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

CHXBEACHVA wrote : I looked at the Hondas. They seem to be a very well built machine. Could I afford one....absolutely, but is it necessary to spend $2k+ on a blower, maybe or maybe not. I ended up buying a Deere 1028e and was very impressed how it handled the 18" we just got in Long Island, NY. No bogging at all and cleared right down the pavement. It cut my EOD like butter. My neighbors were definitely happy to hear me coming down my driveway

borat wrote:
My thoughts exactly.  I would not override manufacturer's recommendation based on salesman blah blah.  Not sure what his motivation is, but that doesnt bolster trust and credibility in my book. 

I was going to do an oil change at 5 hours, from previous recommendation of the lawn mower manual.  I kind of assumed most OPE engines are the same.  However, after going through the snowblower manual, it says to do at after two hours.  I'm going to get it done, it has 3 hours on it.  A little due diligence goes a long way.

borat wrote:

Manual says change at first five hours.  I already bought The Deere Brand 5w30 (manual calls for).  I will change it this weekend.   Thanks everyone.

aa335 wrote:
Google MotoMan and you'll have some fun reading about how he recommends break in.

I generally do the first change at 1 hour, EVEN on engines with an oil filter.  And most importantly with those without one.

I still like the next one at the recommended 5 (or whatever) interval.  What's the worst that can happen?  I spend 5 extra dollars on oil?

ALSO:  I went to warm up the unit for that first o/c and as soon as I let off the choke I was thinking..."man it sure burns off water (vapor) on startup" when I realized it was one of those dang plastic oil caps on the bottom of the engine that had just come loose and was spitting oil.  I shut down ASAP and only lost a couple of ounces but it made a large spray area of oil and forced me to do some extra cleaning of the belt cover area, etc.  What should have been 10 minutes start to finish was over an hour.

Moral of the story?  Be sure to occasionally tighten those stupid plastic plugs!!!

borat wrote:
What did you use to make the plastic liner?

I run full synthetic in my cub cadet 930swe as with all my other power equip.as well as keep them greased just greased the cub up yesterday and gave it a going over was 55 degs here and now its 25 and snowing supposed to get lake effect so who knows 2 inches or 2 foot by morning you never know..