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This article will discuss who makes the snowblower engines first and then who makes the different snow blower brands.
Snow Blower Engines – Who Makes What?
There are five major manufacturers of winterized engines currently being installed on the snowblowers sold in the U.S. Every one of these brands has been around for over 10 years now and all of them have a proven record of reliability. In fact, in the last five years, all of the motors over 250cc have service records that are the best the industry has ever seen. Parts and service are easy to get from the dealer you purchased it from. If you purchased your snowblower online from a reputable retailer they will help you get service and parts. Today’s snowblower engines are designed to run on 87 Octane E10 fuels. They don’t require Premium non-ethanol fuels for proper operation. They are designed to run on today’s fuel (Do NOT use E-15 or E-85) When getting fuel please make sure you ARE NOT getting E15 or E20 Fuel!
Cub Cadet electronic fuel-injected (EFI) engines are the ONLY engines capable of running on E15 and E20 fuels!
LCT: LCT is an American owned company and they own their factories in China. You will mainly see this brand on Ariens and Husqvarna snowblowers but there are a few smaller brands now using this manufacturer. Storm Force, Ariens AX, and Snow King are LCT engines. LCT engine reliability on the Ariens and Husqvarna snow throwers is becoming legendary. LCT engines on other brands of snow blowers will have LCT on the valve cover.
LCT engines on Ariens and Husqvarna snowblowers are warrantied through the respective Ariens and Husqvarna dealers. LCT engines mounted on Power Smart and other smaller brand snow blowers are warrantied through LCT.
PowerMore™ OHV Winterized Engines: These engines are made in China and designed specifically for MTD. This motor is usually labeled the same as the snowblower it is mounted on. In other words, if you buy a Cub Cadet snowblower it will be labeled as a Cub Cadet engine. Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and Yard Machines engines are PowerMore.
All PowerMore engines are warrantied through the snowblower brand they are mounted on.
Loncin: Toro’s Premium Engine is made to Toro’s specifications by Loncin, one of China’s largest motorcycle manufacturers. Like LCT and Powermore the reliability is way up compared to your old Tecumseh or Briggs engine. As far as I know, DR Power is also using this engine manufacturer on their snow blowers.
Briggs & Stratton Snow Series: All B&S motors are labeled as such. Simplicity, Snapper, and Brigg & Stratton snowblowers exclusively use B&S engines. If a B&S engine is mounted on another snowblower brand B&S warranties the engine, not the snowblower manufacture it is mounted on.
Any B&S snow engines that are made in the USA will have the “made in USA” sticker on them. In reality, though, almost all are made overseas. Briggs does own its own plant in China. According to the Briggs & Stratton website, the following engines are NOT made in the U.S.A. 800, 900, 1150, 2100 Snow Series™
Honda: No I didn’t forget about Honda. They only install snow motors on their own brand. According to the latest info I have the engines in the single-stage (GC/GCV engines) are made in the U.S.A. and the rest (larger GX engines) are made in Thailand.
Tecumseh: Lawson Power Products (Tecumseh:) quit making engines in 2008. LCT has partnered with them and is now using the technology and brand names from the old Tecumseh OHV product line.
Snow Blowers by Brand: Who Makes What?
Manufacturer: Ariens
Ariens actually makes nine different series of single and 2-stage snow blowers but for most of us the Ariens Compact, Ariens Deluxe, and Ariens Platinum will be the models we will buy. The Pro, and Track series are high-quality commercial snow blowers designed to last a lifetime.
All of these are made in the U.S.A. (the S18 single-stage is outsourced)
Brand: Craftsman
As you most likely know Stanley, Black & Decker (SBD) purchased the Craftsman name this year – but not the products. What that means for snow blowers is Stanley, Black & Decker will be independently developing their own line of Craftsman snow “throwers”, parts, and repair network. Because of that, I will explain the different Craftsman snow thrower lines available this year.
