Comparing snowblowers?

[Builder]

Not sure if this is the right forum, but need to buy new 8-10 HP snowblower. Would like to have the remote chute rotation & spout controls, hand warmers, maybe a clear snow shield.

Looking at Deere, Cub cadet, etc.

Any real world experience with a brand you like?

 

[rekees4300]

Hope this helps

 

[msb1766]

My brother bought a Simplicity last year and really like it. He bought a commercial blower but he said the homeowner version was built well also.

http://www.simplicitymfg.com/products/snow-throwers/signature-pro-commercial-duty-dual-stage/

I think his was about 13 HP with heated grips,electric chute rotation.

He paid around $2300

 

[Builder]

I think this would be a good time to add that I'd like to spend under $1,000. :laughing:

 

[Scooby074]

I got a honda 928. Its been awesome. Havent bogged it down and ive blown some pretty wet snow. Clogged the chute a couple times but that was my fault as the snow was essentially slush (very wet). It has tracks and using them, ive taken out 8'+ drifts. the tracks enable you to crawl right up and work from the top. I routinely take out 4-5' drifts which are taller than my drift cutters.

Mine is the deluxe with the electric chute. You cant get anything better IMHO. Finger tip control for direction and elevation. That said, honda makes a very good manual unit with brass worm screws for rotation.

If tracks arent your thing, its available in a wheeled model for less money. Tracks can be a little hard to steer but the added traction and floatation is worth it. Plus it doesnt want to follow the undulations in the pavement as easy as a wheeled unit.

All in all no complaints other than i wish i got the 1132 for the wider swath. Thing throws like a bugger!!

Edit: Just saw your last post. You wont get this for less than 1k. closer to 3

 

[ChuckinNH]

I have an 8 hp Simplicity that has a lever to release one wheel for easy steering that I have had very good luck with the past several years, and I got good service from the Simplicity that I had for a number of years prior to that also.

 

[tsteahr]

Not sure if this is the right forum, but need to buy new 8-10 HP snowblower. Would like to have the remote chute rotation & spout controls, hand warmers, maybe a clear snow shield.

Looking at Deere, Cub cadet, etc.

Any real world experience with a brand you like?

As others have said the commercial Simplicity units are very good, as is the Ariens. Your budget puts you into looking for a used unit in Craig's list. The specs you are asking for dictate a $2k+ machine, new. $1k gets you 6-8hp, medium frame, manual rotation, no remote defelctor, no heated grips. Basically a homeowner machine from a big box store. As with all box box store items, just pick the color you like, the name won't matter much.

If you are serious about staying under $1k and you want new, I would suggest you get a better quality single stage unit rather than a small two stage machine. A good single stage will outperform the small two stage units in everything but the really deep stuff. The fan in the small two stage units is just to small to get enough tip speed to throw any great distance.

 

[aczlan]

Is this a "clean up the edges machine" or a backup for something else?

Aaron Z

 

[devildog1]

I have had a Craftmans 30" and I believe 9 or 10 hp engine. Have had it for 5 years, runs just great and blows the snow, even when wet and slushy. I change the oil every fall and use synthitic 10- W-30, no complants and paid under $1000.00. I live in the country next to a working dairy farm and have open fields around me. Hope this helps?
DevilDog

 

[Builder]

A little more backround: I just sold my Sears unit for $300. It was a 5HP ~24" clearing path electric start. It wasn't a bad snowblower, but it doesn't work with slushy snow and just can't handle the deep stuff.

My guess is 8-10 HP would seem like a huge upgrade to me. The Deere store has an 8HP for like ~$900. Sears might also be a viable option again.

I passed-up on a huge, loaded Cub Cadet on tracks over the summer for $600 because I heard the older tracked ones were trouble.

Who makes Deere's blower? Airiens???