Puma 64 vs. Blizzard??

[rut3556]

Hi Guys,

I'm going through the great debate as to which of these snowblowers to go for. I realize each of them has a decent reputation, but I'd like to know if one of them is better than the other, and if so, why? At present, I have a Ford 715 w/ hydraulic chute that's literally rusting away. I've had it for 25 yrs. now, so it doesn't owe me anything. This time, however, I want to get something with 4 impellars vs. three.

Thanks in advance for any advise that may come forward.

===RUT===

 

[6sunset6]

I have a Puma 64 10 years now No complaints
I did add hydraulic rotate and chute when I got a new tractor with 2 rear remotes.

 

[RickB]

I think it's a wash. I'd probably buy on price and local availability (in fact, that what I did). I have a 72" Puma and no complaints.

 

[Baranx4]

I think it's a wash. I'd probably buy on price and local availability (in fact, that what I did). I have a 72" Puma and no complaints.

Sorry to HJ the thread but


Rick I was checking your iron listed and was wondering how it is starting them in the cold? With how cold it is I guess your easiest way would be to use a gas tractor.

Last week I picked up hay from a farmer who had a old unstyled JD B in the barn, he ended up hand starting it for my 5 yr old. It was in the low teens temp wise and it started up quicker than I thought it would.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Hard to call one better then the other, both are good machines. either one you buy will serve you well.

That being said, I'd reccomend the Blizzard because it has a considerably larger fan...the B64 uses a 24" Fan, the Puma 64 only has a 20". Larger fan = throws the snow further.
Another thing is the Blizzard are built heavier duty....for example, Drivechain on the Blizzard is a #60, chain on the Puma is a #50.....Weight of the B64 = 479 lbs, Puma 64 = 382 lbs

I love my B74.

If you cant find a Blizzard, the Frontier (JD) SB1164 is a Blizzard painted green. Kubota also has the same blower except painted orange....Believe it or not, the JD unit is priced VERY Competitively.....

 

[RickB]

Sorry to HJ the thread but


Rick I was checking your iron listed and was wondering how it is starting them in the cold? With how cold it is I guess your easiest way would be to use a gas tractor.

Last week I picked up hay from a farmer who had a old unstyled JD B in the barn, he ended up hand starting it for my 5 yr old. It was in the low teens temp wise and it started up quicker than I thought it would.

In winter I only use the 4000 (diesel) and 885 (diesel). The Deere and Oliver are toys, and the 841 is "out of service".
The 4000 has thermostart and will start in a pinch down to about 10 deg F if it isn't plugged in.
The 885 has thermostart and a cold start advance on the injector pump and will start unaided to about 0 deg F.
They 4000 has a block heater, the 885 has a lower hose heater and both start immediately at any temperature without thermostart if they have been plugged in for an hour or two. I despise doing 'real' work with gas powered tractors, in fact, I recently repowered the 4000 which left the factory as a gasser. I replace my fuel filters between Halloween and Thanksgiving, and treat my fuel with anti-gel beginning at the same time. It is rare indeed when I have a no start condition, or fuel related issues.

 

[rut3556]

>>Hard to call one better then the other, both are good machines. either one you buy will serve you well.<<

Guess if I were buying a brandy new one I'd probably go for the Blizzard. However, I have a chance to get a slightly used Puma 64 w/ hydraulic chute mechanism (new style) for about $1K less than new price. May have to go for it.

 

[rut3556]

Well, I went for the slightly used Puma 64 after all. It was too good a deal to pass up, and came complete w/ hydraulic chute mechanism. Plus, it matches my Kubota better than the old blue Ford 715 blower I've used for the past 25 years!

 

[Patches]

Well, I went for the slightly used Puma 64 after all. It was too good a deal to pass up, and came complete w/ hydraulic chute mechanism. Plus, it matches my Kubota better than the old blue Ford 715 blower I've used for the past 25 years!

Looks like someone suffered a little interference between the fan and chute baffle; rocks or something left in driveway Nice looking unit, all the same. Should use you well

 

[HSSC]

Well, I went for the slightly used Puma 64 after all. It was too good a deal to pass up, and came complete w/ hydraulic chute mechanism. Plus, it matches my Kubota better than the old blue Ford 715 blower I've used for the past 25 years!

If you don't mind, what did you give for that Puma. They are big bucks out west here in Reno.
Thanks, Ken