OT: Lawn Equipment advice

[S_Janowski]

Recently purchased a new house / bigger property and need to up my lawn equipment game. The property isn’t huge (about 1/3 acre), but there are 5-6 large trees and some medium trees in or surrounding the yard, as well as a decent size driveway.

I bought a new gas mower (floor model) for 1/2 price in September and looking to make a few more purchases, so seeking some advice / recommendations!

Gas or Battery
- Batteries have come a long way and I was shocked at how many mowers were battery operated! No idea how long these batteries last but I was also shocked at prices of larger batteries for ($150-$200) for Ryobi lawn tools
- Leaning on purchasing all gas products products

Leaf Blower
- Interested in a backpack blower (gas) due to the amount of trees.
- Debating between a residential or commercial model. Leaning on a commercial model but slightly concerned about the noise level and weight.
- Any recommended brands / models (reading Stihl, Husqvarna and Echo are top)

Snow Blower
- Driveway can fit about 3 cars + front sidewalk
- Haven’t done any research yet but looking for something decent, but nothing crazy!
- Planning to look in the Spring with the hopes of catching a deal like I did with the mower.
- Any recommended brands / models?

 

[Knight Shift]

Recently purchased a new house / bigger property and need to up my lawn equipment game. The property isn’t huge (about 1/3 acre), but there are 5-6 large trees and some medium trees in or surrounding the yard, as well as a decent size driveway.

I bought a new gas mower (floor model) for 1/2 price in September and looking to make a few more purchases, so seeking some advice / recommendations!

Gas or Battery
- Batteries have come a long way and I was shocked at how many mowers were battery operated! No idea how long these batteries last but I was also shocked at prices of larger batteries for ($150-$200) for Ryobi lawn tools
- Leaning on purchasing all gas products products

Leaf Blower
- Interested in a backpack blower (gas) due to the amount of trees.
- Debating between a residential or commercial model. Leaning on a commercial model but slightly concerned about the noise level and weight.
- Any recommended brands / models (reading Stihl, Husqvarna and Echo are top)

Snow Blower
- Driveway can fit about 3 cars + front sidewalk
- Haven’t done any research yet but looking for something decent, but nothing crazy!
- Planning to look in the Spring with the hopes of catching a deal like I did with the mower.
- Any recommended brands / models?

Many towns are banning gas-powered leaf blowers- you may want to check and see if there have been attempts in your town to ban/limit them.

We get by with a battery powered electric leaf blower, but we get rid of the majority of our leaves by mowing over them with the lawn tractor to mulch them, and they get blown off to the side of our yard, which is an area of brush/bushes. We have a Makita leaf blower, and it does everything we need it to do.

I have a preference for the EGO brand. Have the EGO weed trimmer, the multihead with the small chain saw pole attachment, hedge trimmer and small tiller. Think they are sold at Lowes and Ace Hardware now. If our yard was smaller, we would buy an battery-powered electric mower. EGO makes those too. @bac2therac is going to chime in here and trash battery powered mowers.

Not a fan of the Ryobi brand, but you will find people who like Ryobi and don't like EGO.

Do you really need a snowblower? We have not used ours in 4 years, but we are fairly close to the ocean (a few miles), and winters have been mild.

 

[iReC89]

The cheapest way to get a ryobi battery is with a tool combo. Either the leaf blower or the weed wacker came with 2 and a rapid charger so now I have 3 batteries and can do plenty of leaf blowing, however I tend to mulch most of them with the mower. So far so good, but for a 1/3 acre you might be happy with an extension cord model and the price is right.

Consumer reports has rated snowblowers. I got a deal on a solid Toro at the end of last winter based on their rec.

 

[Knight Shift]

The cheapest way to get a ryobi battery is with a tool combo. Either the leaf blower or the weed wacker came with 2 and a rapid charger so now I have 3 batteries and can do plenty of leaf blowing, however I tend to mulch most of them with the mower. So far so good, but for a 1/3 acre you might be happy with an extension cord model and the price is right.

Consumer reports has rated snowblowers. I got a deal on a solid Toro at the end of last winter based on their rec.

I have an old Toro snowblower, and it is a warhorse that rarely sees battle.