Craftsman At Sears
Currently, Sears is not selling Craftsman branded snow blowers. But parts and service for the Craftsman you purchased at Sears are still available through searspartsdirect.com
Craftsman At Lowes, ACE. Craftsman.com, etc.
As you most likely know Stanley, Black & Decker (SBD) purchased the Craftsman name – but not the products. What that means for snow blowers is they will be independently developing their own line of Craftsman snowblower, parts, and repair network. SBD recently purchased a large portion of MTD and have the option to buy the entire company in 2021. The Craftsman models currently listed on Lowes.com are made by MTD.
It appears Stanley, Black & Decker (SBD) also purchased Craftsman.com. It currently states,
WHO SHOULD I CALL FOR PARTS & REPAIR?
If you are in need of parts and/or repair for your CRAFTSMAN product, please call our customer service line, 888-331-4569.
WHERE CAN I GET MY TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REPAIRED?
For all repairs, call 888-331-4569 or email us at craftsman@sbdinc.com and we’ll handle all your repair needs.
(Specifically for Snow Throwers:) WARRANTY SERVICE
With proof of sale, call this number to obtain the warranty coverage stated below: 1-888-331-4569.
Manufacturer: MTD
MTD makes single, 2-stage, and 3-stage snow throwers and sells them with different names. They also make snowblowers to spec for other brands like Craftsman SBD
Cub Cadet is the most extensive line with the best dealer network in the U.S.
Troy Bilt is also a very popular line and has good, affordable snow blowers.
Columbia
Remington
Yard Machines
Yardman, MTD Pro, MTD, MTD Gold
They are a U.S. based manufacturer and the majority of the models are made and assembled in the U.S.
Manufacturer: Honda
All Honda single-stage machines for the USA and Canada market are manufactured at the Honda plant in Swepsonville, NC. This includes the entire engine, from casting to final machine work and assembly. I believe Honda is the only current USA-market snowblower manufacturer who makes both the engine and snowblower at a USA factory.
Starting in May 2015 all Honda 2-stage snowblowers for the USA and Canada market are manufactured at the Honda plant in Swepsonville, NC. The 2-stage engines are still made overseas.
Manufacturer: Husqvarna
Husqvarna has both single-stage, 2-stage units.
Husqvarna
Poulan Pro
All of these are made in the U.S.A.
Manufacturer: Toro
Toro has a complete line of single, 2-stage, and heavy-duty 2 stage snow blowers. Toro has quietly developed one of the best snow blower lines.
- PowerMax
- PowerMax HD
- Power Clear
- SnowMaster
Most are made in the U.S.A. but some are made in Mexico.
Manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton
Briggs & Stratton makes 3 basic snow blowers. An economy, a residential and a pro model. They also have single and 2-stage. You will see them under various names like:
Brute
Simplicity
Snapper
Briggs & Stratton
Some of these are made in the U.S.A. but I’m not clear which ones are made overseas.
Brand: DR Power. DR Power is a famous U.S. brand but currently, all their snow blowers are made in China and imported here.
Brand: GENERAC. GENERAC is a famous U.S. brand but currently, all their snow blowers are made in China and imported here.
Brand: Amerisun Inc. The parent company for Power Smart and Snow Devil. This company is coming on strong with its China-built snow blowers. You can call them and get parts. They are currently building a nationwide service network.
Specialty Snow Throwers.
I am calling the rest of this list and any other brand not listed “specialty” snow throwers. Almost all of them are made in China. At this time I don’t know which of these names are manufactures and which are brands named just for the U.S. market. These brands either have only one or two models (most are small electrics) or are internet-only companies.
These companies all have the potential to be great, but for the time being be sure you understand the return and repair policies. In other words, a 2-year warranty is great but if you can’t find a dealer, an address to ship it to, or even to get someone to answer your phone call the warranty is worthless.
Each Order of 50 Or More Comes With Free Shipping Container!
Other names you will see:
- DuroStar
- Aavix
- Beast
- D.E.K.
