Snowblower for 445 or 455 availabilty

[ohboy321]

I am in the process of preparing for winter, and I am considering buying a used 445 or 455. My neighbor has a 455 with a 47" 2-stage blower and it would be perfect for my 400' drive.

If I were to locate a 445 or 455 without a blower, are the necessary items available new from the dealer? What would I expect to pay for a new setup like this?

The 47" blower looks like it hasn't changed, but was interested to know if the attachment point and shaft are still available.

My area has reasonably priced 445s and 455s, and I expect to find one somewhere in the $4000 to $5000 range with less than 1000 hours.

Steve/NH

 

[Gittyup]

Call your local dealer. I'm almost certain the shaft/repair parts are available. Not sure on the blower. You do see them used for sale from time to time. However, demand is pretty high. So, you had better be ready to act fast and pay high. However, I do think it's a good choice. Have you considered the blade? That's what I have on a 425. It's a snow plowing beast, and is way faster than a blower albeit not as neat. It's only when we get > 18" that I want for a snow blower. but, that's rare.

 

[ohboy321]

Thanks Gittyup, I have purchased a 455 (pick up today) that has a 54" plow blade and a 60" deck with the MC-519 collection system.

I have contacted the local dealer and he actually had the 47" blower in stock, so I tagged it as mine for $1900. Since the plow has the Quick-Hitch, and assuming that it is the same for both the plow and blower, all I need is to purchase the impeller drive/upstop, which has been ordered.

Our contractor took care of clearing snow last year with a 4x4 dump truck, and he ran out of room, which is why I want a blower. Since the 455 has a plow, I will certainly give it a try.

I have no use for the deck or collection system, so I will be selling them to recover some of the costs for the blower setup.