A guy brought over his YS828T today and we tested together. It’s was an impressive machine but also would not out perform a Honda 11. His 8 beat my 6 in distance by about 5 feet.
>>However, your description of the Yamaha indicates that this is very nicely spec and designed machine, even if it has modest hp (or underrated) for its capability.
My guess is it’s honestly rated which would be tough to compare to US ratings because of fudging and fibbing. (Yesterday I was at Lowes and asked about engines on the MTD’s knowing very well who made them. The sales guy assured me they were Tecumseh engines made in America. I pressed and he assured me that the info was direct from MTD people who came to the store.)
>> Is this YS624T a new model or is it the one discontinued for sale in the US many years ago?
It’s a 1987 model and has not been for sale here for many years. Parts are still available though. I got it from an owner who was the only owner. He garaged it, took care of it well, and it looks to me did the maintenance. It’s tight, paint in great shape, everything works and outperforms larger machines easily. Its got a very well built engine and plenty of power. The key I think partly is the crank is on roller bearings. It may have a cast iron bore but I’m not positive.
>>Did I read this post correctly? The Yamaha L head motor runs at 400 RPM?
No, I fat fingered 4000 RPM. It’s run speed is high and sounds nice. I’ve asked about the impeller and auger speed but have not found out yet what they are. Someone has suggested the impeller runs at 2000 rpm but I don’t think so.
I was looking into getting one of these older Yamaha snowblowers. The older Yamahas, while well built, are aging machines and needs more maintenance and attention. I need something that I can rely on to clear the driveway and sidewalks without thinking about it. At the end, I settled with a Honda, after much going back and forth between an Ariens/Simplicity.
Thanks for clarifying the engine RPM at 4000. For a moment I thought Yamaha went over the top and put in a direct injection turbo diesel engine purring at 400 RPM.