what kind of snowblower for Calgary winters?

[taco.vidal]

Ive only spent a few winters in Calgary and by far last years had some of the biggest wettest dumps of snow. Normally we get by OK with shovelling but I wouldnt mind having a snowblower from some of the worse snow falls?

What do you guys recommend? Im not asking for particular brands or models necesarily but single stage versus dual stage etc?

Ill still shovel the lighter stuff and want the machine more for the larger snow falls but dont want to get something that would be more useful in Alaska rather than Calgary.

[Dion]

Someone said the "S" word.

Now were doomed for a cold and snowy winter

[moncton golden flames]

a snow blower...in calgary? you gotta be kidding! get a good broom.

[GGG]

None, Last year was an exception.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by GGG

None, Last year was an exception.

I agree, I don't think it would be a worthwhile expenditure. Just spend it on beer!

[4X4]

^^ I disagree. My old man lives on a corner lot with a loooong sidewalk, so a couple years ago, me and the siblings went in on a snow blower for him for xmas. I got it at Jed's Equipment in Fairview and it cost something like $900. After comparing prices at all the box stores and all the specialty stores, Jed's had the best price and the best service guarantee.
For the life of me, I can't remember the specs, but I do know that it was a TORO and that it was one of those ones that has rubber flaps inside it that chucks the snow out the chute. I checked out the brush style ones, but they're damned expensive and more for commercial use.
The one I got is self propelled and with proper maintenance, starts no problem and works like a charm. The old man loves the thing. I swear he looks forward to snow now, just so he can play with it.
If you've got a long walk and a driveway, it's a pretty wicked toy to have. Of course, if you live on some little lot and don't have a driveway, you're just a pansy.

[starseed]

We are going to be having an El Niño this winter, so ...*edit* apparently there was less snowfall on average during this event for Calgary. hmm...

[taco.vidal]

Ive been looking at those at well. Those are singlestage and will clear right to the pavement. Theyre also light and easier to maneuver. Problem is theyre not good on gravel or other uneven surfaces and weve some gravel driveway and the lane behind our garage is also gravel and we like to have that cleared as well. Im leaning towards a 27" dual stage but Im feeling like its over kill even with a pretty big corner with a decent driveway. but i feel like the other option is not enough. thats why i was trying to see what others in Calgary do. i really just want to save my back for any big snowfalls a year we could and im looking at this as a 10 year or longer purchase.

Originally Posted by 4X4

^^ I disagree. My old man lives on a corner lot with a loooong sidewalk, so a couple years ago, me and the siblings went in on a snow blower for him for xmas. I got it at Jed's Equipment in Fairview and it cost something like $900. After comparing prices at all the box stores and all the specialty stores, Jed's had the best price and the best service guarantee.
For the life of me, I can't remember the specs, but I do know that it was a TORO and that it was one of those ones that has rubber flaps inside it that chucks the snow out the chute. I checked out the brush style ones, but they're damned expensive and more for commercial use.
The one I got is self propelled and with proper maintenance, starts no problem and works like a charm. The old man loves the thing. I swear he looks forward to snow now, just so he can play with it.
If you've got a long walk and a driveway, it's a pretty wicked toy to have. Of course, if you live on some little lot and don't have a driveway, you're just a pansy.

[Dion]

Enviroment Canada's long range forecast for this winter is above temps.

[Hemi-Cuda]

i think Joe Sakic may be able to offer you some advice on this subject

[shane_c]

You'll be fine with a broom.

Our driveway is 150 feet long and we get the wet heavy stuff out here. We get by okay with a shovel and a snow scoop.

[Cowperson]

I prefer the shovel for the exercise.

My driveway is about 100 or more feet long - gravel - with a larger space for parking vehicles and then a fairly big deck . . . . .

When I was in the city, it seemed like shovelling a small sidewalk area would nearly give me a heart attack but these days I can do all of the above in a single go and scarcely break a sweat. Seriously. (Obviously the running helps).

Anyway, do yourself and the environment a favour and use a shovel.

Oh, oh, serious shovelling . . . .



Cowperson

[MoneyGuy]

Snow blower? Pfft. I'm in my 50s and have lots of concrete and have never had a blower. Granted, it doesn't all get shoveled either, but I get to it when I can - with a shovel. No kids at home to help me either, and the wife rarely shovels.

[Barnes]

+

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by Dion

Enviroment Canada's long range forecast for this winter is above temps.

yesterday they also said no rain on the weekend

today it says rain.

the feds do very few things exact