Also, if you go corded, which on a 1/3 of an acre may not be that much trouble- we have the linked Toro model. One nice feature is that it functions as a vacuum-don't think battery powered units can do that. In areas that may be difficult to blow out, the vacuum feature comes in handy.

| Toro

www.toro.com

 

[Postman_1]

Ariens are tops when it comes to snowblowers I read. I have a Husqvarna and I have issues with mine

For lawn equipment I’m not a fan of the battery stuff. The batteries are expensive and don’t last very long. My brother went this route and regretted it.
Echo makes some lawn equipment that is multi purpose. I have a model and like it a lot so far

Pro Attachment Series | ECHO

ECHO's Pro Attachment Series is designed to grow with your needs. Save money over with one powerhead that works with up to 16 attachments.

www.echo-usa.com

 

[LeapinLou]

Consider Craigs list or Facebook Marketplace for a snowblower purchase. There are likely a lot of people that no longer want or need one that have one rotting in the garage.

 

[Knight Shift]

Consider Craigs list or Facebook Marketplace for a snowblower purchase. There are likely a lot of people that no longer want or need one that have one rotting in the garage.

And drain the gas from the gas tank each winter, and clean the carburetor. Otherwise, the needle valve will get clogged, and if you do not know how to fix it yourself, the repair and transportation of a bulky snowblower to the repair shop is very expensive. There are plenty of YouTube videos showing how to clean the needle valve.

 

[Knight Shift]

Ariens are tops when it comes to snowblowers I read. I have a Husqvarna and I have issues with mine

For lawn equipment I’m not a fan of the battery stuff. The batteries are expensive and don’t last very long. My brother went this route and regretted it.
Echo makes some lawn equipment that is multi purpose. I have a model and like it a lot so far

Pro Attachment Series | ECHO

ECHO's Pro Attachment Series is designed to grow with your needs. Save money over with one powerhead that works with up to 16 attachments.

www.echo-usa.com

We have had really great experience with the EGO equipment and batteries. Batteries should not be stored in a cold garage or shed outdoors in the winter, and they should not be left on charge. Some of our EGO batteries are 7-8 years old and still work great.

 

[Section124]

2nd on EGO products. Love them. I have the mower, trimmer and leaf blower. I still have my gas mower and leaf blower just in case. Never use them. I actually think the EGO leaf blower does a better job than the gas blower.

 

[newell138]

Consider Craigs list or Facebook Marketplace for a snowblower purchase. There are likely a lot of people that no longer want or need one that have one rotting in the garage.

Craigslist? Does that still exist?

 

[S_Janowski]

Many towns are banning gas-powered leaf blowers- you may want to check and see if there have been attempts in your town to ban/limit them.

We get by with a battery powered electric leaf blower, but we get rid of the majority of our leaves by mowing over them with the lawn tractor to mulch them, and they get blown off to the side of our yard, which is an area of brush/bushes. We have a Makita leaf blower, and it does everything we need it to do.

I have a preference for the EGO brand. Have the EGO weed trimmer, the multihead with the small chain saw pole attachment, hedge trimmer and small tiller. Think they are sold at Lowes and Ace Hardware now. If our yard was smaller, we would buy an battery-powered electric mower. EGO makes those too. @bac2therac is going to chime in here and trash battery powered mowers.

Not a fan of the Ryobi brand, but you will find people who like Ryobi and don't like EGO.

Do you really need a snowblower? We have not used ours in 4 years, but we are fairly close to the ocean (a few miles), and winters have been mild.

Good call on the gas blowers - I did check my town and didn’t see a ban.

I love the battery powered hand tools but just haven’t gotten there yet with the bigger lawn equipment. The battery life and prices scare me but if they give you a good 8-10 years I guess it’s not bad. It does seem like there are more battery than non-battery options these days!

I definitely don’t need a snow blower but if I find something good on clearance in the Spring or something that looks decent on Facebook I may pull the trigger.

I got a Toro mower for 1/2 off at Lowe’s in September as they were trying to clear out their floor models

 

[BigRnj]

My echo backpack leaf blower is going strong now for over 30 years with just occasional maintenance (same for my trimmer). Both ended up being excellent purchases. I have a 10 year old cub cadet snow blower with zero issues so far.

