Snow Removal

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1. PRO = Cast iron gear box, Auto-Traction control so it's easier to use.  Light and electric start are standard.
2. DELUXE PLATINUM = Aluminum gearbox, Auto-Traction control, light and electric start on most models.
3. DELUXE = Aluminum gearbox, pinned wheels, light and electric start on most models.
4. COMPACT = As implied... for smaller driveways.

With Ariens snowblowers, there is a new style shear bolt starting in 2009. Be sure you get the correct shear bolt. They look similar to previous generations, but are designed differently, and may not break correctly.

Snowblower ideologies:

If you think the machine might be a 'little' small for the job, it probably will be too small during a blizzard. You don't get a second chance during a snow storm. The roads are closed, and the stores are sold out. 

     We say, "plan ahead". In our neck of the woods, 1 foot snows are pretty common, 2 foot snows much less common, but certainly not unheard of.  3 foot snows are rare but do happen. I'd much rather plan for the worst, and be ready with a smile.  And when you add heavy slush into the equation, the larger full size Toro is nice to have for the power.

     The snowblower should be doing the work, not you!  That is why you bought the unit, right?  I want to let you in on a secret. Small 2 stage snowblowers may LOOK less intimidating, and easier to use...  but when you start using that machine in heavy snow, you will soon find out you are working as hard or harder than the machine!  You end up pushing it thru heavy snow, man-handling it in corners, and going super slow thru deeper snow.  No fun at all.

Needless to say, when you buy a quality snowblower, you expect to have it for a long time. So ensure the model you are purchasing today is going to be compatible 25 years from now! 

If you are a young buck, you can put up with heavy handed steering, but in 25 yrs from now, will you still tolerate it?

Big Box store purchase... or not?

Our "10 Points of Light"

1. Our prices are usually the same as big box stores for like product models.
2. We try to educate you in the buying process, to ensure you are getting just what you want and need.
3. We assemble all equipment that leaves here as part of the price.
4. We fill it full of oil, and even put some fuel in it.
5. We run up the machine and adjust to ensure everything is working correctly.
6. We instruct you on how to use and maintain your machine.
7. We don't sell cheaply performing products that need apologies later on.
8. All of our units are repaired on premises by factory certified techs.
9. We have a tremendous supply of parts right on hand when you need it most.
10. All service is performed 'in house', not in an 'out-house'.

Why would anyone go to a big box store to buy power equipment?   Hey, we all learn from our mistakes... it's ok.

Things To Look For

1. Product design makes a difference. The better units will have a steering assist (although even the cheap units now are trying to imitate this concept using plastic gears). 
2. The better units will also have a smoother operating chute control, not ones that bind up because of poor plastic implementation.  Plastic is not a bad thing, if engineered correctly! 
3. Better machines will use thicker metal, this is especially crucial in the scraper area (I'm not talking about the scraper itself, however). If the impeller housing bends easily, it will bend out of shape, and that's the end of that. At best, you will never have an effective cleaning of the blacktop. At worst, the unit will destroy itself because of the impeller hitting the housing.  (Cheap units can be bent by hand!)
4. Smarter designed units will have an effective chute height control that actually works!  Cheaper units usually fail miserably in this area. If the chute height control freezes in the down position, then what?
5. The list goes on and on, but you get the idea. You get what you pay for.

1. All Toro 2 stage units are 'PRO' level. They don't make a 'cheap' unit, only ones with less options: light, Freewheel steer, and pivoting scaper bar.  Same front gearbox is used throughout.

2. Quick Stick™ chute control on PowerMax 2 Stage units make changing chute direction and height quick and easy.
   

3. PowerMax™  snow 'recycling'
   
   This revolutionary system meters snow intake. Snow that's not immediately thrown is returned back into the auger, providing maximum travel speed and snowthrowing capacity.

4. Freewheel Steering for effortless maneuverability, wheels can be disengaged independently or simultaneously, with handle-mounted trigger controls.  This makes turning, and steering adjustments easy for anyone.  Left control for left wheel, right control for right. Well thought-out design, gearing is made of metal! 

   Available on 828 LXE, 1028 LXE, and 1128 OXE Power Max models. Check out Power Max virtual tour for a freewheel demonstration.

5. Toro does not use shear bolts.  They use hardened grade 5 bolts. "Geesh, won't that hurt the gearbox?", asks conventional wisdom. "Nope," says the Toro man.  And I have to agree. We see extremely few Toro gearbox issues, if at all.

What a quality snowblower
can do for you?

Click here and see if yours can do this.  I took this picture of an 8hp Toro in our back test field.

For This season:
Can you say Lay-It Aside?

If you don't have room for your new machine, just tell us when you purchase it. We'll hold it until at least Christmas, if need be.  But... don't take too much advantage of our generosity -- get that garage or shed cleaned out now, while it's still warm out!

Don't wait.