easy and you should get many years from the paddle depending on how much you use it, and the surface you are clearing. the machine clears the snow very nicely so you can see the surface.

Based on area you want to clean, this unit will not be the most efficient, but if you have the time, it will get it done.

The negatives are the throwing distance is not monsterous and its not a piece of cake getting through the chunks that the plows leave at the foot of the driveway.

While i will not upsize because this unit does everything i need it to do ( a driveway (15*45), i must admit, in the middle of a storm i am envious of my neighbors two stage unit making quick of things. although he has less to do, he comes out after me and is usually done before me.

good luck

Here's what you need

http://www.gizmag.com/go/4889/

A few years ago I got a craftsman from Sears. Nothing fancy, a single stage 4 cycle. I got a good deal beause it was a "reconditioned" blower. What I saw was a snow blower some clown bought and used it to clean his drive once then return it. It was new, no packaging. You may check for a similiar deal.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=218&ad=1592367&cat=54&lpid=10

Check your local classified sections both on line, and in print. I see hundreds of these for sale, various sizes, shapes, prices, but you are correct to look now while the sun shines. This one looks to fit your needs, and I am sure they would take a offer. Just get busy looking in your area.

I got a Simplicity 8hp about 6 years ago and couldn't be happier. It's as solid and reliable as anything I've owned. My driveway is 300 ft long and this machine will go through a foot of the heavy stuff and throw it 50 ft with ease. Almost everyone in my neighborhood has one now.

I think it was about $1100 and worth every penny.

Don't be in a rush , you have at least a month before it starts snowing where you are. :D

I have had a yard machines 8hp from Home Depot for about 3 years. I have had good luck with it.
If I was to buy another one I would get a bigger one. The 8hp bogs down at the end of the driveway where the state plow trucks throw the snow from the road. I would also get one with bigger tires since by driveway is bumpy.

I've had the same old Toro for 13 years now . Not sure of the model but its 8 horse , 3 fwd. , 2 rev , 2 stage , and I don't care about it starting on one pull ,I plug it into 110vac and push a button , starts every time. I bought it at the time from a couple who were retiring to Fl.for $300 ,it was the best $300 that I've ever spent on my back . Never ever have had a problem with it !

Thanks for the comments Havin' Fun. I looked up the Honda 724 on line, looks like a great unit, but the msrp is well over 2k, one site was $2,700 :eek: :eek: :eek: I just can't justify that kind of $ for the amount I'll be using it. (I know you mentioned this would be out of my budget, but holy ****!!!)

I was thinking more on the line of Ariens, Toro, Yardman, Craftsman, etc. for 1k or less. Any comments pro or con in this price range?

Here is my thought on it. I do not ever want to worry about it starting. First pull without even thinking about it. Same goes for someone other than myself using it, wife, kids, neighbor, whoever.
Second, I never even think about how deep the stuff is that is in front of it. I've been through several brands, and there is Nothing I hate more about snowblowing than it not starting, and/or dying out when it gets in the deep stuff. (If I want frustration and stress, I will shovel;))
I want the machine to do the work (hence the track drive) all I want to do is pull the handle down and let it drive me around.
I've been through too many POS machines not have this one. And believe me when the ALL the neighbors machines crap out on them, they come looking for mine, and I never hesitate.
And I guess knowing it will hold its value like nothing else in case I ever get the urge to get a bigger one, in which I doubt.
I agree, they are bit on the high $$$, but it's no doubt you get what you pay for.

I just thought I'd throw it out there, And no I don't sell them;)

I got a Simplicity 8hp about 6 years ago and couldn't be happier. I think it was about $1100 and worth every penny. Agreed, Nice units.

this one might be a little small but the second one should handle your driveway no problem
http://www.ariens.com/snow_products/compact_sno_thros/624_e/

http://www.ariens.com/snow_products/deluxe_sno_thros/824_e/

I bought a Craftsman 9hp when I moved here ( Fingerlakes region of NY)from North Carolina. It has electric start and that is the best thing. It starts every winter. All I do is put a new plug in it, change the air filter and oil and make sure I put Stabil in the tank before I put it away for the summer.

We get an average of 120 inches of snow every year and we have had 190 inches two times in the eight years I have lived here. Works great and I think I paid about $700 for it. Not sure what they cost now.

Mark

I bought a Craftsmen 9 HP model last year. Headlight,power steer,electric start. It was about $850. Works good but it has a plastic chute that tends to wander from the position you set it in. If i could do it again i would buy one with a metal chute like the Ariens in the post by DenRS or a Husquvarna.
BTW i was looking at them last weekend at Lowes and the prices seem to be the same as they were in the fall/winter. I bought mine in late NOV. and it was on sale at Sears.

