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...

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.

Don't know much on the Toro Single Stages. If I had to choose a Toro SS, it would be the 221QR. At $700 for it, I would rather spend 2fold and get a 2 stage.. A used great 2 stage can probably be had for 50% of new 221QR. Their pricing on replacement paddles is slightly less than the Honda's comparatively. When I considered a used HS621, I decided to flip through my manual and on my HS520 book, it stated 5/8" is the wear edge. So then I proceeded to measure against my brand new paddles, to at least know what a reference point would be and surprisingly it was 3/4". The asking price on single stage used I personally find is high.. At one point in my life, I bought a Toro 1800 for $50 and sold it back the following month for $150.. 2 Stages - ahh so many golden treasures. Simplicity, Honda, Plenty or Ariens 724/824 but I would rather have a Platinum or 30 Professional, etc etc. There are a good amount of Honda track units but nary a nil on the wheel units on my local searches. Granted, every region will price differently......

" Its not that the honda is bad, its just that the Toro is considerably better. "

Superbuick - you're probably right.  I'm guessing people tend toward the Honda for the 'engine' .  Then again - the performance is a product of the total sum

of its parts.  The engine is one of many - although a large one.  Toro's updated power propel / zip deflector / quick shoot control combination is a tough act

to follow.  Also, I've heard earlier how the engines outlast the other components anyway - more food for thought.