I checked around this morning and most Full-Line Sears stores have snow throwers available in the store. It may take the storeroom an extra few minutes to dig them out but they are there.

Click on the link below and look around sears.com to find the model you want, put in your zip code and the website will tell you if that mode is available for immediate pick-up at your local Sears store.

Use this link to check: Craftsman 24″ 208cc Dual-Stage Snow Blower 13″ x 4″ X-Trac tires

Paul Sikkema on Google+

Go here to see the original post at MovingSnow.com. Paul is the owner of the great MovingSnow.com website. At MovingSnow.com you can find reviews and how to articles on Toro Snow Blowers, John Deere Snow Blowers, Ariens Snow Blowers and Craftsman Snow Blowers.

BigSkyGolfCars.com offers over 10,000 golf cart parts and accessories for the golf cart enthusiast and an array of other customers such as Golf Courses, RV Resorts, Hobby Farms, Cabin Owners, Beach Recreationists, Off-Roading, Universities and Parks, and the list goes on. From the do-it-yourself cart owner to the professional mechanic, Big Sky Golf Cars supplies the parts and accessories that repair or customize the golf cart for hundreds of uses.

Paul Sikkema on Google+

Go here to see the original post at MovingSnow.com. Paul is the owner of the great MovingSnow.com website. At MovingSnow.com you can find reviews and how to articles on Toro Snow Blowers, John Deere Snow Blowers, Ariens Snow Blowers and Craftsman Snow Blowers.

Did You Know You Can Order a Craftsman Snow Blower Online Tonight and Pick It Up In The Morning? 

Here’s how:

Click On this Link: Sears.com Home Page. In the top right corner you will see a link called “My Location”  Put in your zip code.

Then using the menus navigate to the snow blower you want. The website will tell you if your local store has it in stock.  Be sure to select “Store Pickup”  Order it and it will be waiting for you when the store opens.

You can go back and change your zip code to check other stores in your area.

UPDATE! You can also use   to see where the snow blowers are at Kmart stores. And of course you can check your nearest store, order them through this link and pick your new Craftsman Snow Blower. Here is the link: 10% Off an Order of $20+ with code GIVING10

I don’t know if other stores have real-time inventory on their websites. If Sears is out, here is a link to Lowes: Buy Online, Pick Up in Store – 20 Minutes Guaranteed only at Lowe’s

Paul Sikkema on Google+

Go here to see the original post at MovingSnow.com. Paul is the owner of the great MovingSnow.com website. At MovingSnow.com you can find reviews and how to articles on Toro Snow Blowers, John Deere Snow Blowers, Ariens Snow Blowers and Craftsman Snow Blowers.

Yes, The site looks different today. I just wanted to let you know I am having problems with the theme that you normally see.

Hopefully I will get it fixed in the next few days.

Until then, just look at the list of snow blowers on the right side of the page.  Use that list to find the snow blower you would like to read about.

Paul

Paul Sikkema on Google+

Go here to see the original post at MovingSnow.com. Paul is the owner of the great MovingSnow.com website. At MovingSnow.com you can find reviews and how to articles on Toro Snow Blowers, John Deere Snow Blowers, Ariens Snow Blowers and Craftsman Snow Blowers.

Well, we had 16 inches of snow yesterday and I got to put this snow blower to a decent test. I actually used the 30 inch version of this snow blower.

by: Paul Sikkema

Husqvarna 1827EXLT 27-Inch 414cc SnowKing…

It has been quite a while since I have had a snow blower that has this much power and capacity to use. The 414cc LCT Snow King motor had more than enough power to move this much snow. I actually tried to plug this snow blower by walking as fast I as could through 24 inch drifts. Drift that were higher than the 23 in intake. It hardly slowed down and did not plug. I did this overnight so I did not get to take a video.

I cleaned my driveway, my 94 year old neighbors single car gravel drive, and another neighbor’s three car drive. I cleaned the snow plow drift from all the mailboxes. This drift was hard packed snow and about 30 inches and the snowblower cut right through it.  The track drive did not slip and the snow blower stayed straight when cutting through that heavy, packed snow. I had some wind to deal with so the snow blower was covered in snow and none of the controls got hard to use or stiff.

I was able to do all of this in about the same time as it would take me to clean my own drive with my 23 in, track drive, 5 hp Craftsman.

Here are two videos for you:

This one just shows how far the 30 inch will throw.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pz6AwxnAqw

The second video is for all of you who are seriously interested in this snow blower. I put it through it’s paces clearing off a patch in the backyard for my dogs.  The traction this unit has is the best. The 3-point tracks are aggressive and give the unit plenty of float and traction.  I love watching a good snow blower in action and this one was mezmorizing to watch. My wife who doesn’t care about this stuff had to comment how well it did.