- Earthwise
- Frontier
- Greenworks
- Powerland
- Powermax
- Power Smart
- Snow Devil
- Snow Joe
- Stanley
- Worx
- YardMax
- Dirty Hand Tools
Other Companies not listed:
One last word of warning. If the price seems too good to be true – it probably is. Be extremely careful of 2-stage snow throwers selling for less than $600! Or for that matter any snowblower selling for hundreds less than the brands you recognize. If you don’t recognize the brand there is a more than likely chance the snow thrower is made in China and service, parts, and repairs for it is non-existent or at best weeks away.
Used/Vintage Snowblowers:
Be very careful about buying used. Like boat motors, these older engines are very susceptible to problems with today’s fuel. In addition, parts for the actual snowblower may be impossible to find.
Snowblowers have gone through many different design changes in the last 50 years and they still have a ways to go. The designs vary from a simple auger and fan to a “sidewinder.” There have been many different variations of the 3-stage design and some worked – and some don’t.
Gilson Snow Blower Shop has put together a long list of some of the old vintage machines. Go take a look here:Vintage Machine Showcase
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Philip Marshall
Hi Paul
Your article on snow blowers and who makes what is very informative. Learned a lot!
Need your recommendation. I have a very small area right now shovel. Getting tired of shoveling. I live in Wisconsin. Light to somewhat wet at times for snow. 6″ to 8″ average.
I do not want to spend a lot of money on a snowblower. Around $600. I do want a 2 stage with elec. start – a must.
Looking at a Powersmart 24″ PSS2240 model. Or a
Yard Machine 24″ 31AS6BEE700 from Menards. Both around $550.00.
There is a Craftsman SB410 and a Craftsman SB24208. Not sure if I want to spend the extra money on the Craftsman. ($650 – $700.)
Can I get your thoughts on recommending a snowblower in that price range? Also I need to get parts. I am some what of a handyman, so I can fix it myself. (As long as I can get parts). Maybe I should stick to a shovel.
Would appreciate any help.
Thank You
Philip
Paul
Hi Philip, I really don’t like recommending any snowblower under $799. They all have fuel issues or getting parts problems, etc.
But, You will be able to get parts for the Yard Machines the easiest. Any authorized MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt dealer can get the parts. Many will even do warranty work on it (be sure you have the receipt from Menards)
Understand – if you buy a gas-powered unit from Menards the moment you put gas in it they will not help you if you have any problems. Most Menards will help you find local service but they will not return it or help you get parts. That’s why it’s so inexpensive to buy at Menards compared to anyone else. You will have to go to an MTD repair center for any issues.
Philip Marshall
Hello Paul
Thank you for your feed back. Your reply made me think. Maybe I will revisit on what to buy. Might think about spending a little more money or wait till something goes on sale. I am going to assume when you said fuel issues, that it pertains to carb. problems. (Due to the gas you run and not using seaform?)
Any way thanks for your response.
Philip
Paul
Hi Phillip, Yes, Fuel issues with the smaller, cheaper engines ALWAYS require a new carb. The jets in today’s carbs are so small that any gumming from stale fuel will clog them. The jets are not replaceable and you can’t take them out to clean them.
Mike Nicewarner
Paul, thank you for taking the time to write this article. It was very informative. However, I’m still a little confused about which engines are US made and which aren’t. I want to buy a 100% US made snow blower, engine, parts, assembly, everything. What are my options for a 2 stage between 25 and 30 inch? I thought Ariens or Husqvarna would be best, but it appears are outsourcing at least some of the engines. Is this a pipe dream? Is anyone making snowblowers from scratch in the US?
Again, thanks for the article.
Paul
Hi Mike, ALL snowblower engines are made overseas except the little engine on the single-stage Honda.
LCT, which makes the Ariens and Husqvarna engines is a U.S. company but its engine assembly plant is in China. (which they own) LCT was created after Lawson sold off the Techumseh name and the air conditioning division back in 2007ish.
Honda is a Japanese company but they make the AX series in Taiwan.
MTD has a stake in the company that makes its engines in China.
