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

This is an interesting forum that I ran into as I was searching for Snow blower reviews. A lot of contributors seem to know their stuff very well.

Regarding my topic/question, I’m looking into buying a Snow blower this season for the tricky weather in Toronto but I am limited in my options. I talked to a Toro dealer today (the only one that was open on Sundays) and he said that toro two stage snow blowers are out of stock for the season at pretty much all the stores! Which sounds weird with the snow season just starting. I’ll call a few more tomorrow;

I’m looking into the Toro 826 LE and 828 LXE, craftsman 1350 series: (http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B001J13GJ6/sr=1-2/qid=1228622359/ref=sr_1_2/187-3974376-1766150?ie=UTF8&searsBrand=core&mqnodeid=396563011) or the two brands from Ariens; Model 1130DLE and Model 927LE which I have to find out their availability status tomorrow morning.

I have an interlocked driveway which is not huge but pretty big and the city usually leaves me a solid hill at the end of the driveway.

A comment I have ran into so far:

"Ariens is hard to start at times and it tend to rust after a few years"

Not sure if it’s true…

 

Any help in regards to selecting the optimal machine with a brief explanation as to why they were chosen over other options will be greatly appreciated.

I did forget something, as to the service. Like Paul said in his post. Expect to get a little dirty with these machines if you expect them to last. Unless you are going to completely rely on the dealer. Even then I think I would double check to make sure it was done right. When you get you machine, if you are capable, I would definitely remove the wheels and anti seize/grease them up. Ifs a pretty easy job to do that one thing that will make life so much easier for you. I would not rely on the fact that it was done properly at the factory. You may want to go further then that with the grease if you were willing too, but the wheels is a easy one to tackle and a must in my mind.  Read the manual, the engine needs to have its oil replaced rather quickly when you first purchase. Its called a break in period. Certain things need to be looked at, the manual will tell you. Do not delay draining the oil, because it seems like a hassle. Its fairly easy to do as well and should be done. With a little bit of love, I am sure you will be happy with your purchase.

Hondas are great machines but not great values.  If you can get a comparable Honda for less than $2000.00, you'd be lucky.  When I was shopping, the Honda equivalent of my Simplicity was close to $1000.00 more.  Not going to happen.  It's a good machine but not that good.  It's not that I can't afford a Honda.  Not the case at all.  I have an acute appreciation for value.  Due to their exorbitant price, despite their excellent quality, Honda's don't qualify.   Then next best machine in my view and experience is the large frame Simplicity.