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

I am looking for a new blower. I have about 1400.00 to spend . I am looking at the 2 machines listed above. I had an Ariens 824 for 28 years but have never had a Toro. I prefer the Toro dealer but both dealers are ok. Any Ideas on which is a better choice or other suggestions ?

Thanks Ivan

This is the Toro impeller. It is the only impeller where the manufacturer thought it was so weak it needed a thin stamped reinforcement:

This is the scoop on a 24" Husqvarna Crown:

Note the reinforcing bar on top, the stiffening beads all over. The thickness is even visible in this picture. It appears to be the stiffest I've seen, although I haven't compared it back to back with the Simplicity Large Frame or Pro. The auger design is 'different', and I haven't figured it out.  The handlebar geometry is the best I'be found so far. I can put my hands on the grip and press down with my weight (Must have been over 100# of force) and the scoop stays on the ground. Pulling back on the handles raises the scoop. The key is force down on the grips pushes through the axle not around it.

The console is also well laid out. The cable chute rotation is a bit ununsual, but the control is precise and easy to manage. Only the Simplicity/Deere/Snapper electric controls are easier.

By contrast the Toro looks like it should be sold at Toys-R-Us, which probably explains why Steve is comfortable with it.

Yeah ok, whatever, you are real good at posting pics. Let's see some pics of you blowing snow with whatever new machine you will supposedly buy.

I don't see any pics of you blowing snow, just blowing hot air.

DavidNJ wrote:
Yea, I am not so sure I would want to buy a snowblower that the manufacturer decided to reinforce the load bearing parts of either.

Lets get one of the plastic impellers, those are much better.

Shryp wrote:
Reminds me of the days when US auto manufacturers hung crude weights off of transmissions to counter driveline vibrations rather than have tigher production tolerances that balanced the assembly in the first place.

DavidNJ wrote:
Y.........

slinger wrote:
The 826oe is last years model and did not have power steering.
This years model which is called 826oxe does have power steering, I just bought one myself.

giocam wrote:

Congratulations!

It's a great machine, post some pics of it this winter blasting out the snow.