 

[Knight Shift]

Good call on the gas blowers - I did check my town and didn’t see a ban.

I love the battery powered hand tools but just haven’t gotten there yet with the bigger lawn equipment. The battery life and prices scare me but if they give you a good 8-10 years I guess it’s not bad. It does seem like there are more battery than non-battery options these days!

I definitely don’t need a snow blower but if I find something good on clearance in the Spring or something that looks decent on Facebook I may pull the trigger.

I got a Toro mower for 1/2 off at Lowe’s in September as they were trying to clear out their floor models

Stick with the Toro mower. Maintain it. Clean the air filter 2-3 times per year. Change the oil annually. Change the fuel filter. Try running the gas out of the mower at the end of each season, and that mower will be with you for a long time.

 

[e5fdny]

@S_Janowski

Gas for everything IMO. Power isn’t there yet.

You already got the mower but if you’re going to replace it:

- biggest deck you can get (at least 22”), rear bag with a side discharge option for leaves.
- largest horsepower too
- mulching blade at all times, do not bag the grass or leaves

Weed trimmer/edger:

Don’t need commercial but my Toro has lasted me for a long time. Similar to what @Postman_1 has.

Get one with:

- straight shaft
- convertible, meaning you can add attachments
- for those, edger, brush blade, hedge trimmer, small chainsaw attachment
- consider the blower attachment if you’re not going to get a backpack one

Most are universal replacements so it doesn’t matter the brand you get for those.

Backpack blower:

My small Huskqvarna residential model I got at Lowe’s has lasted me over 20yrs and is still working.

Husqvarna 150BT

Cruise through outdoor jobs with the Husqvarna 150BT backpack blower.

www.husqvarna.com

Look at MPH wind speed when reading the label/tags. You don’t need one that is a the equivalent of a Cat 5 hurricane but you do need enough to push a decent sized pile of leaves where want them to go.

Toro single stage gas snowblower with as wide mouth as available. Get one with the additional electric start option as that has come in handy when I’m at work and my Wife has to use it. The pull start can be harder for the ladies than us.

Toro Power Clear 721 E 21 in. 212 cc Single-Stage Self Propelled Electric Start Gas Snow Blower 38753 - The Home Depot

Keep your pathways clean during winter by using this Toro Power Clear SingleStage Self Propelled Electric Start Gas Snow Blower.

www.homedepot.com

 

[NewJerseyGuy]

We have had really great experience with the EGO equipment and batteries. Batteries should not be stored in a cold garage or shed outdoors in the winter, and they should not be left on charge. Some of our EGO batteries are 7-8 years old and still work great.

Ive got an EGO string trimmer with the power load function, which is awesome. So simple to get that annoying line on the spool automatically — typically the worst part of owning any string trimmer. Is very powerful also.

 

[Knight Shift]

Ive got an EGO string trimmer with the power load function, which is awesome. So simple to get that annoying line on the spool automatically — typically the worst part of owning any string trimmer. Is very powerful also.

Yeah, I have two EGO string trimmers. Since I stare at 2 screens all day, I don't mind getting my hands dirty and winding the line, but it is tricky to load the wound spool and feed the 2 ends of the line through the openings in the spinner head.

I don't usually strongly endorse brands, but every EGO tool I own has been outstanding. I wanted a larger battery, and Ace was running a sale where you got a 16" chainsaw for the cost of the battery. I have a Stihl gas chainsaw (Stihls are top notch) that I hardly use anymore because the EGO battery chain saw is so much easier to use and quieter too.

As a Rutgers fan, a man has to be happy when cutting his wood that needs to be chopped. My logs are always in the proper position and alignment and I never miss my assignment when splitting a log. Maybe I can translate that to playing safety on Saturday?

 

[Tango Two]

Recently purchased a new house / bigger property and need to up my lawn equipment game. The property isn’t huge (about 1/3 acre), but there are 5-6 large trees and some medium trees in or surrounding the yard, as well as a decent size driveway.

I bought a new gas mower (floor model) for 1/2 price in September and looking to make a few more purchases, so seeking some advice / recommendations!

