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 

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.

lseap107 wrote:

Congratulations on your purchase.
Be prepared for many years of trouble free use .

At the end of the year,fuel tank bone dry,carb.bone dry.

If you do that next fall it will start with one pull. :-)

njal wrote:

In my area it's best to fill the tank to the verrry top and drain the carb by running it out of gas. We get so many humid days here that a full tank with Sta-bil in it is better than an empty tank. I did that for my Toro and it started with 1 pull.

Does it show in the owner's manual where to drain the gas from the carb?

It sure does. Not hard to do at all.

Steve_Cebu wrote:

Steve well it started so I guess your way works

as well. I can't drain 145 gall. out my boat and it starts in the spring.

I just like keeping the mower and blowers bone dry when not in use.

lseap107 wrote:

No you don't drain  it you just shut off your gas while the unit is running and eventually it will run out of gas. My dealer showed me how to do it and they have everyone do this. They also sell Ariens and expensive John Deere tractors and they have everyone do the same thing. Hey, it works.

njal wrote:

The thing is the tank would be filled with water if I had it empty. Too much hot & cold during the summer so the condensation in the garage would be awful.

Steve_Cebu wrote:

I think there is a thumb screw on thebottom or side of  carb that gets another teaspoon out.

Now I'll have to check in the morning.

I always leave my tank full with fresh fuel that has either a good dose of Seafoam or Stabile to last throughout the long summer or winter months. I've not had any problems in the 25 -30 years I've been doing this so I guess it works. I think I'd be concerned about oxidation in the fuel lines and carb if I drained them completely dry - but who knows....