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

I was at a local Honda dealer yesterday and I was stunned by the prices on their snowblowers. In Canadian dollars, they were: 928 wheels: $3000 928 track: $3400 724 track: $3400 1132 track: $3500 I know they have tracks, hydro tranny, honda engines, etc. but they're at least $1000-1500 more than equivalent toro and ariens models. Is it gold, they re making?

aa335 wrote:
I was talking about a walk behind Kubota snow thrower.  My snow removal requirements don't warrant a bigger machine.   Maybe when I'm too old to handle a walk behind, I'll treat myself to a Kubota!  Right now, I enjoy the exercise.

aa335 wrote:
Actually, I have a Case tractor with a 48" PTO-driven blower and a 54" plow for my home. And we can't limit ourselves to homeowner use only, as there are several members here who use them professionally. I doubt many of them are following this thread, as the Honda in the title means they probably just skip over it. I once (falsely, it turns out) assumed this forum was all residential, but I was quickly taken to task by one of the pros who frequents this forum. Anyway, I'm selling my MTD tracked blower and going exclusively to the Case. After 3 knee operations and ankle surgery, I'm just not up to walking behind anymore.

If I could afford it -- and still wanted a walk-behind -- there is a commercial unit that is truly amazing. I'm currently unable to remember the name (or locate the thread where it was mentioned here) but if anyone recalls this unit could you please link it? I searched for 45 minutes and couldn't find it.  I do remember the company's web site had a video of their 2 models going across an empty, recently-plowed parking lot and into and through 3' banks of plowed snow then across a field. They never even slowed down. Sound familiar, anyone?

FYI: Since Case (since merged with International Harvester) no longer makes garden tractors, they sold their lineup to Ingersoll. You can go out today and purchase a new Ingersoll tractor that is essentially identical to the Case tractors of the 60's and 70's. All steel, true hydraulic drive (not hydrostatic) and 5 digit expensive. There's a thriving group of people who have purchased the 30+ year old ones for less than a $1,000 and spent that much again in restoral. For less than the cost of a sheet metal and plastic lawn tractor at a big box store, they now have a unit that will run another 30 years with minor maintenance. The same thing is happening with old  Wheel Horse and Cub Cadet tractors. If anyone is interested (I'm looking at you, Borat and Trouts ) look at http://www.mytractorforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30 or http://www.caseingersollforum.com

Pardon my ignorance, but I just haven't seen these marketed for homeowner use.  I stand corrected.

aa335 wrote:
Understandable, since it's not their primary market - that would be landscapers and property management services and the like. Since a majority of N. Americans live in urban or suburban areas, they wouldn't need them. But not all of us do. For example,  my area is zoned as "5 acre minimum" and private roads are quite common, so I know quite a few people who have plow trucks for personal use. You won't see Fisher or Western plows marketed for residential use either.

I think a good analogy would be Snap-On tools. They don't market to homeowners and it's not easy for a homeowner to purchase their products. But I'm sure there are a few people here who have some for personal use. And if you can get them used, you've got a terrific bargain.

POST #35 is the beginning of what the Moderators should begin, " INVESTIGATING " because this thread is why I posted the one that explains" Why Honda Snowblowers Aren't Really Expensive "    So Let's you moderators also Lock this thread and the succeeding one, and take it from the beginning.

mikiewest wrote:
 I would suggest a  Husqvarna  with the "legendary"  (built in the USA)  Briggs and Stratton engine and the (built in the USA)  Hydro Gear hydrostatic drive   for  many  $'s  less.

You must be SHI**ING.  Once again you will try to start. 

royster wrote:

Legendary, built in the USA, cost many $ less....pick two.  No smart businessman is going to let you have all three, not going to happen.    Besides, if it's not expensive, it's not desireable.


Well, I haven't heard anything legendary about Husqvarna except for chainsaws.  Or is it Stihl???

He was referring to the B&S engine, not Husqvarna.

I hate to bust your bubble but NOT all Briggs engines are built in USA. Try Japan. They are dam good engines none the less. The 420 on a Ariens pro track is a real monster