We just moved into a home with a 200' long driveway, with a steep uphill from the house. The driveway is paved.
I brought along my old Toro 1028 powershift blower that is > 8 years old. It runs fine (enginewise) but tends to clog all the time. I've replaced and adjusted belts. It becomes useless with any wet snow and we are now doing the driveway by hand, with shovels.

I am thinking of getting a new SB and am looking for suggestions. Would like to be < $1500.

My thoughts ...
* give up on width to avoid choking on too much snow
* more horsepower
* newer model may do better

A prime candidate is the Ariens Platinum 24.
24" width, 369CC engine

What do you think?


Thanks a bunch,
Rob

I've heard talk about Cub Cadet but I have no experience with that brand.

hello albireo, welcome to SBF , how about adding an impeller kit to your toro

second the impeller kit idea...my Powershift clogs with anything wet....I'm selling it, but if I kept it....impeller kit!

How steep is steep?

I was in a similar situation with a paved driveway that is 15% in spots. I spent hours trying to figure out whether wheels would work or whether I needed tracks.

About half the people (both here and dealers I talked to) said wheels will do fine, saying the new 16" tires with awesome tread are fantastic. The other half said - get the tracks. They're more of a pain to maneuver but when you need them they're worth it.

I ended up going all out and getting the Ariens Hydro Pro Track 28. I haven't used it yet so can't say whether it was worth it.

Honestly I kind of wish I knew whether a Toro 1028 HD Oxe would have worked fine. They supposedly are fantastic at avoiding clogging due to their chute design.

If you're worried about clogging don't go Honda. Lots of reports of the new chute design having clogging issues.

+3 on the impeller kit . if the engine is running right, the impeller mod will totally change your mind on a new machine.......diy for less than $20.

where do I find impeller kits??

#4 on impeller kit. search this site for info, including DIY.

You should also use a non-stick lubricant, eg: silicone lube or others. search this site for info

A new blower or more power wont do any better for you when used in slush.

thanks I'll check out impeller kits first

if you can't make your own impeller kit you can find them on ebay for about $35

If your driveway is steep then I'd recommend getting your hands on a tracked snowblower. You can fix the clogging issue but if traction is also an issue then that can be fixed by switching to a tracked machine. Its a good time to sell a machine so get rid of the wheeled model to switch to a tracked one.

I know most folks get by just fine by using a wheeled machine but the tracks add to the safety and traction factor, you'll be able to clear snow very well both going up and down the driveway.

I am located in Nashua, if you want to fiddle around with a tracked machine to get a feel for it then you are more than welcome to stop by and look at my 1132 or 1332 honda.