Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Open v closed gearbox systems ---- advantages and disadvantages

[jvolock]

I've narrowed my choice between two snow 70" class snow throwers. One has an open gearbox system and the other an oil bathed closed system. As I'm a novice I'm hoping I can get some advice as to whether one is better than the other.

Thanks.

 

[2458n]

What would the advantage be of the open? The ability to have the gears in oil would seem to be the right thing to do.

 

[crazyal]

I don't think I would want an open gearbox. I often find small stones in the snow that lands on top of the blower. I wouldn't want to risk getting something wedge between the gears.