If you notice I have the front of the snow blower off the ground about 1 1/2 inches. You can lock track drive snow blowers so the front end doesn’t scrape on the ground like the wheeled versions.  This is great for clearing snow from sod, gravel and dirt because it doesn’t pick up grass, rocks or dirt.  I like this 3-point drive better than the 2-point drive systems on the Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet because it keeps the same clearance under the trans as the wheeled version. The MTD’s system drops the snow blower so there is a lot less clearance under the trans. (The MTD’s will get stuck easier than this model)  Being able to raise the front is also nice when you have to walk to the neighbors do do their driveways.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NAvuLjr1Qo

Yes, I got it stuck on the edge of the patio. You will see I forgot how heavy it was and tried to man-handle it off the edge like a wheeled snow blower. You drive this snow blower using the power steering and hydrostatic transmission. It is too heavy to jerk around like your old wheeled unit.

Buy Here:
Husqvarna 1827EXLT 27-Inch 414cc SnowKing Gas Powered Two Stage Snow Thrower With Electric Start, Power Steering & Trac Hydro Drive

Amazon ships for free with their super saver shipping program. I looked this morning and I could get it to my door here in Wisconsin in 5 days.

I summary, I highly recommend this snow blower. It has more than enough power to handle any snow. The controls are convenient and easy to use. The new LED light is bright. The three-point hydro track drive is unstoppable. I ran it on pavement, on grass, on gravel, through a ditch and it just kept right on moving. The only complaint I have is the trigger steering controls can sometimes be stiff and hard to pull. This is not a mechanical problem, but the way the sealed hydrostatic transmission is designed.

Paul Sikkema on Google+

Go here to see the original post at MovingSnow.com. Paul is the owner of the great MovingSnow.com website. At MovingSnow.com you can find reviews and how to articles on Toro Snow Blowers, John Deere Snow Blowers, Ariens Snow Blowers and Craftsman Snow Blowers.

Compact snowblower to ease snow removal work in Alaska city

Just a little perspective on the term “Compact Snow Blower”

From: Fairbanks Daily news

by Matt Buxton/mbuxton@newsminer.com

Dec 05, 2012 | 5549 views | 8  | 8  |  | 

Travis Anderson with manufacturer Kodiak America in Idaho takes video as the City of Fairbanks Department of Public Works tests out its new TM42R Snow Blower Tuesday afternoon, December 4, 2012 at it’s Peger Road facility. Eric Engman/News-Miner

Street Supervisor Eric Grant takes a turn behind the wheel as the City of Fairbanks Department of Public Works tests out its new TM42R Snow Blower manufactured by Kodiak America Tuesday afternoon, December 4, 2012 at it’s Peger Road facility. Eric Engman/News-Miner

FAIRBANKS — The city of Fairbanks road crew watched with excitement Tuesday as the corkscrew blades of the city’s new Kodiak CR 3200S snow blower spun and the vehicle rolled forward, clearing a practice snow berm in moments.

The mustard yellow vehicle is the latest addition to the city of Fairbanks’ snow removal equipment and is easier to operate and more fuel efficient than its older counterparts.

City Public Works Director Michael Schmetzer said the snow blower, which cost about $330,000, is a much-needed addition to the city’s fleet and will help clear streets faster.

“We’re really proud of it,” Schmetzer said.

The rest of the city’s snow removal fleet is made up of loader-mounted snow blowers that are well-suited for deep snow on highways, but not as maneuverable on tight neighborhood streets. The vehicles are two parts, the blower and the loader, requiring two engines and two fuel tanks.

The new snow blower is an all-in-one package manufactured by Idaho-based Kodiak America. The relatively diminutive package is driven, the vehicle and the blower, by one 450-horse power Caterpillar engine that’s estimated to cut fuel bills, compared to the older machines, by a third.

Both types of vehicles have a spout that feeds snow into trucks to be transported to snow dumps.

The machine was delivered and assembled Monday and Trevor Anderson of Kodiak America was on site Tuesday to fine tune the device to Fairbanks’ light, powdery snow.

“This is pretty much our city vehicle,” he said. Kodiak makes and sells a variety of snow blowers to the state as well as companies on the North Slope. “It’s more fuel efficient, better on the environment and you can easily get it into cul-de-sacs.”

Last winter, the city of Fairbanks also added a pint-sized snow plow designed to clear sidewalks.

The new snow blower likely will see use on most of the city’s streets in the coming weeks, Schmetzer said.

“We’ve revised the snow program over the last few years, so we’re picking up snow a lot more quickly,” he said. “We’ve added two more trucks and we’re hoping to get streets cleared a lot quicker than before.”

Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner – New city snow blower more maneuverable and fuel efficient

Paul Sikkema on Google+

Go here to see the original post at MovingSnow.com. Paul is the owner of the great MovingSnow.com website. At MovingSnow.com you can find reviews and how to articles on Toro Snow Blowers, John Deere Snow Blowers, Ariens Snow Blowers and Craftsman Snow Blowers.

In this article I will go through the 14 U.S. snow blowers that sell for $600-$900 and give you the features and differences between them. I will give you my un-biased opinion on the snow blower based on repair history, service and features.

So you have decided that a 24 inch snow blower is the best size for you. Your driveway is about 2 cars wide and less than 100 feet long.

You looked at my article of the under $600 snow blowers and they just don’t have the features you want.

Average snow fall 4 to 12 inches. You regularly get more than 6 inch snows or more than 100 inches a year.

by: Paul Sikkema

I will tell you that if I could line up all the 24 inch snow blowers in a row and go over the features one-by-one most of you would buy a machine in this category. Those snow blowers have the most features that make your task easy, yet are affordable to buy and own.

There are over 30 different models of 24 inch snow blowers. I have broken the model down to these groups: $600 and less, $600-$1500 and over $1500.

In this article I will go through the 14 snow blowers that sell for $600-$1500 and give you the features and differences between them. I will give you my un-biased opinion on the snow blower based on repair history, service and features. This will help you decide which snow blower is best for you. If you want an in-depth review of a particular model look in the right-hand column and select my full review.

(Prices are listed prices on the retailer or manufacture websites. Actual price may vary. Data here is from manufacture’s websites.) All engines have electric start except as noted. All snow blowers have 4-way chute except as noted.

by: Paul Sikkema

$600 to $1500 Snow Blowers

The Worst in this price group: Craftsman/Ace 98536 The Best Value in this Group: Craftsman 88173. Best all around Snow  blower: Husqvarna 924HV followed closely by Ariens Deluxe ST24LE, Cub Cadet 524SWE and Toro 724 OE.

First, I am not going to list the John Deere. John Deere is out of the walk behind snow blower business. Also, Snapper/Simplicity is transitioning to a dealer only product. They are pulling out of the big box stores but there are dealers selling them on the internet.  It looks like Briggs will continue to sell at retailers but will be using with the Murray name. You may also find 24 inch snowblowers with names like Poulan Pro (Husqvarna), Powerland, and Powermax. There is not enough data on the product and service network for me to recommend these snow blowers to anyone at this time. If you find another name not listed here leave a comment below and I’ll check the snow blower and manufacture out.

Craftsman Model 98536, 31AS63EE793  Sold By: Ace

Price: $649
Engine:  208cc Brand: PowerMore
Tires: 13X4 These tires are small compared to the others in this group.
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Bottom Crank, Short Chute, No remote deflector.
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years FROM ACE! This is sold and serviced by Ace. Sears will not warranty this product.
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: None
Service: From ACE authorized service centers
Overall Quality/Value: Good
My Opinion: I expect this snow blower to be on sale for less than $649. It is basically the 88957 sold at Sears/Kmart with a larger motor and should really be listed in the under $600 category. It is a good, basic machine but it does not have the features the rest of this group has.

Craftsman Model 88173
Sold By: Sears 
Craftsman 24″ 208cc Dual-Stage Snow Blower 13″ x 4″ X-Trac tires

Craftsman 88173

Price: $679
Engine:  208cc Brand: PowerMore
Tires: 13×4 These tires are small compared to the others in this group.
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Top mounted remote chute (I like this chute control!) No remote deflector control
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: 3 or 5 yrs with in-home service.
Service: Through Sears
Overall Quality/Value: Best Value!
My Opinion: For many of you this is the machine that will get the job done. It is a great value for the price. It will work well for your driveway and sidewalks. It comes with the non-marring poly skid shoes but it does lack some major features that others in this price group have. It has small tires and does not have a 4-way chute. The chute is also a “hanging chute” and will not freeze up like the older chutes that rest on the impeller housing. The tires are better than those in the Under $600 range but you will find them lacking if you want to go off hard surfaces to blow snow.

The 88173 through Sears also has the best protection plan of all the 24 inch snow blowers sold. Why? because it includes wear and tear, in-home service and fuel related problems. For around $250 you can purchase with the machine a program that will keep the machine trouble free for 5 years! It won’t start next fall, it has a flat tire, you use it enough that you wear out the belts, you ignore it and a bearing or transmission part goes bad, that is all covered.  And you never have to take it anywhere. Just call 1-800-4MY-HOME and the tech comes right to your home and repairs the snow blower.

CubCadet Model 524SWE  Sold By: Home Depot, Tractor Supply and Servicing Dealers. 