Toro’s engines are made by Loncin in China to Toro’s specs. Loncin is one of the world’s largest engine manufactures.
It’s pretty tough to find a 100% made in America product because many of the parts suppliers are now outside the U.S. Tires, rims, electrical components, wire, steel rod, bolts, everything is now a global market.
sharon mobley
we have an old simplicity snow blower. you mentioned the older one may not run on the gasoline
of today. Is there anything we can add to the gasoline?
Paul
Hi Sharon, I really don’t deal with the older stuff. I suggest going to https://www.snowblowerforum.com/ and asking over there.
Chris Sherwin
Hi Paul,
Wow you are a wealth of knowledge–thank you so much. We have had a Toro snowblowers for many years ( I think it was a 90s model, given to us 10 yrs ago) that finally bit the bullet in the most recent 2-3 foot Nor Easter we got up here in New England. I am looking at new ones and am stuck between the Cub Cadet (2 x 24 or 2 x26), Toro (824)…maybe the Husky…in the $800-1000 range. We have 2 good-size driveways, one gravel, one paved (old, with frostheaves) and I usually do a wide path around our house for dog run and feeding birds….curious to your best recommendation? I know you seem to like both Toro and Cub Cadet. Thanks so much for any advice! Peace, Chris
Paul
Hi Chris, I want to remind you that an $800-1000 snowblower 5 years ago is now a $1300-1400 machine today. You will not be happy with any of the snowblowers you have selected. They will not handle the heavy/wet snow you get without being very slow, clogging not throwing that heavy snow very far. I suggest Moving up to a Toro Power Max HD 828 or 928, an Ariens Deluxe 28 or Deluxe 28 SHO, or the Cub Cadet 2X 30 MAX. I don’t recommend any Husqvarna in this price range for the type of snow you get.
If you have to stay within the $1000 budget I suggest the Ariens Deluxe 24 or the Toro Power Max 826.
Bob Petras
Hi Paul:
I just purchased on clearance, a new MTD Cub Cadet 2X 28 inch 357cc OHV 4-cycle Engine from Lowe’s in Canada. Yes, the older model with the single light but other than this, it is the same as the new 2020 Models with dual lights. Model Number is #31AH5DST596
Of interest, there seems fewer 28 inch models with a 357cc motor, mostly 254cc to 282cc power. I am yet to try it out – need snow in NW British Columbia.
I am adding the MTD LED Light Kit Bar and a pair of new Drift Cutters I’ve had for years. Previously I had a 26 inch 8 HP Homelite for 15 years then a 27 inch 9.5 HP Craftsmen for 16 years.
So time will tell if this is a good purchase for $1120.
It is not a Honda, Ariens or Toro – but maintaining it is key to a reliable machine.
Paul
Hi Bob, the 357cc engine will have plenty of power and you’ll be very happy with it,
JIM
Hello Paul, This is an excellent article! I’m looking for a new snowblower geared toward heavy wet slush. I live on a main road where salt is used heavily. When the highway plow train comes past me I’m left with a small mountain of heavy wet snow and slush. My two stage Snapper is going through too many auger belts and can’t handle this. I also clear two elderly neighbors driveways which have the same problem. I don’t necessarily need width but do need power and I suppose 3 stage. Which models or brands would you recommend? Price range up to $1500. or $1600. Thank you! Jim
Paul
Hi Jim, Two excellent choices.
1. Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO. Has a double belt auger drive so you’ll never burn a belt. It also has a larger 14 inch impeller so it will throw that heavy snow low snow without clogging and throw it a long way. This is a dealer only snowblower so go to ariens.com to find a local dealer.
2. If you can’t get the Ariens the Toro 928 is also a great choice. It has the 14 inch larger impeller and also handles wet snow very, very well. It only has one impeller belt but I’ve never heard of anyone burning one up.
Either machine is very easy to use and built exactly for what you want it to do.
