Correct answer to this dilemma: Own a 1 stage and 2 stage. I use the '82 Craftsman SS for everything up to about 6" and for cleanup since it goes right to the brick pavers. I use the new 2 stage Sno-Tek 24' (which I am happy with) for the rest. This yr we've only had 2 snowfalls that count - despite predictions for the worst winter yet. I'm counting my blessings. The Craftsman 3/20 can handle up to about 10" of snow OK, but it takes some effort. I PREFER 1 STAGE. But not for big snow.
Forgot to mention the guy on the single stage would have gotin or beatin the two stage if he known how to use it but I guess there trying to sell there two stage blowers. one of these days I will upload a video of my parmi snowblower
@Einstein93926 Please describe the single stage technique you are talking about. I am currently debating a single stage vs two stage and this is about the only video I can find of a single in deep snow. I understand some scepticism given the source of the video (no offense AriensChannel) but the guy appears to be working very hard. I don't see anything obvious that he could do to go faster with less effort. Thanks.
I got a parmi lazyboy single stage 3HP briggs snow blower made back in 1980 that thows snow better than most new two stage snow blowers. Those new single stage snow blowers are junk they dont make nothing like they useto.
I'm sure a single stage can handle small snow totals. But why did I want a snowblower? I wanted one to help with snow that there's no way I want to shovel it. The junk the plow leaves at the end of the driveway. The deep drifts that collect in spots from all the wind. If I'm going to spend hundreds of dollars to have a machine to clear my driveway it danged well better be able to do it when I need it most. Two stage snow blowers are the only way to go for me. No risk of getting stuck.
@stoichiometric I'm not sure that's a valid argument. There might be other reasons, like engineering restrictions for the single stage design. Having said that, I have a friend here who's parents own a snow removal company and they only use single stage units. Faster and clean better. But we don't get huge snow falls, so agreed, for falls much over 12 inches, the 2 stage would be more efficient.
I'd rather have the toro. It's not the single stage that's an issue in this video, it's the depth of the snow. There's a pretty simple fix for that - run the snowblower before the snow is deeper than the deck height.
In ten years, the toro will still be running. The chinese one may perhaps be running, too, after the recoil starter has been replaced 8 times, 25 little tin parts have been bent back or replaced, and the fuel line and other linkages have been replaced or repaired.
@daw162 That Toro has a Chinese engine. Next year all Toros will be Chinese engines. That's what our local Toro dealer told me. I saw a big Toro single stage last night at the local Ace Hardware, and yup, Chinese engine.
I have a single stage and it can go through easily. It isn't so much the method of launching the snow that makes the single stage in this video work less efficiently it is the fact that the dual stage is pushed along, has a bigger motor and also has a taller intake. Some lawn tractors have single stage blowers that work better than that dual stage and the reason is not the method of launching it is the fact that a tractor has more power than a all in one blower.
The small one stage is perfect if you live in a townhouse and only need to blow a walk way. if you're going to do a full drive way then the two stage is better.
I have both a single and a two stage. They both have their strengths. Anything less than 8" I use the single because it's faster and clears right down to the pavement. For the pile at the end of the driveway and heavy snows, the two stage comes out.. As far as the video, the guy using the single doesn't (or isn't due to the script) use the machine correctly. You don't ram it against into the snow, you push it against the snow firmly against the snow to feed it a steady amount.
@throwsnowmn I agree, both have their strengths. when I lived in the northeast and had a large driveway I owned a two stage and it was the right machine for the job. Now I live in Colorado where I have a small two car driveway and a sidewalk and own a single stage toro. We typically get light fluffy snow here and not much of it and the single stage toro does just fine for just $359. I never thought I'd own a single stage but I'm very pleased with the toro.
FACTS: 1) The snowblower on the left is not $600 its $300 (I have one). 2) the snowblower on the right has a taller intake plus the snowbank exceeds the max height of the snowblower on the left. 3) Watch the speed of the snowblowers AFTER they get through the bank - when working within the depth it is DESIGNED to work at - THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN SPEED.
noob question here... i have an old snow blower i refurbished...It shows in second gear that the wheels are supposed to move back I guess for stronger digging.....How do I engage those wheels ..haveing trouble??? thanks...
i have both from the garbage both electric start 5 hp and when there is about 5 inches the singlestage 2 stroke is real fast since you can lift it and let the blade propel it if you put a string on the throttle they shoot 20 feet high but you can`t beat a two stage i have about 5 from 5-10hp.the gear case up front should be filled with 90 gear oil if you want it to last
I have both single and 2 stage and also a manual backhoe. The single is great for powder and lighter snow under 6 inches and is more manuvarable. The 2 stage is just unbeatable for heavey snow but slush is always a problem. Still waiting for a machine that refuses to clog up with slush or very wet snow.
Just bought a Snow-Tek 24". Nice machine IMO. And we're not buying a blower with a US B&S for $1200+. Of course I'm keeping my '82 Craftsman 3/20 single stage for light duty. Still runs like a champ. Tecumseh engine. Zero maintenance. But in the bigger or wetter snows, it falls short.
@vettet1 Most Toros have engines made in PRC. The local Toro dealer told me Toro is moving to 100% Chinese engines soon. I'ts insatiable greed in American big business, killing this country.
@sonofthe80s Its not though, we're doing it to ourselves. They go to the Chi-Com motors to meet a price point. If the USA engined blower is $50 more than the other, Jiang Dao sells another machine.
@knievelhotmail $50 bucks I'd go with the US engine. If it was US made I'd go a couple hundred more. But you can't get that now. We looked for a used blower w/ a US engine, 20 yr old JUNKERS were $400! This past week I used the Sno-Tek and the old Craftsman, both did fine. Single stage leaves the driveway cleaner - better for uneven areas. Overall, I do prefer the single stage.
