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

Preface: I've have has a HS520. Due to space contraints, etc - I'm not looking at 2 stage. Single stage for the most part is a perfect fit just short of....living on the right side and the plows only plow to the right so I cam constantly getting plowed in... Throw is fine already on the HS520. I was only curios does the 421/221 or even any current models on the market may have a bit more bite on the EOD/overnight plowed snow...

Just came back from Home Depot - $749   and they had 4 in stock.  Sounds like you got a great deal for the Honda.

It was actually listed on CL. I go out to meet the guy and it turns out the address he gave me was a *booth* in some megamall flea market. It was not BNIB but inspections show brand new (scraper and augers were new/untouched). The only thing that threw me off during inspection was that it was 520KAS - with a K in it. A quick google on my phone while I was there did show a KAS model # so it seemed legit.

Nice deal.  Did you ever wonder how he can sell you for that cheap?

The place of business was a large flea market setup with booths, indoors and outdoors. I assume these guys get ~deals~ from various sources.... There was a Yamaha track model on CL for cheap, but I believed it has some mechanical issues and it was on tracks... Same goes for HS50 or HS80's.... I think the OPE OCD has hit me, cause I find myself on CL looking for deals....on a 2 stager.

chefwong wrote:
I think you mis-diagnosed yourself, it's not OCD, but an addiction.  :)  Big difference.

You came to the right place. Happiness loves company. 

The HS928 is where its at.  Buy once, cry once.  Ancient Chinese proverb.

aa335 wrote:

If you really want to drive yourself crazy, do what I did (twice). Buy your snow blower during the warm weather months so you can agonize all spring, summer and fall waiting for snow. I bought my HS624WA at a yard sale in May of 2000 and had to wait about 6 months before I could use it. Just this past March, I bought my new to me HS928TA and have been waiting ever since to use my new toy. Talk about a glutton for punishment!

On the single stages, I could not fathom buying one used unless it was in great condition and $150 or less. That is just moreso the mechanics of them, and belt drive and paddles costs $$$, which bring the net costs to ??? at the end of day. For example, the honda manual states that the paddles should be replaced when it measures 5/8". Brand new, it measures 3/4" inch. Granted I have not had long term experience owning a single stage and have one prior (just not long term), I cannot benchmark the life you get out of these things. Part of it will depends on operator usage I suppose and technique... 2 Stages I am open to exploring used as the mechanics are them from the mait. standpoint is either going to be shearpins, oil and maybe a carb rebuilt/new skid shoes. So as long as mechanically and bodily *rust free, chip free* the 2 stages are good, I'm kewl with that.... What comes 1st. Should I start planning how much concrete blocks and bricks I will need ? Or what stones I should use instead of bricks ;-) Don't roll you eyes - if I have to have a shed, aesthetics counts .

There was a fellar that came in passing by a month ago, asking all sorts of question, creme de la creme blah blah, ended up with bottom of the barrel Lada de Ariens.  I hope we're not seeing second coming of that anytime soon.

Anyways, how long are you planning to stay at your current house again? 

"  For example, the honda manual states that the paddles should be replaced when it measures 5/8". Brand new, it measures 3/4" inch. "

Chefwong - you're talking me into the Toro instead of the Honda.  1/8 inch seems like a pretty small wear factor.

alty - the Toro is the better choice. Its not that the honda is bad, its just that the Toro is considerably better.