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

Yes, I realize that, and in fact, that is why I'm looking at the TC models, rather than the electric-start models. The Yamaha just looked like a heavier build all around. You have to see it, and hear it, to really appreciate it. Probably the first and last snow-thrower I'll ever need to buy. Every inch of it is impressive, even the cables are impressive, lol..

Could you get $200 off the hs1132tc?
That would make it $200 less than your quote on the 9hp yamaha, and it would clear the snow a lot quicker... The blowing capacity on the 9hp yamaha is 50 tons/hour and the 11hp honda is 72 tons/hour so I think that would be a much better value for your dollar. The yamaha is an awesome machine though!

drifter wrote:
130 additional pounds without independent track steering or differential would be a deal breaker for me.   Perhaps you should try to steer it and see if manageable. 

My HS1132 is already approximately 280lbs wet and with snow cab.  I wouldn't want it to be any heavier with the fixed axle.

Actually, the Honda HS1132TC, and the Yamaha YS928J will cost the same,,, if the Honda dealer gives me the same discount that he did on the HS928TC.

The added throughput of the 1132 Honda is definitely attractive, but it seems a LOT noisier than the Yamaha.

I had no trouble moving the Yamaha around, in the showroom. Maybe just the way the weight was distributed. Even with a full gas-tank, I doubt it would affect things, since the gas-tank is centered over the tracks. I'm also fairly husky, roughly 225 lbs. so maybe that helps.

They both have a lot going for them. It's a tough call.

drifter wrote:
Oh I was going by the msrp of the hs1132tc which is $3799.99 and then take $200 off that making it that much less than your yamaha quote. Your dealer must be listing them higher than msrp.

giocam wrote:
You're right. For some reason, I thought the HS1132TC was $3999. It's actually $3599. if I get the same discount, so $250 cheaper than the Yamaha.

At this point, it's no longer about the money I guess. The HS 1132TCS with 120v electric start, would be $$50 more than the Yamaha. Looks like it's down to "speed vs comfort". The Yammie can also be operated with one hand.

We rarely get storms over 6-8", so that might enter into the equation. Mind you, we do get the occasional 12-15" storm. Last winter was exceptional. Record-breaking lack of precipitation. Most of the big storms, blew by to the south of us. It barely snowed after January.

drifter wrote:

Hey, if that is all you want then find yourself a 1960s Ariens.

Those can be operated with no hands. :)

Honestly though, I think all modern snow blowers have some way of locking the 2 levers together now.

As far as dollars, cents & coolness factor go, I'd be leaning towards the Yamaha. I think you'd be better served down the road with a smaller more manueverable machine rather than a larger machine (especially with your back condition). Your snowfall amounts are similar to what we get in my area and I used a HS624 for 10 years without any problems (taking smaller bites during larger storms is the key). You could argue the same point against the Yamaha 928 for that very reason - at 373 lbs. that is one heavy a$$ machine compared to about 250 lbs. for a Honda 928TA. Another check mark in the 928 column is the versatility of being able to clear smaller walkways and tighter areas that a wider bucket might be too unwieldy to manage. IMO the 928 offers the pefect compromise between size, power and manueverability. Besides, the 928 gives you a bit more time to play with your toy during a snowstorm!

I'm having trouble relating to the "difficult to handle" argument. I have no trouble throwing these machines around on a dry concrete floor, and I'd imagine it's even easier on snow,,, especially when the machine is in motion.

The only thing I didn't care for on the Yamaha YS928J was the track lock-pins. They're difficult to re-insert. There's probably a simple trick to it. Aside from that, I love this machine. The 6.7 liter gas-tank can have you running a long time between refills, and the fuel gauge tells you at a glance, how much fuel you have. The reduced noise-level allows me to use the machine even late at night, without fear of disturbing the neighbours. That's a big plus if I come home late, and my driveway entrance is plowed in. I can't park on the road.

The Honda HS1132TC is much noisier, but more powerful, and almost 100 lbs lighter.

Either way, I'll probably have occasions where I'll say to myself, "I wish I had bought the other machine". These are both wonderful machines. The Yamaha is the Lexus of snowblowers, and the Honda is the Hummer.

All I have left to do today is, confirm that the Honda dealer will give me the same discount on the HS1132TC, or the TCS. If he says no, I think I'm going with the Yamaha. Either way, I'm buying a snowblower  TODAY.

Can't go wrong with either machine.
Here is a video of the yamaha at work:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6CaB4npNug
Not much snow in the video so you can't really see what it can do though.

Here is the Honda
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE4Ke2OFg3E