Snowblowers, I need a new one.

[Nolatoolguy]

Long story short my craftsman snowblower bit the dust.

I was wondering if anyone has any recomendations for a good snowblower. I have 6 driveways to do regulary. I prefer a dual stage with a wide pass.

I would consider one consider one off craigslist if I new more about small engines but about all I know is basic maintmence an not much more. So I prefer to buy new. As far as price goes theres a large range I will consider. I dont wana spend a penny on one but If I am gonna buy one I am gonna buy a good one so I minus well spend several hundred(maybe more, I am not sure) and go with a good one. Its just coming out of the "truck fund" an hopefully it will pay itself off this winter.


Heres what I really want thoe. However its not realisitic :(
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/modeldetail.aspx?page=modeldetail&section=P2SB&modelname=HS1336IAS&modelid=HS1336IAS

[Dakota Woodworker]

Honda engine seem to last and last. I have used commercial equipment with honda engines and they run for hours day after day with no problems.  I'm new to North Dakota so I can't really speak from experience about actually using snow blowers much. I see some of almost every manufacturer parked and ready in peoples driveways though.... no snow to speak of here yet. Thank God.  I myself have an old MTD, we'll see how long it lasts.

[Ken W.]

In my opinion I feel that most snow blowers are made by MTD in one form or another.My 3 year old Arines looks nothing like the standard Arines that I'm used to seeing.They all do their job if used correctly.Here in Buffalo you had better have something at least with a 5 HP or larger or you will be beating the snot out of it. With the Ethanol in the gas today,expect to be cleaning the carb out every other year.It attracts moisture and plugs up the small passages in the carbs.Today's carbs have no adjustments and are very temperamental to having plugged up carbs. You have to put fuel additives in the gas to prevent this.I own an Arines 9-27 9HP 27" width and it blows snow like you wouldn't believe.It was $1000.00 3 years ago. I have broken 2 shear pins in 3 years.This happened blowing really wet heavy snow.I've been satisfied with it and I blow 5-6 driveways every time it snows.I Buy alot of lawn and garden equipment off Craigslist that has running issues and most of the time it needs a carb rebuild.Good luck.