Good clip for comparing $ to $. I know which machine I would like to have 98% of the time, Sno-Trek are a great value. A couple of places where the single stage may excel: on a large deck, tight walkway, wheel chair ramp and it may be a surprise on super watery slush as I believe that the single stage may not be prone to plugging. We had an old 7hp single stage Snow-Shark and it would practically pump water. I could put both to good use. Good perspective comparing the $ aspect.
Im calling BS on this video. The guy with the Toro is dogging it, and half the time isn't even using the blower properly. I understand needing to back it off in deep snow, but not when it got lighter (around 6"). The Toro is also not designed to take on 20" of snow, where as the Sno-Tek is. For a light to medium snow fall, I would much rather the Toro for the weight and size of the machine. The Sno-Tek would be pointless to use in those conditions.
Great video showing the difference between a 2 stage driven versus a "pull along flapper" (meaning push as hard as you darn well can:( single stage. The Toro (and I don't care at what angle you hold it at) won't cut through hard (plowed) or packed snow. I struggled for years just like the guy in the video. Thankfully my kind neighbors used their 2 stage units to clean my 120' of sidewalk (required by law) and the street plowed snow at the end of my drive. Now I have a new Ariens 30" Deluxe.
I look at it this way: you use a two stage when appropriate, and a single when that's appropriate. I will say this, I'd never use a Sno-Tek. I'd buy either a Toro 2 stage or the real Ariens unit. The sno-tek's are Ariens way of coping with a crappy economy, and are not built with B&S engines like the previously mentioned units. So, save your pennies, buy a Toro single, and Toro dual. It's like buying a Xerox over a Kyocera. Yeah the Kyo may work, but the Xerox has you covered all around.
Personally, I like the commercial, but they're still not comparing apples to apples. The Toro they are using is a 180 *now called the 418* which is actually a 400 dollar snowblower. The 621 is a 600 dollar unit, and it's considerably larger too. You can tell right away, because the 418 has a handle for the directional control, the 600 dollar version (621) has remote directional control. So no it's still not comparing apples to apples. However, it is a good demonstration of 2 stage advantage
@AriensChannel You're definitely right about the gravel. I was wondering, though, why you didn't use your own single stage unit, which in Canada anyways, is priced around the $600 mark? This video is a little unfair, as it's only showing scenarios that heavily favour the 2 stage design, deep and compact snow. I just did my own video test, comparing the Ariens 722 EC to a Honda HS928 and it not only kept up ( except in throwing distance ) but it was significantly faster than the two stage.
@gotaigo oh yes it can , if you raise the shovel up until a base is laid.. really where did you learn that you cant use a 2 stage on a gravel driveway , my driveway is gravel and i use it on my driveay all time. once i have a base laid i can then lower the shovel back down..
@aakozanoglu@aakozanoglu Yes It is Ariens. The orange models have some improvements like cast iron gearcase. Many B&S engines are made in China. See their site. Ones on mid-level Ariens are made in PRC. B&S claims 90% are USA made, I don't buy it. They sell too many of the 800,900,1150 snow engines - all PRC. Ariens made LTC overengineer the motor so they didn't have issues, and tested it for 4 yrs before selling them. LTC is in SC. B&S moved work to PRC so up profits. just as bad
@sonofthe80s B&S is in WI where I live, Ariens is in WI where I live; their profits are skyrocketing as you said but they are not hiring at the rate their profits rise.Like the rest of the greedy 'job creators'/They move production to China, they pocket the huge profit, they do not pay tax thanks to the lowest tax level since Eisenhower and tax loopholes.
That single stage snow blower's rubber paddles are in need of replacement.It is not even throwing snow.With new paddles they can throw snow 30-35 feet away.That Sno-Tek has MADE IN CHINA engine.It is not really Ariens.
@aakozanoglu Same reason (I guess) why Jeff Immelt (President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board) and CEO of GE, closed all the electric light bulb plants in the US and GE now makes the curly cue lightbulbs in China. Oh yeah, GE doesn't pay any US income taxes either. Bet Briggs and Stratton does:) Doing business in the US is getting harder and harder, I did it for over 20 years.
It is a shame it is still being made.Unlike filament type light bulbs, engines are relevant and still modern.Why does Briggs and Stratton import engines from China?
I thought they were job creators, not job killers.Is not that the reason we keep cutting their taxes?Lowest tax rates since Eisenhower and these greedy b. still kill jobs and outsource to China!
@aakozanoglu The Briggs and Stratton engine on my 30" Deluxe has a Red, White, and Blue sticker reading proudly "MADE IN THE USA". I have to take them at their word.
@MyOhioStuff 30" Deluxe may indeed have a USA Briggs. See Briggs website for list of engines made "outside of USA". Also note, if it's just a few yrs old it's a different story.
@AriensChannel What is the expected obselecence of a CHINA MADE sno tek engine? can this snowblower be handed down to your grand children? Perhaps it's better to spend $600 on a 2-stage snowblower from the 1970's. At least then i'll be buying a quality product.
@aakozanoglu Thank you. Your Pro 28 looks awesome. Best of luck with it! I do like quality tools. Delta unisaw, jointer, drill press, and bench grinder. Festool T55 plunge saw with extended track, Rotex sander, and 2200 plunge router. Miller Synchrowave 200 TIG (and a cheap Chinese Everlast 250EX TIG, but it works great), Hypertherm 600 plasma cutter. But I do prefer my Toro Z5000 over my previous but much more expensive Dixon.
well i mean a single stage snow blower is supposed to be used ideally for 3-9 inches on most models and thats obviously about a foot of snow so i mean there sint really a comparison
Comparisons do not need to be apples to apples. It is perfectly fine to compare apples to oranges, it just depends on the purpose of the comparison. In this case, comparing a single stage-snow blower to a two-stage snow blower is to see the difference in performance for those people (like me) who are looking to find out more about the differences. Very good video; thanks for posting it.
EXCELLENT video. 9 out of 10 snow falls here in Michigan are less snow than in the vidoe and the toro may be faster, but when the big blast comes, the 2-stage wins big. Thank you for posting.
