Hi Robert, The Ariens Compact with AutoTurn Model 920029 is a good choice but the Ariens Deluxe 24 Model 921045 is a better choice. It can handle any snow you get including the snow plow pile the city leaves.

Hi Gary, a subcompact with a front-mounted loader is invaluable if you have things to do around your small acreage. You can attach a rear-mounted snowblower to that and quickly get your driveway cleared. It sure beats walking that long driveway…

Thanks Paul. Reading between the lines here, it sounds like something a step up from most residential equipment is probably what I’m looking at (maybe a subcompact tractor with a blower attachment). Or bite the bullet for now with a plow service. Am I on the right track here, if the best recommendation is a $3500 blower?

Hi Gary, you have a lot of driveway to clear! With the snow you get up there and the amount you will be taxing most residential snow blowers. That said, I’m going to show you a few to consider.
1. The Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm and the Cub Cadet 2X 30 Max will give you 5 years or so of trouble-free use. (They are basically the same snowblower) The Cub Cadet version has long-wearing skid shoes and a simpler chute control. Plus it’s $200 less.
2. The Toro Power Max® HD 1232 OHXE is a better choice. It will throw snow farther and last 7-10 years
3. The Ariens Platinum 30 SHO is another step up from the Troy-Bilt/Cub Cadet. It will easily last 7-10 years and require almost no maintenance.
4. Better yet is the Ariens Professional 32 and the Toro Power Max® HD 1432 OHXE Commercial. These have all the power you need and will throw snow 50-60 feet away from the driveway. They will easily last 15 years and can move 12-14 inches of snow quickly.
5. Finally, The very best choice for the amount of snow you will get, the drifts you will get, and the easiest snowblower to use is the Ariens RapidTrak 32. Yes, it’s $1000 more than the Arctic storm but in the long run is worth every (extra) penny in the amount of snow it can move, how easy it is to use, how fast it is compared to all the other snow blowers mentioned and how long it will last. It has the traction to push through hard-packed snow. It has the power to clear 14-16 inches of heavy/wet snow almost as fast as you can walk. It will throw snow 50 plus feet. And – it will last years and years.

By the way – If you are looking at the Ariens the best dealer I know up there is Union Trailer Sales in Eau Claire. The best Toro dealer is Eau Claire Lawn Equipment. Tell them I sent you…

Hi Gar, Yes and no, Yes, it is stronger than all the aluminum gearboxes that use a center gasket (bolts all the way around the gearbox). No, it is not any tougher than the Toro “Topload” gearbox. Like the Ariens, the Toro gearbox will not leak oil and uses hardened steel gears. In fact, the Toro box is so tough that it does not need shear pins.

One other question Paul. Ariens touts that their gear boxes are made of cast iron. Is a cast iron gear box better than an aluminum one?

Hi William, If you live above 5000 feet the Cub Cadet 2X 30″ EFI is the best choice. Turn on the snowblower, wait 3 seconds. It sets the fuel mixture for the elevation and then it will start the first or second pull. The EFI model can handle 12 inches of snow with now problems and can handle any amount of light, fluffy snow well.

The Cub Cadet 2X 30″ MAX with its larger 14-inch impeller is made for heavy/wet snow. If you regularly get 12-20 inches of heavy/wet snow (snow that packs well for making a snowman) then it is a better choice.