Rate your snow blower

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Pardons to our southern members but BIGS is in need of a new one. I've had the old MTD for over ten years, last year I could only start it w ether.  Thats enuff of that crap. Its gotta go! I need a single stage cause we have a narrow walk. A 2 stage is just to wide. So 20-21 inch is what I need. The Toro power clear is rated really well. Had one years ago tho was not impressed. But that was the old mix gas/oil.  So whatcha got... Honda, Poulon, Ariens,or?  I apprieciate  your pros and cons.
Thanks
BIGS

[cudabeforeIdie]

There are two types of snow throwers, Ariens and everything else....  Very expensive, but you buy the machine once, just follow the mntx
requirements and it will be an heirloom. Here's mine, 11hp, 27" scoop

[brads70]

1st off.... make sure you get one with known engine manufacturer. There are Chinese  engines out there and they are junk! When you do need parts your out of luck as NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE! Easy to ID as they have steel gas tanks.... dumb idea! They rust.
I think the best bank for the buck is Craftsman or a Murray.
I don't like Ariens so much as the axle assembly is maintenance nightmare, and around here parts availability is an issue. They do have nice thick steel bodies though.
Honda's are way over  engineered and parts are stupid expensive and also tough to get.

Bigs... flip yours on it's nose, take off the float bowl screw and make sure all 3 holes are clear.This brass bolt is the jet. Use a piece of wire and carb cleaner. Then blow some carb cleaner up the center of the carb. Then replace the float bowl gasket, when they dry out ( thanks to ethenol!) then the primer doesn't work. Wipe a little grease on the gasket when you install it. 

[dodj]

I have 1986 Craftsman 10 hp 32". Still going.

[brads70]

In addition to the chinese engine issue ..... if your getting a smaller snowblower.... flip it on it's nose and look underneath at the transmission assembly. If there is no plate on the bottom... don't buy that one as it's most likley got plastic gears and a weak tranny.

Give fixing yours a go... the gasket is literally $1!  Without the primer sealed and working ... it will not start
( sounds like your issue, very common!)

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Unfortunately the starting is not the only issue, but hey I got a buddy with a moblie service that can come and fix it! 
I'll PM my address...     

Seriously tho Brad thanks for the heads up on the chinese junk!   

[brads70]

Unfortunately the starting is not the only issue, but hey I got a buddy with a moblie service that can come and fix it! 
I'll PM my address...     

Seriously tho Brad thanks for the heads up on the chinese junk!   

I'll book you in! Next week ok? 
What else is wrong with it?

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I'll book you in! Next week ok? 
What else is wrong with it?

Last year would on run 10-15 mins then die, general loss of power, rusting out in a spot or 2, rubber pads need replacement. I've had it over 10 years and it wasnt a top of the line machine to begin with. Its been on the decline the last few years. Cant say I'd want to stick much $$ into it.

[Rare_T_A]

Mine is a 10HP Gilson. I don't think a single stage would do me much good here!     

The last one is my mailbox on the street.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Mine is a 10HP Gilson. I don't think a single stage would do me much good here!     

The last one is my mailbox on the street.

Ya generally you get lots more tham we do! 


brad, i looked @ a pulon At the fleet farm had a power force engine () no metal gas tank on sale 329  then I saw a snapper (electric start) with a briggs motor. Used to be made right here in town , now hencho en mexico. any thoughts it was the cheapest Elect start ive seen... sale 399. Any body here have either if those?? 

[brads70]

Last year would on run 10-15 mins then die, general loss of power, rusting out in a spot or 2, rubber pads need replacement. I've had it over 10 years and it wasnt a top of the line machine to begin with. Its been on the decline the last few years. Cant say I'd want to stick much $$ into it.

Make sure the gas cap is vented, usually the rubber gasket falls out then it stalls after 5-10 minutes.
Rubber pads? Is this one of those mini snowthrowers that have rubber paddles up front? If so then ya...go get a real snowblower!     Those things are just glorified brooms. 

[brads70]

Ken , that's looks about the same as we get on a normal winter. Last winter was an exeption....next to no snow.




These pictures were before I finally broke down and got a snowblower. 

Ya generally you get lots more tham we do! 


brad, i looked @ a pulon At the fleet farm had a power force engine () no metal gas tank on sale 329  then I saw a snapper (electric start) with a briggs motor. Used to be made right here in town , now hencho en mexico. any thoughts it was the cheapest Elect start ive seen... sale 399. Any body here have either if those?? 

 Around here snapper went out of business so getting parts are an issue?  Does it have a plate on the bottom to cover the transmission area?  Take a picture on a cell phone and post it here or I'll PM you my cell # and you can text it to me?  I'd stick to briggs or Tecumseth.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Around here snapper went out of business so getting parts are an issue?  Does it have a plate on the bottom to cover the transmission area?  Take a picture on a cell phone and post it here or I'll PM you my cell # and you can text it to me?  I'd stick to briggs or Tecumseth.

Snapper had the briggs... never heard of power source on the poulon. The bottom plate looked like cast aluminum. Shoulda took a pic. No the MTD is not a broom, maybe I didnt describe it right. I'll get back oner and get some pics tomorrow.

[Rare_T_A]

Ken , that's looks about the same as we get on a normal winter. Last winter was an exeption....next to no snow.




These pictures were before I finally broke down and got a snowblower. 

 Around here snapper went out of business so getting parts are an issue?  Does it have a plate on the bottom to cover the transmission area?  Take a picture on a cell phone and post it here or I'll PM you my cell # and you can text it to me?  I'd stick to briggs or Tecumseth.

I hear ya. Those pics are from 2011 winter. Last year I only used the blower twice and really didn't need to do that. It was great to have temps in the 50's in Jan & Feb. We had very little snow at all. At Christmas I walked to the mail box bare foot because it was dry and warm. I hope we have the same this year, I don't care if the blower rusts into a heap where it sets.

[1970 RT Challenger 1970]

I have a MTD 8HP since 1995.

Do the maintenance, change the oil and plug, check the belts, burn off the gas at the end of the season, and you'll have no problems.