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

As far as my Simplicity goes, the dealer had both the 28 and 32 inch pro models.  I really debated between the two, as there was only a $200.00 difference.  I thought the 28" would be the way to go for the best power to width ratio, and the motors are the same as far as I can tell.  Dealers seem think it is only a tweak in the carb, or higher RPM that gives the 32"  the extra hp.  I don't mind the smaller cut, as either is bigger than my old machine, but what got me wondering was the tires.  between the two they are the same height, but the 32" has a significantly wider tire.  Will it drive through the heavy stuff much better, or does the added width of the auger make it equal again? 

I could probably call first thing in the morning and switch to the 32" if it was much better.  I was thinking the 28" should be equal because of the narrower width, it also felt like it had a little more weight up front than 32" which I hoped would help the augers to bite in a little more.  I thought that was odd since it was smaller up front, but the dealer thought so as well as we were looking at them.

I was also wondering if others typically use the wieghts that can be added on, and/or chains on the wheels?  Does anyone feel they make much difference, or recommend to get them or not?  Also, I asked the dealer to fill it with a synthetic oil.  Seems everything is going that way so I figure why not.  They said they would pick up some Ams Oil from the dealer down the road from them.  For future use, does anyone recommend something like Mobile One or Ams oil, others?  Perhaps a particular type of grease as well?  Wish I thought of asking the dealer what grease they use, I could have asked them to switch that as well if needed.  I'm sure it will be good enough to get me started, then I'll hit it with the grease gun anyway.

I like the 28 inch, just thought I would see if someone experienced with these things thought I should really go with 32 inch for some reason while I still have a choice.

You do have a point.  I have a 32" and I also do have to slow down when cutting into EOD pile.  Its a speed that balance getting the right amount of snow into the impeller while not too fast that the auger wants to ride over the snow.   When the snow is nice and consistent (soft and no ice patches on driveway), it's great to have a wide bucket.  However, when the pavement is uneven with ice or snow patches, I think the larger bucket tends to wander a bit more.  So for less than ideal snow, I'd prefer the 28" bucket because its more maneuverable and I can correct the wandering better.

I'd love to get a 42" blower, but something of that size, I want the weight of a tractor to keep that bucket in check.  I think that's just too large of a snowblower for a walk behind.  I can't get something that wide pass my car's rear bumper and the garage door.    I don't want to deal with moving a car around to get the snowblower outside. 

In addition to more horsepower, I think the impeller would have to be sized larger or at least spin at a higher RPM to effectively move the larger volume of snow collected by the larger width augers.  I see a lot of snowblowers where a 32" snowblower has the same impeller diameter as a 28" machine.

I think the Simplicity models and some commercial duty models size their impeller larger for larger width.  Not all manufacturers do this, however. 

Glad you're happy and enjoying your new purchase.  I originally wanted a 28" but they didn't have the exact configuration in stock so I just went up on the size.  I really like the HS928 for overall size and balance.

One additional benefit of the 28" is that you will be getting more exercise.  On your 40' x 150' driveway, you'll need to make at least two additional passes and (300 foot more walking distance).  This maybe a benefit or additional work for you.  Not thats a bad thing.  I enjoy snowblowing so there's no hurry to get it done.  I would snowblow my neighbors property too, but I don't want the parents getting mad at me for trying to get their kids off the butt away from the Nintendo and do some yard work.  Heheh.

Since the engine is the same, isn't there someway to modify the engine so that you can select the normal and "boosted" mode on the fly?

Go to the B&S site, download their parts diagrams for the lowest rated 305cc engine then get the same for the highest rated 305cc engine.  Compare every part and tell me how many you find that are different.