Electric or gas-powered snow blower? (homes, to buy, live)

[kutra11]

Assuming we will have our usual winter of total 15-18 inches of snow, should I buy an electric or a gas-powered snow blower? My driveway extends from my 2-car garage to about 20-30 feet.

Any recommendations on the brand (only if you have used one)?

Thanks,
K

[mideast]

I have the same driveway. Get yourself a gas blower at least 7 hp with an electric start. This electric start is an extenstion cord from the wall to the motor. You connect it and hit the start button. You want this because a very cold engine is very hard to crank over. The last thing you want to do is to do that by hand.

I have a sears model for the last several years and it works just fine. It really helped last year with that disaster of a storm. I live on a private drive that runs 200 feet. It didn't even stall during that 2 hour period.

regards,

al

[statecollege]

I don't own a snowblower, but I would think an electrical cord would be an issue as you get farther from the house. I hope you want to do your sidewalk, as well--more distance. And, perhaps, there may be a situation where you would want to use your blower where no outlet is convenient.

[elias9193]

Go with a gas powered one, I have a Toro snow blower and its been awesome. I wish it was bigger but non the less it did a great job last winter.

[ChristineVA]

My neighbor has used an electric one for years and it has done a fine job. Last winter it didn't work so well...

[Workin_Hard]

Gas powered with electric start - no question. If we get hit a little harder, like last year, it has the power to handle more snow that would leave the electric model struggling. Plus as was said, the electric line is a PITA to maneuver around/with.

[Caladium]

Get a gas engine. An electric powered snow blower won't be much help if a blizzard knocks your power out.

By the way, if you already own a snow blower, don't forget to make sure it works and/or get it tuned up. You don't want to discover there's a problem after a blizzard hits.

[kutra11]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am trying to decide between Toro Power Clear 180 and Toro Power Clear 210. Both are single-stage gas-powered snow blowers with an electric start, but the latter is self-propelled. Not sure if the price difference of $160 is worth it for the self-propelled feature!!!

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
K

[Workin_Hard]

Mine looks pretty close to the second one. I'm pleased with how it handled last winter. If you do get a small one like this, which is fine for most homes around here, just remember to not let the snow get too deep between cleanings. Mine has a 10" intake height and I was cleaning a 50' driveway every three hours a few times last year.

Of course, if you buy one now, you'll guarantee that we won't see any snow for another two winters! If you decide not to buy, we'll be up to our hips on New Year's Day.

[kutra11]

Originally Posted by Workin_Hard

Of course, if you buy one now, you'll guarantee that we won't see any snow for another two winters! If you decide not to buy, we'll be up to our hips on New Year's Day.

That is funny!