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

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.

drifter wrote:

That's a considerable sum of money.  In all seriousness, I'm happy with my snowblower, can't see myself dumping it to get a new Yamaha unless a ridiculously good deal comes my way.

Guys,,,, That's it..... I'm done shopping. I'm making up my mind tonight, but it's down to two BRAND NEW machines.   In the morning, I'm off to the bank.

My local Honda dealer has offered me the HS928TC for $200. off,,, free delivery.

http://hondacanada.ca/HPower/Models/ModelOverview?L=E&Type=SnowBlowers&Series=HS928&Model=HS928TC

From there, I went to the Yamaha dealer in the next town, and he's agreed to take the same amount off the brand new Yamaha YS929J, and free delivery.

http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/images/generators/2011_SB_YS928J_l.jpg

http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/products.php?section=td&model=3537&addBrochure=td

That's what I'm agonizing over tonight.

The Honda HS928TC would be $3199. and tx. (roughly $3700. tax incl.)
The Yamaha YS928J is $3799 after a $200 discount, plus $50 dealer transport. He'll deliver it free. $4344. tax incl.

The Yamaha has all the bells and whistles, including electric 12vdc start (battery), the electronic chute-control, gas-assist auger-lift, dual-stage auger with "shock-protector" system, and electro-magnetic drive, and 6.7 litre gas-tank with fuel gauge. TCI ignition system (whatever that means)

The Honda weighs 234 lbs,,,,,,, the Yammie weighs 373 lbs.

What say you wise ones?????

I suppose I should throw the Honda HS1132TC in that mix. It would be roughly in between the two I've mentioned $3599.+tax. $4100 Tax. Inc.

Lets start a poll

I'm for Blue! It's the cheapest only 11.67 dollars per pound

aa335, I don't know if you saw my edit, which I did while you were replying to my post. I'm throwing the Honda HS1132TC in that mix. I'm presuming the dealer will give me the same $200 discount on that machine .

drifter wrote:

Honestly I'd go for the Yamaha at that close a price, it's a lifetime and will be worth nearly what you bought it for even years down the road.

That said the Hondas are great machines. I'd get whichever one I could steer the best and would do my driveway the easiest.

I would narrow it down between the 28" models. I'd would go with Yamaha 28 because it has more features, more exclusive. The quietness is a plus too. But then again, if it's my money, I'd go with the Honda 928TCD. It's cheaper, more compact and lighter, has straight forward ergonomics. Easier to sell later on

The Honda dealer gave me the discount on the HS928TC, not the TCD. If he applied the same discount on the TCD model, it would be the same price as the Yamaha YS928J, but I believe the Yamaha is the better machine among those two. Pretty close, but the Yamaha is quieter. The Yammie also weighs 130 lbs more. Built like a tank.