Track Drive Snow Blower

Track drives are becoming more common as many manufacturers like Ariens, Craftsman, Honda, and Yardman extend their track snow blower offerings.  They are definitely cream of the crop when it comes to traction and handling.

So which is better?

Without a doubt, you will see superior traction in any conditions with a track drive snow blower.  Moving up and down inclines is made simple due to the ability of the track to grip the ground.  This makes a track drive snow blower a much better choice for clearing packed snow.  A wheel drive model will typically have better turning and maneuverability.

So consider a track drive model for sloping surfaces, and a wheel drive model if you will be mainly dealing with flat surfaces where traction is not a concern.  You will spend a bit more money for a track drive, but the envy that your neighbor will experience will make it worth it.

Honda HS724WA Snowblower

Honda has the Hydrostatic Advantage above the competition…

Honda is known for the excellent control of their two-stage snowblowers.  That is because each two-stage snowblower that Honda has on the market comes with their exclusive hydrostatic transmission.  The hydrostatic transmission transmits all power via hydraulics. There is no solid coupling of the input and output.

Honda’s transmission is practically maintenance-free, and built to withstand years of regular use.  It gives the operator optimal control.  Since there are no gears, no shifting is required.  The speed can be adjusted on the fly and is adjustable to meet the needs of the user.  One handed operation allows for easy speed adjustments to both forward and reverse speeds.

You will find the Honda hydrostatic drive on all medium two-stage snowblowers, like the wheel drive HS724WA and the track drive HS724TA.

You will also find the hydrostatic drive on all large two-stage snowblowers, like the wheel drive HS928WA, HS928WAS, and the track drive HS928TA, HS928TAS, HS1132TA, and HS1132TAS models.

Find your discount snowblower chains here: Snowblower Chains

See the installation video here: http://tirechain.com/Garden-ATV-SnowBlower-Instructions.htm

Interlock Wiring Snowblower

Snowblowers can be dangerous equipment that and safety should be the utmost concern of its operator.  Snowblower manufacturers have added many safety features over the years in an effort to make them as safe as possible.  One of these features is the Electrical Interlock System.

The Electrical Interlock System will ground out the engine ignition system if the safety lever on the handlebar is not depressed while the auger clutch is engaged, or if the drive lever is in gear.  This ensures that the operator is in the operating position, and has control of the snowblower.

As part of the normal safety checks that you perform on your snowblower each season, you should ensure that the ground wire is properly attached to the handlebar.  It is recommended that you test the electrical interlock system to ensure that it is functioning properly to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

John Deere made a 38-inch Snowthrower for the F510 and F525 Front Mower.  I was able to locate a catalog (catalog number OMM79669).  The actual Snowthrower is an elusive part to find though.  The only way to get ahold of this snowthrower it to watch for it to go on sale on eBAY or Craigslist, and snatch it quick.  You can check the following link to see if one is available:  Find a John Deere F510 Snowthrower.  Good Luck!

They are currently carrying the Snow Joe 322 and Snow Joe 622U.  These are both electric snow blowers that are perfect for areas that don’t receive regular large snowfalls.  The 322 is a hand held model that handles snow up to 4 inches deep and throws it up to 20 feet.  I recently reviewed the Snow Joe 322.  The 622U is a push model on wheels that moves up to 800 pounds of snow per minute.  Try that with your shovel!  The Snow Joe 622 will handle up to 11 inch deep snow, and throws it up to 20 feet as well.

Visit your local Costco for a first hand look at a Snow Joe Snow Blower, or visit our online store for the lowest prices on all makes and models of snow blowers.

You can find used snowblowers in a number of places:

1. Craigslist
2. Your newspaper classified ads
3. eBAY
4. Your local hardware store or power equipment dealer
5. and so on …

So how do you make sure you are buying a snowblower that will be worth the money?

Your local hardware store or power equipment dealer is probably one of the safest places to buy a used snow thrower.  You probably won’t get as good of a deal from one of these stores, but the price can be worth the reassurance you get.  Many of these establishments often service equipment as well as sell it.  You can get assurance from the dealer that the equipment has been inspected.  Ask about guarantees and return policies for used equipment.  Since these dealers sell on a local level, they will often back up their sales with a limited guarantee.  These dealers offer their goods at a higher price, but you get a better peace of mind.

I lump Craigslist and your local newspaper classified ads into the same category.  In this case, you are often dealing with an individual.  Most people are typically good by nature.  But you will bump into some dishonest individuals.  You will often find some of your best deals on used snow throwers in these two places.  You must be more vigilent though.  You will want to see the equipment in action.  Make sure it starts easily, runs well, and that there are no serious deficiencies with it.  Ask about the maintenance history, and to see records if available.  Make sure that there are no obvious signs of fluid leaks.  You may also want to look for evidence of fluid leaks where the unit is stored.  The evidence can often be found on the garage floor.  Snowblowers with minor issues can often be had a very low prices.  Don’t be afraid to tell the seller that you will get back to him, and walk away.  Check with the local repair shops on the cost of repairs, prior to making the purchase of a unit that needs some work.  This information can often be used as a negotiating tool.

