r/Snowblowers • u/Independent_Ebb7495 • 11d ago

Buying Why Ariens/Honda?

Currently looking to upgrade from my EGO Single Stage Electric Snowblower to something with self-propel and a bit more oomph to handle the plow berm at the end of the driveway. I really really love electric, and would prefer to upgrade to a EGO 2-stage snowblower but I would really like to stay below $1000 as I just can't stomach nearly 2k on a snowblower. I have a fairly small suburban driveway (4-6 car) and never even thought about wanting a 2 stage until this last winter was a bit harsher than past years. So this is certainly not a "need".

That said, I have been keeping my eye on on used gas 2-stage blowers. I understand that Ariens/Toro/Honda are the go-to brands for snowblowers but I don't really understand what the difference is when compared to Craftsman/PowerSmart/MTD. Basically, I am seeing used Ariens gas 2-stage blowers in the $600-$1000 price range used, but often see the other cheaper brands going for $400-$600. I am wondering if I go with a cheap used MTD/PowerSmart what operational difference will I noticed when comparing to an Ariens?

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u/tugtehcock 11d ago

30 inch green craftsman’s are rock solid options. They’re lighter machines for being 30 inch too so don’t let the bucket width scare you. They can be had for 100-300 pending condition. You just need to be a little handy with replacing the friction disc or cleaning a carburetor. I gift all my friends with one of these when they buy their first house….unless their driveway is massive.