02-15-2007, 02:52 AM
A good single stage is always better than a cheapy two stage.
I'm amazed at what the Home Depots of the world put out for sale for homeowners--always these big pieces of gear at low prices. Well, what do you expect?
Frankly, I don't know of too many people who can use a tractor (not riding mower, but front engine tractor with no turning radius worth a damn) just to cut the grass in the summer. But there they are, right out front, ready for sale. Same with two stage snowblowers.
If you have to, do it twice with a single stage unit. But get a good one, with a good engine and good mechanicals. You'll appreciate a good engine that always starts and just works and an auger that cleans the driveway and blows snow, even if you have to go out in the middle of the snowstorm and make your first pass, then go out and do it again after the rest of the snow has fallen. That's much better than wrestling with a cheapy that in the end really doesn't work any better.
Me, I like being able to throw the single stage unit into the back of the van and go do the family's driveways.
Bigger isn't always better.
I'm amazed at what the Home Depots of the world put out for sale for homeowners--always these big pieces of gear at low prices. Well, what do you expect?
Frankly, I don't know of too many people who can use a tractor (not riding mower, but front engine tractor with no turning radius worth a damn) just to cut the grass in the summer. But there they are, right out front, ready for sale. Same with two stage snowblowers.
If you have to, do it twice with a single stage unit. But get a good one, with a good engine and good mechanicals. You'll appreciate a good engine that always starts and just works and an auger that cleans the driveway and blows snow, even if you have to go out in the middle of the snowstorm and make your first pass, then go out and do it again after the rest of the snow has fallen. That's much better than wrestling with a cheapy that in the end really doesn't work any better.
Me, I like being able to throw the single stage unit into the back of the van and go do the family's driveways.
Bigger isn't always better.