I’m getting the videos done! Here is 10 minutes with the new Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 34.
It’s time to take another hard look at Troy-Bilt for your next snow blower. With this new heavy duty series they will give Ariens, Toro, and Husqvarna solid competition for solid, strong machines. At $1699 it’s one of the best values for this season.
I’m sure they had the choice of going with the complicated 3-stage but I am so excited about the fact that Troy-bilt choose to stick with the conventional high output 2-stage system. With the 14 inch impeller and auger – it just works.
Northern Tool has it for $1699 with free shipping and a $100 gift card right now. I don’t know how long the gift card promo will last.
There is also a 30 inch version available for $1499!
FREE SHIPPING – Troy-Bilt 30in. Arctic Storm XP 2-Stage Electric Start Snow Blower with X-Track – 357cc Engine, Model# 31AH8DR5766
You can also go to TroyBilt.com and find your local dealer.
Brian Perkins
Hi Paul,
Great site! After many years of paying a neighbor to plow my driveway, I’m thinking of investing in a heavy duty snow blower, something like the Troy Bilt Arctic Storm 34. I have a long driveway, 350 feet or so that’s 8 feet wide and paved. I live in western NY, so snowfalls are in the 3-12″ range most of the time. Realistically, how long would it take me to clear my driveway with a snow blower? I don’t have anyplace to store a real tractor, otherwise I would consider that. Thanks!
Brian
Paul
Hi Brian, Let’s use the following assumptions. 2 mph is a good walking speed behind a snow blower. The Arctic Storm 34 can easily handle 12 inches of snow at that speed. That’s 176 feet per minute. (The Arctic Storm will go faster for the light snows if you want to walk that fast)
The Arctic Storm 34 can handle 12 inches easily without the snow building up in front and falling out the sides so the effective clearing width is 30 inches. That means you can easily clean the long part of your driveway in two passes. (60 inches each round trip) (Some snow blowers can’t take in 12 inches as fast and snow builds up and falls out the sides. Other snow blowers throw snow out one side or the other if it’s more than 6-8 inches deep so you can only take half-passes)
In theory you can clear the long part of your driveway in 15 minutes. In reality you will need more time to clear around the mailbox and the turn-in part from the road. You’ll need extra time to clear any extra parking areas, sidewalks, etc. Snow blowers only back up in reverse about 1 mph so ny area where you have a lot of backing up to do will take twice as long.
Without looking at the actual property – I’d guess 45 minutes to an hour on the 12 inch days – less on the days when you only get 3-4.
Brian Perkins
That sounds doable. Thanks! Any other recommendations for a large capacity blower that I should consider?
Paul
HI Brains, Above 30 inches the Craftsman Pro Series 34″ 420cc Dual Stage Snowblower w/ Power Steering is another good choice. It’s the same snow blower with a better front light and a mechanical chute control instead of the Troy-Bilts electric chute (I like both types)
There is no advantage to buy the 3-stage Cub Cadet 34 for the type and amount of snow you get.
Stay away from the 33 or 45 inch snow blower from Cub Cadet, Yard Machines,Troy-bilt and Craftsman. They are old models and not as good as the 34.
Ariens has a nice Pro 32 and Pro 36 but they are expensive because they are commercial snow blowers. The Troy-Bilt will last you years.
Stay away from the Honda 32 inch at this time. It’s way over-priced.
Brian Perkins
Thanks loads! Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Bob McCarthy
Hi Paul, I have a Yard Machines two stage that Iv’e been using for ten years. It seems to be a little less powerful lately. I saw something online about installing rubber flaps to close down the extra space on the second stage. Any thoughts?
Allendale NJ
Paul
Hi Bob, Yes, that’s been a very popular topic over on the snow blower forums this year. Personally I would not do it because I’d be afraid of installing the flaps wrong and it set up a vibration or harmonic in the snow blower. The extra vibration would quickly destroy the impeller bearings and possibly even the front gear box. The MTD built machines like yours have full length front auger shafts so they don’t use a front gearbox support. That support would be critical in my opinion to maintain the life of the snow blower with the extra weight of the flaps installed.
I have a strong feeling that the impeller paddles are not wearing out. It’s something else that is causing the loss of throwing ability.
I’d check: Is the impeller drive belt new? An old worn or glazed belt will cause it to throw less snow.
Is the tension spring on the impeller belt idler arm good? A ten year old machine can easily have a worn out spring.
Is the impeller handle to idler arm cable adjusted correctly? The MTD cables are know to stretch over time.
Does it make any strange noises? A bad bearing by the impeller or a worn out front gearbox can cause it to slow down.
Does the engine seem to run slower at top speed. Tweeking the throttle cable or governor control spring can get your engine speed back up.
