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

I understand that the hydro tranny is smooth and the engines are great.But are they better built than say a Simplicity?Everyone keeps talking about weight of the snowblower but Hondas are the lightest.So what makes Hondas so reliable?Do they use less belts?More expensive parts that one cant see??

Husqvarna and Craftsman offer hydrostatic drive units also. 

I'm with Mac regarding simplicity and reliability of the friction wheel system.  It's amazing how flaky they look mechanically but I'm thoroughly impressed with their reliability and longevity.  I had two Craftsman machines for a total of twenty years.  Neither of them needed any work regarding the drive system and neither of them ever failed to perform as intended.  Too much gizmology on a work machine will lead to trouble sooner than later.   

Hydrostatic transmission on a snowblower is a luxury, you don't really need it, but it is nice.

I had used a Toro lawn tractor with hydrostatic transmission.  Before that, it was a 6 speed Craftsman.  While I didn't have any trouble with the 6-speed, it was so nicer to drive a tractor with hydrostatic transmission.  No need to disengage between speeds or going reverse.  I use the tractor for most of mowing, including getting close to edges in tight spots, so having a transmission that shifts easily between forward and reverse was ideal..