Big ol Crapsman blower here. When I moved into our house, I knew I didn't want to shovel the 2 driveways we have so it was a priority to get one. That was probably 97-98. It's been bulletproof ever since (knock on wood). We live on a road not too far from a state road maintenance depot. Plows go by and pile up snow and make a really heavy section that would break my back every time so no regrets at all. Fuel stabilizer keeps it ready and waiting when the need comes plus it has a port to connect an extension cord to electric start it. That's been nice.
We don't get any significant snow fall here, and when we do it's wet and nasty, (sounds like someone I knew once) Anyway, I'm ready for what ever winter throws here in South Jersey. The "Normal" part of the state!
Same here Warner there a pic of my daughter in flannel shirt, shorts pushing snow from front 2’ of garage.. it’s her job it’s easier to do it and the tractor blow it off, Then to shovel whole thing.. Mine has started stealing my boots, to kick on/off easier
I definitely prefer tracked machines having used both. If I ever go back to a walk behind blower, the Ariens hydrostatic drive unit is exactly what I'll get. If they still make it.
Snow cat; piston bully, are snow grooming machines the armor is probably AI, you want to be able to see the side of the cliff
I do the stabilizer in the tank, then shut the fuel off and drain the carb...the Tecumseh engine has a spring loaded button on the carb bowl that drains the fuel in the carb...easy peasy! I like the plug in electric start too...even though I seldom use it, I like having the option! Maybe my wife or kids will need it sometime...