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

We had our first blizzard of the season in Green Bay with drifts over 2ft.  This was my first experience using this machine and the 826OXE exceeded expectations.  EOD snow was no problem and the machine seems very robust in design as I worked with it under blizzard conditions.  No backfiring with the B&S 250cc engine.  The flywheel system is incredible.  I tried the autotraction on the platinum ARIENS, but I personally like this system, as I feel I have more effective control over direction and movement.  I was not happy  that 2 apparently loose screws were lost during operation (both in the upper snow hood area); the dealer is replacing them. 

For anyone nervous about plastic or overall build quality, do not fear.  This thing is a tank that uses plastic to reduce weight, while avoiding rust in certain areas.  The Quickchute is a blessing; and again, no signs that this component is not up to challenging conditions or the long haul.

mikiewest wrote:

I'm just going on my own experience from my time doing a demo on an Ariens unit which basically frees up that one wheel and the other one is still powered. So that means that the powered wheel will rotate around the unlocked wheel. Yes you can muscles it around the other way but why bother? Yes it's better than nothing but with Toro you can actually steer with the triggers without muscling the whole machine around.

Steve I think you give enough love to TORO to make up for everyone out there.  Something tells me you like your 1028 

slinger wrote:

Does it show that much...

Seriously it's a great machine and the equal to all the others out there and better than quite a few. That doesn't mean others brands aren't good. It's just that when people ask in here it's generally Ariens that comes up or Honda and Simplicity and Toro 2 stages get a "oh yeah and there is Toro too." like it's the red headed stepchild of the snowblowing world. Toro single stages get a LOT of love tho.

slinger wrote:

He's holding back the love for fear that his wife might find out. You'll be scared too if you saw what an 83 lb woman can do to a 250 lb snowblower.  

aa335 wrote:

Nah when it comes to love for snowblowers we're swingers.

Steve_Cebu wrote:
Funny how I didn't pick up those clues sooner.