@AriensChannel if that 2 stage is only 208 cc, i wonder how far my 11hp will throw it(we havent gotton snow like that in 5 years, its strange cuz its north MN)
That Sno-Tek is no Toro, that's for sure! Anybody that would own only a two stage machine will very likely be spending plenty of time shoveling, as the big machine is a big pain to shove around, and is useless in the light stuff, where the single stage machine shines.
Personally, I wouldn't buy either of these. I have two new Hondas...one HS721 and one HS520AS. The first is a two stage ($2300) and the second is a single-stage ($800). That's how I spent my $3100! I've had the cheapos, no more!
The video only shows that a 2 stage works better in deep snow. It also lets the potential buyer know they can buy an inexpensive two stage Ariens for the same price as an expensive single stage. Both are self propelled, the single stage if it is tipped up so the rubber auger can pull it along. They have different uses however. The single stage will clean right down to the surface and remove all the snow. The two stage will leave a coating. I use the two stage first then a single stage.
At least the toro will start every time. I have owned enough ariens junk to never buy again. Im using them commercially, and know all about the reliability ariens has to offer. Or lack thereof
I agree with the point of this video. A freind let me borrow a 2 stage blower and my brother let me borrow a single stage Honda. The single stage could not get through any wet snow at all. For the same price, I bought a two stage. It saved me last winter with three storms of two feet each. My 24 inch two-stage fits in the front corner of my garage and eat through snow at the end of the driveway.
You really ARE comparing apples to oranges. I live in Denver, and we get snow by the foot. I bought a Honda hs520 single stage 4-stroke instead of the 2 stage ariens. Why? You get what you pay for. My neighbors all giggled when I got my single stage. "It's too small, it's too weak". Yea, If you really pay $600 for a 2-stage, I hope you own a good tool box. If you know how to use a GOOD single stage, you can flat BOOGIE. Plus, how much space does a 2-stage take up?
Bought a Snow tek which we drove to PA from NY to get. I started it pointed my fist into the air and said " Bring it on" and next week it snowed 30". Never will do that again. @ stage is, much like the old Toro with power handle we had 40 years before it died, Salesmen explained compacted snow or ice single stage wouldn't gripe the ground to move forward and shouldn't let the snow go over 6". I'm not going out to clear 6" of all day. My Snow Tek 24” went right through 30" piles of snow.
I could beat that chick with the toro no problem..... if you're not a moron you can get that single stage ripping. first thing is to recognize how it works and actually think about its advantages. It has a much lighter power to weight ratio. What you need to do is point the chute straight then angle it as you skim off the banks.. anyone that has done snow removal for work knows what i am talking about. Also you have to realize that in 5 inches or less it would be no contest. hs1132 for the end
Both snowblowers can move the light fluffy stuff out of the way. I live in Minnesota and I have used both:) When it snows enough for the snowplow to come by, having a 2 stage snowblower saves you so much time! It's the compacted snow at the end of the driveway that matters most. Also, sometimes the snow on the sides of the driveway gets so tall that a single stage snowblower will not be able to throw it high enough.
You get what you pay for sure its a ariens sno trek with a chinese cloned engine powermore or lct whatever it looks good to the book smart only consumer but then get shafted deep in the pockets later on with ethanol fuel problems good luck finding parts on the fly with that boat anchor. Buy 2 of them so you can have a backup while you wait for parts on the first. For me I would buy the Briggs.
Forget about that toro power clear with the 2 cycle or 4 cycle its better than most agreed but the snapper SS922ex would have kept up with that bitch. Lets compare apples to apples for big 12+ constant snow fall a 2 stage is better but anything less a good 1 stage is all your gonna need
I could make the toro look bad also. the opporator is using it incorrectly, he should be tipping the handle up slightly. Why don't you compare your single stage Ariens to a toro two stage?
I have owned and collected snowblowers my whole life, and this is a bogus video, showing a self propelled machine vs a non self propelled machine. Everyone clearly knows that they make self propelled single stage blower, I like 2 stage, but don't scam people by showing a video like this, anyone can see that it is to promote 2 stage blowers. scam to the fullest
Well, you sold me. I'm currently using a 1981 model year Toro 2 cycle snow blower that I bought new when I first bought my house. It has performed like a champ, except for those rare snow storms that dump a foot or more of snow in a short time. I just spent 3 hours digging out my 120 foot driveway with 3 foot drifts and an average of two feet of snow. Wish I had that Ariens.
Wait a minute, something just aint' quite right. These are not comparable units. One is a self propelled two stage and the other is a push type single stage. This is meaningless.
Have you looked at any weather forecasts/news today? 1/2 the nation that has any population is getting a blizzard or substantial snow. (not Canada) Snow is currently 3-4' high on the sides of the street and my driveway from previous events. But I'm going to be sleeping comfortable knowing there is a 2-stage Ariens in my garage when the plow comes thru at 3AM.
A single stage works well on small snow, I prefer a tool that works for all snow falls. Think...Swiss Army knife vs. butter knife
I got tired of pissin with those single stage deals (not to mention they were old hand me downs). 11/09 I went out and got myself a sno-tek 24, and haven't looked back. Sure those new Single stages are easier to maneuver in light snow, but they worthless after the plow comes by (as mentioned). And the distance that it throws the snow gives ya a grin from ear to ear. I have to watch I don't throw snow onto my neighbors house across the street haha.
THe guy on the single stage machine is abusing the machine like a jack ass. Of course it won't work if you keep pulling, pushing and hitting it. on the snow like that... Just let it eat through the snow it will work eventually.
I purchased two machines this year for the harsh winter in Newfoundland, Canada. Surprisingly enough we have not had any snow. It is now January 8th and I have not moved my Toro 826 two stage or my Ariens 926 two stage out of the shed except to look at it with wishful eyes. As soon as we get a good snowfall I hope to post a couple of videos of the two of them side by side blowing snow. I love this video because it really makes you think about what you could be getting for your money.
