The AYP built Craftsman is a decent machine for the money, the lighter Murray probably will not stand up for long in your conditions.You might do better with a stouter machine, Ariens, Snapper or Simplicity come to mind. IMHO, Honda is the king of the castle but be prepared to shell out big bucks.

Thanks, I have seen quite a few postings in favor of Ariens...worth checking out!

Not terribly thrilled with Simplicity vacuum for the money I spent, so I am steering clear of their snow blowers.

Hi,

You may wish to also check out Toro 1800 18-Inch 12 Amp Electric Curve Snow Thrower #38025, its the best-selling thrower I have known. Just got one for myself. Currently, theres a promotion on, 15% off. Only $279. 5-star review, with more than 280 customers who have bought it.

Check out this link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005OQMG?ie=UTF8&tag=8thebodigsho-20

For more snow throwers, check out www.8thmall.com/shop.php?c=21&n=228013&k=snow+blower&s=sr&p=1&x=Tools_Hardware_snow_blower
If you wish something more powerful, they have other range a well.

Before making a recommendation, how much area do you have to clear snow from? That determines how much machine you require for your snow removal needs. How big is your driveway (length & width)? Do you have sidewalk to clear too, and how much? Can you operate a pull start on a gas engine? If not, then electric start is a must.

I'm not sure what issues you had with your Simplicity vacuum, but their snowblowers are TOP NOTCH...

Since you are in the DC area where snowfall is not too frequent, a Craftsman machine might be an ok choice for you.

Marty

But when they do get it, look out.

Ariens and Craftsman 2 stage 5hp should work.$600.00 for either one.

i would think for dc, except for the huge snowstorm a few years back, you wouldn't need too much hp. any good brand single stage would be more than adequate. even if you had a lot of driveway, it would be difficult to justify a two stage for dc. if you have limited storage, the storage issue would far outweigh your hp issue. could just pick up a nice single stage toro at hd.

DC would most likely get really wet snow. Single stages dont do well moving slush.

I just picked up a toro 826LE and we had about 6inches of wet wet wet snow this weekend. Let me tell you, that machine didn't blink, and threw the snow a good ways. Expensive, but given it will last 20+ years, worth every penny.

Our drive is probably about 50 feet long and 3 cars wide. Our walk is 77 feet.

We do get slushy snow.

Thanks for all of your comments.....I will print these suggestions to take shopping with me.

I don't mind paying more for the better machine, but I am not into unnecessary vanity tags KWIM? I have been on teh Ariens website, and when I put in my specs, it gave me several options, but I believe they were all 2-stage...just what is the benefit of 2-stage?

Basically the single stage snow throw only powers the auger. The advantage of a two stage is that the machine powers the auger and the drive wheels. Most two stages allow you to switch speeds usually 6 forward, 2 reverse. These machines are generally bigger and heavier which is better to get down to the bottom of the driveway. Plus alot of single stage throwers are two strokes vs the four stroke for the two stage.

dual stages don't throw slush either. i have proof over the weekend.

btw, i mean slush, not wet snow. slush i would think of as a melting icee consistency.

It may help to know that there is no relationship between Simplicity vacuum cleaners and Simplicity outdoor power equipment. They are two completely different companies.

I live in Maryland, so I get similiar snow conditions. I purchased a 30" Husky with 8.5 Tecumseh, 16" tires, 6f/2r for $699 at Tractor Supply. I have had the unit for three years. I used to think Husky was junk but this unit had the same engine as Ariens, Toro, and Symplicities yet it was much cheaper. I clear 660 feet of driveway and it has a 200 foot difference in elevation.
I like the large opening since we usually don't get much snow. It will pick up slush and drop it to the side, so a few swipes will get the job done. The large tires are a must for hills. It starts right up and has done the job.
I don't like the noise (very loud). It is heavy, so when I hit ice going up hills I get a work out. It is large and takes up a lot of space in the garage. Hope this helps.

Dollar for dollar, I think you'll be best served with a smaller 2-stage like the small-frame Ariens "Compact" models. They seem very well-built and can be had at both big box stores and outdoor power equipment dealers.

I know everyone likes two stage snowthrowers. But I have to tell you, I live in west Michigan and we get something called lake effect snow which is typically wet and heavy. But we don't normally get dumped on.

I have used single stage snow throwers for years and just picked up an 8hp used Simplicity commercial two stage last year. I only pulled out the two stage 3 times last year. The single stage handles most snow falls very well some just adequateley, but makes up for any shortcomings in maneuverability. It is SOOOOOoooo much easier to use than the huge two stage that given a choice, I'll take the single stage for all but the worst snow falls.

You have to wonder if it is worth having a two stage for the rare major storm? Nothing wrong with smaller two stages but they are definitely harder to handle than a single stage.

My drive is 20' x 70'. A really large drive way would swing you toward the two stage. An average size like mine might swing you toward a single stage.

I have always found Simplicity and Ariens and some toro dealers great sources for information. You might try visiting them, explaining what you have to blow off and see what they recommend. They will not steer you wrong and they know your local snowfalls.

Good luck whatever you decide!