Gas or Battery
- Batteries have come a long way and I was shocked at how many mowers were battery operated! No idea how long these batteries last but I was also shocked at prices of larger batteries for ($150-$200) for Ryobi lawn tools
- Leaning on purchasing all gas products products

Leaf Blower
- Interested in a backpack blower (gas) due to the amount of trees.
- Debating between a residential or commercial model. Leaning on a commercial model but slightly concerned about the noise level and weight.
- Any recommended brands / models (reading Stihl, Husqvarna and Echo are top)

Snow Blower
- Driveway can fit about 3 cars + front sidewalk
- Haven’t done any research yet but looking for something decent, but nothing crazy!
- Planning to look in the Spring with the hopes of catching a deal like I did with the mower.
- Any recommended brands / models?

The BEST:

Snow Blowers and Snow Removal Equipment | Ariens

Shop all Ariens Snow Blowers. Over 4 million snow blowers produced since 1960. The #1 selling brand of two-stage snow blowers in the world. We’re called The King of Snow, and we’ve earned it.

www.ariens.com

 

[Tango Two]

Recently purchased a new house / bigger property and need to up my lawn equipment game. The property isn’t huge (about 1/3 acre), but there are 5-6 large trees and some medium trees in or surrounding the yard, as well as a decent size driveway.

I bought a new gas mower (floor model) for 1/2 price in September and looking to make a few more purchases, so seeking some advice / recommendations!

Gas or Battery
- Batteries have come a long way and I was shocked at how many mowers were battery operated! No idea how long these batteries last but I was also shocked at prices of larger batteries for ($150-$200) for Ryobi lawn tools
- Leaning on purchasing all gas products products

Leaf Blower
- Interested in a backpack blower (gas) due to the amount of trees.
- Debating between a residential or commercial model. Leaning on a commercial model but slightly concerned about the noise level and weight.
- Any recommended brands / models (reading Stihl, Husqvarna and Echo are top)

Snow Blower
- Driveway can fit about 3 cars + front sidewalk
- Haven’t done any research yet but looking for something decent, but nothing crazy!
- Planning to look in the Spring with the hopes of catching a deal like I did with the mower.
- Any recommended brands / models?

 

[phs73rc77gsm83]

Recently purchased a new house / bigger property and need to up my lawn equipment game. The property isn’t huge (about 1/3 acre), but there are 5-6 large trees and some medium trees in or surrounding the yard, as well as a decent size driveway.

I bought a new gas mower (floor model) for 1/2 price in September and looking to make a few more purchases, so seeking some advice / recommendations!

Gas or Battery
- Batteries have come a long way and I was shocked at how many mowers were battery operated! No idea how long these batteries last but I was also shocked at prices of larger batteries for ($150-$200) for Ryobi lawn tools
- Leaning on purchasing all gas products products

Leaf Blower
- Interested in a backpack blower (gas) due to the amount of trees.
- Debating between a residential or commercial model. Leaning on a commercial model but slightly concerned about the noise level and weight.
- Any recommended brands / models (reading Stihl, Husqvarna and Echo are top)

Snow Blower
- Driveway can fit about 3 cars + front sidewalk
- Haven’t done any research yet but looking for something decent, but nothing crazy!
- Planning to look in the Spring with the hopes of catching a deal like I did with the mower.
- Any recommended brands / models?

i have the following:
Xmark 30" commercial walk behind (love it!);
Ariens 28 Deluxe snowblower (love it, its a beast);
John Deere Lawn tractor (fair, wouldn't purchase again);
Stihl gas leaf blower(good);
Stihl gas chainsaw (good):
Billy Goat leaf vacuum (for tennis court, otherwise i mulch leaves in the lawn).

 

[yesrutgers01]

The battery leaf blowers are pretty good- get 2 of them if your wife also helps with yardwork, working in tandem is the way to go.
I just sold my Ariens classic 24. Great snow blower but if you are talking 3 cars and sidewalk, that is a huge expense for no reason.

 

[wheezer]

The battery leaf blowers are pretty good- get 2 of them if your wife also helps with yardwork, working in tandem is the way to go.
I just sold my Ariens classic 24. Great snow blower but if you are talking 3 cars and sidewalk, that is a huge expense for no reason.

