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.

After lots of hands-on and on-line comparison shopping, that's what I spent on my new John Deere 1330SE; and I think it was a great choice. It's already blown plenty of snow to prove itself.

jdpilot wrote:

tgseaver wrote:

I would use the $1500 for a down payment on the Yamaha YS928J.

In Fact, I plan to get one this week, just waiting for the dealer to get them in stock, he sold out before the Holidays.

rubinew wrote:

He can't do that if he lives in the USA. They will not sell us Yamaha snowblowers here, unfortunately. Also the Yamaha is like $4k a LOT over his budget. Great machine tho. So you really decided on the Yamaha over the Honda?

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.