recommended large track drive snowblower

[coobie]

Want one-looking for used, but with all the snow we've had, CL & other sources are pretty light right now.

Must have:
9+ HP
track drive
~30" cut.
Under $1,500

Any reccomendations for brands?
Only have seen pics of Yard Man. Heard MTD builds them for Sears, too.

It is hard to beat a honda track drive snow blower.You might find a cheap priced one at the end of season sale on craigs list.coobie

 

[Builder]

Now I am considering a used Kubota dzl garden tractor w/ 60" MMM or a JD 7xx series to mow 2+ acres I have. Maybe a front mount snowblower would be a better choice as a backup. My walkways are 48" wide, so a tractor might work.
All my contracts are local private lanes & driveways thusfar. It could be used in an emergency for snow removal.

 

[aczlan]

Now I am considering a used Kubota dzl garden tractor w/ 60" MMM or a JD 7xx series to mow 2+ acres I have. Maybe a front mount snowblower would be a better choice as a backup. My walkways are 48" wide, so a tractor might work.

I thing that is a much better plan being that you are planning on this being a backup for a M7040.

Aaron Z

 

[Builder]

My backhoe would be available, too, but the dipperstick height would knock off too many branches & sheer size would be impractical on driveways. Found a nice Kubota BX, but need to find one with a blower attachment, too.

 

[mmurphy]

My 2 cents. I use a track machine at work it has some good advantages, but I also have a wheeled one at home, and have to say the wheel one is alot easier to move around. I can also get mine in places the track machine would be a major pain to do. They are also about the same machine except the drive.

 

[automech]

Ariens has a nice lineup now, some nice features like a cast iron gearbox, heated grips etc. This would be my choice for a doomsday machine. Saw one used on craigslist for 1500 Snow Products, Ariens® Pro 36 Sno-Thro Overview
They have a 30 inch tracked unit too but I much prefer the wheeled ones. They are easier to manhandle, and the traction has always been great for me. I clear paved and unpaved areas with mine with no probems. I clear grass dog kennel areas with never a slip.

 

[Builder]

Thanks. I'll look into the Airens machines. They look good.

 

[automech]

Heres a 30 incher new on ebay. Note it is not the same 36 inch monster, but it is new and under 1500 delivered. Just a comparison, I'm not saying I wouldn't shop locally but its just a chance to kick the tires a little. Ariens ST30LE Deluxe Snowblower 921013 snowblowers - eBay (item 310203097720 end time Mar-26-10 16:07:19 PDT)