I would look seriously at the larger single-stage machines - they are lighter and easier to handle than the 2-stage blowers. They will handle up to a six-inch snow pretty easily. The Toro 421Q has been getting some pretty good reviews. Depending on if you want to spend the $$, a Honda can't be beat. Ariens makes good 2-stage machines, but their single-stage machines seem to take a backseat to Toro. When selecting a snowblower, stick to HATS:

Honda
Ariens
Toro
Simplicity/Snapper

You do NOT want to walk on the snow prior to blowing it, if at all possible. Just the pressure of your footsteps can compact the snow enough to turn it to ice, which is difficult for any snowblower to pick up. Tough snowpack or ice can be nearly impossible to clear with your average snowblower, although the tracked machines can have a real advantage here if you know how to adjust their cutting depths. Tracked machines are more difficult to handle and cost more $$.

If you get many snows over six inches, then you might consider a small 2-stage, like an Ariens 624. If the smaller snows are much more prevalent, go with a 5-7hp single-stage. Leave the big 9-13hp snowblowers to the folks who regularly blow out twelve inches or more.

If you make a mistake and buy a cheap snowblower like I did (Craftsman aka MTD), you can recoup some performance by installing an impeller kit (search the 'net for Clarence Impeller Kit). You might more good info at the opeonthenet forum.

Here is a link that might be useful: OPEonTHEnet

We recently bought an Ariens ST624E, auger type, two stage, snowblower. It has to grind up and throw the compacted snow and ice that the city snowplow leaves at the foot of our driveway, that is what we bought it for. It accomplishes this task, easily, and I also use it on our sidewalk and driveway. It will pick up and throw snow that has been compacted by walkers. However, about 1/8 inch of snow remains on the surface, so there is some cleanup required by hand-shoveling. The Ariens has an electric start feature, but I would have to run an extension to the garage, so I just use the pull-cord. It starts on the first pull. I am sure that there are other snowblowers that would serve you well, my neighbor has a Toro that she is pleased with.

I would suggest that you stay with a smaller HP unit. As the power rises, so does the amount of effort required to control it and manoeuver in some situations. A small quality machine will do everything you want, and just be easier on the elder owner. If snow is high, you can still use a small unit and cut smaller sections of the path on each pass - say i/2 witdh of auger scoop. Whole thing is to just take it slow and easy and let machine do teh work. My current 11.5 Ariens is great, but can be a bit of a wrestle at times vesrus the older 8 that it replaced. Also, most machines are very easy to start with one or two pulls, but the electric start feature, where you plug it in to house current, can be a help on first start if you have any physical difficulty in pulling (also on first start of the year after the off-season). Once warmed up and in use, it should start very easily with the cord if you are out in the yard away from a cord.

PS: for ericwi - you should be able to scrape teh surface completely clear with the Ariens if you have a hard surface. Just change the adjustment of teh two "feet" opn the front sidew of teh auger housing so that the scraper bar across teh bottom rear of the auger housing is resting on the ground. It must be set so that the scraper is slightly above ground now.

Dooley,

Definately go with a two stage snowblower. I do not see that a 10 or 11 horsepower would be difficult to manuever particularily on level ground. My dad is in his early 70's and uses a Airens 13 HP to get into the tight areas around the house/barn where the plow can not get to. We live in upstate NY and certainly get the kind of snow fall you describe. You will want a very capable snow blower to throw the snow as far as you can to avoid the "build up" after frequent dumps.

Couple of things to remember. Ariens is the best out there. Have not tried many others but the ariens is built like a tank. And if you ever have a problem, they are a phone call away....they answer on the first ring!! I had to call MTD once and there is no phone number and no one to call. Finally I found a phone number and the person that answered was of no help at all. I figure, when I call a company, they better know more about the product than I do. Also keep in mind, you are not buying a pair of shoes, this is a LONG term investment. The cost of underbuying is far greater than the cost of overbuying. Don't even think about a $300 machine, its a compete toy. Its for people that have a row house in brooklyn and they want to play with a snowthrower. Your situation is quite serious. Buying a small snowthroswer will: take you far longer to clear your area, take years off the machine from overuse, and will cause more wear and tear on the operator. Lastly, from basic physics, there is such a thing as momentum. A larger unit WILL cut through the ice as it is using its own weight and traction to do it. Thay being said, enjoy the snow--its great.