Two stage all the way! The only drawback to a two stage is having to clear the driveways of your neighbors who only have a single stage... Especially when the plow comes through an hour after you get done snowblowing and leaves a heavy bank of snow. If it's cold and the plows come through while you're at work, get ready for a bank of snow at the bottom of your driveway that is as hard as a rock. Good luck clearing that with a single stage! I love my Ariens!
I prefer my Toro 221QE thanks. We don't get big snow jobs that require to clear 50cm of snow. And I finish my blowing about 2x 3x quicker than my neighbours do with their 2 stage.
Correct answer to this dilemma: Own a 1 stage and 2 stage. I use the '82 Craftsman SS for everything up to about 6" and for cleanup since it goes right to the brick pavers. I use the new 2 stage Sno-Tek 24' (which I am happy with) for the rest. This yr we've only had 2 snowfalls that count - despite predictions for the worst winter yet. I'm counting my blessings. The Craftsman 3/20 can handle up to about 10" of snow OK, but it takes some effort. I PREFER 1 STAGE. But not for big snow.
sonofthe80s 1 week ago
Forgot to mention the guy on the single stage would have gotin or beatin the two stage if he known how to use it but I guess there trying to sell there two stage blowers. one of these days I will upload a video of my parmi snowblower
Einstein93926 2 weeks ago
@Einstein93926 Please describe the single stage technique you are talking about. I am currently debating a single stage vs two stage and this is about the only video I can find of a single in deep snow. I understand some scepticism given the source of the video (no offense AriensChannel) but the guy appears to be working very hard. I don't see anything obvious that he could do to go faster with less effort. Thanks.
jhousenga 2 days ago
I got a parmi lazyboy single stage 3HP briggs snow blower made back in 1980 that thows snow better than most new two stage snow blowers. Those new single stage snow blowers are junk they dont make nothing like they useto.
Einstein93926 2 weeks ago
Да это гавно. Пока пройдеш 3 метра, задолбишся. лопатой и то легче, и дешевле.
Nubloid 2 weeks ago
my cub cadet with a tecumseh engine kicks both their asses
thedodgeguy67 2 weeks ago
I'm sure a single stage can handle small snow totals. But why did I want a snowblower? I wanted one to help with snow that there's no way I want to shovel it. The junk the plow leaves at the end of the driveway. The deep drifts that collect in spots from all the wind. If I'm going to spend hundreds of dollars to have a machine to clear my driveway it danged well better be able to do it when I need it most. Two stage snow blowers are the only way to go for me. No risk of getting stuck.
sadrak77 2 weeks ago 2
Commercial equipment use two stage for a reason.
stoichiometric 2 weeks ago
@stoichiometric I'm not sure that's a valid argument. There might be other reasons, like engineering restrictions for the single stage design. Having said that, I have a friend here who's parents own a snow removal company and they only use single stage units. Faster and clean better. But we don't get huge snow falls, so agreed, for falls much over 12 inches, the 2 stage would be more efficient.
deanholtz 1 week ago
toro equipment is junk anyways.
JasonsLawnCare1 3 weeks ago
I'd rather have the toro. It's not the single stage that's an issue in this video, it's the depth of the snow. There's a pretty simple fix for that - run the snowblower before the snow is deeper than the deck height.
In ten years, the toro will still be running. The chinese one may perhaps be running, too, after the recoil starter has been replaced 8 times, 25 little tin parts have been bent back or replaced, and the fuel line and other linkages have been replaced or repaired.
daw162 3 weeks ago
@daw162 That Toro has a Chinese engine. Next year all Toros will be Chinese engines. That's what our local Toro dealer told me. I saw a big Toro single stage last night at the local Ace Hardware, and yup, Chinese engine.
sonofthe80s 1 week ago
Race them when there is only a few inches of snow. Like a typical snow storm.
famous636 3 weeks ago
@famous636 to a lot of people this is a typical snow storm
mattmgmhs 3 weeks ago
Why would you compare a push along to a self propelled?
64gravely 4 weeks ago
CaNaDa RoCkS:)
NuMbE1KID 4 weeks ago
I have a single stage and it can go through easily. It isn't so much the method of launching the snow that makes the single stage in this video work less efficiently it is the fact that the dual stage is pushed along, has a bigger motor and also has a taller intake. Some lawn tractors have single stage blowers that work better than that dual stage and the reason is not the method of launching it is the fact that a tractor has more power than a all in one blower.
21stgear 4 weeks ago
single stages don't do too bad until the snow height gets around or past the height of the blower, then you need a 2 stage. or for packed snow.
Vacmasterthegreat 1 month ago
my broter has a old 3 stage from the 1970's its a beast
TheKillzone69 1 month ago
The small one stage is perfect if you live in a townhouse and only need to blow a walk way. if you're going to do a full drive way then the two stage is better.
wawawiwa19 1 month ago
You're comparing a 4wd diesel pickup truck to a 2wd Honda civic.
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1) You've got two different animals. 24" wide, 20" tall machine with auger blade VERSUS a 20" wide, 12" tall flapper (dryer-like)
2) The snow is above what is recommended for a little Toro.
Toro works fine if you got out the night before and did the driveway already.
Only a SUCKER CHUMP would pay $600 for that Toro! ($300 NEW)
MrPavePaws 1 month ago
I have both a single and a two stage. They both have their strengths. Anything less than 8" I use the single because it's faster and clears right down to the pavement. For the pile at the end of the driveway and heavy snows, the two stage comes out.. As far as the video, the guy using the single doesn't (or isn't due to the script) use the machine correctly. You don't ram it against into the snow, you push it against the snow firmly against the snow to feed it a steady amount.
throwsnowmn 1 month ago
@throwsnowmn I agree, both have their strengths. when I lived in the northeast and had a large driveway I owned a two stage and it was the right machine for the job. Now I live in Colorado where I have a small two car driveway and a sidewalk and own a single stage toro. We typically get light fluffy snow here and not much of it and the single stage toro does just fine for just $359. I never thought I'd own a single stage but I'm very pleased with the toro.
putnut33 1 month ago
BS video.
