Customer Reviews

Yard-Man 31AE9P3I801 13HP 33-Inch 2-Stage Snow Thrower

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Apart from the attachment for the now-out-of-print Gravely two wheeled tractor (deservedly so -- you paid ~$5K and the wheels were extra!!), I believe this is the only snowblower on the market with a 16 inch impeller. (Ariens' biggest unit has a 14 inch impeller). IMO a big impeller diameter is key because the outer edge travels faster and throws snow farther/better.

I have used a litany of machines to clear an 850 foot driveway in the snow belt for 24 years. This 13 HP 33 " jobber beats em all hands down. If you let it run dry of gas each spring, the next fall it starts on the very first pull. If you avoid the detrius (ice blocks, rubble, salt and rocks) down near trhe road from the municipal plows, your belt will last a very long time. Hand shoveling that junk is much quicker than changing a belt or a shear pin. I change the oil about 1x yearly and use Castrol Syntech 5w-50. Expensive, but it only takes about a quart.

Only three drawbacks. The chute adjustment is not up to the convenience standard of other more recent machines. And the machine lacks the zerk fittings for easy lubrication found on machines like the Ariens. Oilite bushings are used thruout, which so far (third year) have needed no maintenance. Finally If you buy online, the delivery method is likely to be motor freight to a depot. To get it home from there you will need a van or a pick up.

IMO the next step up from this is a SnoGo!

Living in Northern Ontario we are use to heavy snowfalls. This is the perfect machine for snow removal. It doesn't have all the fancy options you don't need but it is one brute of a snowblower. It will clear as much and how much snow you need to remove without taking a second pass and throw it 35+ feet horizontally not arc lenght as the other manufactures quote. I have owned various snowblowers some very well reconized brand names but they didn't have the brute power for heaving snow wet or fluffy as this machine. It is a big blower but it handles itself very well. No sore backs from this snowblower. Easy to assemble and no issues with the unit. After break-in I use synthetic oil in motor. I added drift cutters and tire chains for extra security, very worthwhile options. Bargains can be had on this model as it goes on sale. I paid $1199.95 for this blower and free delivery. You can't beat that.

I have owned this brute of a machine for the last 8 years! I have only had to replace my belt once and serviced my machine 3 times. I live in the great white north and would not be able to move if I didn't have this kind of a blower. It will chop ice blocks, it will throw wet snow and it always starts on the first pull. Only draw back is that on slippery days it's a brute to move around. I can clear my drive way long before my neighbours! Gotta love it!

This is going on the my second season of use. Prior blower was 8 HP Toro.
Pro:
Power steering is a must for a unit this big.
Starts easy, takes a number of primes but I pull start mine, although It has electric start.
Throws the snow a good distance.
Cuts through frozen snow well, even with the wide cut.
Has a shelf to put weight on front if necessary, I have used this on occasion.

Cons:
Spout handle location is not user friendly, located to low, very unconfortable. I welded a universal joint and relocated the handle above the hand bars.
Spout rotation is opposite of handle rotation, confusing when you turn from left to right.
Handle bars are adjustable, need to extent another few inch for taller persons.

I move alot of snow through the course of a winter. Have a large circle drive and it does a very good job. Would purchase over again.

Tired of the humiliatingly frequent defeats when snowball-fighting with my 3-year-old, I invested in one of these. Now, armed with 13 horses worth of snow projectile power, I can bask in ferocious glory as I relentlessly channel anything below my feet in his direction.