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

My brain and pocket tell me that Toro PowerMax is the new under-rated king and perhaps deserves the MVS (Most Valuable Snowblower) title.  Compare their performances from a single stage to a two-staged snowblower.  They are pretty good.  I don't wish for a lot of snow after watching one of the homes collapsed or having a lot of water damages.  For me, it makes more sense to spend the extra dollar on the lawnmower since I use it weekly from May to October instead of a snowblower which I may use it no more than ten times during Nov to Apr. 

My Hondas are pretty good looking but are they really all that reasonable?

MN_Runner wrote:
I had looked into a Honda HRX lawnmower with hydrostatic transmission.  I didn't buy one, does not appeal to me even though it wears a Honda brand.  I prefer Toro and Snapper for lawn mowers.

I currently have two pieces of Toro equipment.  They are not the most stout and toughest products or best you can buy.  They're simple, effective, and fun to use, and reliable.

The other two expensive pieces are both Honda's.  Well built, arguably one of the best of it's time.  They are complex, effective, and somewhat finicky to operate, and very reliable.

I enjoy them all for different reasons.  My Toro single stage snowblower throws snow better than my Honda single stage, but I have trouble deciding which one to part with if that issue ever comes up.

If you have an appreciation for equipment, it is the best for what's important to you.  I like seeing posts from people who have recently acquired snowblower and are ecstatic by it.  They may pay $1000, $2000, or $3000 for it.  Does that matter?

" They may pay $1000, $2000, or $3000 for it.  Does that matter?"

I'll send a post card......

borat wrote:
:) 

It's not like they bought a $1000 snowblower and send you $2000 to go on a vacation. 

aa335 wrote:
I agree. 

However, if the buyer didn't spend the extra 2K on a machine that will not do anything better than a machine that cost $1500.00, as in my case,  they can invest/spend the money  saved by not buying the Honda on anything they wish.   They can take a two week vacation and still come home to a snow thrower that will do everything that the Honda can. 

When a person has to be concerned about how they spend their money, something like a Honda is an extreme and unnecessary expense.   If  more than capable machines are available for half the price, they'd be wise to avoid the excessive cost of the Honda and spend the money they save on other things.    Basic economics.

MN_Runner wrote:

MN_Runner Your Honda is a fine machine, triue it doesn't have some of the Toro's features but Toro doesn't have heated grips and other options that other brands have. I talk up Toro because it really is a 1st class option not just Ariens and Honda. It has some awesome options like the quick chute any the twin trigger steering and the auger system. I returned my Honda 928TAS to the dealer got a refund and lost $200 of that and bought the Toro and didn't look back.

That doesn't make Honda bad or Toro good, it just means that I prefer Toro because the price is right the features are what I like and it does everything well. It's primary flaw is that it's very well balanced so it can ride up in heavy snow easilt if you go fast in my driveway. The Honda did NOT do this..... But.... it hung up a lot on my sort of wavey driveway because the skid shoes were in the back.

You have the Honda and it's a very capable machine. I really miss the hydrostatic transmission in it. You'd lose too much trading it in. If I were you I'd go down to the Toro dealer and try out a 826 or a 1028 and see how they feel blowing snow. I'm sure if they have any left they'd be happy to accomodate you. If you then feel they are what you really want just flip your Honda next year on CL, you won't lose much and then you can buy a Toro or whatever. But try everything out when you have a chance including Ariens and Simplicity and John Deere. This is a good time to try out snowblowers. You might find what you have is pretty darn good. If not you can deal with it next year. Honda holds it's value really well. I'd let you try mine out but you are a bit far and all the snow it in the woods now.

Hi Steve,

Thanks for offering such a kind response.  I am done buying a snowblower for now.  Anytime you get a new machine (or toy), there is some excitement at the start but it fades (hopefully very slow) then you realize blowing snow is a chore.  I would rather go for a nice long run instead of blowing all that snow away.  The point is there are many snowblowers that are equal or better (performance and cost) than Honda at a resonable cost.

MN_Runner wrote:

Sure thing, only one thing tho snowblowing for me isn't a chore.

My wife either takes videos or pics of me clearing the driveway or I take them of her being dragged around by it because she tries to hold it back in 1st gear. LOL

I lived in the Philippines for 5 years, lots of sun, no snow. I'm saving for an early retirement there. But for now I'm going to enjoy my snowblower. It's either that or throw rocks at trees.

Borat is right tho, for the extra money spent on a Honda you could have taken a trip or done something else. After a while you might really come to appreciate your snowblower. My parents hated snowblowers and refused to own them.

Spice up your snowblowing experience mount your camcorder on it and take some awesome pics or something. Just a thought.

Steve,

Maybe it was good that you returned your Honda.  There is a gasoline leak recall on HS928 (looks like blower made prior to 2010 model) and other 2-staged blowers:

Model	Frame Serial Number
HS724	SZBE-1037913 through 1046577
HS928	SZAS-1151080 through 1169012
HS1132	SZBF-1018734 through 1025998

I want to stay warm but not by burning down my blower. My 2010 model is not affected but it might be good to get your Honda checked out if your model/serial number fits the list.  Stay warm!

MN_Runner wrote:
I'm glad to report that my 2008 HS1132 isn't affected by this recall either.  Woo hoo!

AA335,

Good news!  What year is your blower?