Try a real EOD and see that chick get tossed around by that two stage.
The guy is snow blowing like a dick. Get some non biased people NOT Ariens employees.
paulyshore98 1 month ago
@paulyshore98 You are exactly right dude! This video looks so scripted.
turbojetta100 1 month ago
FACTS: 1) The snowblower on the left is not $600 its $300 (I have one). 2) the snowblower on the right has a taller intake plus the snowbank exceeds the max height of the snowblower on the left. 3) Watch the speed of the snowblowers AFTER they get through the bank - when working within the depth it is DESIGNED to work at - THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN SPEED.
Conclusion: Bogus Video Comparison.
fantazcat 1 month ago
nice we just got our sno tek 24 yesterday
weather228 1 month ago
@weather228 You bought china crap. Wait a few years and you'll have to spend another $600 just to keep it running.
turbojetta100 1 month ago
noob question here... i have an old snow blower i refurbished...It shows in second gear that the wheels are supposed to move back I guess for stronger digging.....How do I engage those wheels ..haveing trouble??? thanks...
tjsage79 1 month ago
i have both from the garbage both electric start 5 hp and when there is about 5 inches the singlestage 2 stroke is real fast since you can lift it and let the blade propel it if you put a string on the throttle they shoot 20 feet high but you can`t beat a two stage i have about 5 from 5-10hp.the gear case up front should be filled with 90 gear oil if you want it to last
commando7144 2 months ago
The guy is the biggest problem, not a stage snowblower, he don't know what he's doing
alexrae1000 2 months ago
Would have been closer if the guy wasn't snowblowing like a dick head
sneakymikels1 2 months ago
I have both single and 2 stage and also a manual backhoe. The single is great for powder and lighter snow under 6 inches and is more manuvarable. The 2 stage is just unbeatable for heavey snow but slush is always a problem. Still waiting for a machine that refuses to clog up with slush or very wet snow.
Erik22552 2 months ago
Just bought a Snow-Tek 24". Nice machine IMO. And we're not buying a blower with a US B&S for $1200+. Of course I'm keeping my '82 Craftsman 3/20 single stage for light duty. Still runs like a champ. Tecumseh engine. Zero maintenance. But in the bigger or wetter snows, it falls short.
sonofthe80s 2 months ago
I hate the chinese engines, go with a briggs or honda
SuperJetski1 2 months ago
@SuperJetski1 Many of the Briggs engines used on snowblowers now are made in PRC. Read the posts below and check the Briggs website.
sonofthe80s 2 months ago
where did you find the sno-tek snow blower.
C11376 2 months ago
for the toro you are realy only paying for the name
vettet1 2 months ago
@vettet1 Most Toros have engines made in PRC. The local Toro dealer told me Toro is moving to 100% Chinese engines soon. I'ts insatiable greed in American big business, killing this country.
sonofthe80s 2 months ago
@sonofthe80s Its not though, we're doing it to ourselves. They go to the Chi-Com motors to meet a price point. If the USA engined blower is $50 more than the other, Jiang Dao sells another machine.
knievelhotmail 1 month ago
@knievelhotmail $50 bucks I'd go with the US engine. If it was US made I'd go a couple hundred more. But you can't get that now. We looked for a used blower w/ a US engine, 20 yr old JUNKERS were $400! This past week I used the Sno-Tek and the old Craftsman, both did fine. Single stage leaves the driveway cleaner - better for uneven areas. Overall, I do prefer the single stage.
sonofthe80s 1 month ago
@sonofthe80s what about a japanese engine?
21stgear 4 weeks ago
single stage snow blowers are great for flat surfaces [not gravel] and can handle ideally anything less than a foot of snow.
jack9102 2 months ago
How come nobody commented on the hot chick? LOL!
vanhustler 3 months ago
Good clip for comparing $ to $. I know which machine I would like to have 98% of the time, Sno-Trek are a great value. A couple of places where the single stage may excel: on a large deck, tight walkway, wheel chair ramp and it may be a surprise on super watery slush as I believe that the single stage may not be prone to plugging. We had an old 7hp single stage Snow-Shark and it would practically pump water. I could put both to good use. Good perspective comparing the $ aspect.
rheniformer 3 months ago
Assembled in the USA from demestic and global components does not mean made in USA.
aakozanoglu 3 months ago
@aakozanoglu Nothing is made in USA.
mike548 2 months ago
Im calling BS on this video. The guy with the Toro is dogging it, and half the time isn't even using the blower properly. I understand needing to back it off in deep snow, but not when it got lighter (around 6"). The Toro is also not designed to take on 20" of snow, where as the Sno-Tek is. For a light to medium snow fall, I would much rather the Toro for the weight and size of the machine. The Sno-Tek would be pointless to use in those conditions.
quaked4 3 months ago
Great video showing the difference between a 2 stage driven versus a "pull along flapper" (meaning push as hard as you darn well can:( single stage. The Toro (and I don't care at what angle you hold it at) won't cut through hard (plowed) or packed snow. I struggled for years just like the guy in the video. Thankfully my kind neighbors used their 2 stage units to clean my 120' of sidewalk (required by law) and the street plowed snow at the end of my drive. Now I have a new Ariens 30" Deluxe.
