Me 2 but after the last storm I need to update my hardware We have a shared driveway and the neighbors equipment is much larger than mine

 

Chazdiggity

 

Now, we can't have the neighbor having bigger equipment, Mike. That's simply unacceptable. (ask Debs).

 

His is clearly a massive machine compared to my little one

 

Mine is a little one-stage...his is a 10HP two-stage 4 stroke!...he let me use it...he was like "I will warn ya you will never want to go back to the little one" I promptly ran into the hosue and told Debs we need an upgrade

 

What's the difference between a two-stage and a one-stage, Mike? Too bad the damn things are so expensive. I love my Troy-bilt, but it's been a bit of a pain in the ass over the years (carbeuretor gumming up, shear pins, etc..)

I think most of the bigger units are 4-strokes, Mike.

 

Vicked off the Consumer Reports website

Some of the newest snow blowers (also called snow throwers) are larger and more capable, yet easier to control. Many also cost less, thanks to price pressure from major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's, and Sears, which now account for 60 percent of sales.

Two-stage models are the biggest of these machines. Unlike smaller, single-stage models, which rely solely on a rubber-edged auger to move and disperse snow, as well as to provide some pulling power, two-stage models add drive wheels and a fanlike impeller to help disperse what they pick up. [/endvick]



I think you are right Chaz....the larger ones are all 4 strokes... mine is a little old one (got it in the divorce settlement ) and I have to mix the gas and oil...makes for some nasty burn off!

 

 

A two stage has a second impeller at the base of the chute to pull snow out and shoot it. Unless the snow is deep enough to "fill" the main impeller (usually 16-18" deep), two-stages work much better. They also tend to throw snow further, which is very nice for large driveways.

 

^ Hmm, I'm trying to figure this out. I've got *one* impeller in my 8HP troy-bilt; that much I'm sure of... And, yeah, my blower is pretty lame unless there's at least 1.5" to scoop up. Of course, that's what shovels are for...

I suppose mine is a one-stage then. I'll tell you this, though, it throws the shit out of reasonable snow. Seems to me an additional impeller is just one more thing to fail though.