I also like the battery leaf blower, bet one with the high mph, and spare battery
As far as hedge trimmer, I go with a battery model, dragging around a cord is a pain

 

[yesrutgers01]

I also like the battery leaf blower, bet one with the high mph, and spare battery
As far as hedge trimmer, I go with a battery model, dragging around a cord is a pain

If there really is a need for a gas, backpack leaf blower or a more powerful trimmer- just rent them for a day.
During my last 4 years- lived on a full acre, up against a nature preserve with maybe 40 mature trees. During most of the year, we would have a service take care of everything but there were sometimes late Nov or in the spring- a heavy cleanup was still needed. Heck- even with a service, once it hits Oct, they usually change to every 2 weeks so leaves would get crazy- a battery blower worked just fine.
mad for tge driveway- by the time you get the snow blower started, gas in in, etc- a 3 car driveway would be done by hand.

 

[phs73rc77gsm83]

If there really is a need for a gas, backpack leaf blower or a more powerful trimmer- just rent them for a day.
During my last 4 years- lived on a full acre, up against a nature preserve with maybe 40 mature trees. During most of the year, we would have a service take care of everything but there were sometimes late Nov or in the spring- a heavy cleanup was still needed. Heck- even with a service, once it hits Oct, they usually change to every 2 weeks so leaves would get crazy- a battery blower worked just fine.
mad for tge driveway- by the time you get the snow blower started, gas in in, etc- a 3 car driveway would be done by hand.

Yes, it depends on your property, priorities, and time. I have a bit more than acre, a 2000 sq ft driveway and patio/walk, lots of 100+ year old oak trees so to me it makes sense to have the equipment but to each his own. Also, been retired so easier to do.

 

[koleszar]

Recently purchased a new house / bigger property and need to up my lawn equipment game. The property isn’t huge (about 1/3 acre), but there are 5-6 large trees and some medium trees in or surrounding the yard, as well as a decent size driveway.

I bought a new gas mower (floor model) for 1/2 price in September and looking to make a few more purchases, so seeking some advice / recommendations!

Gas or Battery
- Batteries have come a long way and I was shocked at how many mowers were battery operated! No idea how long these batteries last but I was also shocked at prices of larger batteries for ($150-$200) for Ryobi lawn tools
- Leaning on purchasing all gas products products

Leaf Blower
- Interested in a backpack blower (gas) due to the amount of trees.
- Debating between a residential or commercial model. Leaning on a commercial model but slightly concerned about the noise level and weight.
- Any recommended brands / models (reading Stihl, Husqvarna and Echo are top)

Snow Blower
- Driveway can fit about 3 cars + front sidewalk
- Haven’t done any research yet but looking for something decent, but nothing crazy!
- Planning to look in the Spring with the hopes of catching a deal like I did with the mower.
- Any recommended brands / models?

Know nothing about battery powered except for drills. Our work and maintenance requires more heavy-duty stuff. So, I need sh*t to start and be durable so it takes a pounding.

We go with Stihl farm/ranch and we do a lot of chain sawing (farm) and blowing for job site cleanup. They take a pounding and have only had to repair one chainsaw and replace one blower in 10 yrs.

Went with Ariens 28" 301cc instead of 254cc because I don't want sh*t to break when I need it. But don't know about this one since in three years of purchase date have not used it once. You're welcome for the little to no snow we've had.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Yes, it depends on your property, priorities, and time. I have a bit more than acre, a 2000 sq ft driveway and patio/walk, lots of 100+ year old oak trees so to me it makes sense to have the equipment but to each his own. Also, been retired so easier to do.

Agree with your situation and property- but more in response to OP- 1/3 acre, even with mature trees and a driveway for 3 cars and a sidewalk. The driveway makes no sense to spend 1k - it really sounds very small. And 1/3 acre- yes- backpack leaf blower would be great- but a battery operated one should work too.

 

[BigRnj]

Recently purchased a new house / bigger property and need to up my lawn equipment game. The property isn’t huge (about 1/3 acre), but there are 5-6 large trees and some medium trees in or surrounding the yard, as well as a decent size driveway.

I bought a new gas mower (floor model) for 1/2 price in September and looking to make a few more purchases, so seeking some advice / recommendations!

