Comments on: 5 Best Commercial Snowblowers 2019

By: Patrick Walk

Patrick Walk — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 21:38:28 +0000

I have a 38″ simplicity snowblower professional grade.
I’ve used it for about 5 yrs and quit the business. It’s about 17yrs old now and I’ve lent it out to family members. I gotten it back off them and there are many parts needed replaced. The biggest issue I’ve had with the blower is that chute motor. About every other year you have to but a new one. It’s $250 each time. The chute flap cord also. Another $150. You think I should get a new one or keep fixing these issues.

I was also think about battery operated. No more gas issues, cleaning carb, etc. What would you recommend?

Thanks
Pat

By: Alan Barr

Alan Barr — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 15:24:50 +0000

In reply to Paul. excellent intel...thanks for the info & resources!

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 14:42:43 +0000

In reply to Alan Barr. Hi Alan, Wheels don't work because they actually have less contact area than skids and they will also build up with snow, bind up and not turn. If your gravel is road mix (a mixture of large and small limestone particles) it packs down so you won't have an issue with picking up rocks. Just set the gap under the scraper bar to 3/8-1/2 inch. If you driveway is pea gravel or limestone chips that don't pack down you can adjust the skids so the scraper bar is over 1/2. It won't pick up the gravel then. Readjust your gap after the driveway freezes up to clear all the snow. There is a company called Armorskids that makes heavy duty, extra-long skids that will work if the surface you want to clear is very soft. They make skids for most major brands.

By: Alan Barr

Alan Barr — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 14:21:35 +0000

Hi Paul, great website and information, thank you! My question is about gravel driveways. Have had snow plow services for years, and even as they try their best, at the end of the season the gravel driveway is a disaster. This year I am thinking of buying a snowblower. My question has to do with the skids. I just can’t see a scenario where the skids aren’t digging into the gravel, especially before we get some deep freezes. Are there any machines that come with tires instead of skids? Or is there a way to retrofit tires in place of the skids? Has anyone ever tried this approach on a gravel driveway? Thanks!

By: Jack Mardlin

Jack Mardlin — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 23:54:19 +0000

Paul,
in December 2018, I purchased a Husqvarna ST330, 369cc, 30″FD. I have had a belt shred, a belt come off and exactly 365 days after purchase, metal found in the gas tank. Probably 30 hours max on this machine. The dealer said the repair would not be covered under warranty as the metal could only have been an owner problem. After a $400 repair, just have to ask if Husky now makes a crap machine and is not a recommended buy. FYI- I previous blower was a Toro for 15 years and my only issue was the bolts coming loose on the starter. Should mention that this is for personal use only. Thank you
Jack

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 21:14:55 +0000

In reply to Margaret M Skirmont.

Hi Margaret, John Deere has not sold a snowblower since 2012. They were residential snowblowers and at that time good machines. It would not be my first choice for commercial work. 1. Parts may be hard to find. 2. If you are paid to clear snow, you break down and you can’t get parts for days – you won’t get the job again.

By: Margaret M Skirmont

Margaret M Skirmont — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 20:15:16 +0000

Hi John I like your information thank you. My husband was looking at a John Deere snowblower what do you think. It would just be for some commercial sidewalks and maybe my driveway.

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 13:06:08 +0000

In reply to vslim. The Briggs has been around for a long time and has a great reputation with contractors. The Ariens AX engine that is replacing it is a new, fuel-efficient design and I expect it to develop the same great reputation as the Briggs. One advantage for the Ariens is the snowblower and the AX engine are both warrantied by them so warranty issues, parts etc. is never a problem and issues are fixed quickly. The dealer doesn’t have to wait for another company to give them the “ok” to fix it under warranty.

By: vslim

vslim — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 15:46:03 +0000

Hi Paul, do you have any opinion on the Briggs Polar Force (926060) vs. Ariens AX (926078) engine options on the Pro 28 Hydro Rapidtrak? Trying to decide between the two options — as my dealer has both available. The Briggs seems to have an excellent reputation, but I get the impression that Ariens may be (understandably) discontinuing it in favor of the self-branded Ariens AX? Thanks!

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 00:06:43 +0000

In reply to John Sauro. Hi John, Just to be clear. If you buy an Ariens Deluxe from Home Depot the dealer's Ariens Deluxe is exactly the same. The dealer also carries a whole bunch of Ariens Snowblowers that Home Depot and Lowes does not carry. (most have more features and HP)