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Snow Blower Recommendations for Iowa Winters

Jacktronic

Jacktronic

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Dec 16, 2013
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Kansas City, MO
Planning on purchasing a snow blower for my parents this Christmas. For those with experience using them during Iowa winters, would a single-stage blower be adequate or should I just go ahead with a two-stage? Residential neighborhood in Des Moines, fairly standard single car driveway (maybe 60 feet long) and sidewalk to clear. Open to any recommendations or brands to avoid, I was thinking of getting a gasoline powered blower with an electric start. Thanks in advance.
 
Two-stage is the way to go. The single stage units won't touch the bigger snowfall or heavy (wet) snow. Electric start is good. I like Honda engines but that is overkill for the amount of use it will probably see.
 
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Two stage. That way you can throw it in the neighbors drive. I have an Ariens and a Swiess. First is 11 hp the second is 140 hp.
 
Depends on their health and ability. A single stage would probably work, but there's typically a lot more effort to get through drifts. A two stage will typically just let you walk behind it, but are really heavy to maneuver if they aren't running.

I really compare it to a walk behind mower and a self propelled. The standard walk behind is much lighter weight and will do the job. The self propelled does the same job, but with less effort by the operator.
 
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Ariens makes a good one, gas w/electric start is excellent. I'm partial to a two stage but lots of people like a single stage because they are a lot lighter.
 
I have a couple of old Toros. A two-stage and a single stage. I start the two-stage each fall to make sure it starts/runs but have not bothered to use it in at least three years because the single was more than adequate for the snow. But then again I am not the kinda guy that thinks he needs a million cubic liter hemi four wheel drive Grand Titanic to drive to the corner market for a gallon of milk.
 
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NWICY said:
Ariens makes a good one, gas w/electric start is excellent. I'm partial to a two stage but lots of people like a single stage because they are a lot lighter.
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Another Ariens owner. I have a deluxe 28. Dip **** free paper delivery creepy dude must have thrown one at the end of the driveway before a huge snowstorm. That thing went thru the Ariens and it sounded like a cannon ball getting shot and then there way more confetti floating down than the Super Bowl. Scared the **** out of me.

Got mine at Van Wall
 

HS720AS
(7 reviews)
  • Single stage
  • 4 cycle, 190cc Honda OHC engine
  • Clears 20" wide, up to 1800 lb./min
  • Throws snow up to 33 feet
  • Semi-self propelled auger drive
  • Snow Director chute control - easy control of distance and direction
  • Electric Start
MSRP $799*
 
That is the official suggested retail. It does not mean that I would pay that for that unit. I only sold cars for 23 years. You have to start somewhere!







1
 
Do you think anyone with a 2 stage has ever said to themselves "I wish I would have gotten a less powerful single stage"? It's like buying a 4cyl Mustang, you'll always be wishing that you had paid just a little more for the V8.
 
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dmclone said:
Do you think anyone with a 2 stage has ever said to themselves "I wish I would have gotten a less powerful single stage"? It's like buying a 4cyl Mustang, you'll always be wishing that you had paid just a little more for the V8.
Click to expand...

Only when trying to get it into the car to get it serviced. Found out when I got there that they would have picked it up for me.
 
Love my 2 stage ariens. the $1000 one at one depot is'a'sure bet. Big enough for the big ones, not too heavy my wife can't use it in a pinch. Blows a good'distance too which is helpful for wide/ tough drives
 
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