<p>We have a Bolens 2-stage 4HP snow thrower (snowblower) that we purchased new in NY around 1986. We don’t use it as much in Colorado (some years never), but it is handy to have it for the big storms.</p>
<p>Our choices:
fix ($400, maybe more)
scrap w/o replacement (and possible pay for shovelers… if we find anybody)
buy new ($850 for 1-stage). </p>
<p>A nice 2-stage machine could be up to $2500, way too much for our small driveway/sidewalk. </p>
<p>In the past we’ve dealt with sheer pin problems, so we know how to fix that. But this month we have a serious problem - the auger mechanism won’t turn. Today DH and I found a way to tip-pivot it into the minivan for a run to the local repair shop. Sadly it will need a gear box replacement. If they can find the part, it will be abut $100…plus possibly up to $300 labor. The store encouraged us to buy a new one (that may be easier profit).</p>
<p>We like the idea of fixing things, keeping them out of the landfill. But we don’t want to regret our choice down the road.</p>
<p>Gosh, for $600 you can get the Troy Bilt we got. The thing ate right through our 24 inch snow last winter, and eats through the heavy slush stuff at the end of the drive.</p>
<p>I think you can find a new 2-stage one for under $1000. It would also have electric start, which I doubt your old one had and is a wonderful feature.</p>
<p>We got rid of the 80s model about 12 years ago and have never looked back. The new ones work so much better…handle well, and cut a wider swath. I would say…this one doesn’t owe you a cent. Get a new one.</p>
<p>Actually we have not shopped yet - that’s tomorrow’s chore. (We had vowed to start taxes today). We were only going by the initial info from one repair/sales shop, based on their limited stock available through them (and we only saw catalog pictures). </p>
<p>I still have not ruled out going without a snow thrower. It would be nice to get the garage space back. But I fear we’d only be tempting fate with Mother Nature.</p>
<p>Please. Temp the fates and keep the snow out west! </p>
<p>I had enough snow in 2011 to last me for several years here in Connecticut. That would include the October snowstorm. </p>
<p>2011 is the year they cancelled Halloween … and then had no snow until January when we had 6 inches. Today’s much vaunted “storm” turned into wet pavement flurries. </p>
<p>Please, do us a favor and keep the snow in your corner!</p>
<p>We went a different route a few years ago. I hired a plow guy and for $25 he plows us out if there is over 2 inches. We got tired of the space the snow blower took up and the maintenance, plus I didn’t like going out and clear out the drive way in horrible weather. There isn’t much I hire out but I enjoy this perk. I love being in bed on a cold morning and hearing the guy plow out the drive and know that I can sleep in a little bit longer.</p>
<p>Onward - I’ve considered the plow guy idea. Not sure if it will work with our short driveway, but it’s worth investigating it. (In fact, shoveling the short driveway is not so bad, except in deep snow when you can’t just pile snow at the edges). Also, for a few of the deep snows the real snowplow comes to side streets in our town… and yikes, then there is the berm to deal with at the end of the driveway. </p>
<p>I’m really glad that my 84 year old Dad hires for plowing in his long NY driveway. A few years ago he told me he felt old… he’d have to take a break from shoveling after “only” 2 hours. Ha, then he’d go out two more times later.</p>
<p>“Any teenagers you can hire” - Sadly no. I think that would be the perfect solution.</p>
<p>At this point the neighborhood is mostly empty nesters and young families. One lady near us tried a few years ago to hire my kids as last resort, but they didn’t have time to do a good job on the the morning work she wanted. It’s too bad - the storms where we’d need the most help would be snow days. </p>
<p>I have considered approaching 2 nearby husbands with snow throwers in case we could come up with win/win proposition. One I think is unemployed or semi-retired. The other is long retired, but not by choice (and his wife lost her job too). But I worry about awkwardness, health concerns etc.</p>
<p>At this point I lean toward scrapping the old machine. We may need to defer purchase until fall due to limited availability. (That also buys us some time to ponder purchase vs shovel plans).</p>
<p>We’ve been hearing good things about Ariens and Turo. Feel free to add other recommendations.</p>
<p>I bought a large Ariens unit used about 8 years ago, and got a very good deal for a machine about a year old with almost no use.</p>
<p>If you look at the used market, it will take a long time of looking to find the right deal. My impression is that almost all used snow throwers are offered by lawn contractors. They pay about 1000+ new, use the dickens out of the equipment for 5-8 years, and then want someone to pay $700+. I got mine for half that. I was being sold by a well off guy who was moving south, and his move was occurring in the summer. That’s the time to look. </p>
<p>I agree with the other posters who think you should be able to get a serviceable unit new for about 600-700 ish. As far as having kids shovel, you’re likely to find that your idea of a fair price and their idea of fair compensation for that level of effort don’t overlap. :)</p>
<p>Thanks dadx. There are no more Ariens left at Home Depot (they are sold out of all). We found today that Lowes replenished their stock from Utah… they have a decent 2-stage Troy-built model on sale for $567. DH is not in love with it, but we have not ruled it out. </p>
<p>At this point, we probably will not fix the old one at the shop even if part is available.</p>
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