Abby's Guide to Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more)
Username Password
Discussions Reviews More Guides
Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > How to evaluate condition of used snowblower?

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

Search For:
epremack


Joined: Feb 24, 2011
Points: 8

How to evaluate condition of used snowblower?
Original Message   Feb 24, 2011 2:33 pm
I'm considering buying a used (Honda HS1132 or HS928) snowblower--track version.  Need to blow deep, wet "Sierra cement" snow and have a steep driveway and a few hundred feet of private road to clear.

There are several relatively new-looking used units advertised locally.  They're not cheap, but a lot cheaper than new.  Before plunking down big bucks, I'm wondering if there are any key indicators of the condition of a snowblower  that I can easily check.

Beyond obvious things like starting the snowblower, checking how smoothly the engine runs, and engaging the tracks and auger, what other items can and should one check if its not possible to have an expert check it out for me?    How much wear is acceptable on the auger, impeller, housing, and tracks?  Do the engines smoke upon start-up? 

Thanks for any hints from the gurus.
Replies: 1 - 4 of 4View as Outline
Shryp


Location: Cleveland, OH
Joined: Jul 26, 2010
Points: 532

Re: How to evaluate condition of used snowblower?
Reply #1   Feb 24, 2011 2:47 pm
Here is a great general guide.
http://www.kedawei.com/snowblower.htm

And here is a direct link to the used guide.
http://www.kedawei.com/Snowblower/kicking_the_tires.htm
tkrotchko


Location: Maryland
Joined: Feb 9, 2010
Points: 143

Re: How to evaluate condition of used snowblower?
Reply #2   Feb 24, 2011 9:43 pm
"Do the engines smoke upon start-up?"

If the choke is on, yes, even a brand new one off the truck. I would expect the honda engine to start with no more than 2 pulls from dead cold, regardless of temperature (choke on). I would expect the engine only to need the choke for <1 minute, and then run smoothly as you throttle up and down. There should be little or no play in the auger or impeller. The transmission should work smoothly with no hesitation or slippage.

I would look for some indication of maintenance; if the snowblower looks well taken care of, I think its a good sign. If it looks beat up, or rusted, that's a good sign that it was left outside for extended period (which is a bad thing).

You won't be able to tell much from looking at the oil, if the oil is low, that's a bad sign, since the engine generally doesn't use any oil even if the oil is in there for a season.

All controls should work smoothly without sticking.

All general, basic stuff.
Glosta


Joined: Jan 27, 2011
Points: 11

Re: How to evaluate condition of used snowblower?
Reply #3   Feb 25, 2011 12:30 am
Both machines are excellent choices.  Can't go wrong with either.  I have a three year old Honda 928 (wheeled version) and it's performed flawlessly with nothing more than fuel stabilizer and frequent oil changes.  

Just an FYI.  Honda issued a recall this past December on several 724, 928, and 1132 snowblowers.  Here's the link breaking down the serial numbers in question.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11082.html

Nothing major, just a gas tank gasket issue.  If you end up buying a used machine, just check with the previous owner to confirm if the recall was performed. 

FrankMA


Location: Merrimack Valley/Northeastern Mass
Joined: Jul 1, 2010
Points: 587

Re: How to evaluate condition of used snowblower?
Reply #4   Feb 25, 2011 3:39 pm
OPE that's been neglected (rusty, beat-up, left outside) is usually enough for me to not consider the purchase. If you can't store the equipment properly, then you most likely don't maintain it properly either - just my opinion and observation.

Toro Wheel Horse 522xi GT, Honda HS928TA, Honda HS621AS, Honda HS520A, Toro CCR3000 (work in progress), Honda HS624WA (sold 08/23/2010), Stihl BR550 Backpack Blower, Stihl MS250, McCulloch MS1635, Honda EM6500SX Generator
Replies: 1 - 4 of 4View as Outline
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Guide   •   Discussions  Reviews  
AbbysGuide.com   About Us   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy   Contact Us
Copyright 1998-2024 AbbysGuide.com. All rights reserved.
Site by Take 42