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

I am looking at replacing a 25 year old snow blower. I live in Iowa and have a driveway that measures roughly 70X30. I do get some nice drifting, last year over the bed of my old truck, and some nice piles at the end of the drive. I am looking at the Toro Power Max 2-Stage 26 in. Snow Blower and the Ariens Deluxe 2-Stage 28 in. Snow Blower. They are the same price so I am not really sure which one to buy. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I love the guys on here that are all about Honda machines. While no one will doubt that they are great, the OP is looking in the low $1k price range and asking about 2 particular machines. Someone almost always comes on who loves and/or owns a Honda and suggests they spend almost 3x the money that they were asking the question about. If they were considering spending close to $3k on a machine I'm sure they would have posted that in the first place.

I am perfectly happy with my $700 Ariens, and while some may scoff at it's lack of headlight, differential, non heated grips and small engine it does the job well enough for my needs. To me I was not crazy with the chute mechanism on the deluxe (ice drill I think it's called), I just found it kind of awkward to reach over the control panel to crank the chute. Had the deluxe had the same quick turn chute on the compacts I might have considered it. The toro stick does look pretty slick although I've never actually used one other than playing around in the stores.

It would appear that the Honda aficionados might be feeling a little inadequate. 

Maybe now we'll be hearing a little less crowing about the "end all and be all Honda".

A refreshing change.  'Bout time.

trouts2 wrote:

http://www.honda.co.jp/snow/products/hss970i_1170i.html

That's the Honda equivalent.

I had a similar decision to make last month.  I ended up going with the Toro 826 two stage.  So far, it's been a beautiful machine.  Very well-balanced, fast, blows the snow a long way, and really easy to turn.   I tried out an Ariens platinum deluxe before choosing.  It's a nice machine too but tougher to move even with the auto differential lock.

The issue that I have with Honda and Yamaha is that they keep their best machines for the Japanese market.  Over here we have to muscle and jerk their heavy tracked machines around...but in Japan they have dual hydro driven tracks to turn their high end machines. 

Paul7,

The main reason we have big and brute versions of Yamaha and Honda is that we, North Americans, are physically stronger and can handle the weight.  Average japanese is around 5'5" with a weigjt of 130 lb.  On other hand, we north americans are around 5'10" and weigh around 200 lb.   So the japanese market demands fancier models but less likely to die from a heart attack since they are conditioned to insane prices.

Borat,

Before going to a Yamaha dealer, please carry a defibrillator with you in case you develop a deleterious VF.  We need your voice in this forum. 

Borat,

When you buy a Yamaha, please let us know. I will not wait for that special event.

 >>the OP is looking in the low $1k price range

I think the original poster is long gone and the thread done.

>>tkrotchko

   That's what I was looking for and I believe there are models above that looking like a Durango.  The place one would be sure to find high end pictures of Honda machines is Borat's dartboard. 

OK Borat where's the beef?   Your dissing on Honda at every oppertunity.  Here's your chance to plant the flag.   What's so great about which Yamaha compared to which equivalent Honda?  I've had, used and worked on several Yamahas and think they are fantastic.  I've now worked on 3 Honda and think they are fantastic.  I would lean somewhat to Yamaha for a few reasons on the years and models I know but I don't know the newer Honda or Yamaha.  Your help to unmask the wonders of the Yamaha to compare with the cheaply built Honda that would never tempt you wipe the dust off the conbination lock to the vault would be of assistance to educate the homeless guys at the library.

JGtravelor<<<< Didn't he get booted?

 

MN_Runner wrote:
I believe Borat has in the past stated he expects his Simplicity to be the last machine he'll ever have to buy (or something like that). With proper maintenance (which I'm sure he does) I don't see any reason to expect otherwise.

Bill_H wrote:
It's OK Bill.

The Honda boys are just crying in their beer.

Just hand them a tissue.......

By the way, you're right.  I doubt I will need anything more than the machine I have.  Might pick up a used Toro single stage for light duty work.  Other than that, as you've suggested, the Simplicity will likely last many, many, years.