Richard Shaw
Paul, just found this site. I was given a snowthrower with the name Agway and a sticker mentioning the name Snow King. The carb leaks a little but I get what I think is no spark. I am not even sure that they have the right spark plug in it. We just replaced the fuel line from the take to the carb. The person said it would start sometimes and not other occasions. I can’t seem to find a reliable person to work on it. Not sure what to do next.
Paul
Hi Richard, Agway snowblowers were sold somewhere around 1985-1993. They were made by NOMA corp which is no longer in business. The Snow King is a Tecumseh engines snow motor. Tecumseh is also out of business but you can get replacement carbs for it.
If the carb is leaking most likely the float and main inlet valve are stuck. You can take the carb off yourself, remove the bottom bowl, and clean the bowl and needle valve out. Be careful removing the bowl so you don’t wreck the rubber/cork gasket. Just do a google search and you can find the procedure.
No one wants to work on it because removing and cleaning the carb is too time-consuming and you won’t pay $150-$300 for the job. If the carb is bad you are looking at $250 for someone to replace it for you. (You can buy a new carb and replace it yourself for %50 or so.)
LennyD
What with the US moving to E15 (and Canada considering it), I know of only two (in Canada) non-ethanol blends (Canadian Tire and Shell) and both are only premium non-ethanol. Reg and mid have a min of 10% (for now) ethanol.
NGags14
Hi Paul,
I have a Pretty normal 2 car wide about 4.5 card long driveway paved in the great state of Maine. we get anything from light and fluffy to heavy and wet. dustings to 18″.
I am trying to stay below $800.. looking at the Troy-Bilt 26″ 243cc for $799.99 and the Legend Force 24″ 208cc for $499.99. Any other brand or type you would like to reccomend would be greatly appreciated as well. Thank you! and love the site.
-Nick
Paul
Hi NGags14, Please stay Far, far, far, far away from the Legend Force, YardMax, and other Chinese snowblowers. If it breaks it will sit for months waiting for parts and/or service.
Just so you know – the price of snowblowers has gone up in the last two years. The Troy-Bilt 26″ 243 is an OK machine – the Ariens Classic at Lowes is comparable. Both will blow snow and you can easily get them serviced if needed. But they both are not that great on heavy/wet snow.
If you get more 18 inchers and/or more heavy/wet snow than light dustings I recommend saving up $200 more for an Ariens Compact or $300 more for an Ariens Deluxe 24. Both will handle any snow you get.
Blair
Hi. I just acquired a landmark 8/24 with a 8 hp Tecumseh engine. Can you tell me if there is a cross reference brand of this snowblower ? Thanks, Blair
Paul
Hi Blair, It appears to be an old Noma/Murray. I suggest going over to snowblowerforum.com and asking your question over there. They can help you.
Bruce Culberson
Hi Paul – I appreciate all your articles and videos! I have a 100m long driveway with a loop at the bottom, trails to the goats, chicken coop, wood shed and live in Northern BC. I’m narrowed down to the Husky 330 or Toro 1232. I can get the Husky for $750 less. I’m looking for tips or advice. Thanks
Paul
Hi Bruce, I don’t understand the tariffs between the U.S. and Canada. Both of these snowblowers are made in the U.S. so the prices should be close. Unless the Husqvarna is an older version – if the 330 has handles like the Toro it’s an old version and they are discounting it to get it out the door. The newest version has the new wrap-around dash.
If you usually get 10 inches or more snow at a time the Toro has more capacity so it will get the job done faster. If you get a lot of heavy/wet snow the Toro won’t clog. The Toro is also balanced better so all the weight is over the wheels – that gives it a lot more traction for “offroading” to the out-buildings. If you get deep drifts the Toro will push through them better.
The Husqvarna is not a “bad” machine. If you only had hard surfaces to clear and you didn’t care how long it took to clear them then it’s a good choice. But – if you had a chance to use them both on your property for one year you’d pick the Toro every time.
art
Hi Paul I’m looking at 3 snowblowers. Husqvarna st330p , cub cadet 2x 28 , or cub cadet 2x 30.