Rich
Paul,
I was wondering if a snowblower will even work for this situation. I have a vacation property in West Yellowstone MT. Average 220+ inches of snow per year. The issue is I may not get there for 4-5 weeks at a time and there may be 3-4 ft of snow in driveway. Want to clear 2 cars X 100′. Mostly flat with very slight slope gravel driveway. Wheels or Tract, will a snowblower handle this situation?
Thanks,
Rich
Paul
Hi Rich, Yes, but you need a little time and a heavy-duty tracked snow blower. Big 420 cc engine and a lot of capacity. There are few on the market but the Ariens Hydro Pro Track 28 is the best.
In your case I prefer a track drive unit because a track drive can usually drive up on the snow and take 12 to 20 inches at a time. With a wheeled unit you have to tackle the deep stuff all at once. Making the first pass with a wheeled unit is difficult. I found some videos that show users in deep snow. These will give you a place to start asking more questions.
How you can clear 3 feet or more of snow using drift cutters.
Here is a smaller snow blower cutting the first pass. The first pass is the hardest. After that you can take 1/2 passes and use the drift cutters to clear it faster.
In this video the Ariens has tracks and drift cutters. The drift cutter cut the snow ahead of the snow blower and let it drop down into the front of the machine.
Rick Bentrup
Hi Paul,
I am considering the Toro 824 QXE or the Ariens Platinum 24 EFI. I live in SE Wisconsin. I have a 3 car wide garage pad dropping down to 2 car wide by 2 car long driveway. I like the do everything performance of the Ariens but I love the ease of use of the Toro and that’s a priority. Your reviews of both machines have been outstanding as the information you provide on your site is the best. I am retired and I own a 1997 JD 826 machine made by Ariens. I maintain my equipment and it runs great, just so noisy and hard to maneuver, so I’m considering new. My concern is whether the Toro would handle everything, I also have a walk to the patio in the back that I clear as well. I looked at both of them at the local shop, I like the big tires and big engine on the Ariens, but it seems like that Toro is like a sports car as far as handling but I don’t want to be short of power. The EOD snow isn’t too bad here, the town does a nice job. I guess the small tires on the Toro scare me a little bit when I compared the machines side by side. I would like to have just one machine, though I could keep the JD in case. Will the Toro suit my needs?
Thank you,
Rick
Paul
Hi Rick, I know your area well. My relatives live around Clinton, IA and I live in Chippewa Falls. It’s a straight shot down Hwy 61 through your area and Dubuque. By the way if you ever want the best beef jerky in the U.S. go to Lena Maid Meats in Lena, Il.
Driving down through there I’ve seen too many big drifts to recommend the SnowMaster. If you live in an open area I know the snow also packs down pretty hard and the SnowMaster is just too light to push through those drifts you can walk on.
The Plaitum 24 and Platinum EFI 24 are a lot easier to use than your 826. First, they are a lot lighter on the front end so they are much easier to turn. the 2015 and older models are good but the 2016 model is even easier to use. (It’s the one with the gray wheel rims) Second, You will love the auto-turn. It makes the machine so much easier to use than the pin lock or old lever controlled pin lock. Third the huge engine on the Platinum 24 will power through any snow you get.
Rick Bentrup
Thanks for the advice Paul. I appreciate your help. I plan on purchasing the Ariens EFI. You and your site have been a great deal of help, have a Happy New Year!
Dino Lorenzini
Hello,
Your website has been a huge help in shopping for my first snowblower. I live in Wappingers Falls, NY about an hour North of the city. I have a 2 car wide by 2 car long driveway and a short paved path that runs around the house. My biggest issue is the what the plow leaves at the end of the driveway. I also have a neighbor across the street with a smaller driveway I’d like to help with the snow. I’ve narrowed my choices down to 3. I like the Cub Cadet 2x 24, the Ariens 24″ Deluxe and the Craftsman 88694. I feel like there will a lot of turning so I wanted something with auto turn or power steering and all the snow needs to be thrown to one side, so something with an easy to operate chute, maybe even the one hand kind while the machine is still moving would be ideal. I like all three and am stuck. I would really appreciate your thoughts.
Thank you
Paul
Hi Dino, I love that area of the country where you live. It’s such a beautiful place!
You have three good choices but the Ariens Deluxe 24 has more capacity and will handle the end-of-driveway snow the best. (that’s why it’s $200 more) It will also throw the snow farther than the other two.
The Ariens uses the auto-turn steering and that makes it easy to turn. Since it does not use steering triggers that you have to remember to pull….for me that makes it easier to use.
All three machines have single-hand chute control. That means you can keep moving forward, blowing snow and reach up to adjust the chute or deflector.
The Joystick chute control on the Cub Cadet/Craftsman is quick but you do need to know how to use it. A lot of people complain about it because no one shows them the correct way to use it. Here is a video I made a while ago.
