Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > My Wife using our new Toro 1028 with pics
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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Steve_Cebu
 
Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 888
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My Wife using our new Toro 1028 with pics
Original Message Jan 2, 2010 10:52 pm |
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We didn't have much snow, about 5 inches or so. But we had to get out so time to try out our new Toro 1028. I've gotta say compared to our Honda 928TAS the Toro feels really really light. My wife can't believe how light it feels and how easy it turns. She still has trouble with the quick chute but in a few storms she'll have it down pat. From the pics you can see how the machine is almost as big as she is. She was a little nervous using it but we are getting another 8 inches by tomorrow night she'll get more time using it. Enjoy the pics. I hope they come out. 
This message was modified Jan 2, 2010 by Steve_Cebu
"If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England." "If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England."
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Steve_Cebu
Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 888
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Re: My Wife using our new Toro 1028 with pics
Reply #15 Jan 4, 2010 11:55 pm |
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Steve,
Great machine. I'm glad you and your wife are enjoying it.
When I was shopping for a snowblower this past fall, I had narrowed my choices down to the Toro 828 and the Ariens 24 Platinum Deluxe. One of the things I really liked about the Toro was its lightweight. On paper, the toro 828 was 237 lbs while the Ariens Deluxe Platinum 24" was 224 lbs. I ended up with the Ariens mainly because the smaller width enabled the unit to go through a very narrow path I have on the side of the garage. The 828 was bit too wide to get through. Now, however, I'm regretting my choice because of:
1. Although the Ariens is lighter than the toro on paper, it's way heavier to turn. It even has auto traction control. My guess is because the toro is longer, the weight is more well-balanced.
2. My Ariens has the snow series engine from Briggs. It's been backfiring when I shut it down. I know the toro has the snow series max. Any backfiring on that?
Hi joed, we really like the Toro and we did have a Honda 928 with tracks. We looked at Ariens but they were too hard for my wife to turn even with their limited slip differential. The Toro feels light and it is well balanced. The Skid steer makes all teh difference when manuevering it. The 828 is a good unit. Fron the pics you can see we need a bigger one. That said we did our driveway in an hour and 15 minutes. Not bad considering my wife is just learning, heck we both are. Our Toro has a B&S engine also. It's brand spanking new so no problems with it. It's loud but that's about it. If yours 's backfiring it must be running too rich. I'm sure it's just an adjustment. Post a pic of your 828 in action! I don't want to be teh only one posting pics. 
"If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England." "If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England."
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Steve_Cebu
Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 888
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Re: My Wife using our new Toro 1028 with pics
Reply #17 Jan 13, 2010 7:41 am |
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Too bad about the Ariens, have the dealer check it out as it should not be backfiring. It's a B&S engine, right. So they should get it working right. The Ariens was a bear to turn even in the showroom and the Toro was a breeze. That's why we bought the Toro, it was so much easier for my wife to use. here are some YouTube links of my wife and I using the Toro 1028. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rea9MWZwy18 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4Dy-38GswU&feature=related I have the scraper bar set at 1/8" since our driveway isn't totally flat. I tried it touching the driveway but it was too much work and it kept getting hung up on bumps. Now it's perfect.
"If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England." "If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England."
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mml4
Snow is good,
Deep snow is better!
Joined: Dec 31, 2003
Points: 544
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Re: My Wife using our new Toro 1028 with pics
Reply #18 Jan 13, 2010 12:32 pm |
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Too bad about the Ariens, have the dealer check it out as it should not be backfiring. It's a B&S engine, right. So they should get it working right. The Ariens was a bear to turn even in the showroom and the Toro was a breeze. That's why we bought the Toro, it was so much easier for my wife to use. here are some YouTube links of my wife and I using the Toro 1028.
