Recommend a Snow Thrower / Blower

[Tarmac]

So, recommend me a Snow Thrower or blower for Michigan winters. Do you have one? My parameters:

-Easy to use (this is for my 60 year old parents)
-Has to fit in a fairly small 2 car garage which has 2 cars in it, no bohemyoths
-Preferably under $400, also open to cheap bang-for-buck models, of course.
-Have to be able to order it and ship it, I am not in Michigan.
-I think electrical corded is okay, the driveway is fairly short and directly in front of the garage which has outlets. Correct me if electrical is bad.

Also it doesn't have to be the most durable model, I think 2-3 years usage is good. They will probably move to a townhouse in a few years.

I suppose the worst snowstorms Michigan usually gets is about 12 inches, several times per winter.

 

[antirabbit]

a small single stage that is light.
Make sure the height of the front is over 10 inches, or they will be limited in the performance in a heavy snow.
Remember to dedicate a mixed gas jug so it is convenient to fill.
Oh, and an electric start will really help.

 

[Tarmac]

So would you avoid electric models? Gas is better?

 

[Cary Grant]

In your price range the throwers you find will be
1) built for less than 10" of snow
2) not self propelled, thus challenging in heavy snow
3) recoil start.

I mention the last two given your parent age. Are those items important? If not- aim for the Toro's around the $400 range available from Home Depot, Lowes or whatever is in their area.

If you can part with $600. Toro Ariens and a few others make self-propelled models (with forward and reverse).

 

[nahneun]

Sorry to revive this thread, but I'm in a similar predicament for New York winters. My price range is a bit higher, about 1000 at most. Is it still a Toro or Ariens? Can anyone suggest a good model? Thank you!

 

[nahneun]

can anyone share their insight

?

 

[lee_44106]

I have an Arien.

Best suggestion is to hire somebody to plow for you.