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

After moving into a new home with a large-ish driveway I’m looking to get a good two stage thrower for around $1000. Three models have piqued my interest but it seems difficult to choose between them and I’m looking for any feedback forum members have on them.

The first one i was looking at is a Toro 726OE. This thrower is on sale right now at home depo for $999. Seems like a pretty well-built thrower and has a nice 4 way chute control.

The second contender is a Troy-Bilt Storm 3090XP/Craftsman 88830. It’s a very well-reviewed machine with nice features like power steering and heated grips, however this one is a little wider than what i was looking for (30 inch vs. 26) and some reviews mention poor drive gearing -- meaning that the forward gears are either too slow or too fast (1 or 2) and reverse gears are just flat out too slow.

Finally i'm considering a Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2690 XP. I've never used a tracked thrower before so maneuverability is a concern. I don't need to deal with any substantial inclines around my home, but other than the maneuverability concerns and the 208cc motor of unknown origin on this unit -- everything seems to look great. It has power steering, heated grips and is basically just the right width I’m looking for.

 

Any thoughts or experiences with these three units would be greatly appreciated.

I would suggest a machine with a 4HP to ft of auger width ratio. Being that you have pavers I would make sure to fit the machine with  after market  plastic skid shoes.   Ariens makes them for their machines as an accessory item and they can be fitted to other brands if need be with a little modification.  In my experience steel shoes will scratch the pavers and that just isn't acceptable.A differential or some kind of steering asist is in my mind "required " in a machine over 24" and quite truthfully I wouldn't own a machine without it. I also wouldn't buy a unit without grease fittings and shear pins on the auger no matter who the manufacturer was. 

I would stay away from TroyBilt and Craftsman as key components on those units tend to be "light" duty and prone to short service life. I am speaking of the bushings and bearings in the drive train and the auger gear box and gears.  

Ariens,Honda, Husquavarna,Simplicity,Snapper,Toro (listed in alphabetical order) are the brands I would consider if I were you.They all make machines that will fit your needs. Simplicity and Snapper are I believe owned by Briggs and are virtually the same with the exception that Simplicity offers more models. Don't downplay the importance of the dealer you buy the unit from. You need them to be reliable and convenient if you are not confident in your own ability to work on the machine.

I only buy from the big box stores when they get stuck with machines in years with little snow. Even then it will only be an unmolested (in the box) Toro or Ariens. I mention those brands because where I live the box stores don't carry Simplicity, Snapper Husky or Toro 2 stage units. Back in 2005 I got my father an Ariens 926LE with electric start for $499 and for myself a Toro 2450 single stage at  $276. Those are prices I couldn't refuse but only because those were quality machines. The Troys and Cub Cadets and other MTD offerings are in my opinion never a bargain at any price.

Marc