Gas or Battery
- Batteries have come a long way and I was shocked at how many mowers were battery operated! No idea how long these batteries last but I was also shocked at prices of larger batteries for ($150-$200) for Ryobi lawn tools
- Leaning on purchasing all gas products products

Leaf Blower
- Interested in a backpack blower (gas) due to the amount of trees.
- Debating between a residential or commercial model. Leaning on a commercial model but slightly concerned about the noise level and weight.
- Any recommended brands / models (reading Stihl, Husqvarna and Echo are top)

Snow Blower
- Driveway can fit about 3 cars + front sidewalk
- Haven’t done any research yet but looking for something decent, but nothing crazy!
- Planning to look in the Spring with the hopes of catching a deal like I did with the mower.
- Any recommended brands / models?

BTW I see you already bought a cheap mower. If you ever want to upgrade I HIGHLY recommend a Toro Recycler with the Personal Pace feature. I have owned 2 mowers for the last 39 years (both Toros). My first I gave to my son, so longevity has not been an issue.

The real value of this model line is the Personal Pace self propelled feature. With most self-propelled mowers the self drive feature is either ON or OFF. When ON the wheels continue spinning when you reach your turning point resulting in the wheels gouging your lawn on every turn. Personal Pace has a clever system that responds to your pushing pressure on the mower handle… so when you ease off at turns the wheels stop spinning. your lawn will thank you.

 

[bac2therac]

Redmax blowers and weedwackers

Much more powerful than battery easily

 

[wheezer]

i have the following:
Xmark 30" commercial walk behind (love it!);
Ariens 28 Deluxe snowblower (love it, its a beast);
John Deere Lawn tractor (fair, wouldn't purchase again);
Stihl gas leaf blower(good);
Stihl gas chainsaw (good):
Billy Goat leaf vacuum (for tennis court, otherwise i mulch leaves in the lawn).

Does the Ariens snowblower use a briggs &Stratton motor?

 

[phs73rc77gsm83]

Does the Ariens snowblower use a briggs &Stratton motor?

Manual says it uses an "Ariens AX engine" with 306 cc

 

[Vlife]

Is this a decent leaf blower for a 3/4 acre yard with a moderately heavy amount of leaves?

EGO Power+ LB6151 615 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Leaf Blower with 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included

 

[rutgersal_rivals139582]

I have :

an Echo backpack leafblower
Echo Weedwacker
Honda Snowblower
Honda HRX Lawnmower

all have been excellent

 

[koleszar]

I have :
Honda Snowblower
Honda HRX Lawnmower

You can't go wrong with a Honda engine. For small engines, they're the best in the business. It's one thing I always lookout for when buying machines.

 

[wheezer]

Manual says it uses an "Ariens AX engine" wi

Thanks

 

[wheezer]

Is this a decent leaf blower for a 3/4 acre yard with a moderately heavy amount of leaves?

EGO Power+ LB6151 615 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Leaf Blower with 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included

I always looked At the mph. This one says 170 mph, the most I have seen for,electric is 180 , so this one looks good,to me

I would see if You can get another battery also
75 minutes run time may be ok, but I have extra batteries to switch if I run out in the middle of cleaning

 

[e5fdny]

I have :

an Echo backpack leafblower
Echo Weedwacker
Honda Snowblower
Honda HRX Lawnmower

all have been excellent

When did you move?

 

[rutgersal_rivals139582]

When did you move?

I didn’t. It’s in storage at Mums house

 

[e5fdny]

I didn’t. It’s in storage at Mums house

Are they being used on the property?

As others have said, important to prep them for off season storage.

 

[bac2therac]

I didn’t. It’s in storage at Mums house

You should be selling these on Facebook marketplace to give more to NIL

 

[Jersey Al 64]

Had mulching blade on prior 3/4 acre lot. Never bagged grass or raked leaves. I believe mulched grass adds nitrogen back to the soil. You might be able to just change to a mulching blade without buying a new mower.

 

[Section124]

Is this a decent leaf blower for a 3/4 acre yard with a moderately heavy amount of leaves?

EGO Power+ LB6151 615 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Leaf Blower with 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included

I have this one. It's great. Get an extra battery if you don't have other EGO products. The electric blowers seems more efficient to me because they don't throw as many leaves in the air as gas blowers. However, if I had a huge property I would still be using gas.