MyOhioStuff 3 months ago 4
I look at it this way: you use a two stage when appropriate, and a single when that's appropriate. I will say this, I'd never use a Sno-Tek. I'd buy either a Toro 2 stage or the real Ariens unit. The sno-tek's are Ariens way of coping with a crappy economy, and are not built with B&S engines like the previously mentioned units. So, save your pennies, buy a Toro single, and Toro dual. It's like buying a Xerox over a Kyocera. Yeah the Kyo may work, but the Xerox has you covered all around.
whiterangers1984 3 months ago
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whiterangers1984 3 months ago
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whiterangers1984 3 months ago
Personally, I like the commercial, but they're still not comparing apples to apples. The Toro they are using is a 180 *now called the 418* which is actually a 400 dollar snowblower. The 621 is a 600 dollar unit, and it's considerably larger too. You can tell right away, because the 418 has a handle for the directional control, the 600 dollar version (621) has remote directional control. So no it's still not comparing apples to apples. However, it is a good demonstration of 2 stage advantage
whiterangers1984 3 months ago
one thing two stage can't be used on gravel driveways!
gotaigo 3 months ago
@gotaigo Actually, a two stage is a better option for gravel driveways since you can adjust the skid shoes to avoid scraping the ground.
AriensChannel 3 months ago 15
@AriensChannel Mybad, actually that was what I was trying to point out. Single stage is a no no for gravel driveways.
gotaigo 3 months ago
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deanholtz 1 week ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@AriensChannel You're definitely right about the gravel. I was wondering, though, why you didn't use your own single stage unit, which in Canada anyways, is priced around the $600 mark? This video is a little unfair, as it's only showing scenarios that heavily favour the 2 stage design, deep and compact snow. I just did my own video test, comparing the Ariens 722 EC to a Honda HS928 and it not only kept up ( except in throwing distance ) but it was significantly faster than the two stage.
deanholtz 1 week ago
@gotaigo oh yes it can , if you raise the shovel up until a base is laid.. really where did you learn that you cant use a 2 stage on a gravel driveway , my driveway is gravel and i use it on my driveay all time. once i have a base laid i can then lower the shovel back down..
KevinMillard68 2 months ago
@gotaigo ya i was going to ask why not because we just got snow and i accidentlly shot a shit load of gravel but why cant you?
tannerbob69 1 month ago
@gotaigo yes raise those things on the side and youll be just fine
bison299 1 week ago
and this is another reason why areins is always better!
weasel884 3 months ago
From experience, a single stage is VERY tiring! Neighbor is always done in 1/2 the time I am...but i dont have an extra $600 :(
rono8582 3 months ago
@aakozanoglu @aakozanoglu Yes It is Ariens. The orange models have some improvements like cast iron gearcase. Many B&S engines are made in China. See their site. Ones on mid-level Ariens are made in PRC. B&S claims 90% are USA made, I don't buy it. They sell too many of the 800,900,1150 snow engines - all PRC. Ariens made LTC overengineer the motor so they didn't have issues, and tested it for 4 yrs before selling them. LTC is in SC. B&S moved work to PRC so up profits. just as bad
sonofthe80s 3 months ago
@sonofthe80s B&S is in WI where I live, Ariens is in WI where I live; their profits are skyrocketing as you said but they are not hiring at the rate their profits rise.Like the rest of the greedy 'job creators'/They move production to China, they pocket the huge profit, they do not pay tax thanks to the lowest tax level since Eisenhower and tax loopholes.
aakozanoglu 3 months ago
2 Stage out preforms single stage any time of day I will bet money on it
MrMidnightsteve 3 months ago
That single stage snow blower's rubber paddles are in need of replacement.It is not even throwing snow.With new paddles they can throw snow 30-35 feet away.That Sno-Tek has MADE IN CHINA engine.It is not really Ariens.
aakozanoglu 3 months ago
@aakozanoglu Both machines were brand new at the time of the test.
AriensChannel 3 months ago 3
@AriensChannel Why does Ariens import engines from China?
aakozanoglu 3 months ago
@aakozanoglu Same reason (I guess) why Jeff Immelt (President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board) and CEO of GE, closed all the electric light bulb plants in the US and GE now makes the curly cue lightbulbs in China. Oh yeah, GE doesn't pay any US income taxes either. Bet Briggs and Stratton does:) Doing business in the US is getting harder and harder, I did it for over 20 years.
MyOhioStuff 3 months ago
@MyOhioStuff Light bulbs issue is different.Filament type light bulbs have been considered antique for 2 decades now.
aakozanoglu 3 months ago
It is a shame it is still being made.Unlike filament type light bulbs, engines are relevant and still modern.Why does Briggs and Stratton import engines from China?
aakozanoglu 3 months ago
I thought they were job creators, not job killers.Is not that the reason we keep cutting their taxes?Lowest tax rates since Eisenhower and these greedy b. still kill jobs and outsource to China!
aakozanoglu 3 months ago
@aakozanoglu The Briggs and Stratton engine on my 30" Deluxe has a Red, White, and Blue sticker reading proudly "MADE IN THE USA". I have to take them at their word.
MyOhioStuff 3 months ago
@MyOhioStuff - Correction, the sticker reads "ENGINE MADE IN THE USA".
MyOhioStuff 3 months ago
@MyOhioStuff 30" Deluxe may indeed have a USA Briggs. See Briggs website for list of engines made "outside of USA". Also note, if it's just a few yrs old it's a different story.
sonofthe80s 2 months ago
@AriensChannel What is the expected obselecence of a CHINA MADE sno tek engine? can this snowblower be handed down to your grand children? Perhaps it's better to spend $600 on a 2-stage snowblower from the 1970's. At least then i'll be buying a quality product.
turbojetta100 1 month ago
@AriensChannel and what about the made in china part yea thats right! that two stage wont last long with junk engine
xt45069 1 month ago
@aakozanoglu Pretty much throws the snow the same as my Toro single stage. Just picked up a Pro 28 today. Can't wait to give it a go!!
iflyem3535 3 months ago
@iflyem3535 I hope it works for you.
aakozanoglu 3 months ago
@aakozanoglu Thank you. Your Pro 28 looks awesome. Best of luck with it! I do like quality tools. Delta unisaw, jointer, drill press, and bench grinder. Festool T55 plunge saw with extended track, Rotex sander, and 2200 plunge router. Miller Synchrowave 200 TIG (and a cheap Chinese Everlast 250EX TIG, but it works great), Hypertherm 600 plasma cutter. But I do prefer my Toro Z5000 over my previous but much more expensive Dixon.
