As you may have seen from other threads, I'm looking for a snowblower. I'm trying to work out what the actual quality differences are between brands for new snowblowers - not so much brand reputation, but what are the technical or construction differences between brands that make them excellent, mediocre or sub par?
Country of manufacture is pretty meaningless to me because because most companies outsource production these days. Brand reputation can be hard to judge because may brands - be it jeans or tools produce both premium products and cheap mass-market stuff.
So here's what I have been able to find out so far in terms of what to look for as being better or mediocre. Would you please add your views.
So what is better, not so good, or neutral?
Better: Larger cast iron gearcase
Not as good: Aluminum gearcase
Better: Steel chute
Not as good: Plastic chute
Better: Larger tire size
Better: Larger engine size = more HP
Better: Dual augur drive belts
Not as good: Single augur drive belts
Better: Larger augur size
Better: Power steering
Not as good: No power steering
Better: Hydrostatic drive
Normal: Friction gear drive
Neutral: Engines - most of the reviews I have read suggest that the major brands are pretty comparable in terms of quality.
What I haven't been able to find specs on are:
- thickness and quality of metal body components
- bushing size and quality for holding the augurs
- thickness and quality of metal used for augurs and impellers
What are your views?
Country of manufacture is pretty meaningless to me because because most companies outsource production these days. Brand reputation can be hard to judge because may brands - be it jeans or tools produce both premium products and cheap mass-market stuff.
So here's what I have been able to find out so far in terms of what to look for as being better or mediocre. Would you please add your views.
So what is better, not so good, or neutral?
Better: Larger cast iron gearcase
Not as good: Aluminum gearcase
Better: Steel chute
Not as good: Plastic chute
Better: Larger tire size
Better: Larger engine size = more HP
Better: Dual augur drive belts
Not as good: Single augur drive belts
Better: Larger augur size
Better: Power steering
Not as good: No power steering
Better: Hydrostatic drive
Normal: Friction gear drive
Neutral: Engines - most of the reviews I have read suggest that the major brands are pretty comparable in terms of quality.
What I haven't been able to find specs on are:
- thickness and quality of metal body components
- bushing size and quality for holding the augurs
- thickness and quality of metal used for augurs and impellers
What are your views?