Cub Cadet 524SWE

Price: $849
Engine:  208 cc Brand: Cub Cadet/PowerMore
Tires: 15 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Remote 4-way, forehand control
Intake: 21
Warranty: 3 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: up to 4 years extended warranty through Home Depot
Service: Through Cub Cadet Authorized Serving Dealers
Overall Quality/Value: Better
My Opinion: This is the lowest priced 24 in snow blower with power steering.  This snow blower is a good value because it has all the features and power steering! If you are small and have a hard time using a snow blower this is one to seriously look at. By just pulling on the handle mounted triggers this snow blower turns itself. It has larger tires than the Craftsman 88173 making it a good choice for many people. The $799, 524 WE is the same machine without power steering.

Husqvarna Model 924HV
Sold By: Husqvarna 924HV 24-Inch 208cc SnowKing Gas Powered Two Stage Snow Thrower With Electric Start at Amazon and Servicing Dealers.  

Husqvarna 924HV

Price: $799
Engine:  208 c Brand: Snow King/LCT
Tires: 16 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Steel, Remote Chute, Remote Deflector
Intake: 23
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: 4 year outdoor protection plan from Lowes
Service: Husqvarna authorized Servicing Dealer
Overall Quality/Value: Better.
My Opinion: This is my personal favorite of the machines listed here. Why? The fit and finish is great. New high intensity LED lighting, wrap around handles, huge tires, onboard toolbox with tools, all make this one of the best values in the 24 in size. I have a great local dealer who is second to none in service after the sale.

I not only clear my driveway, but I also clear a large spot out in the backyard for my dogs. The Husqvarna 924HV has the largest tires and it will easily clear snow off my lawn. I also like the wrap around handles. If you have ever been trying to maneuver in close quarters and gotten your coat caught in the handles you will understand why wrap around handles are great!

Simplicity/Snapper Model I924E, M924E  Sold By: Local Dealers 

Snapper M924E

Price: $1000
Engine:  205 cc Brand: B&S
Tires:15 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Metal 2 way steel chute
Intake: 19
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: NA
Service: Local Simplicity Dealer
Overall Quality/Value: Good
My Opinion: The Simplicity and Snapper are different than the other brands. They have a lower intake height, all steel construction and only use Briggs & Stratton engines. They are good dependable machines but I feel the retail price is too high for what you get. The quality and features are comparable to the $679 Craftsman 888173 listed above.  If your local dealer sells these for less than the retail price don’t be afraid to buy one.

Toro Model 724 OE 37770  Sold By: Home Depot

Toro 724

Price: $799
Engine:  205 cc Brand: B&S
Tires: 15 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Poly 2-Way chute on Home Depot Model
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service: Local Servicing Dealer
Overall Quality/Value: Good
My Opinion: Toro has finally gotten in the game with this new snow blower.  When blowing heavy snow the patented snow metering system only allows so much snow into the impeller reducing plugging. Fit and finish is great. The only downfall of this machine is the 2 way chute. The others in this price range all have 4-way chutes.

Ariens Model ST24LE 921031  Sold By: Home Depot and Dealer Stores 

Deluxe 24

Price: $929
Engine:  250 cc Brand: B&S
Tires: 15 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: 4 Way metal chute
Intake: 21
Warranty: 3 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service:
Overall Quality/Value: Better
My Opinion: Don’t confuse this model with the Ariens Compact 24. This high quality Ariens machine features one of the largest motors in the 24 in class. It has a 14 in impeller which is larger than all the other brands and will move more snow. If you live in a snow belt, but have a small driveway this is the snow blower to buy.

Ariens Model Compact 24 ST24LE 921014  Sold By: Home Depot and Authorized Dealers 

Compact 24

Price: $799
Engine:  205 cc Brand: B&S
Tires: 13 x 4
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Metal 2 – way
Intake: 21
Warranty: 3 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service: Authorized Dealers
Overall Quality/Value:
My Opinion: For the same features, the Craftsman 88173 listed above at $679 is a better buy.

Ariens Model Platinum ST24DLE 921017  Sold By: Home Depot and Authorized Dealers 

Platinum 24

Price: $1249
Engine:  250 cc Brand: Polar Force by B&S
Tires: 15 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: remote 4-way, steel
Intake: 21
Warranty: 3 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service: Authorized Service Centers
Overall Quality/Value: Best
My Opinion: This is one of the best 24 in snow blowers. Ariens does not use trigger controlled power steering, instead they use automatic traction control. This system automatically releases one wheel when you turn the snow blower. The larger 14 in impeller will throw snow farther than most of the other units. If you live in a snow belt and want all of the best features this is the machine for you!

Husqvarna Model 11524E  Sold By: Lowes and Authorized Dealers Shop Snow Blowers at Lowe’s! 

