My old snowblower died before finishing my drive this morning. I
figured it wouldn't be a problem getting a new one. Amazed, I could
only find 2 meeting my specs:

About 10 hp, 2 stage. My budget would stretch to around $1200. All I
found was 1 MTD (999) and one Crapsman at $799.

Googled Walmart, Shopko, Costco, (all "'snow blower not found" Sears
(in desparation) and tried ACE Hardware but had server problems,
Harbor freight, A surplus center. Will try ACE again this evening.

Even stopped at John Deere - they only had one, a 71/2 hp - not enough
of an upgrade from my old 5 hp. All others were listed as "sold out".

Any suggestions? I know I am missing something obvious here but age
and memory don't go together very well any more.

Harry K

"Harry K" wrote in message
...
My old snowblower died before finishing my drive this morning. I
figured it wouldn't be a problem getting a new one. Amazed, I could
only find 2 meeting my specs:

About 10 hp, 2 stage. My budget would stretch to around $1200. All I
found was 1 MTD (999) and one Crapsman at $799.

Googled Walmart, Shopko, Costco, (all "'snow blower not found" Sears
(in desparation) and tried ACE Hardware but had server problems,
Harbor freight, A surplus center. Will try ACE again this evening.

Even stopped at John Deere - they only had one, a 71/2 hp - not enough
of an upgrade from my old 5 hp. All others were listed as "sold out".

Any suggestions? I know I am missing something obvious here but age
and memory don't go together very well any more.

Harry K


Did you go to the Aryens web site to see what they had available? And, why
would you want to purchase such a thing from a store that offers no service?

Correction:

Ariens, not Aryens

www.ariens.com

If you can't find something suitable from this company, you probably don't
really want a snow blower.

On Jan 9, 10:18 pm, Harry K wrote:
My old snowblower died before finishing my drive this morning. I
figured it wouldn't be a problem getting a new one. Amazed, I could
only find 2 meeting my specs:

About 10 hp, 2 stage. My budget would stretch to around $1200. All I
found was 1 MTD (999) and one Crapsman at $799.

Googled Walmart, Shopko, Costco, (all "'snow blower not found" Sears
(in desparation) and tried ACE Hardware but had server problems,
Harbor freight, A surplus center. Will try ACE again this evening.

Even stopped at John Deere - they only had one, a 71/2 hp - not enough
of an upgrade from my old 5 hp. All others were listed as "sold out".

Any suggestions? I know I am missing something obvious here but age
and memory don't go together very well any more.

Harry K

I saw this one at amazon.com
Poulan Pro 10.5HP 30" Tecumseh Snow King 2 Stage Snow Thrower
#PP10530ES

http://www.amazon.com/Poulan-10-5HP-...941237&sr=8-13

good luck

Get a troy-bilt 5 HP from lowes. Under $600. Why pay more for one
that will do the same job?


On Jan 9, 11:18*pm, Harry K wrote:
My old snowblower died before finishing my drive this morning. *I
figured it wouldn't be a problem getting a new one. *Amazed, I could
only find 2 meeting my specs:

About 10 hp, 2 stage. *My budget would stretch to around $1200. *All I
found was 1 MTD (999) and one Crapsman at $799.

Googled Walmart, Shopko, Costco, (all "'snow blower not found" Sears
(in desparation) and tried ACE Hardware but had server problems,
Harbor freight, A surplus center. Will try ACE again this evening.

Even stopped at John Deere - they only had one, a 71/2 hp - not enough
of an upgrade from my old 5 hp. *All others were listed as "sold out".

Any suggestions? * *I know I am missing something obvious here but age
and memory don't go together very well any more.

Harry K

On Jan 9, 8:50*pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
"Harry K" wrote in message

...





My old snowblower died before finishing my drive this morning. *I
figured it wouldn't be a problem getting a new one. *Amazed, I could
only find 2 meeting my specs:

About 10 hp, 2 stage. *My budget would stretch to around $1200. *All I
found was 1 MTD (999) and one Crapsman at $799.

Googled Walmart, Shopko, Costco, (all "'snow blower not found" Sears
(in desparation) and tried ACE Hardware but had server problems,
Harbor freight, A surplus center. Will try ACE again this evening.

Even stopped at John Deere - they only had one, a 71/2 hp - not enough
of an upgrade from my old 5 hp. *All others were listed as "sold out".

Any suggestions? * *I know I am missing something obvious here but age
and memory don't go together very well any more.

Harry K

Did you go to the Aryens web site to see what they had available? And, why
would you want to purchase such a thing from a store that offers no service?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks for the replies. My "stupid" phase passed right after I
posted. My mistake was looking for local sources and I named everyone
within 60 miles. Once I started googling by brand name, no more
problem except for ones like TORO and HONDA that don't list the
price.

