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

Does anyone have an opinion on which one is more durable?Simplicity P1628E or Honda 928WAS?Also which one would be better at throwing 2-4 inches of that heavy wet snow??

mikiewest- Asking if anyone has an opinion on a Snowblower forum is a humorous question !

I am not a big fan of any machine in the 28" size that doesen't have some sort of mechanism that is either automatic or remotely actuated to aid in making a tight turn. The last time I looked at a wheeled Honda it had no such provision. The hydrostatic drive,GX power etc. are all arguments for the Honda but do not overcome the issue of the axles in my opininion. This is especially true when the alternative choice is a Simplicity with Easy Turn. Even the most ardent Honda fan would have to acknowlege that the Simplicity is a quality machine. 

My choice is influenced by the need for many tight turns when clearing my property. Other users with long runs and few maneuvers to make might think that ease of turning is unimportant. It is also prudent to consider who is using the machine. Your wife or perhaps children will find the Simplicity much easier to handle.

Marc

Makes sense.   I can't make a comment on the ease of working on a Honda, because other than changing fluids there was nothing else needed from me.  Hondas are a much lighter machine(28" anyway), so there's no need for a differential, you simply turn it.  With the hydro transmission you simply push forward and pull back, so tight turns are easy when the wheels are moving.  Think of when you drive your car:  Do you stop then turn the wheels then go forward?  More likely you turn them while you're moving.

Simplicity looks like a real tank, and a lot of pros use them and less use Hondas, probably because the ease of working on them.  Even if it can be said Hondas are more reliable I'm sure its a lot easier to work on a disc-o-matic transmission and replace a belt at 3:00 AM in the middle of a snow storm.

Just purchased the HS928 Honda.  Read that the hydrostatic transmission stops opposite  track when you turn the unit one way or the other.

I tried it on dry concrete and it steered easily as long as it's in motion.  No snow in Pittsburgh yet so I don't know how it handles in snow.  I don't care for the low height of the handlebars and the mystery of the amperage and voltage of the lighting circuit.   I had one seller on feeBay tell me the replacement bulb number they stock is the GE H7614 12V 50.  I replied asking if it's the original Honda replacement because I've read that the output of the lighting circuit is 12VA.C. 18w on other forums. Still doing research on it.

I don't think the one track stops while turning.  Both left and right tracks are locked together by a solid axle between them.

By the way, congrats on the Honda purchase. 

Those Big Heavy "C" channel handlebars are what you need on the Simplicity when the friction wheel tire becomes 'bald' and YOU have to supply the forward motion.  Honda's Don't have friction wheels, which explains why they're worth every penny, No Pushing Required.

New_Yorker wrote:


You gonna mention this in EVERY single post? 

Bill_H wrote:
Forgive him.

He knows not of what he speaks.

borat wrote:

X2

Marc

Just enjoy the snowblower when you have to use it.  Who really cares (sounds too much like a pissing contest) as long as the user is happy regardless of its color (red, yellow or blue), size (21" or 32") and power (electric or gas).

MN_Runner wrote:
Not a pissing match.  It's a simple matter of setting the facts straight. 

New Yorker incorrectly claims that disk drive systems are problematic and unreliable.  Those of us with extensive experience and knowledge of  disk drive systems know otherwise. 

For the benefit of newcomers looking for guidance and facts about snow throwers, it's incumbent upon those who KNOW the facts to set the record straight.   If people do not challenge incorrect or misleading information being posted, why bother having forums?