I have an old cast iron 5 HP Ariens Power Head with the 24"two stage snowblower attachment.Since the flywheel had a starter ring gear,and threaded starter mount holes,I put a 12 volt starter,U1 size battery and wiring on it for an easiy engine start,no matter how cold it is. 4 speeds frwd and 1 reverse.Wish I could get to cut through packed snow and ice,as mentioned above.The tire chains will dig a hole though.tbk

OP stated that they are only clearing a small area, mostly 1- to 3-inch snows and occasional 6- to 10-inch snow. A large single-stage will handle that just fine. If the OP was clearing their entire driveway, then a large 2-stage makes sense; otherwise it is overkill for the small area they need.

Based on your introduction - I will tell you I am very pleased with my smaller 5 hp Ariens 24 wide - for my 125 foot driveway - a really easy starting machine - and a nice working machine too.

HOWEVER - I will share with you something that happened to a cousin of mine who's husband died a few years ago.

My cousin had gone to work and her elderly mother had stayed home on a particular snowy morning in Pa... Her husband stayed home and went outside to plow the driveway and sidewalk with his snow blower (he didnt have a lot of property/driveway/sidewalk to contend with ).

Anyway after some time of him being out there working with his snow blower... A little while later a mail man had knocked on the door of my cousins house.

It turns out the mail man found my cousin's husband dead on the sidewalk - he had a heart attack while operating the snow blower! He was well chilled by the time the ambulance was able to respond and could not be resuscitated.

I guess the lesson to learn here - is that these snow blowers are rather heavy and can be rather physically demanding. I guess the cool air and working hard can be deceiving - as opposed to mowing the lawn in the middle of July.

Anyway - I thought I should add my .02 cents on this matter...

Perhaps a 4 wheel drive Quad with a blade might appear more desirable? or a tractor with a 2 stage unit on the front ?

I live in Northeastern Massachusetts and regularly see 6" - 12" snowstorms. I've had a Honda HS624WS (6 HP, 24" Bucket, Wheeled Version) 2 stage snowblower for the last 10 years and it works GREAT. I have 150' of driveway plus a large 12' x 40' deck and other areas in my back property. I had a smaller property when I purchased it and thought I would need something bigger (more HP) when I bought this property 6 years ago.

I'm actually glad I have the 6 HP as it is more maneuverable and easier to handle (weight wise) than a larger, heavier machine. The thing to remember is to let the machine do the work and you'll have no problems. I've seen people try to push a machine beyond its capabilites and then complain that it's a piece of garbage. You can't go 100 MPH and expect the machine to process the snow that quickly without getting bogged down (especially true with heavy, wet snow). Also, do your snowblowing before anyone walks on the snow because it gets packed down and becomes tough to get off the pavement.

I highly recommend a Honda or an Ariens although I've never owned an Ariens. They are made similar to the Honda -good solid steel construction throughout with very little plastic. Do not buy any blower with a plastic chute - you're asking for trouble. A 6 or 8 HP (2 stage) should be all you need based on the description of your requirements.

Good luck.

Something i have learned in my over 4 years of life: That durn snow will go away when the temps warm up!
I've had both types, the single and the doubles, and my idea of what kind to have, at my age and before---is--none!
i just stand inside at the window and watch it come down. Oh, i do spread a bit of salt on the front walk, but, my car will come up the 30 degree slope of the side driveway, and my 2-wheel drive pickup goes everywhere i want it to go, without getting stuck! I have tire chains, in case i need them. And, as long as we can get to the mailbox, and out to get into the cars, the snow is going to lay there!