The Amazon site is one I never considered as for some reason, even
knowing better, I look at them as a source for books/movies, etc.
Definitely going to be looking there. Thanks ypylaw - that is one
good buy. I will probably buy it but will look at the 8 hp first.

As for buying from a source hat doesn't service. That is just about
what I have to do. Other than ACE (and I'm not sure about them) I
can't think of a source withing 60 miles that does any real service.
Most are "take it back for exchange".

Into the unheated garage this morning and tear into to the old one to
see if I can get that impeller reconnected to whatever broke. I
suspect a belt which is no fun to change. Just about have to
dismantle the machine to get in there. Doesn't act like a shear pin
as it spins freely.

Nothing beats the fun of nut-n-bolting barehanded at 25 degrees ;(


Harry K

"Harry K" wrote in message
...
On Jan 9, 8:50 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
"Harry K" wrote in message

...





My old snowblower died before finishing my drive this morning. I
figured it wouldn't be a problem getting a new one. Amazed, I could
only find 2 meeting my specs:

About 10 hp, 2 stage. My budget would stretch to around $1200. All I
found was 1 MTD (999) and one Crapsman at $799.

Googled Walmart, Shopko, Costco, (all "'snow blower not found" Sears
(in desparation) and tried ACE Hardware but had server problems,
Harbor freight, A surplus center. Will try ACE again this evening.

Even stopped at John Deere - they only had one, a 71/2 hp - not enough
of an upgrade from my old 5 hp. All others were listed as "sold out".

Any suggestions? I know I am missing something obvious here but age
and memory don't go together very well any more.

Harry K

Did you go to the Aryens web site to see what they had available? And, why
would you want to purchase such a thing from a store that offers no
service?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks for the replies. My "stupid" phase passed right after I
posted. My mistake was looking for local sources and I named everyone
within 60 miles. Once I started googling by brand name, no more
problem except for ones like TORO and HONDA that don't list the
price.

The Amazon site is one I never considered as for some reason, even
knowing better, I look at them as a source for books/movies, etc.
Definitely going to be looking there. Thanks ypylaw - that is one
good buy. I will probably buy it but will look at the 8 hp first.

As for buying from a source hat doesn't service. That is just about
what I have to do. Other than ACE (and I'm not sure about them) I
can't think of a source withing 60 miles that does any real service.

=========================


The reason you "can't think of a source" is most likely because the locally
owned shops are tiny places you've never noticed. Open your yellow pages
phone book and look under "lawnmowers". Many of the same dealers will also
sell snow blowers.

This is not a guarantee that one of them will sell exactly the thing you
want, but it's worth a look. Also, these shops are NOT always more
expensive. There is no general rule. One thing for sure, though: The chain
stores you mentioned - they're not going to have certain levels of service
available if you ever need it. So, let's say you find a model you like at
Lowe's for $600, and a locally owned shop sells the same thing for $675, set
up & delivered, you have to decide if that $75 difference is worthwhile in
return for a relationship with a store that can actually help you in the
future if you need it.

Warranty service will be performed regardless of where you bought it.


On Jan 10, 11:08*am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
"Harry K" wrote in message

...
On Jan 9, 8:50 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:





"Harry K" wrote in message

...

My old snowblower died before finishing my drive this morning. I
figured it wouldn't be a problem getting a new one. Amazed, I could
only find 2 meeting my specs:

About 10 hp, 2 stage. My budget would stretch to around $1200. All I
found was 1 MTD (999) and one Crapsman at $799.

Googled Walmart, Shopko, Costco, (all "'snow blower not found" Sears
(in desparation) and tried ACE Hardware but had server problems,
Harbor freight, A surplus center. Will try ACE again this evening.

Even stopped at John Deere - they only had one, a 71/2 hp - not enough
of an upgrade from my old 5 hp. All others were listed as "sold out".

Any suggestions? I know I am missing something obvious here but age
and memory don't go together very well any more.

Harry K

Did you go to the Aryens web site to see what they had available? And, why
would you want to purchase such a thing from a store that offers no
service?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks for the replies. *My "stupid" phase passed right after I
posted. *My mistake was looking for local sources and I named everyone
within 60 miles. *Once I started googling by brand name, no more
problem except for ones like TORO and HONDA that don't list the
price.

The Amazon site is one I never considered as for some reason, even
knowing better, I look at them as a source for books/movies, etc.
Definitely going to be looking there. *Thanks ypylaw - that is one
good buy. *I will probably buy it but will look at the 8 hp first.

As for buying from a source hat doesn't service. *That is just about
what I have to do. *Other than ACE (and I'm not sure about them) I
can't think of a source withing 60 miles that does any real service.

