Hi MCPCNY, You sure can!

“unique privilege of needing the biggest, baddest snow blower! ” Can I use that quote to my friends when I justify buying the monster?

Hi MPCNY, You have the unique privilege of needing the biggest, baddest snow blower! I suggest using my list of the best snow blowers and pick heavy duty model. If you have any questions please comment back.

Here is the list. Best Snow Blowers for 2105

Oswego NY Where snow burst was coined by local forecaster Prof. Robert Sykes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowburst We have flat parking area and 30 ” now will use in tandem. We get some wet snow but not as much as the lake effect we get 5-8 times a year we get 1-2 feet. + the once a year big one. Ave over 140 inches a year and close to 200 not uncommon. We have the option of a plow truck if needed.

Hi Ben, For the size of your driveway (12/24X55) the Toro 826 OXE is a good choice but for the amount of snow you get (around 100 inches) the the Power Max HD is a better choice. They have the same engine but the HD has a larger impeller giving it higher capacity and all-around it’s a heavier duty machine.

Yes, the Ariens are good machines but you can’t go wrong with a Toro either. Either the Toro Power Max or the Power Max HD will be easier for your wife to use than the Ariens Deluxe or Platinum.

Great information here. I am a first time snow blower purchaser and also new to North America (4 years). I live in New Brunswick, Canada and we get hammered with snow!

I have a shared driveway. My portion is approx. 55 feet by 12. If I get roped in to helping the neighbours it would be approx. 55×24.

I have Toro, Ariens, Cub Cadet, Craftsmen, Husqvarna and a few other dealers within a stones throw from my house.

Having a hard time deciding on a machine. I want to keep my budget around $1,200 if possible but at the same time don’t want to be underpowered and caught with my pants down in a snowstorm. When I am not around I want a machine that my wife can use too. I’m not worried about her not being able to maneuver the machine, as we are both athletic, I just want something easy to use.

I had thought the Toro Powermax 826 OXE would be a good option as it is well priced in my area (Or do I just get the HD version instead?!?!). A lot of friends, family and co-workers all say Ariens but I feel like I can get the same for cheaper in other brands!

Your professional insight would be highly appreciated!

Cheers!

Ben

Hi mpcny, You didn’t mention where you live so I’ll have to make this a little longer than usual. Knowing where you live will give me a guess on the types and amounts of snow you get.

I recommend the 45 inch snow blowers to very, very few people. 1st they only have one belt that drives the impeller/auger. So there is a huge amount of snow going through the machine even with only a few inches on the ground. Any snow over 8 inches, wet, heavy drifts, etc. can cause you to break the belt. It’s not too hard to change but most people don’t keep two or three spares. Don’t ask me why this has never been fixed….it’s been that way for years.

2nd. Even with dual wheels and over 400 lbs it really does not have good traction. Any slope, gravel area, or ice and it’s hard to turn and even hard to move forward well.

By the way, there is no real difference between the three snow blowers you listed. Paint color and where you get parts are the only differences.

I actually suggest the 33 inch. This snow blower does not have the problems of it’s big sister. The belt is strong enough handle even 20 inch snows through the snow blower and the single tires/weight work well. In reality you will be able to clear the lot faster and without worrying about breaking the belt.

Personally I like the Craftsman the best because you can order parts for it 24/7 through searspartsdirect.com. In addition if you don’t like to work on it Sears will come right to your home for warranty and maintenance work. The price right now is also the best of the three.

Buy the Craftsman Pro here: Craftsman Pro Series 33″ 357cc Two Stage Snowthrower w/ Power Steering

Buy the Cub Cadet Here: Cub Cadet Snow Removal 33 in. 357cc Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with Power Steering 2X 933 SWE

Buy the Troy-Bilt Here: Troy-Bilt Polar Blast 3310 357cc 4-cycle Electric Start Specialty Snow Thrower

Hi Glenn, The snow blowers are the same. Cub Cadet was a longer defects warranty as a selling point, not from a quality point. (If you read manufactures warranties they never cover anything that actually goes wrong with a snow blower.) The normal stuff that goes bad like starting problems, shear pins, running bricks through it, flat tires, etc are not covered by these warranties.

Be sure you read this article before you buy the Craftsman: Getting the best deals at Sears

I just realized that Craftsman also makes 3 stage snow throwers!! I read your review on the Number 2 Choice! Heavy-Duty Craftsman Pro 88874 – How does this compare to the 28 inch Cub Cadet 3X (non HD) model? Both have 357 cc engines but Cub Cadet offers a longer warranty …does that translate to a better engine? Other than that, as far as specs go, all else looks the same. Thank you for your help with this. It is greatly appreciated.