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

And lived in the Northeast,with a 175 foot driveway,with a slight incline, and a rather large turning pad what snow blower would you buy? Currently have a 12 year old, 24", 7 hp Yardman that I need to retire soon! Thanks in advance.

Simplicity Pro Signature series are top domestic products.  I wouldn't overlook them.

Steve_Cebu wrote:

99% there, when the dealer calls, my wife and I will go take it for a drive, then decide.

While the Honda is every bit as tough and reliable( I have owned Honda cars, and loved them), the Yamaha seems to have a few more "smart" features that appeal to us.

Now, if the 373lb beast is an issue, then I would probably get the 928 Honda, before stepping down to the 624 Yamaha. I have my mind set on 28 inch :-)

rubinew wrote:

Yeah the fact that the Yamaha doesn't have or require shear pins is a BIG plus in my book. Please post some pics of your Blue baby when you get it. I'd love to see it.

I would use it for a down payment for a new Honda HS928TA.

Most of the machines that people are suggesting (that falls within your $1500 budget) have a B&S engine.  Rather than just suggesting a particular brand/model I would go out and check out what the local shops currently have available.  Choose whatever you feel has the best control scheme/layout and whatever feels good in your hands.
Ariens, Toro, Simplicity...they're all comparable machines and you probably won't go wrong with either one.

I like my Ariens and its built like a tank.  Other people on this forum like their Toro, Simplicity, etc and have just as much praise for these respective brands as well.

 If buying form a local dealer, that may be a factor for you.  You might end up going with a brand where you feel the dealer will be most helpful post-sale.

If I were in your shoes now and were willing to commit another $500 - $800 I'd probably pick up a Honda.  If not, like i said before, you probably can't go wrong with a Ariens, Toro or Simplicity.

Toro 1028 OXE is listed for $1799. Ariens Delux 30" for $1299 or Platinum 30" for $1599 or Delux 28" for $999. Deere 1028 for $1299 or 1330 for $1499

If you have your wallet set to $1500 then I would seriously consider gettting a Deere 1028 (342CC) for $1299.  28" is a nice size: not too small and not too big.  342CC is going to give you some serious power.

MN_Runner wrote:

To pony up the extra dosh for a 1028 is worth it but their are also sales going on. Some dealers will deal, some won't. Toro also makes the 826 and the 828 and those are cheaper.than the 1028. But this guy needs toget out to the dealers, try out the machines he likes and then get the best deal he can on the one he likes. I'd honestly buy a Simplicity over the Deere since I know Deere doesn't make their own products and Deere dealers don't sell Deere snowblowers. I bought my Toro from the John Deere dealer.  They don't carry Deere snowblowers at all.

I live in NYC and it seems we keep getting hit with storms greater then 20" and even thou im no expert you want something with a big Briggs and Stratton motor and a few choices would be the Toro 1028OXE or Deere 1028 or  Husqvarna 1830HV or Simplicity L1528E. If your in NE dealing with the same amount of snowfall as me you dont want a 30"+ wide unit. Its too much to muscle in really deep snows. I see you have a 24" now so moving up to a 26-28" unit you will be happy.

Im new to this site, which is home to many who can help you probably alot more then me. Good Luck!

tgseaver wrote:

Northeast...check

175 foot driveway...check

slight incline...check

 spent $1,400 with tax on an Ariens 24" Platinum and used it for the 1st time last week.

tgseaver wrote:

You can pick up a nice slightly used machine this coming spring if you can squeak one more season out of that Yardman. There's always tons of used snowblowers on CL once spring begins and the snows are gone for a while. Machines that go for $ 2,500.00 new can be had for $ 1,500.00 or less after only being used for one or two winters. I always try to buy my used OPE during the off season as I've found you can save big $$$ if you plan ahead a bit.