The chute control on the Ariens is not quite as convenient but it is extremely rugged and doesn’t bind up – ever. To turn the chute from side to side you have to reach over the dash to the hand crank but you quickly get used to it. It does turn very easily.
Feel free to ask any other questions and later on let us know which one you purchased and how you like it!
Dino Lorenzini
Thank you for your reply, it is appreciated. I had read about people complaining about the 4 way chute and I watched your video the other day, it was very helpful. I am hoping to go take a look at all 3 today, thank you again for your time.
Dino Lorenzini
Hello again,
Thank you for your help earlier. After looking at all three models I have zeroed in on the Ariens, I was looking to purchase today, but seeing that Home Depot doesn’t deliver the 24″ Deluxe without charging I started looking at the 28″ Deluxe as well. Is the 28″ just overkill for my smaller driveway. I do not have a shed so this will be one more thing in the single car garage. Any thoughts on the 24″ vs. the 28″ ? Preferences?
Thank you again.
Paul
Hi Dino, it’s the same machine – just one is 4 inches wider.
Dino Lorenzini
Thank you again for your help, its a large purchase and you have been a huge help. One last question. Do you have any thoughts on purchasing from the sales stock at a local home depot or purchasing using a supposed “white glove delivery” from Home Depot as well? Thank you again.
Paul
Dino, White glove delivery means a local dealer sets up the snow blower, adjusts it, delivers it and goes through the operation. It’s well worth the money because you get to meet your local dealer so if you ever have a problem you know where to go and you know the machine is set up properly.
the last time I heard, the Home Depot machines are brought into the store in crates and assembled by in-store personnel. Assembly will be correct but any adjustments like the skid shoes won’t be done.
Lenny Keer
Hi Paul,
Thanks for all the information you provide on this site. It’s very educational!
I live in the Denver area and have a 3 car driveway, about 60 feet long and live on a corner lot with a lot of sidewalk to clear. Everything is concrete. My main concern is that the driveway is fairly steep, so I want something that will have enough power and traction to clear snow while going up hill. I was considering the Craftman 88694, but just read about the Toro SnowMaster 724 and like it’s ability to clear all the way down to the pavement. What would you suggest?
Thanks,
Lenny
Paul
Hi Lenny, The SnowMaster’s scraper bar is designed to glide over the pavement.
A 2-stage like the 88694 needs a 1/4 inch clearance (thickness of a sheet of cardboard) under the Scraper so it doesn’t catch on every little crack in your driveway.
I feel both will go up the hill but, you can find chains for the 88694 if yu do have traction problems. There are no chains made for the smaller wheels on the SnowMaster.
Lenny Keer
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your comment. I picked up a Snowmaster 724 and got to use it this week on 5″ of snow. It did go up the driveway with just a little slipping of the wheels. The manual specifies setting the scraper bar at 3/16″, so it didn’t clear down to the pavement. I may try lowering it a bit more. I’m also thinking if adding a bicycle headlight for better visibility at night.
Thanks
Lenny
Paul
Hi Lenny, You are very welcome. I’m running this SnowMaster right on the ground and it only catches on one cement crack in my driveway. Everything else it rides right over.
I bought a headlamp last year that may work for you. It’s extremely bright and I can see out to 1/4 mile with it. The best thing is the battery lasts for 8 hours on high. I’t ugly, but it works. I just ty-wrap it to the handles. Kohree Cree T6 LED Explosion Proof Mining Hunting Camping Headlight 10w with 2 Modes, 10W AC 85-265V
Matthew Mott
Hi Paul,
I am looking at a new snowblower, but would like to stay with an Ariens. (My dad used to work for them, and I did summer lawn crew while in HS/College for them). I had an old Yard Machine 5HP that came with my last house. It continually bogged down under medium or heavy load and would die. I took it in to the local shop to be services, and the engine was only displacing 25CC instead of the expected 125 +. Needless to say, it is time for a new machine. My walk behind and tiller are both Ariens (Got to support my old hometown!). That being said, the shop I took my Yard Machine to has the Compact 24 for $899 and the Deluxe 24 for $999. my new house has 3 garage stalls. The driveway is 3 car near the garage and narrows to a 2 car by the street. I have about 100 ft of city sidewalk to clear, a small walk from the drive to the front door, a walk from the drive to the garage side door, and I also need a path to my shed to access wood piles for my fireplace. So far we have shoveled the 2 back stamped concrete patios, but I may use the blower on them as well. I live in Kaukauna, WI (about 20 miles south of Green Bay.
What is your recommendation?
Paul
Hi Matthew, I’m not a big fan of the Compact. It’s overpriced because it does not have power steering and is not as heavy duty as the Deluxe. So, of the two you asked about the Deluxe 24 is the better choice. I would suggest that you look at the Deluxe 28 or the Deluxe 28 SHO. You can save a lot of time going with the wider machine.
