NDR- Snow Blowers

T

TA Smith

Active member
I am looking for some input on snow blowers. I currently have a two stage Sears Craftsman. The problem is that it gets clogged when the snow is wet. I do live on a hill so the self propelled feature is nice. I am considering getting a single stage. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom
 
Two stage shoudl be less prone to clogging than single stage? Have you tried spraying it down with silicone before using? It needs to be dry before you spray it, and soak it good. As Steve will tell ya, WD-40 will also work.
 
Tom,
A change to a single stage would be a huge leap backward!!! Silicone is a good trick also. Just take smaller bites of the snow and slow down. Make sure it is running up to full R.P.M. When you are putting it away for the summer wash it up good to get any road salt off to slow the rust down. Wet snow will stop a single stage dead in its tracks. Oh yeah WD-40 will work sort of. And keep your fingers on your hands;<))
 
Tom,

Picked up a used two stage Toro 521 last summer and had the carb serviced and a new drive belt put on. I was disappointed when I was having the same trouble. I tightened the linkage a couple of turns for the thrower handle and it solved the problem.

snowblowerlinkage.jpg


By the way, I defer to the gentlemen from Minnesota and Ontario on dealing with snow!

John
 
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I second the comment about going slow and taking small bites. Wet snow would stop a single stage. My throttle only knows two positions, full and off.
 
You can also spray with cooking oil. What's the HP rating? Mine is a 5 hp and my neighbor has a 8 hp. Mine glogs with wet snow but his just spits it out.
 
Single stage = sucks.... Before I got my Kubota with a 60" 2 stage blower.. I had a 9 hp Cub Cadet with tracks.. it was a 2 stage with heated hand grips.. .it THREW snow!!! Totally rocked... Last week I used my dad's 5 or 7 hp single stage craftsman... wow.. that sucked.. hardly threw the snow. I wish I would have given the Cub to my father.
 
What were the draw backs?
Click to expand...

TA,

The draw back with a single stage is that you only have one auger doing all the work. It chops up the snow and throws it. With the two stage, you have one auger chopping up the snow and then an impeller that is responsible for throwing. You can typically handle heavier wet snow and more of it with the two stage. The single is fine for dry fluffy snow in small amounts.

I live in the snow belt and get a good dose of wet, heavy lake Erie snow. I had a single stage Toro and it just didn't do the job. I now have a two stage Ariens and it has no problems at all. Actually, I need to be careful with my discharge chute. I can put snow on my neighbors roof if I want.

Ryan
 
Tom, my first suggestion is to move out of an area that gets snow. Secondly, don't get rid of your present snow blower. It isn't the problem. You have many suggestions on this thread that you need to follow and you'll be just fine. Heavy/wet snow is a bugger even for guys with a quad and a blade! Very wet snow is called a pain in the butt. Now for the good news. It, too, will disappear---eventually.
Al
 
Very wet, heavy, and deep snow is noooo problem!!!! :)

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3000#... 30hp (diesel)... front wheel assist.... chains on all 4 corners... It actually does better with heavier/deeper snow.
 
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