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

aa335, That 1232 looks like a heckuva machine. Now that I've gotten used to looking at this class of machinery, that unit actually seems to be reasonably priced for the individual who needs that capacity. If I was a bit younger, I think I'd knock on some neighbours' doors, and line up a few contracts.

Just curious aa335, you don't happen to be a fan of the Gibson 335 by any chance???

No, I'm not.  I wished I was musically inclined, that is a sweet looking guitar.

I really like those Yamaha.  Haven't seen them around here in the US.  With those kind of prices, I would expect home demo's before plunking down that kind of cash.

You should see Yamaha promotion videos on youtube, they depict a young lady operating the Yamaha and smiling.  :)  How far from reality that is, but great snowblowing and scenery.  If I were retiring, I want that kind of environment.

I'm a guitar nut, which is why I asked. Got a BIIIIG bunch of them.

Hehe, I'm a camera and audio equipment nut, now a OPE addict.  Now that I'm married and have kids, I just can't go out and buy a nice shiny blue Yamaha on a whim.  :)

aa335 wrote:
Oh come on now,,,,, you know you WAAAAAAAANT IT. Tell them the made you do it.

drifter wrote:
You just show me how to hide a 350 lb Yamaha next to a 250 lb Honda snowblower and maybe I'll do it.  I got enough slush fund to do it.  Hehehe.

How many Gibson does it take to buy one Yamaha?

aa335 wrote:
Depends. I've got any one of a  few that could be traded in on the Yammie, and they'd owe me change.

There you go, the only thing left to do is pick "Big Red" or "Big Blue"

As I said above, I'll be happy with either one. I'm just curious at the moment, about the smaller machines. older 624 or 724 or similar. I'd still want to eventually have a 928 or 1132, but while I'm waiting for the right opportunity to come along, I may simply buy a smaller / older machine. I presume they'll do the same job, but just take longer to do it. I'm currently  looking at an older Yamaha YS624, which has been tuned-up and has new belts installed.  The dealer says it's in very good condition. Price is $999.99. I'm thinking I'd re-sell that machine once I get a good deal on a nearly-new larger machine. (928, or 1132)

Don't forget, here in Quebec, that brand new Yamaha YS928J would cost me over $4600. after taxes. I figure I can buy a 2 or 3 year old 1132 for around $3k from a private vendor, Private sales are non-taxable here, but used machines are taxable if purchased from a dealer.

   I’ve had 4 YS624’s which I used and one YS828W (wheeled) that I did not get to use.  A guy I had been corresponding with liked the Yamaha so much he drove from Boston to NY to pick one up.  On the way back he stopped here and I got to throw beside it with 10 and 11.5 Ariens.  The 828 kept up with the 10 and lost out to the 11.5.   The Yamahas were all late 80’s and early 90’s machines.  The US machines I tested with were all late 90’s to mid 2000’s.    

 

   The 624’s are impressive and can clear and toss like a US 8.  It seems like the newer Yamahas have a lot of newer components like hydro vs friction disk but the base components similar to the old machines i.e. housing, blower and dash arrangement.  These machines all had remote hood control (that worked, never iced up).

 

   You mentioned 624’s but I’m not sure when Yamaha stopped selling in Canada.  What year are those?  A late 80’s early 90’s 624 goes for 4-500 US around Boston.  I picked up all of mine for $100 to $200.  I'm not sure were the Loonie is but if it's close to the buck then $999 is very steep compared to prices down here. 

   If you picked up a decent shape YS624 track you’d  probably end up keeping it but it depends.  You mentioned your street was a main street.  If it’s wide and you get a big EOD buildup that has salt and driven over so wet and very compact then the 6 would struggle but get the job done.  Most machines would have a tough time.  The 624 does very well in wet tougher conditions though and to top it you’d have to make a decent side jump in hp on a machine that had good auger and impeller speeds.

By the way, the Yamahas have developed a cult following and have their own web fan club at Nabble.  After getting my first one I could see why and joined.