Matt
Thanks. We pulled the trigger on the Deluxe 24 last night.
James Sweet
Hi Paul,
Thanks for this great site and your effort to maintain it.
The things I’ve read here lead me to believe your opinion of Troy Built machines is generally favorable. My old Airens died. I’ve been looking on Craigslist for some of your recommended models (Craftsman 88173, Cub Cadet 524 SWE, etc.) I have two short 1-car driveways, probably around 40ft total for the 2 of them. I live in the western foothills of Maine. sometimes we get a bunch of snow, sometimes we don’t. I think last year I only had to use my blower 3 or 4 times.
Anyway I found a Troy Built Storm 2620 on CL that looks practically new (in the photos) for $425.
I searched your site but didn’t find any mention of this model specifically, and it doesn’t seem to be available online any longer, so I thought I would ask you about it.
Is this a good machine at a good price?
Thanks again,
James S.
Paul
Hi James, That machine is basically a Craftsman 88972. 208cc (about 5.5hp) 26 inch, long chute, singe joystick chute control. No Power Steering. It sold for $699 to $750 new.
It’s a great machine for most of the U.S. If you get 40-60 inches of snow a year. If you don’t mind taking your time when you get that 14-20 incher. It will do the job.
The 2016 replacement for that snowblower is the 2660. The only real change is they now use a simpler chute control
James Sweet
Great, thanks for the info.
I also found a Cub Cadet 524 zero turn for $400 and a Craftsman ($500) (not sure which model, I haven’t contacted the seller yet) that is listed as 26″ with a 205cc engine. The dash looks like the newer models on your list, it has the joystick chute control, and the chute is tall, 6 forward, 2 reverse, electric start.
Would you recommend either of these over the Troy Built?
Paul
@James, They are all the same basic machine. Just the dealer, parts availability and warranty are different. In other words, pick the name you are most comfortable with.
James Sweet
Thank you.
I really appreciate your help.
James Sweet
Hi Paul,
I ended up getting the Cub Cadet.
As I’m sure you’re aware, we got hammered last week with over 2 feet of snow. The banks at the end of my driveways were chest high by the time the town was done plowing the road.
It was more than my little Cub Cadet was designed for.
It performed pretty well – though it took us about 5 hours to get everything cleaned up.
One of the biggest issues was the height of the snow banks. My Cub Cadet has a short (12 inch) chute, it did not throw the snow very high,so if I wasn’t careful – the snow would blow into the bank and fall down on the top of my machine (on the air intake, which made the machine sputter badly when the snow melted).
I am wondering if I can replace the chute with a taller one? Is the motor/machine powerful enough to lift the snow higher?
Thanks again for your great help,
James
Paul
HI James, So you got the 524 SW. The 524 SWE (power steering) does have the longer chute but is is a completely different system. The longer chute hang from the top.
One benefit for you is that all MTD snow blowers have used the same parts since 2009. So there may be a snow blower laying around some repair shop with a blown engine. You could get ahold of that for parts.
I suggest just taking 1/4 width passes and don’t let the engine lug down when clearing snow. That will allow it to throw the farthest.
James R.
Hi Paul. I went ahead and purchased a Troybilt 26″ two-satge 243cc (model: 31AM59Q3563) for my place in London, Ontario CANADA.
We’ve already had a couple decent snow days with the snow being that good packing snow, even turning to slush at times. The snowblower handled it fine including the plow pile however the distance it is throwing it is worrisome. When the snow started turning into more slush the chute began dribbling it out, never stalling though.
My question is if i were to get a snowblower (lets say exact same specs as my existing unit) but with a higher cc engine would this then mean the thrown snow will be launched farther and the dribbling will more likely be tossed out farther? Does a higher cc engine mean the 2-stage impeller is stronger at hurling the snow farther?
For the replacement snowblower i was considering Toro or Ariens. The Toro units seem to have lower cc engines though so i am concerned about throwing distance.
Thanks.
Paul
Hi James, Residential 2-stage snow blowers don’t throw slush well – if at all. About all you can do is run the engine at full rpm, on “rabbit” and take is slow. More horsepower would help if the snow blower’s engine is lugging down, but it won’t help if the engine is running at full rpm. So don’t expect any snow blower to work much better than the Troy-Bilt on slush. It’s generally not worth losing money to re-sell a new snow blower just to get a different brand (Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Toro, Ariens, Troy-Bilt, Honda, Husqvarna) That said,
The Toro uses a different system to run the snow through the snow blower. It doesn’t need as much horsepower to move the same amount of snow. In wet, sloppy stuff it will throw the snow 20% farther than other brands but that’s still not very far – 10-15 feet at most.
Ariens has larger impeller and larger discharge so it generally will throw water/slush better but still….none of them are really any better on the really wet stuff. When it gets that bad you get out the power brush.