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Hello. Since last year's winter was a snowy mess, I went out and got a snowblower this year. Obviously, I have not had to use it yet (I am not complaining!). However, I am now questioning if I made the right purchase decision. I did not want to spend more than $400. So this is what I ended up with from Home Depot:
It seems so small! It says it is good for 6 inches of snow or less. So I guess I am a little worried about what I would do when more than 6 inches falls. I guess just snow blow in spurts? It also seems to have a small engine and height / width. It cost me $359.
The one at Lowes is a little bigger (21 inches) and has a bigger engine. But the description also says it is good for 6 inches or less, which makes no sense. Should I return the Home depot one and get this? It seems like the next step up is to go to $500 but I am not prepared to dish out this kind of cash.
the 18"/21" refers to the clearing width. I had a toro single stage similar to the one you purchased but I gave it to my father after I bought a two stage. For my needs the two stage blower was a pleasant upgrade. if it were me i'd shell out the extra cash to get a two stage.
the single stage blower will have problems clearing out heavy packed snow, like when the plows clears out the street and creates a nice wall in front of your driveway.
to me even just 1 time is totally worth the extra $100-$200, but I do have a large area to clear out with 2 driveway entrances.
If I had 2 driveway entrances to clear, I would also go for the two-stage. I forgot to mention my driveway is a single entrance and isn't large. The size of the area should also be a part of the decision.
I live and die by consumer reports and rarely(edit, actually never) have they let me down. The troy bilt you are referring to is pretty low rated. (it get's a 40/100)
The Toro Power Clear 621 38451 is much better at the same price and (65/100) just to put it in perspective the top rated single stage only gets 70/100
It also gives a best buy rating to the Sno-Tek 920402(this is the model they sell at home depot for $599) which is $100 more but is a compact 2 stage which, as others have said, will give you much better clearing in deeper/heavier snow)
Last edited by Goldendoodle1969; 01-18-2012 at 08:50 AM..
I have a 5 HP Toro snow blower that I bought 20 years ago and is in perfect condition. I am trying to give it away down here in NC and all I get are laughs.
I would return the single stage blower and get a 2-stage. I know people that have used both and they told me to not even consider a single stage. I got a Sno-Tek 2-stage blower at Home Depot for $599 last fall (and obviously have not used it yet). A snow blower is an investment you will use for many years, even decades, so it's worth putting out more money now and it will pay off in the long run. You should prepare for the worst case scenario in terms of snow storms. You'll regret it later if you don't.
I would return the single stage blower and get a 2-stage. I know people that have used both and they told me to not even consider a single stage. I got a Sno-Tek 2-stage blower at Home Depot for $599 last fall (and obviously have not used it yet). A snow blower is an investment you will use for many years, even decades, so it's worth putting out more money now and it will pay off in the long run. You should prepare for the worst case scenario in terms of snow storms. You'll regret it later if you don't.
Smart idea and don't forget that back up generator you've been meaning to buy.
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