My old snowblower died before finishing my drive this morning. I figured it wouldn't be a problem getting a new one. Amazed, I could only find 2 meeting my specs:
About 10 hp, 2 stage. My budget would stretch to around $1200. All I found was 1 MTD (999) and one Crapsman at $799.
Googled Walmart, Shopko, Costco, (all "'snow blower not found" Sears (in desparation) and tried ACE Hardware but had server problems, Harbor freight, A surplus center. Will try ACE again this evening.
Even stopped at John Deere - they only had one, a 71/2 hp - not enough of an upgrade from my old 5 hp. All others were listed as "sold out".
Any suggestions? I know I am missing something obvious here but age and memory don't go together very well any more.
Did you go to the Aryens web site to see what they had available? And, why would you want to purchase such a thing from a store that offers no service?
buffalo ny: depending on your climate and muscles, your wrestling with a snowblower weight and its repair may be a task best hired out to a lucky younger neighbor, remember when you were one? :)
Thanks for the replies. My "stupid" phase passed right after I posted. My mistake was looking for local sources and I named everyone within 60 miles. Once I started googling by brand name, no more problem except for ones like TORO and HONDA that don't list the price.
The Amazon site is one I never considered as for some reason, even knowing better, I look at them as a source for books/movies, etc. Definitely going to be looking there. Thanks ypylaw - that is one good buy. I will probably buy it but will look at the 8 hp first.
As for buying from a source hat doesn't service. That is just about what I have to do. Other than ACE (and I'm not sure about them) I can't think of a source withing 60 miles that does any real service. Most are "take it back for exchange".
Into the unheated garage this morning and tear into to the old one to see if I can get that impeller reconnected to whatever broke. I suspect a belt which is no fun to change. Just about have to dismantle the machine to get in there. Doesn't act like a shear pin as it spins freely.
Nothing beats the fun of nut-n-bolting barehanded at 25 degrees ;(
Thanks for the replies. My "stupid" phase passed right after I posted. My mistake was looking for local sources and I named everyone within 60 miles. Once I started googling by brand name, no more problem except for ones like TORO and HONDA that don't list the price.
The Amazon site is one I never considered as for some reason, even knowing better, I look at them as a source for books/movies, etc. Definitely going to be looking there. Thanks ypylaw - that is one good buy. I will probably buy it but will look at the 8 hp first.
As for buying from a source hat doesn't service. That is just about what I have to do. Other than ACE (and I'm not sure about them) I can't think of a source withing 60 miles that does any real service.
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The reason you "can't think of a source" is most likely because the locally owned shops are tiny places you've never noticed. Open your yellow pages phone book and look under "lawnmowers". Many of the same dealers will also sell snow blowers.
This is not a guarantee that one of them will sell exactly the thing you want, but it's worth a look. Also, these shops are NOT always more expensive. There is no general rule. One thing for sure, though: The chain stores you mentioned - they're not going to have certain levels of service available if you ever need it. So, let's say you find a model you like at Lowe's for $600, and a locally owned shop sells the same thing for $675, set up & delivered, you have to decide if that $75 difference is worthwhile in return for a relationship with a store that can actually help you in the future if you need it.
Warranty service will be performed regardless of where you bought it. =================
True, but irrelevant. The dealer I bought my snow blower from offered free pickup & delivery during the entire manufacturer's warranty period. I never needed it, but it would've been valuable, since a large snow blower was not going to fit into the trunk of a Taurus.
Tell me what Costco, HD or Lowe's would do for you if the unit needed service. Tell me if a small local dealer would offer that service to a customer who bought it elsewhere. Remember that we're talking about transporting the unit, which is not covered under warranty by manufacturers.
NOpe. I did check the only local (other than the big boxes, lowes, shopko, etc.) Namely the grange "don't sell em anymore" and ACE who does. How fun it is to need a 'small engine' job done knowing there is only one in this town and only open on Saturday, next one is 30 miles away - a major chainsaw dealer who dabbles in small engines on the side.
The nearest 'real' service is 60 miles away. I do most of my 'service' myself.
speaking of which. I tore into the old one. Yep, broken shear pin. I put that machine together as a basket case somewhere around 20 years ago. Bought it for $50 from a rental in 3 boxes. Diagnosis - rusted out shear pin and the good news was that someone had put in a 'split pin'. Remains still in the hole that I can't get at with any real tools and a make-shift drift punch from a 3/16 steel rod (regular punch not long enough) won't budge it. Need to dismantle the entire machine to get the shaft out of there.
Waiting for my e-mail now to see if the one I ordered is in stock. Went with the ACE one so the dealer will at least be local. If non in stock the fall back is AMAZON.
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