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

I was wondering if the Toro 826 2 stage snowblowers is easier to maneuver than the Ariens 24" Platinum Deluxe.  I purchased the 24" Platinum Deluxe last fall and I'm not happy with it.  Although it has the auto. traction control, I find it hard to turn.  My 70 year old father, who lives with us, will go out to do the snow when I'm out at work.  I can't stop him because he's so stubborn.  He finds the Ariens too hard to turn.  He also had heart surgery a few years ago.  So, last thing I want is for him to have a heart attack while trying to move the Ariens.  I also don't like the fact that the Briggs engine on it has been back firing on shut down.  Briggs can't find a solution for it.  This year Toro will be offering freewheel steering on the 826.   My dealer is willing to give me a pretty good deal on a trade in?  So, would it be easier for my dad to maneuver an 826 Toro with freewheel steering or would I better off looking at a more compact snowblower like the Ariens compact series or Toro 722?  Thank you.

Another question.  Compact series carries an aluminum transmission vs my platinum deluxe which has the aluminum xs transmission.  Any difference, especially with performance and durability?

joed wrote:

The XS is a good deal beefier because of the larger augers and shear bolts on the Deluxe models. The shear bolts and gear case load carrying capacity are matched to the diameter of the augers. The Compacts have 11" augers, while the Deluxes have 14". Larger augers will require more torque from the gear box (and hence the shear bolts must be stronger or they will fail too frequently). Both gearcases can easily handle a simultaneous double shear bolt rupture (which occurs very rarely) so they should be equally durable. Also, while the old L2 gear oil was excellent, the new L3 synthetic gear oil in the 2010 models is spectacular; literally the best gear oil money can buy. It provides ultimate leak protection and film strength and I highly recommend it. If you buy a 2009 model, have the dealer throw in an 8 oz bottle of the L3 on the deal.

Snowman,

Still trying to decide between the models.  I got a chance to see the subaru powered compact 22.  Wow, it's got a bigger housing at 20" vs 17" on the other compact series but a narrower width at 22" vs 24"  I still also kind of like the toro 722 except for the smooth blades vs the serrated blades on the ariens.  I also like the headlight on the compact 24.  So, what to do?  Compact 22 with Subaru engine, compact 24" with the briggs, or toro 722 with the briggs.  That's where I'm stuck.  Any opinions?