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

I moved to a new house, top of a hill, with farm land across from my driveway.

This is our second winter, and my MTD is not up to the task of clearing the packed snow that blows into my yard, sometimes daily.

I have been looking for a couple weeks, and had made up my mind to get the Honda. I had been to the Yamaha dealer previously, but they were not willing to deal.

Well today a new twist, I went back to Yamaha, and was offered the YS928J for the same price as the HS928TC.

Specs are very similar, with some different features. The Honda has full Joystick control on the chute, and is 100 lbs lighter.

The Yamaha has plastic coated chute, manual up/down. Has no shear pins, which may be a bonus, if the 'Shock Protection' works correctly. Also the Yamaha is quiter.

I have been reviewing this site, however, there is limited information on the Yamahas, likely because they just came back to Canada in 2009 (15 year Hiatus) and I am not sure if they are available in the U.S.

Has anyone out there used these models? Can you offer an Opinion?

trouts2 wrote:

Great link. The Yamaha snowblowers look more substantial because of the shroud they put around the engine (I have to admit, I like it). And I like the fact that in their top of the line machines, you can lock tracks to steer. But until you get to the 1232, they look similar to the Honda (except for the blue. Love the blue). I'd guess Honda & Yamaha limit their snowblower sales in the U.S. because of the competition from MTD (and all the brands they own), Toro, Ariens and a host of other brands that make it tough to sell expensive snowblowers in the U.S. And those Yamaha's look every bit as pricey as the Honda's, if not more so. Even my local Honda dealer required people to order larger Honda snowblowers back in July, since they claim to have a hard time selling expensive snowblowers, even in a relatively affluent area.

I'd go with the Yamaha. 

The reason is that it has everything the Honda has, will do everything the Honda can and has important features the Honda doesn't.   Personally, I'd get  YS928J.  Just make sure you have a place large enough to store it and maneuver it in and out.

Also, by giving Yamaha the business, it might help sustain their commitment to providing snow blowers to the North American market.  Something we haven't seen in decades.

trouts2 wrote:

Wow, what great wisdom.  That's useful advice you can take to the bank.  I'm sure you have good story to go with that one.

What is wrong with being homeless?  Or writing something about snowblower from the library?  It is not all that rare being homeless and educated.  But simultaneously being homeless, educated and interested in fine snowblowers maybe remote.  At least it is warm inside and the sidewalks are plowed and the wi-fi is free inside the public library. 

I think you may have seen a movie about this kind of scenario.  I think it had Joe Peschi and Brandon Frasier in it.  :)

rubinew wrote:

The reason there aren't many Yamaha owners on this site is because Yamaha will not sell them in the US. I think that is a bad move on their part but then again look at Toro they still make their own units not chinese clones or cheap jun like some brands and yet people aren't aware of them like they are Ariens. Dealers push Ariens like their lives depended on it at least the ones I've been to. My wife would not be able to change a shear pin. I'd come back and it would need a lot more "Fixing" than a shear pin if she were to try and fix it.

I love my wife but when it comes to anything mechanical she's 100% blonde. ooooooh what does this button do *Press* <<>Warning Self-Destruct<>> BOOM!

trouts2 wrote:
We've been exposed!!!

Trouts you sombiatch......

Steve_Cebu wrote:
I have similar sentiment with Ariens dealers.  Several dealers I visited were aggressively pushing Ariens product, rude and arrogant, and were so quick to badmouth other brands, while glorifying their brands with thick American steel and made in America blind propaganda.  Not for me thank you.  Show me what your product can do and how well or thoughtful it was designed.  I'm quite capable of making my own mind.

rubinew wrote:
I'm not sure how having a lawyer present would be of any benefit to you.  Unless you're looking for a deduction for lawyer fees.

At $300+ an hour, I rather change the shear pins myself.  Take the wife and kids out to dinner with that $300 saved on the lawyer.

 Library is a nice option.  No shear pins to worry about, no fire recalls, no motor oil change, no carb-icing issue and no need to hire lawyers.  I only wish my local library opens early and closes really late so I have extra time to post at this forum.  I heard Canada libraries are warmer and have faster wi-fi systems.