Husqvarna 11524E

11524E $1,299 24 23 249 LCT 2 yr. 226 12 12 Value HID LED Yes 4-Way Steel Large Tires

Price: $1299
Engine: 249 cc Brand: Snow King by LCT
Tires: 16 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: remote 4- way steel
Intake: 23
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service: Authorized Service Centers
Overall Quality/Value: Best
My Opinion: This is one of the best 24 in snow blowers. Trigger controlled power steering, on board toolbox and wrap around handles make this one of the easiest 24 in snow blowers to use. The high speed 12 in impeller will throw snow farther than most of the other units. If you live in a snow belt and want all of the best features this is the machine for you!

Ariens Cordless electric AMP  Model 916003  Sold By: Home Depot and Authorized Dealers 

AMP 24

Price: $1499
Engine:  4 hp Brand: Electric
Tires: 13 x 4
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector:
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service: Authorized Servicing Dealer.
Overall Quality/Value: Good
My Opinion: This snow blower is so quiet you can hear the snow moving through the machine. The 4 hp electric motor has plenty of power for the snow blower and the batteries will give you around 60 minutes of use. This is enough to easily clear a 16 x 80 drive and sidewalks of 6-8 inches of snow.   This is basically a Deluxe 24 with an electric motor instead of a gas engine.

Paul Sikkema on Google+

Go here to see the original post at MovingSnow.com. Paul is the owner of the great MovingSnow.com website. At MovingSnow.com you can find reviews and how to articles on Toro Snow Blowers, John Deere Snow Blowers, Ariens Snow Blowers and Craftsman Snow Blowers.

So you have decided that a 24 inch snow blower is the best size for you. Your driveway is about 2 cars wide and less than 80 feet long.

by: Paul Sikkema

Average snow fall 4 to 6 inches. If you regularly get more than 6 inch snows or more than 60 inches a year look at snow blowers that cost more than $600.

But there are about 30 different 24 inch snow blowers on the market with prices ranging from $499 to over $2500! How do you choose which one to buy?

In this article I will go through the snow blowers that sell for less than $600 and give you the features and differences between them. Every Brand has an “economy” model, Craftsman has the 88172, Ariens the Snow-Tek, MTD the Yard Machines, B&S the Murray, Husqvarna has the Poulan Pro. No frills, basic machines. I will give you my un-biased opinion on the snow blower based on repair history, service and features. No links to buy, no sales pitches, just the facts.  This will help you decide which snow blower is best for you. If you want an in-depth review of a particular model look in the right-hand column and select my full review.

I will tell you that if I could line up all the snow blowers in a row and go over the features one-by-one most of you would buy a machine in the $600-$900 category. Those snow blowers have the most features that make your task as easy as possible yet affordable.

I have broken the models down to $600 and less, $600-$1500 and over $1500. (Prices are listed prices on the retailer or manufacture websites. Actual price may vary.)

Go Here For The $600-$1500 Snow Blowers: $600-$1500

Go Here For over $1500 Snow Blowers:

All engines have electric start except as noted.

Under $600 Snow Blowers

The Worst in this price group: Snow Devil. The Best in this Group:
Craftsman 24″ 179cc Dual-Stage Snowblower 13″ x 4″ X-Trac tires Craftsman Model 88172. The Troy-Bilt at Lowes, Snow-Tek at Home Depot and Yard Machines at WalMart are also good values.

Snow Devil Model DB7651
Sold by: Menards 

Price: $499
Engine: 208 cc Brand: LCT
Tires:  Many people complain about these “cheap, no traction tires” going flat all the time.
Speeds: 4 forward 1 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Impeller mounted 2-way remote chute.
Intake: 20
Warranty: 2 years limited
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: None
Service: Unknown
Overall Quality/Value: Poor. Thinnest metal, very little reinforcements. Small tires, LCT engine is not the same quality as the more expensive LCT motors on other brands.
My Opinion: I am listing this snow blower because some Menard’s stores still carry it. My biggest concern is repairs. Many of us have tried contacting the phone number on the box and no one has been able to get anyone to respond. Buyer beware on this machine. It is made as cheaply as possible. If it breaks you may not be able to get parts or service. This machine is 100% made and assembled in China.

Power Smart 208cc 24-in Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower DB7659-24
Sold by: Lowes, Amazon, and others 

208cc LCT Gas Powered Compact 2-Stage Snow Thrower with Electric Start, 24-Inch
Price:$549.00 to $699
Engine: 208 cc Brand: LCT
Tires:  Many people complain about these “cheap, no traction tires” going flat all the time.
Speeds: 4 forward 1 reverse
Chute & Deflector:
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 year limited
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: None
Service: ?
Overall Quality/Value: Thin metal, very little reinforcements. Small tires, LCT engine is not the same quality as the more expensive LCT motors on other brands.
My Opinion: This is another China snow blower but the company that is importing them is alive and well. I have talked to them and parts are readily available through their website. I don’t know how you go about getting repairs or warranty work done at this time.

