Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

This is getting really bad. I've been obsessed with snowblowers for a week. The troy-bilt 5.5hp MTD built unit I bought for $599 is still in my garage awaiting return to Lowes. Today I went to a nearby Toro dealer, and really liked the 826LE for $999. I had no budget for a snowblower, but since buying one last week on an impulse, I've been rationalizing the expenditure of more and more money I don't have. Whatever... it's only money (I dont have) right?

So tonight I stopped in at a local Honda dealer. Sticker for the Honda HS724WA was $1865 (yikes!) and after a bit of talking, the salesman said they could only knock a few bucks off that. It's still going to be nearly 1700. But as far as the machine goes, I like the size, it's not a big massive machine like the Toro, which would probably make it easier to store and use. I like the features, the construction of it seems of high quality, hardly any plastic, and it's a Honda. Hmm, that'd make it my 9th? (shadow 500, nighthawk 750, gold wing 1500, 2 civics, 2 accords, odyssey).

Ok, since I've gone off the deep end, moneywise, will a Honda HS724WA handle 150' of sidewalk, 25' wide driveway that gets plowed in all the time, on Long Island with an annual average of 36" a year? It's only 6.5 hp, but I've read where it runs so well that it throws snow with the big boys. Or should I save some money and go with the Toro 826LE? It seems so much bigger.

Somebody help me... I'm jonesin'

Heres my vote:

http://www.ariens.com/snow_products/compact_sno_thros/7524_e/

Has a Tecumseh 7.5hp OHV engine, 24" wide. The Ariens name is a good one. I think HD carries them - so you could just trade up & still be way under $1000.

Marty

Thanks for the suggestion on the Arien 724. I went to HD last night and I think I saw one. Then I saw your response. So I looked it up.. it's along the lines of the Honda I was looking at, size wize, ohv motor, seems like it'll fit the bill. I just called a local dealer and he had good things to say about it too. Not to mention his price of $759.

I think I'm gonna go take a look in person now.

ND

Done. It's home. Ariens 724 for 759 plus tax. The Troy-bilt is a tad bigger though it's only 5.5hp... but it's going back to Lowes within the hour.

Wanna hear something sad? When I put the two side by side to compare them, I accidentally pushed the Troy-bilt right into the Ariens and scratched the paint. Oh well, it wont be the last scratch. I guess I can get some touch up paint. But it sucks just the same.

ND

ND - sorry to hear about your "first scratch"! That does bite, but you now have an excellent machine. Best of luck!

Marty

You will be pleased will your choice.  now you can   snowblow the niehbors too!             18 degrees

I had an 8HP 24" MTD for 3 years when it was given to me a parting gift.  The MTD was not really good at blowing the snow but excellent at making loud engine sound.  Although it had an 8HP engine, my neighbors single stage (Honda and Toro) snowthrowers were much better and efficient . 

After seeing and touching Toro 826LE and Ariens 924PLT at Home Depot, I purchased a Honda HS724WA at a Honda dearler on 11/26/2010.  I had a bad expereince (starting problem) with a Toro lawnmower in 1999 that I bought from HD so buying another Toro was not my first choice.  Originally I wanted to buy a Honda lawnmower but I purchased a Toro instead because it was a lot cheaper than the Honda.  The HD gave me a full credit, which I applied to purchase a Honda.  Since then I have been using a Honda lawnmower and it has been really good without any issues thus far. 

Trust me, I felt really stupid for spending that much money on a snowblower and my wife/kids only re-enforced that feeling.  But at the same time, I did not want a repeat of Toro/Honda lawnmower experience again.

We got a sizeable snow in the Twin Cities on Dec 4 (about 8 inches) so a good test day for the new blower.  The snowblower started as expected and was very quiet.  The blower was really good at doing the job and I got a lot of lookers as it cleared my driveway and the way it blew the snow so far away.  I have been debating about getting a Honda HS520 single stage unit but the end of the driveway issue directed me to a two stage unit.  I was a little worried about the HS724 being somewhat underpowered but  it is NOT as it had no problem clearing the deep and wet snow.  So do I still feel stupid for spending that much money on a snowblower?  I feel less stupid.  It is very similar to my Honda lawnmower purchase experince - initially I felt stupid for spending a lot but as time went on and how my lawn looked it was a good decision so my expectation is the same with the new blower.  I am sure either Toro or Ariens will do a great job at blowing the snow but the way Honda blows is really FUN and quiet.  It is an impressive machine.

In the end the quality you paid for will comfort you long after the low price appeal has faded from your memory.   I made the mistake of paying too little before, and am confidant the quality I know I purcahsed will serve me without fail for as long as i need it.  I own a Honda HS 928TAS and live on eastern Long Island. 

Very true.  Paying more money up front is less costly than having to sell what you don't want, only to buy again what you really want in the first place.

You never have to look back and say I should have.