Berco Front Mount Electric vs. Manual Lift

MtnManSK · Jun 6, 2012

Hi all,

I purchased a 26 hp Husqvarna Garden Tractor (new) this spring at Lowe's with the intent of using it at my home place during the summer to mow, and mounting a snowblower on it and taking it to my cabin for the winter. So far, it's been an amazing mower, and now I'm getting ready to purchase the snowblower sometime this summer (trying to beat the fall rush).

I'm pretty much decided on a Berco (unless someone on here can convince me that the cheaper Agri-Fab is better). I can order a 44" Northeast model with manual lift from Lowe's for $1,825, and using a 10% off coupon, get it for about $1,640 (with subframe and drive kit included). OR, for $1,699 I can order the same model from Sears with electric lift and get free shipping right now.

So, my question is: Is the electric lift worth the extra $60? Does it lift higher or lower than the manual? Is it more prone to failure?

I'm usually a big fan of manual stuff (you know the old K.I.S.S. principle). But, if the electric lift gives it more range of motion, or allows me to operate it faster or more efficiently, I might pay the extra money for it.

If anyone has experience with either type of Berco blower, please share your thoughts. Thanks in advance!

mpham · Jun 7, 2012

I have the manual lift on my Husky and it gets to be a real pain to lift after a big storm. It also doesnt lift up that far and gets caught in snow banks quite often. I think about rigging up some kind of lift every year as it can go a lot higher. Other than that it blows the snow great with chains and weights.

MtnManSK · Jun 7, 2012

Well, I got almost ready to "Place Order" for the electric lift model from Sears when I found out that, in the fine print, the free shipping offer didn't apply to freight shipped items. Thus, it added $262 to the price - more than I'm willing to pay for electric lift.

I'm thinking I'll order the manual lift model from Lowe's (who WILL ship to the local store for free), use it for one winter to get the feel for the operation, and then see about a linear actuator retrofit for electric lift next Spring. I've seen a pretty good writeup on one at another forum.

Might make a good project between snowblowing and mowing seasons (not that that's very long!).

Thanks for your insight, mpham.

Phil48 · Jun 7, 2012

I had both, manuel and the electric lift. The little electric lift is really a nice option. Since last year, they worked out the only problem with it: the mechanism was getting apart (drum/hoist). The screws are now installed with Loktite. Make sure to spray a good antirust to maintain "as new" the cable.

PS: you need to keep close to you a sufficient number of cutter pins and one extra strap of both size.

Phil

MtnManSK · Jul 19, 2012

So, yesterday I placed the order for the manual lift model from Lowes.com to be shipped (for free) to my local store. Then, this morning, my wife gets a call from the outdoor power guy at the store saying that the manual model is no longer available!! But, they can still get the electric lift model - for over $200 more!!

Supposedly the local Kubota dealer can order these things as well, so I'm going to pay them a visit and see what kind of deal they can put together.

Looks like I may end up with an electric lift model after all . . .

craigbaill · Jul 21, 2012

I bought the 48" Berco plow with electric lift for my GT-5000 craftsman (2010). (The setup for the electric lift is the same as for the blower.) Out of the box, I had nothing but problems. I ended up rigging it so I could put my harbor freight winch control on to use it. The plow does not lift very high and it is SSSLLLOOOWWWWWW! The manual lift option would have been better but I see they told you it is no longer available. . The Husky and craftsman are pretty much the same for the plow/blower I am pretty sure.

Best of luck with your decision.

MtnManSK · Jul 23, 2012

The good folks at the local Lowe's ended up meeting me in the middle on the price difference between the manual and electric lift, since their website allowed me to order a manual version, and then they said it wasn't available. So, I have an electric lift model due to arrive at the store on Aug. 2nd. I also ordered some 2-link chains from another website, and I have already made up a home-made rear weight that will add around 150 lbs.

When I get it all put together I will take some pics and post a new thread showing the whole setup (and then how it all works - hopefully - this winter).

Thanks for everyone's input!

CJONE · Jul 24, 2012

MtnManSK said:
The good folks at the local Lowe's ended up meeting me in the middle on the price difference between the manual and electric lift, since their website allowed me to order a manual version, and then they said it wasn't available. So, I have an electric lift model due to arrive at the store on Aug. 2nd. I also ordered some 2-link chains from another website, and I have already made up a home-made rear weight that will add around 150 lbs.

When I get it all put together I will take some pics and post a new thread showing the whole setup (and then how it all works - hopefully - this winter).

Thanks for everyone's input!

Just get your rear tires loaded, I have the same tractor as you with no wheel weights other than loading and it has been excellent. CJ