What are the best snow throwers? Reply!

[Popper]

I am planning on serviceing many residnetial driveways and would like to use a snow thrower, but I have never used one before...

Can you give me any advice?

What is a good brand?
Size or power?
Model type?
Thanks<b></b>

[qualitylandscaping]

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Popper,

I have a Toro 3650 GTS which is on the smaller end of snowblowers (because I have a plow, I don't need a big snowblower)..

I recommend Toro... www.toro.com/snowthrowers/index.html

If you are doing whole driveways, I would advise you to get a two-stage snow blower.

I would get at least 8hp w/ a 22" clearing width.
Something like the model 924 Power Shift.

It might be in your best interest to buy a snowplow if you are going to have alot of jobs.

[SouthernPrideLawnCare]

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This is a good topic for since I'm looking to move up north after a bit maybe 1 or 2 more seasons in Florida, I'm already looking into snowblowers but since I use Walkers for my cutting I was going to look into there snowblowers that go right on the front of there Units So if anyone has something to say about my Idea Please Let me hear them[8D]Ohh and for Major Snow I'm was thinking about putting a plow on my Bronco for larger area's and I don't want to hear anything about my Bronce LOL it has more power then most people use for Lawn Services[]

[qualitylandscaping]

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Southern Pride,

If you are going to put anything on your mower, I would buy a plow for it. Blowers are alot of extra work and possible maintenance costs that can be avoided.. Plows also work better than blowers, because they can get right down to the surface. In NY, getting all the snow off the driveway is very important or the driveways become skating rinks[:p]

You won't have any problem with a Bronco if it's a 4x4.. You'll never make it up north plowing with a 4x2.

[SouthernPrideLawnCare]

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Just Alittle FYI they never made a 4x2 bronco but a broncoII thats another story [8D]Thanks for your input about they blow they do make a plow for them as well, Walkers have alot of things to use with there Mowers..

[Scaper-S2k]

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Toro makes a mean snow blower. Many tried copying the design, but the single stage Toro's with teh rubber paddles are top notch and can really move snow. Up to 6", you can move snow as fast as you can walk. It pulls itself along perfectly. When you use it, don't lift the back end up in the air so the paddles beat on the ground extremely hard. Got a neighbor that does that with his. That's not the way they are suppose to be used.[]

They last many years too.

[Zack.]

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Toro single stages!

Toro 3650's & or the new Toro Snow Commander. They are indestructible (at least the 3650's are), light & can move an amazing amount of snow.

But Toro 2 stagers suck! Too heavy & no turn assist on the largest models. I love my MTD/Yard Machine 10/28's & the 13/32's with power steering! Light, easy to maneuver, inexpensive & they have the same Tecumseh's as the bulky Toro POS's.

God makes snow!

[Scaper-S2k]

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Zack, nice to see you back. Yesterday I was going to ask where you have been these past couple weeks.

Vacation? Snow?

[dancom]

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i have a toro 2 stage 8hp 24 inch does a great job.

[TerraCare]

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if you keep up with the snow fairly well, the best snowthrower is the toro snow commander single stage. Two stagers are way too heavy to keep unloading and loading onto a truck. Commander weighs little enough that you can move it anywhere with ease, and it will go through those plow lines too! Never have been more satisfied with a thrower than this one, just my 2 cents

todd

[Zack.]

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Mr. Terra is bang on---almost!

The Toro Snow Commander can move snow as well as or better than most 2 stages, & definately better than Mr. dancom's 8/24-2 stage.

However, if you're hauling in & out of a truck bed the Toro 3650 is a better choice. The 3650 is much lighter & moves snow as well as the Commander but with a smaller width & no tilt bail which makes it slightly more difficult to propel. Since I trailer blowers I am partial to the Commander for most situations.

To answer Mr. Skaper's query, I have been busy compiling fraudulant & misleading postings by said member & will submit my findings shortly to the proper authorities.

[Popper]

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Thanks Steve K,

Your info was good, nice words up there at the top!
I am just going after my very first snow throwing service!

I have a brand new snow thrower ... And planning on using it!

[TerraCare]

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Zack, you recommend the smaller single stage over the commander for my next blower? We are thinking of getting another thrower this season to save us a little time...

todd

[Zack.]

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Mr. Terra, if you are hauling out of a truck bed I would highly recommend the 3650 over the Commander. The 3650 is much lighter, less bulky & can be lifted easily without strain. The main benefits of the Commander are the tilting bail which aids in propelling the unit & the larger swath. The 3" width difference is compensated by only .5 larger hp engine on the Commander so there is little difference in performance in heavier snow.

[qualitylandscaping]

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I agree with Zack about the 3650.. In the Northeast, it would be very unproductive to use the 3650 on a whole driveway, thats why I recommend larger models. Some other members said they are garbage, but I don't know. I haven't used any Toro other than the 3650 GTS.

Good Luck!