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

I'm looking to order a Honda HS928TA (recoil only) snowblower in mid April so I'm guaranteed to get one in late summer/early fall, but have no dealers on Long Island that have anything in stock, so I could see the physical size of this machine.

So forum members, any additional thoughts on this machine?  I have searched various threads and there are many people suggesting the HS928 over the HS724, basically because of the limited hp on the HS724.

I currently have a Ariens 624 for the last 5 years, good machine, served it's purpose, but looking to take it to the next level.  My biggest issue with the Ariens is the EOD issue, not easy but it does it job, now looking for something that won't have an issue. 

I would like to see the machine before placing a down payment, but these snowblower are very rare on Long Island (track version) and all dealers claim this is a special order unit, they don't stock them.

kderobertis wrote:

I actually owned this machine a 928TAS and it's a great machine starts easily throws snow well. I only had the chute clog a couple of times but that was wet heavy slush. The biggest problem was my wife could not turn it with the tracks. It is not all that easy to muscle around when you are small like she is 84 lbs. I could move it around but doing so was work. I returned it and bought the Toro 1028OXE. My wife has no problems using it and I saved a ton of money over the Honda. The dual skid steer works amazingly well and the joystick on the chute is a dream to use. Yes it sounds rattley, but works like a charm! The only trouble I've had with the Toro was flat tires from roofing nails that the roofers didn't pick up after redoing our roof. A metal detector in the late spring will sort that out.

Bottom line, you can't go wrong with the Honda, you won't need the electric start, it just pulls over so easily. The tracks work great but they make steering a real effort, test one first. We did but it wasn't enough time apparantly. One thing was I felt the skid shoes at the back dug in on our uneven driveway much more than the side mounted skid shoes on the Toro.

I'm not concerned about the turning capability since I handle a large walk behind mower for my lawn without difficulty, but yes I would like to try one out, but on Long Island these machines are very rare.

As for who will operate this machine.... me and only me!

Thanks for your input!

kderobertis wrote:
The front caster wheels on the large walk behind mowers are whole different animal than these snowblower with tracks with 50+ pounds weight on front skids.  Since the tracks don't have a differential, it is closely similar to turning a core aerator.

That would be an older core aerator, the new hydro walk-behind turf aerifier by Lawn Solutions is so revolutionary that it is changing how the industry looks at aerating.

Like I said, it would be difficult to demo in my area.... but being a homeowner who is very meticulous with my grounds, I only purchase commercial grade equiptment, Scag mower weighing 500lb, Lawn Solutions slit seeder & aerator weighing 250lb each.  Pushing these machines when there powered off over grass is not so easy, so I think the Honda would fall into the same category.  Using commercial equiptment a majority of my life, I think the Honda would be manageable.

Champion Honda on Old Country Rd. had a few but sold out due to the major snow storms we had this yr.I'm sure they will have more  but you'll have to wait till Oct or Nov.Have you given the Ariens Pro or Simplicity Pro any thought?I have a Simp Pro 11570e ...great machine.Plenty of power never clogs and its built like a tank but easy to move due to the easy turn feature.

Nope, it's the Honda I will be getting... that has been determined. I was going to make a visit to Champion Honda, buy have seen at least a dozen recent complains from customers. I also checked them on BBB and they gave them a grade of "F".

kderobertis wrote:

kderobertis wrote:

Ken- There used to be a large OPE dealer in Huntington North of 25A on the West side of the street not to far from the Harbor. I haven't been up that way in a while but if he is still in business you could give him a call.He usually had the full line of Honda Blowers on the floor. There is also a dealer in Port Jefferson just off of  Route 347. Every time I have been in there he has had machines in for service as well as units on the floor. If you just need to see one for size you can try there. If I can find the names I will edit this post.

The 928 is as all 28" machines a little large to try and fit between the cars in a traditional 2 car garage. 

Marc

Ken- Google Honda Snow Blowers and go to the factory site. There is a dealer locator feature on the bottom of the page. They list 15 dealers for Snow Equiptment in your zip code. Someones got to have one or at least one in for service they can show you.

Marc