Murray 1695979 24-Inch 205cc Briggs & Stratton 800 Snow Series Gas Powered Two Stage Snow Thrower With Electric Start
Sold by: Menards, Amazon, WalMart and others. 

Engine: 163 to 205 cc Brand: Briggs & Stratton
Price: Around $589
Tires:  Many people complain about these “cheap, no traction tires” going flat all the time. The WalMart version appears to have better tires.
Speeds: single speed/no reverse or 3 forward 1 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Manual no remote
Intake: 20
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: Depends on retailer
Service: ?
Overall Quality/Value: Good small tires, single speed or no electric starter, smallest motor of all the 24 in models.
My Opinion: This model varies from retailer to retailer. Some of these do not come with electric start. This is a value snow blower made by Briggs & Stratton. It is the cheapest snow blower you can buy with a B&S motor. The retailer will tell you where to get it serviced.

Craftsman 24″ 179cc Dual-Stage Snowblower 13″ x 4″ X-Trac tires Craftsman Model 88172
Sold by: Sears 

Price: Around: $599 (less on sale)
Engine: 179 cc Brand: Craftsman (Powermore)
Tires:  Small tires but much better than Murray, Snow Devil and PowerSmart
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse, no single hand chute control
Chute & Deflector: Impeller mounted, 2-way chute.
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: 3 or 5 year in home service.
Service: Through Sears.
Overall Quality/Value: Good. Works well for 6 inch snows. Tires are a little small for cleaning the snow off the yard for your dogs. Good quality motor! Poly skid shoes don’t mar your drive or sidewalk.
My Opinion: If getting it serviced is your biggest concern this is the best snow blower for you. This is similar to last year’s Model 88957 without single-hand controls. The 88957 has been the “standard” inexpensive snow blower for a few years now. It is a good machine for the price. The Craftsman has the smallest engine, but it is powerful enough for 6 to 9 inch snowfalls. I rate it the highest in this group because has the best service network available. With this Craftsman you can purchase the optional 5 year protection plan that includes in-home service, gas related issues (it won’t start) and wear and tear repairs. No other brand or retailer has this available.

Sno-Tek (Ariens Economy) Model: 920402

Price $599 to $729
Engine: 208 cc Brand: LCT This is the better LCT motor
Tires:  Many people complain about these “cheap, no traction tires” going flat all the time.
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse, has interlocking controls
Chute & Deflector: Top mounted Chute and remote deflector! Best of the under $600 class!
Intake: 20
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: Through Home Depot
Service: Authorized Servicing Dealer
Overall Quality/Value: Good. At $599 it is a good value, if your local dealer wants over $700 there are better machines in the $700 range. If you shop at Home Depot, this is a very good snow blower for the money but be sure you understand the repair process if your machine needs work. It lacks the features and durability of the Ariens brand but if you get 4-6 inch snows most of the time you’ll be happy with this machine.
My Opinion: This snow blower is made by Ariens and is very comparable in features and quality to the Craftsman and Troy-Bilt.

Troy-Bilt 179cc 24-in Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower 31AS62N2711

Price: $599
Engine: 179 cc Brand: Troy-Bilt (Powermore)
Tires:  Small tires but much better than Murray, Snow Devil and PowerSmart
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse, no single hand control
Chute & Deflector: Impeller mounted, 2-way chute.
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: 2 or 4 year
Service: Through Sears.
Overall Quality/Value: Good. Steel skid shoes. Works well for 6 inch snows. Tires are a little small for cleaning the snow off the yard for your dogs. Good quality motor!
My Opinion: This machine is very similar to the Craftsman 88172. Since it is under $800 it does not qualify for home repair so if you have a problem you will have to get it to the servicing dealer. If you are a Lowes customer this is a good basic machine.

Yard Machines 31AS62EE700 24-Inch 179cc OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Two Stage Snow Thrower With Electric Start Yard Machines/MTD Model: Varies Sold By: WalMart, Amazon and others 

Price: $599
Engine: 208 cc Brand: PowerMore
Tires:  Many people complain about these “cheap, no traction tires” going flat all the time.
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector:
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: WalMart now has a 3 year protection plan. It claims to cover all repairs so I am assuming it does not cover wear and tear items like belts or fuel related issues. If anyone has used this plans feel free to comment at the end of this article.
Service: Many WalMart customers complain about getting warranty repairs done.
Overall Quality/Value: Good. Works well for 6 inch snows. Tires are a little small for cleaning the snow off the yard for your dogs. Good quality motor!
My Opinion: This snow blower is very similar to the Craftsman and Troy-Bilt machines.  This snow blower’s biggest downfall if the service. Many WalMart customers complain about getting warranty repairs done. You will have to haul your snow blower to a repair shop to get it serviced or repaired.

