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

Here are the facts I can find:

 

Model	Toro	Craftsman
Price	$1,294	$1,190	(all taxes, extended warranties included)
Warranty	2 yrs	5 yrs	(both in-home / in-home pickup)
CR rated	# 1	# 4
Free wheel steering	Y	Y
Horsepower	8 hp	9 hp
Wheel Size	15 “	16 “

 

Everything else (clearing path, etc) seem equal.  Normally I would jump on the Toro, based on its superior rating, not only for this model, but for many of their other models that have consistently done well in CR ratings.  The only caveat is, in a big storm (15” or more) does anyone think the extra 1 hp of the Craftsman will make a difference.  Two people I work with have Ariens (hard to believe I don’t disclose everything about my life in one post so this fact might shock some people).  One loves his 8.5hp Ariens and says it is more than adequate even in 15” storms, the other disagreed and traded in the 8.5 hp Ariens for an 11hp Ariens.  The “end of the driveway” was the argument for the latter co-worker getting a bigger machine.  Both co-workers say their wives could not use their Ariens due to handling is difficult (especially getting it out and in the garage where the pavement is dry).  So for me, the Ariens is not a product I want to consider.

 

I’m curious as to your opinions specifically about the hp between the Toro and the Craftsman.  Is it necessary to get a bigger machine (I live in upstate NY, but not in Syracuse or Buffalo – near Albany, where we get about 60” year in total snowfall). 

  SR,

          If you are going to buy a Craftsman blower, buy the 8HP, OHV, Murray built.

Weight 223 pounds, while not a heavy weight, it is not a lightweight either. 

I think the Murrays are better built than an MTD Machine.

 I understand that the OHV engines put out about 20 % torque more than a flat head engine.

So a 8HP OHV from Sears is equal a 9.6 HP Flat head.

                                                                                Fred                           

Bring your wife with you and let her tool the machine around the sales floor to see if she can handel it. Your friend backs up my opinion, that in your neck of the woods, an 8HP machine is minimum.
Trigger controlled turning like on the Simplicity's (Toro?) may be easier for your wife than the differential of the Ariens.
Last year OrchidCrazy bought her husband the Simplicity 960 because she was able to move it around easley.
No matter what the warranty is....I would go with Ariens, Simplicity or Toro before Craftsman. Look hard at the construction, welds, weight of components and ergonomics. Look at the overall weight of the machines and compare...That alone can tell you a lot.
....And bring the wife....If she is ever going to use it.

Dan

SR,

You have some problems with your chart. Check your facts.

The Sears website specifies the unit is using a Tecumseh 9hp engine.

I've read others recommend the Murray over the MTD, but I don't think Murray is making Craftsman any more - they are in Chapter 11.

Do you think the Toro 8hp is close enough in power to the Tecumseh?  While it's only 1hp, the difference is 12%.

Thanks.

robmints wrote:
Could you be more specific?  I rechecked it, but don't see a mistake.

I don't think the difference in horsepower between the two machines you have listed is significant. The Toro might take a bit longer to complete the job, but I don't know for sure. In my case I went with an 11.5 HP vs. 8HP because of the length of my drive and having to deal with two EODs (have rental property next door). I didn't go with the more expensive differential (professional series) because of budget. The machine turns on a dime with one wheel unlocked.

This morning I spoke with someone at work who has had a side business for many years doing repairs to mowers, snowblowers, and rototillers. Without mentioning this forum I asked him if in his experience he has seen any difference in quality between the Ariens, Toros, and Simplicities vs. the machines made by MTD, Murray, and AYP. He said he would go with the first group.

"...but I don't think Murray is making Craftsman any more - they are in Chapter 11."

From the article: "We will operate the business as usual, ensuring a seamless transition for our customers,..."

United Arilies is in chapter 11 and still flying
US Airways is in chapter 11 and still flying (for now)
K Mart continued to operate "as ususal" through chapter 11

Most companies that file for chapter 11 protection continue to operate and many come out of it stronger than when they went in (they are allowed to unload alot of obligations).

The concern is WILL they come out of chapter 11 or will MTD buy the name?

LL

lland wrote:
Didn't they just "buy" Sears? 

But I did a little more digging on Murray, and it doesn't look good.  As of Jan. 6 "Briggs & Stratton is in negotiations to acquire most of the assets of bankrupt Murray Inc., a consumer lawn and garden equipment manufacturer that owes Briggs about $40 million."

One really interesting point in the article was this: "On January 4, the Wall Street Journal published an analysis of the potential deal. In that article, some industry observers speculated that Briggs may be looking to enter the consumer market with Briggs-branded equipment."
Click here for article.

Hi...


..."The only caveat is, in a big storm (15” or more) does anyone think the extra 1 hp of the Craftsman will make a difference.  "...

Can't say without using both side-by-side in the same snow...

It's not just the HP that affects performance... this is only one part of it...
A lot of the machine's design and components used can/do affect it a lot...

For example...
Quote from BCS AMERICA:

"WHY INVEST IN BCS
 I. PERFORMANCE In virtually all outdoor, walk behind, power equipment sold in the US, power is transferred from the engine to the transmission by a belt. At its best, a belt loses 15% of the engine’s power in the transfer. In reality, the percentage is much higher. Every BCS tractor, by contrast, utilizes a spring-loaded, double cone clutch to transfer the engine’s power. The clutch loses less than 3% of the engine’s power. Because it is self-adjusting, the clutch maintains this high degree of efficiency through decades of use. Many manufacturers couple their belt(s) to transmissions that are nothing more than more belts and/or chain drive mechanisms. BCS combines its clutch with super-efficient transmissions of shafts and gears. "...

Dave...

Dave_in_CT,

Does BCS make snow throwers for anyone?