Honda

Hey I got a Craftsman too for about what you guys paid and it works great. Been using it for maybe 4 or 5 years trouble free so far and she really moves the snow.

And it doubles as a cheese-grater during the summer, Jerry? :D

Thanks guys for your help. I saw an MTD at www.northerntool.com for $799 8hp, 2 stage, electric start, free shipping etc etc. But it has the plastic chute, earlier comments were metal chute is better. Isn't MTD made by Toro?? I'll keep looking, there's a Sears about 10 mins. away, my belief was that Craftsman wasn't that good, but they got a few good reviews here.

After a day of poking around, I think I want an 8hp, 2 stage, 24"-26" path, no plastic chute. It seems like I can get that in most any brand (except Honda) in the $800-$1,100 range. Is the plastic chute really a big deal? Seems like most have it in this price range. If anyone has further comments, please post. Thanks!

And it doubles as a cheese-grater during the summer, Jerry? :D

OK more cheesehead humor. :noway:
What about our other export , BEER !:beers: Miller , Old MIlwaukee, Old Style, Lienenkugels, Point. Ever drink any Point ? :yes:

I also have the Craftsman 9 HP, tho I don't remember a headlight.
Here's a review on it: http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Lawn_and_Garden-Power_Tools-All-Craftsman_29_in__Snow_Throwers_88799/display_~reviews

The electric start is nice, tho I rarely use it, 2 pulls gets her going everytime. The electric is 115 volt, you plug it into a wall socket with a removeable computer type cord, no battery to worry about or replace.

The plastic shute extension does suck, I made a new one out of sheetmetal.

l clear a pair of 20 by 60 ft driveways and 600 feet of sidewalk with it.

Ive scored points, kept points, made a point, sharpened a point, and have even pointed, but no, I cant say Ive ever DRANK a point :p

http://http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e188/buzzworth/SnowBlower2.jpg

Be sure to dress warmly

The chute on my Craftsman is metal, but mine's only a single stage. Does fine for me.

I also have the Craftsman 9 HP, tho I don't remember a headlight.
Here's a review on it: http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Lawn_and_Garden-Power_Tools-All-Craftsman_29_in__Snow_Throwers_88799/display_~reviews

The electric start is nice, tho I rarely use it, 2 pulls gets her going everytime. The electric is 115 volt, you plug it into a wall socket with a removeable computer type cord, no battery to worry about or replace.

The plastic shute extension does suck, I made a new one out of sheetmetal.

l clear a pair of 20 by 60 ft driveways and 600 feet of sidewalk with it.

Northern tool has the Husquvarna with the metal chute for $950 but you should be able to get it at Home Depot or Lowes maybe cheaper. Thats the one i wish i got. http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/26145_lg.gif

The plastic chute isnt THAT bad unless you hit some gravel.Its the mechanism that rotates the chute.Its cable operated and wanders a bit as opposed to the crank style.
That MTD looks ok but for a little more you can get the Husky. FWIW MTD makes products that are labled and sold as Craftsman, Bolens, Troy-Bilt,Yard Machine, Yard man, Cub Cadet and Toro.

My MTD has a plastic chute and I haven't had any problems with it.
I even shot a metal cat food can out of it once with no damage :)

My MTD has a plastic chute and I haven't had any problems with it.
I even shot a metal cat food can out of it once with no damage :)

how were you for accuracy ? :D

We have an MTD...5 hp 2 stage, 24", 110volt electric start (for the wife). It is 10 years old now and still starts and runs well. It has a plastic chute and between the low hp and the plastic, it clogs up quite easily in wet heavy snow. You should be better off with the 8-10 hp you are looking for. I don't see any drawback to the plastic chute, except, for the clogging and I don't know if a metal one would make any difference for me with the 5 hp...:confused:

The Husky pictured from Northern looks like a very good machine for the money...:thumbsup:

When the snow gets really deep (rare around here anymore), I bring the big blower over from the shop...52 hp, 2 stage 7ft path....electric start and heated cab !!:D
http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/8746/2079528200100567145S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2079528200100567145gZhYiF)

10.0 HP*, 358cc, 4-Cycle Snow King Engine
28 In. Clearing Width
22 In. Intake Height
Push Button Electric Start
6 Forward, 2 Reverse Speeds
Remote Pitch Control / Crank Chute Rotation
Single In-Dash Headlight
3-Year Limited Residential / 1-Year Commercial Warranty

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImage/11c74fa7-04c6-4fb0-a517-f76657b450f6_300.jpg (javascript:openLayer('popup-enlarge-image');)
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100494606