I have a short driveway with a 5 car parking lot. Blow off snowballs I get from roof shoveling and do neighbors and grandmas. Right now I have a paulan pro 270. Just looking for step up n somethings bang for my buck.
Paul
Hi Art, Capacity-wise the ST330p is a good snowblower but it is very front-heavy compared to the other brands. The Cub Cadet 2X 30 is one of my least favorite snowblowers. It’s terrible if you get a lot of heavy/wet snow. The 2X 28 is a better choice and the best choice of the three. It’s balanced well so it’s easiest to use, it has about the same capacity as the Husqvarna and doesn’t plug as quickly on heavy/wet snow as the 2X 30.
Kydeso
Hi, I am looking at a YARD-MAN 357cc 30″ Two-Stage Snow Blower sold by Home Hardware in Canada. You list Yardman as made by MTD. Brands are not always the same between Canada & the US. Do you know if this is the same? Would it be comparable in quality and features to Cub Cadet or Troy Built?
Paul
Hi Kydesco, Yes the Yard-Man is made by MTD and is similar to the Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 and the Cub Cadet 2X 30. 12-inch impeller, 6 flight 12 inch front auger. It has the airless tires that I like a lot. It also has the “simple” chute controls – a crank for the direction and a lever for the deflector. It has the hanging poly chute that MTD has had for years and it works well. The same poly dash that the Troy-Bilt has had for years.
Everything else is the same between the three snowblowers.
Angelina
I have been searching everywhere for a lightweight, 2stage snow blower. I see YardMax has one that weighs 125lbs, but the reviews are mixed. Are there any other reputable brands that carries machines that don’t weigh 160+ lbs? I’m about a buck twenty myself with a very steep driveway. TIA
Paul
Hi Angelina, Please stay away from the YardMax. It’s cheap, Chinese and you’ll have a lot of problems getting it fixed when it breaks.
When you go shopping for a car do you look for a lightweight vehicle because you are small? No, you go shopping for one that is easy to use and easy to handle.
2-stage snowblowers that are lightweight don’t have enough traction to go up a steep hill. Also, cheap snowblowers like the YardMax don’t have power/automatic steering, they have both wheels locked to the axle so it is VERY hard to turn. Finally, cheap snowblowers like the YardMax are not balanced correctly so you really have to push down on the handles to lift the front – that makes them very hard to handle.
A snowblower from Ariens or Toro are balanced so well that a 400 lb unit is easier to use than the YardMax.
1. I recommend a snowblower that is balanced so all the weight is directly on the tires. This not only gives you the traction you need to go up your hill but also makes the snowblower very easy to handle.
2. A 2-stage snowblower like the Cub Cadet 2X 24 has power steering so it turns very easily. A 2-stage like the Toro Power Max 826 OAE or the Ariens Deluxe 24 has automatic steering sp turning it is as easy as using a shopping cart.
All three of these snowblowers weigh considerably more than the YardMax yet are considerably easier to use and drive.
LeAnn Bennett
Good day Paul. I live in Wyoming and looking at two different snow blowers. One is Cub Cadet and the other one is Troy Built. They are both 26″ 243cc. Which of these is better and made in America?
Paul
Hi LeAnn, Troy-Bilt makes a few different 26 inch, 242cc snowblowers so I’m going to guess you are looking at the Troy-Bilt Storm 2665 XP and the Cub Cadet 2X 26 HP.
Both are made by the same company, MTD, in OHIO.
Both have the same specs except the Troy-Bilt has the airless tires and hand warmers. The Cub Cadet has regular snow tread tires and no heated handgrips.
They are the same – just those two different items – other than that just the paint color.
I like and recommend both of them.
Anna Fitzpatrick
Hi Paul, just looking to get a new snowblower and
We were looking at the 22 in. Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
by Legend Force from Home Depot $499.00 any thought would be great. We live in southeast Mi not a ton of snow but we do get some storms usually 4 to eight inches at a time, We really want to try and stay in the price range
Thanks
Paul
Hi Anna, Your income may not have gone up in the last few years but the cost of a snowblower has. A good snowblower with a good parts and service network will cost you $699 or more.