=========================

The reason you "can't think of a source" is most likely because the locally
owned shops are tiny places you've never noticed. Open your yellow pages
phone book and look under "lawnmowers". Many of the same dealers will also
sell snow blowers.

This is not a guarantee that one of them will sell exactly the thing you
want, but it's worth a look. Also, these shops are NOT always more
expensive. There is no general rule. *One thing for sure, though: *The chain
stores you mentioned - they're not going to have certain levels of service
available if you ever need it. So, let's say you find a model you like at
Lowe's for $600, and a locally owned shop sells the same thing for $675, set
up & delivered, you have to decide if that $75 difference is worthwhile in
return for a relationship with a store that can actually help you in the
future if you need it.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

wrote in message
...

Warranty service will be performed regardless of where you bought it.
=================

True, but irrelevant. The dealer I bought my snow blower from offered free
pickup & delivery during the entire manufacturer's warranty period. I never
needed it, but it would've been valuable, since a large snow blower was not
going to fit into the trunk of a Taurus.

Tell me what Costco, HD or Lowe's would do for you if the unit needed
service. Tell me if a small local dealer would offer that service to a
customer who bought it elsewhere. Remember that we're talking about
transporting the unit, which is not covered under warranty by manufacturers.

On Jan 10, 8:08*am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
"Harry K" wrote in message

...
On Jan 9, 8:50 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:





"Harry K" wrote in message

...

My old snowblower died before finishing my drive this morning. I
figured it wouldn't be a problem getting a new one. Amazed, I could
only find 2 meeting my specs:

About 10 hp, 2 stage. My budget would stretch to around $1200. All I
found was 1 MTD (999) and one Crapsman at $799.

Googled Walmart, Shopko, Costco, (all "'snow blower not found" Sears
(in desparation) and tried ACE Hardware but had server problems,
Harbor freight, A surplus center. Will try ACE again this evening.

Even stopped at John Deere - they only had one, a 71/2 hp - not enough
of an upgrade from my old 5 hp. All others were listed as "sold out".

Any suggestions? I know I am missing something obvious here but age
and memory don't go together very well any more.

Harry K

Did you go to the Aryens web site to see what they had available? And, why
would you want to purchase such a thing from a store that offers no
service?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks for the replies. *My "stupid" phase passed right after I
posted. *My mistake was looking for local sources and I named everyone
within 60 miles. *Once I started googling by brand name, no more
problem except for ones like TORO and HONDA that don't list the
price.

The Amazon site is one I never considered as for some reason, even
knowing better, I look at them as a source for books/movies, etc.
Definitely going to be looking there. *Thanks ypylaw - that is one
good buy. *I will probably buy it but will look at the 8 hp first.

As for buying from a source hat doesn't service. *That is just about
what I have to do. *Other than ACE (and I'm not sure about them) I
can't think of a source withing 60 miles that does any real service.

=========================

The reason you "can't think of a source" is most likely because the locally
owned shops are tiny places you've never noticed. Open your yellow pages
phone book and look under "lawnmowers". Many of the same dealers will also
sell snow blowers.

This is not a guarantee that one of them will sell exactly the thing you
want, but it's worth a look. Also, these shops are NOT always more
expensive. There is no general rule. *One thing for sure, though: *The chain
stores you mentioned - they're not going to have certain levels of service
available if you ever need it. So, let's say you find a model you like at
Lowe's for $600, and a locally owned shop sells the same thing for $675, set
up & delivered, you have to decide if that $75 difference is worthwhile in
return for a relationship with a store that can actually help you in the
future if you need it.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

NOpe. I did check the only local (other than the big boxes, lowes,
shopko, etc.) Namely the grange "don't sell em anymore" and ACE who
does. How fun it is to need a 'small engine' job done knowing there
is only one in this town and only open on Saturday, next one is 30
miles away - a major chainsaw dealer who dabbles in small engines on
the side.

The nearest 'real' service is 60 miles away. I do most of my
'service' myself.

speaking of which. I tore into the old one. Yep, broken shear pin.
I put that machine together as a basket case somewhere around 20 years
ago. Bought it for $50 from a rental in 3 boxes. Diagnosis - rusted
out shear pin and the good news was that someone had put in a 'split
pin'. Remains still in the hole that I can't get at with any real
tools and a make-shift drift punch from a 3/16 steel rod (regular
punch not long enough) won't budge it. Need to dismantle the entire
machine to get the shaft out of there.

Waiting for my e-mail now to see if the one I ordered is in stock.
Went with the ACE one so the dealer will at least be local. If non in
stock the fall back is AMAZON.

Harry K