Thanks for this. I don't fully understand. Are you saying that the EGO with rubber paddles does or does not move itself forward by contact with the ground? It sounds like you're saying that the METAL AUGER is my main problem---that a metal auger cannot touch the pavement. That would make sense. I really wasn't aware of this issue when I bought the machine.
Sorry I wasn't aware that EGO now makes that too, but it appears that they do, calling it Auger Propelled. So yes, that model would be propelled similar to your old Toro, with the rubber auger touching the ground.
Perhaps some pictures are in order so we can all be on the same page. I find it impossible to diagnose issues without a specific model number, (not the model name, the model number right next to the serial number.)
Does your son have a metal auger or rubber paddles?
Pretty sure the single stage my Son has got the rubber paddles on his EGO.
I wasn't aware of the auger-propelled model. A review: "The SNT2125AP auger-propelled snow blower is a step up to my previous basic EGO+ blower, it moves easier and have more blowing distance. However, the auger-propelled mechanism is only marginally better and you still have to push it."
OK, you have the EGO SNT2110 correct? Finding the right model helps. The bad news is it looks like you purchased the wrong blower for your local conditions. This model looks as if there is zero ground contact save for the scrapper bar. I can see why you might be having a less than pleasant experience with this machine on your local conditions. The bottom line is that if there is no rubber on the pavement, then all forward locomotion is supplied by YOU, the operator. The steeper it gets, the more elbow grease required (note: unit supplied without special cold temp elbow grease).
Quit beating around the bush and tell us what you really think.
Thanks for the way you explained things, especially "Snow blowers are much more demanding of power because they have to move a lot of heavy weight, much farther than a lawn mower, and quickly. " To be clear, my Toro 721 was powerful but incredibly noisy and the engine was a dud. I suspect that the previous owner ("I used it only 3 times") left gas in it over the summer. I didn't run right even after I had the carb cleaned etc.Quit beating around the bush and tell us what you really think.
I can sort of understand your aversion to gasoline engines. My father, an electrician, hated them with a passion. He even bought a corded electric lawn mower made by Sunbeam in the late 1950's or early '60's that even he had to later admit was a worthless POS. Some of my relatives feel the same way. But to me, and many others, gas engines are an interesting and pleasurable tool, and I for one derive much satisfaction in using a well-tuned gas engine and repairing one that can be repaired.
I really think that for snow blowers, electric just is not "ready for prime time" because the energy density of batteries just isn't there compared to a gallon of gasoline. I'm not anti-electric for OPE; I have an electric battery powered string trimmer, two different electric hedge trimmers, and a blower used only for grass after mowing. I'm thinking of an electric mower, but for my size yard they too aren't "there yet". Maybe in a few more years.
But snow blowers are much more demanding of power because they have to move a lot of heavy weight, much farther than a lawn mower, and quickly. I'm thinking for a snowfall of a foot or more any electric would be hopelessly underpowered and if it even got to the end of the driveway without overheating the battery would be exhausted by then. Ariens rates their snowblowers by "tons per hour" of snow moved - I have no idea if that is a standard engineering measure or mere marketing. (I'll grant it's probably the latter.) But even cutting it in half that's moving a lot of weight as anyone who has ever shoveled snow is well aware. I shoveled a lot of it growing up which is why I'm so grateful to own the Ariens snow blowers I have now. They are truly wonderful machines! And having been familiar with the care and feeding of gasoline engines since childhood I rarely have any problems with them.
Best of luck with the electric battery powered snow blowers. I think you're going to be consistently disappointed in them until at least the next breakthough in battery energy density, or maybe two more. The power a snow blower needs to run on a battery just is not there yet and I don't see it happening for at least another decade.
OK from that pic it appears there is one pitiful little scrap of rubber on the center paddle (the section that actually lifts the snow). Does that rubber make ground contact? I don't know whether that's adjustable or designed not to be, but if it doesn't contact the surface, I can see that making a world of difference in terms of propulsion assist.
Not necessarily, you'd be surprised how tough rubber actually is....there are even outfits that produce polyurethane paddles for even more durability. I've found the best way to deal with ice is to clear early and often. Not having to cut through any, is the best way to deal with ice...unfortunately that's not always possible so I understand. Having a slope and ice, makes things miserable, so I understand your concern.
Are you looking at the right photo? The 2112 has no paddles; it's an all-steel auger.
Is the black rectangle on the center paddle; steel, or rubber?
I've been watching videos and have ordered a Toro Snow Master 824. This is an 8hp with 24” width path. It is self propelled. It is with Toro’s personal pace system.look like a two stage, but just a single stage. It kicks butt going through the snow. Check it out.
That's a steel scraper plate. It's not on the auger.
When I moved into my neighborhood most of my neighbors had single stage machines. Our driveways aren't that big, 2-3 cars wide and 30-50 feet long. For most snowfalls they worked well but the problem is when you need something more it can make for a very miserable time. Today they all have 2 stage machines. EGO and Toro both make electric two stage blowers, but they really only compare to entry level gas machines. As much as I would love to be able to blow snow at 6:00 in the morning without waking up the neighborhood, they just aren't where I need them to be yet. They will be at some point.