MyOhioStuff 3 months ago
for the same price yea that two stage is great.
But I have a single stage on my Wheel Horse tractor that blows that dual stage out of the water.
goblin072 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Anyone that is in the market for a snowblower read this blog first!
bestblackfridaysecrets.blogspot.com
Hope it saves someone a buck or two!
DevilishGurll 3 months ago
well ya of course they arent comparable. one is a 2stage while the other is not xD
ryancrazy1 3 months ago
well i mean a single stage snow blower is supposed to be used ideally for 3-9 inches on most models and thats obviously about a foot of snow so i mean there sint really a comparison
IIxExTII 3 months ago
Thank you for helping me to decide. The video does exactly as the title says
tremint 3 months ago
but it still don't have the distance of ur 2 stage
joek0617 3 months ago
my single stage willl eat urs for breakfast, i need to make a vid of mine....
joek0617 3 months ago
Comparisons do not need to be apples to apples. It is perfectly fine to compare apples to oranges, it just depends on the purpose of the comparison. In this case, comparing a single stage-snow blower to a two-stage snow blower is to see the difference in performance for those people (like me) who are looking to find out more about the differences. Very good video; thanks for posting it.
dudley099 3 months ago 2
why is the woman pushing the 2 stage? Do they think that if a women is pushing the better one, WOW it must be that much better.
bran1har 4 months ago
Yeah but show the video of the girl trying to lift hers up onto the deck or the roof
jwt0bos 4 months ago
Something tells me this guy works for Ariens.........
needragn1 4 months ago 2
EXCELLENT video. 9 out of 10 snow falls here in Michigan are less snow than in the vidoe and the toro may be faster, but when the big blast comes, the 2-stage wins big. Thank you for posting.
sdanville 4 months ago
How does a 136cc suffice for a 24" Sno-Tek?
djemzine2008 4 months ago
i have anew toro and it wasnt 600 dollars when i bought mine it was like $300 and that was like 7 yrs ago
thenicoletti 4 months ago
this is a great video..
kctyphoon 4 months ago
the toro look old
labrieexpert2000 4 months ago
Is that a 136cc Sno-Tek or the 208cc?
kytran40 4 months ago
@kytran40 That's the 208cc Sno-Tek.
AriensChannel 4 months ago
@AriensChannel if that 2 stage is only 208 cc, i wonder how far my 11hp will throw it(we havent gotton snow like that in 5 years, its strange cuz its north MN)
christhetromboneguy 1 month ago
That Sno-Tek is no Toro, that's for sure! Anybody that would own only a two stage machine will very likely be spending plenty of time shoveling, as the big machine is a big pain to shove around, and is useless in the light stuff, where the single stage machine shines.
Personally, I wouldn't buy either of these. I have two new Hondas...one HS721 and one HS520AS. The first is a two stage ($2300) and the second is a single-stage ($800). That's how I spent my $3100! I've had the cheapos, no more!
noystinkinbeeswax 4 months ago
looks like they have fun :)
han050 5 months ago
Even if i thought that you were "ANGELIC" (which btw I don't ), I would say that this video is "BIASED" / / / / in "FAVOR" of the 4 Cycle !
justanotherengine 5 months ago
i would still rather spend my money on the toro. a engine will last for years a battery will not.
skyfly51 5 months ago
The video only shows that a 2 stage works better in deep snow. It also lets the potential buyer know they can buy an inexpensive two stage Ariens for the same price as an expensive single stage. Both are self propelled, the single stage if it is tipped up so the rubber auger can pull it along. They have different uses however. The single stage will clean right down to the surface and remove all the snow. The two stage will leave a coating. I use the two stage first then a single stage.
izodfrog 5 months ago
this is why you let your employes used the single stage and you use the 2 sage
ms290guy1999 5 months ago
At least the toro will start every time. I have owned enough ariens junk to never buy again. Im using them commercially, and know all about the reliability ariens has to offer. Or lack thereof
lilphil26 5 months ago
I am planning to get a sno tek 20 this winter
weather228 6 months ago
I agree with the point of this video. A freind let me borrow a 2 stage blower and my brother let me borrow a single stage Honda. The single stage could not get through any wet snow at all. For the same price, I bought a two stage. It saved me last winter with three storms of two feet each. My 24 inch two-stage fits in the front corner of my garage and eat through snow at the end of the driveway.
john1bern 6 months ago
You really ARE comparing apples to oranges. I live in Denver, and we get snow by the foot. I bought a Honda hs520 single stage 4-stroke instead of the 2 stage ariens. Why? You get what you pay for. My neighbors all giggled when I got my single stage. "It's too small, it's too weak". Yea, If you really pay $600 for a 2-stage, I hope you own a good tool box. If you know how to use a GOOD single stage, you can flat BOOGIE. Plus, how much space does a 2-stage take up?
needragn1 6 months ago 2
Bought a Snow tek which we drove to PA from NY to get. I started it pointed my fist into the air and said " Bring it on" and next week it snowed 30". Never will do that again. @ stage is, much like the old Toro with power handle we had 40 years before it died, Salesmen explained compacted snow or ice single stage wouldn't gripe the ground to move forward and shouldn't let the snow go over 6". I'm not going out to clear 6" of all day. My Snow Tek 24” went right through 30" piles of snow.
