Hi Jackie, I’m trying. Please be patient. Most people don’t realize that I have over 20,000 people visit my sites every day so answering questions can sometimes take a while.

Hi Randy, I like the ST327T a lot myself. There is no additional maintenance with the Husqvarna track drive. In fact there may be less maintenance over the years compared to a tire – it will never go flat and won’t wear out.

The hydro is fun. Once you get used to it you don’t even have to stop the machine to go from forward to reverse. It you want a track that will last it’s one of the best choices on the market.

I do appreciate your time with the follow up replies regarding the 3 stage and Dirty Hand Tools snowblower.

To be 100% honest, my very first choice was the Husqvarna ST327T, but I am too frugal and was hoping to not spend that much money. I am also not mechanically inclined…I can change oil and spark plugs…so I not sure if there is additional maintenance with track driven snowblowers compared to wheel snowblowers. The hydrostatic transmission looks very appealing as well.

Hi Randy, I forgot to discuss the Dirty Hand Tools. Their snow blowers are 100% Chinese. My biggest problem with the snow blower is parts. Yes, DHT is a Colorado based company that makes great log splitters but snow blowers are new for them. Did they purchase a 20 year supply of parts for the machines or did they just buy a couple of containers of the snow blowers to see if they would sell?

They list many repair centers on their site but every one of the repair centers I have contacted state they don’t repair DHT and in fact never heard of them.

Hi Randy, Yes, I give the 3-stage snow blowers a hard time about being “dirty” in 4-6 inch snows. But, when it does throw snow out the front it always throws it in the same direction. (I think to the right)

So if you don’t mind starting in the middle of your drive and then going back and forth so that splattered snow always gets thrown to the outside, then you can clear your drive without leaving a mess. Other than the splattering it can do with the lighter snows I like the snow blower. It is a very dependable snow thrower.

Troy-Bilt had a few 2-stage 28 inch in their warehouse in Sept I can’t find any left.

If you really want a track drive the decision becomes “Do I put up with the splatter of a 3-stage or do I spend $800 or more for the Husqvarna 27in. Electric Start Track-Drive Snow Thrower – 369cc Engine, Model# ST327T or $1000 for the 30 inch.”

I appreciate the quick reply and recommendation. I did look at the Troy Bilt 3 Stage earlier as well but was concerned that the front impeller might make a mess with the 4-6 inch snow falls we generally receive.

I thought that this one would be a good one to get but the 31AH74P4766 in no longer in supply. http://movingsnow.com/2014/troy-bilt-storm-tracker-2890-track-review-a-good-snow-blower-at-a-great-price/

I may have to wait until September 2016 to purchase unless you think that the 3 stage would work for the 40″ average of snow we receive in Sioux Falls per winter.

Hi Randy, I personally like track drives so you have my vote for wanting one. A track drive will always go up your hill. You can lock the front of a track drive down so you can scrape snow that has been driven on off your driveway. And – raise the front up to go off-roading and clear truf spot for your dogs. It works great for clearing an ice skating pond. (Doesn’t everyone in Sioux Falls play hockey? 🙂

I agree the Storm Tracker 2690 is a wimp. The only reason I can figure out why Troy-Bilt makes that is because Lowes wants ANOTHER cheap snow blower.

I also agree the ST327T and ST330T Husqvarna’s are over kill. The Cub Cadet 3X™ 30″ HD TRAC is also more snow blower than you need.

What’s left is a track drive I highly recommend. It’s priced right at $1599, has the new style 3-point tracks and plenty of power for Sioux Falls drifts. Now, Lowes may be able to order it but I know this snow blower are getting to be in very short supply. Northern Tool still has a few. I don’t need to tell you that Nothern Tool is a great place to shop.

Here’s the link: FREE SHIPPING – Troy-Bilt 28in. Vortex Tracker 2890 3-Stage Snow Blower – 357cc Engine, D-Track Tires, Model# 31AH75Q8711

Trust me – all you neighbors will be jealous when they see you out with this one.

The new home has a 12′ wide driveway at 30′ of length with about a 12% grade. The front sidewalk is 4′ wide with the same 12% grade. We have 4′ wide sidewalks 132′ in the front and 132′ in the back. The top of the driveway is about 35′ wide and 30′ deep.

I have been thinking that a track driven snowblower might be best. I have stopped in Lowe’s to check out their Storm Tracker 2690 XP but not sure that 208cc engine will work well. I have also looked at the Husqvarna line and do have a local dealer who could order me one of the 330T but this might be overkill. I could get an Arien’s track through another local dealer as well. I have also came across the Dirty Hand Tools 103880 but there are no reviews and it seems most locations have sold out of their stock. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01723P4C6/ref=s9_dcbhz_bw_d0_g86_i1_sh

My previous snow blowers in the 10 years prior to the association place were both two stage models. Lawn Boy 522R and Toro 1028 LXE. I am 46 and in fairly good shape at 6′ 1″ and 180 pounds. I am hoping that you can offer me suggestions on what would be a good snowblower for my situation. A couple of friends do not think I need a track driven snowblower.

Thank you in advance.