I am a big fan of eBAY.  I have gotten tons of deals off that website over the years.  While great deals exist here, there is also some level of risk involved if you don’t take the appropriate precautions.  Using a few common sense measures, the eBAY community can be a great place to make your purchase.  Always check the feedback of the seller, but go one step further.  Check out the comments that are being left by other buyers.  I spend my fair share of time using this method to qualify a seller.  Ask the seller questions about their item.  A seller that responds to your questions quickly and sincerly before the sale, is more likely to deal with you in resolving any issues after the sale.  If local pickup is an option, then you have the added advantage of seeing the item for additional confirmation.  Don’t be afraid to ask for more pictures, it it helps you to confirm the condition of the snowblower.  But the most important precaution that you can take is to complete your purchase using the PayPal payment system.  PayPal offers buyer proection and insures your transaction.

If you are looking to save some money in these tight times, then consider a used snow thrower instead of a new one.  Just ensure that you are vigilent during your search.

Ask yourself the following questions and obtain the answers before proceeding:

1. How much snowfall is typically received in your area each year?
2. What is the size of the area that needs to be cleared?
3. What is the typical depth of the snowfall you will be dealing with?
4. How much time do you have to devote to snow removal?

There are typically 3 classes or types of snowblowers that are available for consideration:

1. Single Stage Snowblowers
   Single Stage Snowblowers use a spinning auger that chips away at ice and snow as it is propelled forward.  The snow and ice is collected and directed out of the snowblower’s discharge chute.  Single stage snowblowers are typically not self-propelled.  The motion from the spinning auger does pull the snowblower forward as it cuts through the snow giving it some degree of forward movement, but it is still up to the operator to guide it and assist in the forward movement.
   This type of snowblower is best used on solid, smooth surfaces such as pavement.  They will typically clear a path from 12″ to 22″.  The narrower clearing path works well for sidewalks and walkways, but requires more passes to clear larger areas, such as driveways.
   Single stage snowblowers work best for residential areas where the average snowfall is 3″ – 5″.
   Look for a model that has a multi-directional discharge chute.  This will allow you to adjust the direction that you are blowing the snow in.
2. Two Stage Snowblowers
   The biggest difference between a single-stage and two-stage snowblower is the addition of a spinning impeller behind the auger.  This impeller propels the snow at an increased speed through the discharge chute.  This throws the snow more rapidly and at further distances.  The result is that the two-stage snowblower is able to handle larger volumes of snow, deeper snow, and wider clearing paths.  They can typically clear a path from 20″ to 36″.
   Two-stage snowblowers use adjustable skids that control the height from the auger and the surface to be cleared.  These skids can become worn over time and may require replacement, but this is an easy task.
   Two-stage snowblower are self propelled, and each model uses some form of multiple speed reversible transmission.  This typically allows the operator to apply power to each wheel independently, which aids in the turning of the snowblower.
   Two-stage snowblowers are typically more robust than single-stage snowblowers.  They usually have a 4-cycle winterized engine that is designed for extreme cold weather operation.  They are designed for residential users with larger areas to clear or larger snowfalls, and for professional use.
   Two-stage snowblowers typically have many added special features, such as:
   - Drift cutters for deep snow
   - Electric Start Mechanisms
   - Hydrostatic Variable-speed transmissions
   - Headlamps
   - Heated Handgrips
   - and more
3. Electric Snowblowers
   Electric snowblowers are often a good option for the value-conscious consumer.  They are also a good choice for areas that don’t receive large amounts of regular snowfalls.  If you are tired of picking up that snow shovel for those occasional snowfalls, then an electric snowblower might be right for you.
   Electric snowblower operation is limited by the length of your extension cord.  There are many light-weight, hand-held models that are a perfect replacement for a shovel, and work great for clearing steps and walkways.  While the hand-held models might not work well as a primary snow clearing tool in northern regions, they can compliment your single-stage or two-stage snowblower.
   The hand-held models can typically handle snow up to 4′” deep and paths approximately 12″ wide, where the push models can handle snow up to 11″ deep and paths approximately 19″ wide.  They typically don’t throw the snow as far, but for smaller jobs, electric snowblowers might be the right choice.

There are a lot of choices on the market when it comes to buying a snowblower.  You decision will be much easier if you search for a model that is sized right for your snow removal needs.