Snowblowers

[hondacuraplanet]

Just curious to see what you "amateurs" (read non-Buffalonians) are using to clear snow this year

Whatcha got? Post pics!

[rocky]

Still using my 13 year old Tecumseh powered 8hp/26 Sears.

Refuse to pension it off until something big breaks

[dustino8]

I just recently picked up a Craftman 27" with a 11.5 lb-ft torque B&S engine (about 8hp). I've only got to use it once, but love it.

A month ago I originally had the exact same model with a Tecumseh L-head engine. Talk about a rough running a sounding piece of machinery. I complained to Sears, and they exchanged for the one with the B&S engine even though it was $100 more. The B&S is a different beast. Much more smooth. However, I'm not really comparing apples to apples, as the B&S is OHV. TEC does make an OHV, just not one for this machine. Oh well, TEC is out of the small engine business now, so I'm glad I got the B&S.

Just to note, Husqvarna makes the Craftsman models. They seem pretty sturdy compared to the MTD machines, which I've read are on the low end.
Not as well built as Ariens/Simplicity/Toro, and not even close to the Hondas, but a decent machine nonetheless. I just can't find a sure answer on whether or not Husky builds there own machines now, b/c I know that AYP used to.

I'll try to post my own picture later, but for now, all I've got is this:

[Mainer]

Toro Powershift 824

It is 20-25 years old - looks and starts like it's brand new. One pull starts. Had the carb rebuilt for the first time 2 years ago. The powershift is great for the drifts at the end of the driveway from the town plows. It'll go through anything when you move the wheels back - no riding up on the drifts.

stock picture but mine looks this good:

[dustino8]

Forgot to mention, for the smaller snowfalls, I use one of these. A little harder on the back, but it get the job done .

[hondacuraplanet]

I've got 3 Snowbirds dating from 1963-1965 that I use



I love that auger set up. Ahh....the days before OSHA

[dustino8]

Tim, how are your machines propelled? Do the augers pull them along?

[hondacuraplanet]

The wheels are propelled by a chain and drive dog setup on the right side of the machine. The axle shaft spins the large auger, and the internal second stage is actually belt driven off the motor. The axle shaft constantly spins when the auger is engaged, and there's a lever that when thrown forward, engages the wheels.

The gearbox in the center of the primary auger only has a bearing surface inside it, they are both driven from totally independent systems.

The chute is really neat, it operates on a chain to the crank for the side to side, then there's a cable driven section that twists the chute around like a corkscrew at the same time.

I've become an expert on these....they're built like tanks, throw snow effortlessly....and nobody wants them. I'll take as many as I can get, they're fun

These machines almost never rust, and will most likely outlast me.

[dustino8]

You must spend some time on opeonthenet.com. Great site for outdoor power equipment, if you're the fix it type, or just looking for advice on your next purchase. I just discovered it a couple months ago.

[colorider]

Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Just curious to see what you "amateurs" (read non-Buffalonians) are using to clear snow this year

Whatcha got? Post pics!

Snow? We don't get no stinkin' snow!!!

[hondacuraplanet]

Originally posted by dustino8
You must spend some time on opeonthenet.com. Great site for outdoor power equipment, if you're the fix it type, or just looking for advice on your next purchase. I just discovered it a couple months ago.

Honestly never heard of it, but I'll check it out. I try to spend as little time online as I can once the workday is over

I just love industrially built machinery. There's nothing better to do on a cold winter's day than to go out in the garage, fire up the heater, bring a thermos full of coffee, and work on engines all day long

[colorider]

Originally posted by hondacuraworld


I just love industrially built machinery. There's nothing better to do on a cold winter's day than to go out in the garage, fire up the heater, bring a thermos full of coffee, and work on engines all day long

Really? Tell you what Tim - come on over to my place. I'll fire up the propane heater in my motorcycle shed, put on a pot of coffee and I'll let you work on our old (non-running) Yamaha XJ750. Deal?

[hondacuraplanet]

As long as you pay for airfare, you're on

Or just send me parts in the mail and I'll rebuild em and you can put em on. It was in the high teens overnight and I was out rebuilding a Tecumseh carb. I had fun

[Medic721]

I purchased a Honda Single Stage about 3 years ago (No Electric Start). One snowfall was over 12 inches and was a pain to cover with it but it has served well and handled all of the snowfall here on Long Island well.

I know...... Snowblower envy.....

-Mike.

[jl_ss]

14 yr old 24" Snapper w/8 HP Tecumseh and friction drive. Still going strong and looks almost new - starts first pull every year.