Poulan Pro PR624ES 24-Inch 208cc LCT Gas Powered Two-Stage Snow Thrower With Electric Start 961920037 at Amazon, Poulan Pro Snow Thrower – 24″ at Sam’s Cub and others 

Price: $599
Engine: 208 cc Brand: LCT
Tires:  Small tires, not as good as the Craftsman
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Remote Chute
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: I’m sure Sam’s has an extended plan but it did not come up on the website.
Service: Through an authorized Poulan Pro service center
Overall Quality/Value: Good. Works well for 6 inch snows. Tires are a little small for cleaning the snow off the yard for your dogs. Good quality motor!
My Opinion: Every Brand has an “economy” model, Craftsman has the 88172, Ariens the Snow-Tek, MTD the Yard Machines, B&S the Murray. This is Husqvarna’s.

Paul Sikkema on Google+

Go here to see the original post at MovingSnow.com. Paul is the owner of the great MovingSnow.com website. At MovingSnow.com you can find reviews and how to articles on Toro Snow Blowers, John Deere Snow Blowers, Ariens Snow Blowers and Craftsman Snow Blowers.

Cyber Monday Deals at Amazon.com

Cyber Monday Deal at Lowes

Cyber Monday Deals at Home Depot

Cyber Monday Deal At Sears.com – Read On.

Sears.com is doing the right thing this year! And they are continuing doing it through Cyber Monday. Lowes and Home Depot have plenty of sales, but none no one else is giving you the deal Sears is on a quality snow blower.

Again, instead of giving us a “special” snow blower for Cyber Monday they are offering their most popular snow blower at a huge discount! Read Below To See The Two Best Deals on Snow Blowers This Winter!

 Click on the banner, type Cyber Monday in the search bar to see the entire AD! I want to tell you this! Craftsman is doing it right this year! Sears and Craftsman decided that they are not going to give you no name junk.  They are giving you the Craftsman products you want at the best prices that I have seen for a long time.

The Deal! The Best Price of the Year on the best value 24 in snow blowers!

Craftsman is continuing the deal on the best price of the year on a great 24 inch Craftsman Snow Blower. If you have a 2 car drive that you can park 2 to 3 cars on, this is one of the best choices for you at the normal sale price. This snow blower has electric start, 6 speeds, real snow tires, remote chute, and poly skid shoes. Oh, and I almost forgot! It has the 208cc Craftsman motor. This motor is large enough to power through the deepest snows!  I recommend this snow blower or the Model 88173 to most people who need a 24 in snow blower.

At this price I expect thousands of you to click on the link below and buy this machine starting Sun November 25th. All of you who want one will get one. The are no limits or “while quantities last” on this deal!

Go here to check out the 88172 on Sears.com  Craftsman 24″ 179cc Dual-Stage Snowblower

This deal is only available Sunday and Monday.  This snow blower is a better deal than all of the new “Chinese” blowers that have hit the market this year. It is better than the Power Smart and Red Devil blowers. It is a better snowblower than the Craftsman 88170 that most of you buy when you want a cheap snow blower and it is a better snow blower than the one Sears offered last year for Black Friday.

Lowes.com The Craftsman Model 88172 is very, very similar to Troy-Bilt 179cc 24-in Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower 31AS62N2711 at Lowes. And it is $100 less than the Troy-Bilt. 

Homedepot.com The Craftsman 88172 does not have all the features of the Sno-Tek on sale at Home Depot. The Sno-Tek is comparable to the Craftsman 88173.  Sno-Tek 24 in. Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower Model # 920402 Internet # 202222489 Store SKU # 629254. The Craftsman 88172 is also $100 less than the Sno-Tek. No, they are not the same, but at $100 less the Craftsman is the better deal for Cyber Monday.

This snowblower is the same snow blower as their most popular snow blower ever the Craftsman 88597 except it does not have the one-hand control and plastic dash. So, if you have a 2 car drive that you can park 2 to 3 cars on, this 24 inch snow blower will do the job. This snow blower has a 179 cc Craftsman motor, electric start, standard poly chute with remote crank, “real” snow tires, and poly skid shoes. This motor is a proven engine and has enough to power to handle most snows!

I understand that there will be plenty of these available. If you want one, you’ll get it.

Go here to check out the 88172 on Sears.com  Craftsman 24″ 179cc Dual-Stage Snowblower

Go Here Thursday-Friday November 22 & 23 to get the Deal!

 Craftsman 24″ 179cc Dual-Stage Snowblower

Best Cyber Monday Deal

You can read my review of this snow blower here:   Craftsman Model 88172 Review

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75QpKLwDHrc

All of the other snow blowers, tractors and mowers will be 20% off. 