gigmenace 7 months ago
I could beat that chick with the toro no problem..... if you're not a moron you can get that single stage ripping. first thing is to recognize how it works and actually think about its advantages. It has a much lighter power to weight ratio. What you need to do is point the chute straight then angle it as you skim off the banks.. anyone that has done snow removal for work knows what i am talking about. Also you have to realize that in 5 inches or less it would be no contest. hs1132 for the end
gutterswill 9 months ago
Both snowblowers can move the light fluffy stuff out of the way. I live in Minnesota and I have used both:) When it snows enough for the snowplow to come by, having a 2 stage snowblower saves you so much time! It's the compacted snow at the end of the driveway that matters most. Also, sometimes the snow on the sides of the driveway gets so tall that a single stage snowblower will not be able to throw it high enough.
junit0174 11 months ago 2
You get what you pay for sure its a ariens sno trek with a chinese cloned engine powermore or lct whatever it looks good to the book smart only consumer but then get shafted deep in the pockets later on with ethanol fuel problems good luck finding parts on the fly with that boat anchor. Buy 2 of them so you can have a backup while you wait for parts on the first. For me I would buy the Briggs.
valdi9165 1 year ago
Forget about that toro power clear with the 2 cycle or 4 cycle its better than most agreed but the snapper SS922ex would have kept up with that bitch. Lets compare apples to apples for big 12+ constant snow fall a 2 stage is better but anything less a good 1 stage is all your gonna need
valdi9165 1 year ago
I could make the toro look bad also. the opporator is using it incorrectly, he should be tipping the handle up slightly. Why don't you compare your single stage Ariens to a toro two stage?
camelotwi 1 year ago 3
I have owned and collected snowblowers my whole life, and this is a bogus video, showing a self propelled machine vs a non self propelled machine. Everyone clearly knows that they make self propelled single stage blower, I like 2 stage, but don't scam people by showing a video like this, anyone can see that it is to promote 2 stage blowers. scam to the fullest
MrFtroop72 1 year ago 2
@MrFtroop72 good call.. scam to the fullest says it all
ratoneJR 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@MrFtroop72 good call ... scam to the fullest says it all
ratoneJR 1 year ago
Well, you sold me. I'm currently using a 1981 model year Toro 2 cycle snow blower that I bought new when I first bought my house. It has performed like a champ, except for those rare snow storms that dump a foot or more of snow in a short time. I just spent 3 hours digging out my 120 foot driveway with 3 foot drifts and an average of two feet of snow. Wish I had that Ariens.
fenceposter 1 year ago
Wait a minute, something just aint' quite right. These are not comparable units. One is a self propelled two stage and the other is a push type single stage. This is meaningless.
gliderp 1 year ago 2
@gliderp
They are comparable in price so that is pretty much all that counts in my opinion.
fenceposter 1 year ago
@fenceposter
Exactly. That's really the point of the video. They are comparable units in price. We think that's a pretty good reason to put them head to head.
AriensChannel 1 year ago
Have you looked at any weather forecasts/news today? 1/2 the nation that has any population is getting a blizzard or substantial snow. (not Canada) Snow is currently 3-4' high on the sides of the street and my driveway from previous events. But I'm going to be sleeping comfortable knowing there is a 2-stage Ariens in my garage when the plow comes thru at 3AM.
A single stage works well on small snow, I prefer a tool that works for all snow falls. Think...Swiss Army knife vs. butter knife
greatmowers 1 year ago
maybe in canada, or other places where 30" of snow is the norm
from experience my toro single stage WILL always run circles around my neighbors ariens since we mostly get below 12" storms
while he's moving nice and slow, i'm already halfway done.
guess it depends on where you live
schmooly 1 year ago
ok, there's always next year...borrow the neighbors...don't hurt your back
kennyplay...maybe you need a different brand of 2 stage...upgrade to an Ariens!
greatmowers 1 year ago
ok
greatmowers 1 year ago
Too bad you can't buy them because they've been out of production for months -- now that people actually need them.
vindactive 1 year ago
of course the 2-stage would be best in that much snow but 4-6 inches, my single stage kicks my 2-stage's ass all over the place.,
kennyplay 1 year ago
I got tired of pissin with those single stage deals (not to mention they were old hand me downs). 11/09 I went out and got myself a sno-tek 24, and haven't looked back. Sure those new Single stages are easier to maneuver in light snow, but they worthless after the plow comes by (as mentioned). And the distance that it throws the snow gives ya a grin from ear to ear. I have to watch I don't throw snow onto my neighbors house across the street haha.
justaguy777 1 year ago
THe guy on the single stage machine is abusing the machine like a jack ass. Of course it won't work if you keep pulling, pushing and hitting it. on the snow like that... Just let it eat through the snow it will work eventually.
Toroer 1 year ago
Jacobsen Sno-Burst FTW!
OHFORSTANG 1 year ago
i know a 2 stage is better but the guy in the single stage is barely trying.
usforeignpolicy 1 year ago
I purchased two machines this year for the harsh winter in Newfoundland, Canada. Surprisingly enough we have not had any snow. It is now January 8th and I have not moved my Toro 826 two stage or my Ariens 926 two stage out of the shed except to look at it with wishful eyes. As soon as we get a good snowfall I hope to post a couple of videos of the two of them side by side blowing snow. I love this video because it really makes you think about what you could be getting for your money.
cbr1100rr 1 year ago
Two stage all the way! The only drawback to a two stage is having to clear the driveways of your neighbors who only have a single stage... Especially when the plow comes through an hour after you get done snowblowing and leaves a heavy bank of snow. If it's cold and the plows come through while you're at work, get ready for a bank of snow at the bottom of your driveway that is as hard as a rock. Good luck clearing that with a single stage! I love my Ariens!
kellyneuville 1 year ago 2
No question a 2S will go through deep snow better than a SS.
If I was clearing a field, I'd use a 2S as well. Fortunately, I only need to clear my (paved) driveway!
My Toro 221R single stage can outrun all of my neighbours 2-stage machines.
iAmRenegadeX 1 year ago
I prefer my Toro 221QE thanks. We don't get big snow jobs that require to clear 50cm of snow. And I finish my blowing about 2x 3x quicker than my neighbours do with their 2 stage.
gisuck 1 year ago