I'd recommend gas, and at a minimum the following must haves...
I have an old craftsmen with over 10 snow seasons - so some of the features i would want in the future model for when I replace (based solely on my experiences of wish I had or already enjoy)
(have and love)
Have ski goggles and neoprene face mask, invariably you will eventually get a full of snowblower "facial" when the wind changes direction on you. i wear my ski/snowboard set-up
https://thestratosfair.com/products/winter-sport-goggles-with-mask?variant=35459213623450
Before the season, purchase extra shearing pins (they will fail as they are designed to do when you find the buried newspaper in your driveway), and at the most inopportune moment, and you'll be stuck with snow shoveling your way to the store to replace. A six-pack will cost less then $10
Also ensure you have a sturdy stick (free), or spend the $20 to get a Deflector/Clean-Out stick for if/when the chute gets clogged; no reason to lose any fingers/limbs....
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Troy-Bilt-Snow-Deflector/1158031
If you're prone to losing "keys", get a set of replacement keys ($10) to have or if you buy used from someone else and they don't have the keys any more.
https://www.acehardware.com/departm...now-blower-parts-and-accessories/7214265?x429
I have an old craftsmen with over 10 snow seasons - so some of the features i would want in the future model for when I replace (based solely on my experiences of wish I had or already enjoy)
(have and love)
- Electric starter, the convenience of not pulling multiple times is worth every penny (especially if you are all gloved and bundled up.
- Variable speed controls - go slower when heavier apron, or hard packed down snow and faster when light/fluffy snow
- "joystick" chute controls, so much nicer than the manual cover-adjuster, with turn-crank to adjust the snow-throw
- 3-Stage (I have the 2-stage), very helpful with "larger snow accumulations"
- Single-handed operation (I have 2 handed one side-auger the other engages the wheel), causing multiple stops along the way to adjust the chute direction.... meaning I am outside longer clearing snow. Being able to run the snowblower and change the chute at the same-time would be awesome.
- Easy-Turn capability - on big snowblowers having to do less muscle effort to turn would be nice as I get older.
- Wider impeller; if you can upgrade from the standard 12 inch in heavy snow this larger size will speed things up.
Have ski goggles and neoprene face mask, invariably you will eventually get a full of snowblower "facial" when the wind changes direction on you. i wear my ski/snowboard set-up
https://thestratosfair.com/products/winter-sport-goggles-with-mask?variant=35459213623450
Before the season, purchase extra shearing pins (they will fail as they are designed to do when you find the buried newspaper in your driveway), and at the most inopportune moment, and you'll be stuck with snow shoveling your way to the store to replace. A six-pack will cost less then $10
Also ensure you have a sturdy stick (free), or spend the $20 to get a Deflector/Clean-Out stick for if/when the chute gets clogged; no reason to lose any fingers/limbs....
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Troy-Bilt-Snow-Deflector/1158031
If you're prone to losing "keys", get a set of replacement keys ($10) to have or if you buy used from someone else and they don't have the keys any more.
https://www.acehardware.com/departm...now-blower-parts-and-accessories/7214265?x429
The shear pins are always breaking and the belt slips in heavy wet snow where my old two stage would cut through like butter. Once the belt slips it has to be replaced. Pain in the ass especially in a cold garage.
I found that if I keep the Auger spinning the whole time I have better luck with it.
It’s also very heavy.
It would work better in dry deep snow like they get upstate.