Let’s get to the obvious. Cyber Monday is Amazon’s biggest event of the year. When you are done looking at the snow blower deals head over there.

Cyber Monday Deals at Amazon.com

by: Paul Sikkema

Paul Sikkema on Google+

Go here to see the original post at MovingSnow.com. Paul is the owner of the great MovingSnow.com website. At MovingSnow.com you can find reviews and how to articles on Toro Snow Blowers, John Deere Snow Blowers, Ariens Snow Blowers and Craftsman Snow Blowers.

Project EverGreen Thanks Volunteers who Back Up Troops Through the Year

Looking for a way to help out in the community this winter? Join Project EverGreen’s SnowCare for Troops

To learn more about how to support SnowCare for Troops, click here.

NEWS RELEASE

IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich., November 19, 2012 — As Project EverGreen’s SnowCare for Troops (SCFT) program enters its third season, the non-profit organization is recognizing the more than 600 volunteers who support the campaign’s military families year-round by also offering landscaping services through GreenCare for Troops (GCFT). Both programs are managed by Project EverGreen and connect military families who have a spouse or family member currently deployed in the armed forces with snowplow and landscape professionals.

Courtesy http://msnbcmedia.msn.com

“It takes a very special person to give of their time and resources to back up our troops and their families and we want to thank our many landscape contractors and snow removal professionals who go the extra mile to make sure they’re taken care of throughout the year,” said Cindy Code, Project EverGreen executive director.SnowCare for Troops is a national program underwritten by THE BOSS Snowplow.

Before the first snowflakes fall this winter, Project EverGreen is urging its 4,000 volunteers supporting GCFT to also consider registering for the organization’s SnowCare for Troops program. New recruits are also welcome and can visit http://projectevergreen.com/scft/ to sign up.

SnowCare for Troops will build upon two successful seasons when snow arrives this winter. In its first two years, the program has 1,200 volunteers signed up to help more than 1,500 military families needing snow removal assistance. With nearly 1.5 million active duty military troops serving in the U.S. armed forces the need for volunteers is great.

Entering its third season, SnowCare for Troops connects military families who have a spouse or family member currently deployed in the armed forces with snow removal and landscape professionals to provide free snow removal services.

“We’re proud to support the SnowCare for Troops program and to lend a hand to help our nation’s military families who already carry so much on their shoulders,” said Mark Klossner, marketing director for THE BOSS Snowplow. “This program is our way of showing our military how much we appreciate their sacrifice and we want to thank everyone who continues to support the campaign as we kick off our third year. And if you’re a SCFT volunteer who hasn’t yet signed up for GCFT, we hope you’ll consider doing so.”

In addition to volunteer participation, donations of money or gas cards as well as loans of snow removal equipment to volunteers and community groups are also needed.

Project EverGreen is a national nonprofit organization committed to informing the public about the positive effects of well-maintained green spaces, including lawns and landscapes, sports turf, golf courses, trees and parks. Its SnowCare for Troops program is modeled after its wildly successful sister program, GreenCare for Troops. In operation since 2006, GreenCare for Troops, underwritten by Cub Cadet, provides free lawn and landscape services to military families.

About Project EverGreen

Project EverGreen is committed to informing the American public about the positive effects of well-maintained green spaces, including lawns and landscapes, sports turf, golf courses, trees and parks.  A 501©3 non-profit organization, Project EverGreen’s mission is to preserve and enhance green space in local communities for today and future generations.

It’s easy to support the SnowCare for Troops program by:

* Offering free snow removal services throughout the winter to one or two families in your community;

* Loaning snow removal equipment to volunteers or groups;

* Donating money, transportation or gas cards to offset snow removal and maintenance costs; and

* Referring friends and/or military families to sign up for the program.

SnowCare for Troops is open to anyone with a plow or other snow removal equipment who wants to lend a neighborly hand.

“The response to SnowCare for Troops from caring community members and military families has been tremendous,” said Mark Klossner, marketing director for THE BOSS Snowplow. “We want to thank everyone who gave countless hours in heavy snow, sleet and ice to back up our country’s selfless military families this past winter and we hope they’ll be back this year.” For more information on THE BOSS Snowplow and the full line of BOSS accessories, call 800-286-4155 or visit the company’s website at bossplow.com.

Project EverGreen’s SnowCare for Troops and its sister program GreenCare for Troops are serving thousands of military families through a national network of lawn care, landscape and snow care professionals and volunteers dedicating thousands of service hours to military families.

To learn more about how to support SnowCare for Troops, click here.

Paul Sikkema on Google+

Go here to see the original post at MovingSnow.com. Paul is the owner of the great MovingSnow.com website. At MovingSnow.com you can find reviews and how to articles on Toro Snow Blowers, John Deere Snow Blowers, Ariens Snow Blowers and Craftsman Snow Blowers.