The snowblower you are looking at is imported from China. Specifically, it is an off-brand of a company called YardMax that only sells Chinese made products. No one carries parts for it and the only way to get parts is by calling an 800 number printed on the manual that comes with the snowblower.
Expect to perform the repairs yourself. Yes, YardMax lists a large service network but after randomly calling different shops listed, NOT ONE said they are an authorized repair center.
Do yourself a favor and save up $200 more. Buy an American made snowblower with a good parts and service network. The Troy-Bilt 2410 at Home Depot. The Ariens Classicor Craftsman 2410 at Lowes.
Alan Fisher
My drive is gravel and approx. 80 feet long and 20 feet wide. Would a used Craftsman Model 247.886911 in good condition and low hours be a good first blower at a cost of $550? the previous owner attached an LED bike light for dark mornings.
Paul
Hi Alan, It appears to be a decent price. If you basically live anywhere within 100 miles of Interstate 80 it’s a good choice. If you live in an area that gets more heavy/wet snow like Buffalo or Boston then you may want a snowblower that handles wet stuff better.
Derek
Paul, I’m look to buy a nice 2 stage blower this year. Looking to spend in the 9-$1300 range. I just sold my old yard machine with the 208cc motor that was just too under powered for my drive. Any suggestions on make and model? I have looked at many but have found flaws on them. Example: just looked at a nice Husqvarna two-stage but the controls are made out of plastic. Loved reading your article, it was very helpful although I would like your thoughts. I would love to buy american-made but it is not a must. Looking for the best bang for the buck!
Paul
Hi Derek, Check out my article The Best Snowblowers For You! Fall 2020.
You didn’t state what size of driveway and where you live so I can’t give you any specific recommendations – but, Toro Power Max 826 OHAE, any Toro Power Max HD, Ariens Deluxe, and Ariens Platinum are always a good choice.
Prices went up this year so don’t be afraid to add $100 to your budget to get the right snow blower for you.
There are no Chinese made snowblowers on the market that I can recommend. They all have very poor parts and service networks.
mRyanb
Hello, great article. I have a question regarding a powersmart snowblower I bought at home depot in canada. The powersmart website does not ship to canada you have to call them to order. Do you know of any brands like MTD that the parts cross reference? I’m looking for a friction disc for it
Paul
Hi mRyanb, PowerSmart is a Chinese-made snowblower, and none of the parts from a U.S. made snow blower will fit. A couple of things.
1. Since you purchased it in Canada the operator’s manual should give service and parts info for your country.
2. If that doesn’t work contact amerisuninc directly.
Contact Us
1141 Bryn Mawr Ave, Itasca, IL, 60143
Email: support@amerisuninc.com
toll free: 800-791-9458
mRyanb
Thanks I’ll look into it
thomas
Paul, any thoughts on the new Ariens 2 stage with the big bike wheels that doesn’t appear to be self propelled? I see they are $699 which seems cheap but it’s a hybrid or crossover and seems a bit out of place. Love all you do and thanks!!
Paul
Hi Thomas, The new Ariens Crossover is a single-stage and a 2-stage snowblower all in one package. It’s designed for the same smooth surfaces as a normal single-stage machine so the front auger touches the pavement and pulls the snowblower along.
The second stage throws the snow a lot further than a typical single stage. It will also handle deeper snow and drifts that a single-stage snowthrower can’t handle.
It will be great for small paved driveways that get lots of snow and/or deep drifts. I can’t wait to try it out on sidewalks that get snowplow snow on them.
It is a “specialty” snowblower. A lot of people want a machine smaller than 24 inches that throws snow way-away from the driveway.
Yannick Duplessis
Yamaha is missing of the list.
Paul
Hi Yannick, I stated right up front “There are five major manufacturers of winterized engines currently being installed on the snowblowers sold in the U.S.” Yamaha is not available in the U.S., only Canada.