Usually I would agree with your suggestion but after re reading Joed's other posts in other threads re his machine and what the dealer's response has been I think his problem is the dealer. This is the dealer that told him he changed the cam ostensibly on Briggs' warranty authorization to address a backfire problem on shutdown of a hot engine. I may be totally off base here but that story by the dealer made my bull $hit detector go off. I apologize in advance if I am wrong but you would have to show me the paper work from Briggs before I believe they would suggest/pay for a cam replacement for this complaint. More likely the remedy would be a carb adjustment or simply letting the engine run at slow idle for a few momments to let it cool off before shutting down. It is not uncommon for raw fuel to be drawn into the cylinder by the still moving piston after the ignition spark has been shut off. If the chamber is really hot the fuel will explode causing a back fire.
I realize I am at risk for sounding like an Ariens "toady" but the Platinum 24 my neighbor has handles great. I wonder if the tires are inflated properly and if the skid shoes are in proper adjustment on Joed's machine.. If the bucket is digging/dragging across it's 24" width instead of riding on the two shoe contact points the handling is going to feel" heavy". This is also something the dealer should have checked. Sorry for the rant, Marc
This message was modified Jan 13, 2010 by mml4
SnapperV210P,Toro22177,TroyBilt42010Snowthrower,Craftsman Shredder,American Turbo Pressure Washer HondaGX200,Stihl011Saw,EchoPas260Trimmer Edger,EchoPB602Blower,EchoHCR150Hedge Clipper
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mml4
Snow is good,
Deep snow is better!
Joined: Dec 31, 2003
Points: 544
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Re: My Wife using our new Toro 1028 with pics
Reply #22 Jan 15, 2010 5:36 am |
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Thanks for all the suggestions and support regarding my backfiring B and S engine on my Ariens. Ariens sent my concerns to Briggs. Briggs emailed me back saying they would contact the dealer to resolve the issue. 10 days later I still have no response. Unfortunately, we haven't had any snow here so I haven't had a chance to try the machine more to see if the backfiring diminishes. It's been a frustrating experience so far with Ariens and Briggs. Joed- I had an issue with a Kawasaki powered mower that was still under warranty. The mower manufacturer told me that engine issues were handled by the engine manufacturer( Kawasaki) and to contact them. It didn't make me happy but I have come to learn that's pretty much standard in the Outdoor Power Equiptment industry. In addition I learned that the Kawasaki engine warranty in this case was a year longer than the mower guarantee. That did make me happy as you can well imagine. It turned out that there was a defect in the connecting rod on the Kawi which caused the wrist pin to seize . Kawasaki replaced the engine. Since Briggs responded to you work with them. The only issue as I see it is that Briggs sent you back to your dealer.Did Briggs mention anything about the cam change? You should share that information with them. If they say they know nothing about it ask them for another dealer. If your dealer has been BSing you I wouldn't want him to touch my machine. Even though there is no snow you can run a test on your machine. Start it up and let it run until the choke is no longer required. That should take no longer than a minute and then shut it down. The engine will not be hot relative to it's temperature if you just finished an hour of throwing snow. If it doesen't back fire on the "cold" shut down then there is nothing wrong and letting it idle for a minute or two before shut down when hot will most likely "cure" the back fire issue. Lastly-It occurs to me that the unit in question is new which means evrything from the engine to the frame is tight and therefore it is possible operating temps could be higher than when the unit is fully broken in. As you can see I believe this is a temperature related issue. For the mean time I would make sure the oil is up to the proper level and use the machine when necessary. Change the oil at the five hour interval and wait to see how your inquiry plays out with Briggs. You may find the back fire goes away as the machine "breaks in". I am curious as to Briggs' verifying the cam replacement as well as what the cure is to your issue. Please keep us informed, Marc
This message was modified Jan 15, 2010 by mml4
SnapperV210P,Toro22177,TroyBilt42010Snowthrower,Craftsman Shredder,American Turbo Pressure Washer HondaGX200,Stihl011Saw,EchoPas260Trimmer Edger,EchoPB602Blower,EchoHCR150Hedge Clipper
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