Hi Tim, Ariens or Toro are my first choices.

Hi Dee, That is a very simple question. The Ariens RapidTrak Pro 28 will do everything you want. It doesn’t clog on any type of snow. It handles wet/sloppy snow. It comes standard with drift cutters and deep snowfalls into the bucket instead of riding over the front like other brands. Cast iron skid shoes, square tube handles, all the controls are heavy-duty and has commercial-grade cables. With good, safe ramps you can easily drive it into the back of a pickup. It’s a true commercial machine and designed to last you years.

I’m looking for a commercial (or commercial grade) machine to cut through waist-high drifts that accumulate after heavier snows. I do about 5 miles of sidewalk with UTV and ATV plow setups, but I need a blower to do detail work and to fling the heavy wet stuff that I can’t push.

I’d like your recommendation on an appropriate model…Also, should I even be considering single stage?

My budget is flexible.

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.

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

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.

Hi Sharon, I really don’t deal with the older stuff. I suggest going to https://www.snowblowerforum.com/ and asking over there.

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.