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

I am considering replacing my Ariens 926 snowblower with possilby a Honda.  I want a better motor and something that is going to tackle the plowed driveway a little better.  I think if I could get a Subaru motor on a larger size Ariens, I would still consider one but they only offer it on the smaller compact model.  Anyway, I can't make up my mind on a tracked model or wheeled model honda.  I live in Wisconsin and have a 3 car wide driveway and sidewalk to do.  Will the tracked unit clear down to the cement or do I have to shovel the little bit it leaves behind after blowing?  Also, would I be able to turn 180 degrees when I get to the end of my sidewalk with the tracked unit or would I have to make my turn in the driveway because I may need more room to make a turn on about a 4 foot wide sidewalk?  Probably still have to do that with a wheeled unit anyway.  I've head a few people state that the tracked unit moves a little easier when you have a little bit of snow under the track but since I have a concrete drive, I may not have that little bit extra to easy the turn.  I really would like to try one out but most all of the dealers around here don't stock the two stage only the single stage.  I would assume because of price and low sales on the larger units.  I saw a used HS1230TA from about 2004 for $2500 but feel that might be too big.  It looks like new and only has about 4 hours of use.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

John 

Thank you all for the informative answers to my question.  I think I am leaning towards the Honda.  I was set on going with the HS928TAS tracked unit but my dealer said he would sell me the HS1132TA tracked unit with electric start for $205 more.  Should I go with the bigger 11hp 32" cut or just stay with the 9hp 28" cut?  My driveway is 38' x 38'.  I have a three car garage with sidwalk.  Any suggestons?

I would go with the HS1132TA, but I think the electric start is money thrown out the window, since these machines start on the first pull all the time.

I used my new HS928TA and I love it, again starts on the first pull.

lseap107 wrote:
Sounds like your dealer is trying to move that 1132 since there is only a price differential of $205 from a 928.  I would suggest go with a 928 and try to negotiate in commercial side skids or a light kit if it doesn't already have one.

kderobertis wrote:
It does start easily without electric start.  The price for electric start has gotten ridiculous.  I'm glad I got mine when it was just $100.

I have a snow cab on mine so I'm having electric start is nice.  Some day, I'm going to rig up a battery so I don't have to get out of the cab to get it started.  :)

If your only going to have one machine, I would go for the HS928TA - big enough to get the job done but small enough to be a bit more manueverable. Not saying anything bad about the 1132 but it is a big machine and your requirements seem better suited to something in the 28" bucket range or slightly less. You'll never use the electric start (nor will you need to) so count that out of your decision making process. I know this goes against all the unwritten OPE laws of equipment buying, but sometimes you can get a machine that's too big. Buyers remorse is a terrible thing....

Sounds like the 928 then.  I, agree I don't need the electric start but he has it on both of the 928 units already installed. 

Both the HS928TA or HS1132TA would work fine, you can't go wrong either way.

njal wrote:

I neither deny or confirm such accusations. :)

Shryp wrote:

Except the Snapper LE 19. Loud and anemic piece of junk next door.

I'm going to order up the HS928TAS.  I was quoted $2,570 with shipping to my home.  Still a lot of money but I called around and this was by far the best price.  The HS1132AAS was $2,775.  I called one place in Illonois and they wanted $3199 for the 928 and $3799 for the 1128.  That price is just criminal.  If anyone is looking for a Honda, let me know.  The place I talked to has 16 of the HS1132 units left and one HS928TAS left.  Thanks again for all of your help.