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

I am looking at replacing a 25 year old snow blower. I live in Iowa and have a driveway that measures roughly 70X30. I do get some nice drifting, last year over the bed of my old truck, and some nice piles at the end of the drive. I am looking at the Toro Power Max 2-Stage 26 in. Snow Blower and the Ariens Deluxe 2-Stage 28 in. Snow Blower. They are the same price so I am not really sure which one to buy. Any help would be appreciated.

 

trouts2 wrote:

http://www.honda.co.jp/snow/products/hss970i_1170i.html

That's the Honda equivalent.

I had a similar decision to make last month.  I ended up going with the Toro 826 two stage.  So far, it's been a beautiful machine.  Very well-balanced, fast, blows the snow a long way, and really easy to turn.   I tried out an Ariens platinum deluxe before choosing.  It's a nice machine too but tougher to move even with the auto differential lock.

The issue that I have with Honda and Yamaha is that they keep their best machines for the Japanese market.  Over here we have to muscle and jerk their heavy tracked machines around...but in Japan they have dual hydro driven tracks to turn their high end machines. 

Paul7,

The main reason we have big and brute versions of Yamaha and Honda is that we, North Americans, are physically stronger and can handle the weight.  Average japanese is around 5'5" with a weigjt of 130 lb.  On other hand, we north americans are around 5'10" and weigh around 200 lb.   So the japanese market demands fancier models but less likely to die from a heart attack since they are conditioned to insane prices.

Borat,

Before going to a Yamaha dealer, please carry a defibrillator with you in case you develop a deleterious VF.  We need your voice in this forum. 

Borat,

When you buy a Yamaha, please let us know. I will not wait for that special event.

 >>the OP is looking in the low $1k price range

I think the original poster is long gone and the thread done.

>>tkrotchko

   That's what I was looking for and I believe there are models above that looking like a Durango.  The place one would be sure to find high end pictures of Honda machines is Borat's dartboard. 

OK Borat where's the beef?   Your dissing on Honda at every oppertunity.  Here's your chance to plant the flag.   What's so great about which Yamaha compared to which equivalent Honda?  I've had, used and worked on several Yamahas and think they are fantastic.  I've now worked on 3 Honda and think they are fantastic.  I would lean somewhat to Yamaha for a few reasons on the years and models I know but I don't know the newer Honda or Yamaha.  Your help to unmask the wonders of the Yamaha to compare with the cheaply built Honda that would never tempt you wipe the dust off the conbination lock to the vault would be of assistance to educate the homeless guys at the library.

JGtravelor<<<< Didn't he get booted?

 

MN_Runner wrote:
I believe Borat has in the past stated he expects his Simplicity to be the last machine he'll ever have to buy (or something like that). With proper maintenance (which I'm sure he does) I don't see any reason to expect otherwise.

Bill_H wrote:
It's OK Bill.

The Honda boys are just crying in their beer.

Just hand them a tissue.......

By the way, you're right.  I doubt I will need anything more than the machine I have.  Might pick up a used Toro single stage for light duty work.  Other than that, as you've suggested, the Simplicity will likely last many, many, years. 

trouts2 wrote:

Trouts, I agree that likely the OP is long gone and has likely made a purchase by now but I was just getting commenting on the issue that someone asks a question about certain types of machines they are thinking of and someone usually responds with "Honda's rule and are awesome" or something along those lines. No doubt they are great machines and I would like to have one but I don't think that they are the best solution to everyone's situation.

I must admit that prior to buying my Ariens I cruised these forums looking for advice and suggestions from prior posts and that helped me in purchase. For one, prior to checking out the Ariens line at HD, I was pretty unfamiliar with them and if someone asked me what type of snow blower they should buy I would have likely said go to sears and get a craftsman. I do see quite a lot of them around and have to admit I owned one myself, but I guess thats called being unknowledgeable in a subject. I think that there are some very experienced people on this forum with a great deal of worthwhile opinions and smarts about OPE, and then there are others like myself that are just trying to get some help and offer some assistance where possible. While I am not a wiz with snow blowers I do know a little about small engines and tinkering around is a bit of a hobby, so I may not be in a position to offer an opinion on every thread in here, but it gets a little old with people just throwing 2cents in about Honda, Yamaha, etc when a person like me may not be able to devote $2k + to a machine that only gets used a few times a year depending on where you live. This is not to say that the red and blue claims may not be without merit but my opinion is that they may be machines better to suited to someone elses need. It's kind of like going to a car forum and asking about a corolla or a civic and the only answer you get is...BMW is the ultimate driving machine.

Just my 2cents

Borat,

How about a Yamaha single stage?  It is just too bad Yamaha does not make one as you would buy one in a heart beat.  Honda Yukios might be a good choice.