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

Does anyone know of any new snowblowers out for 2012? Looking to trade in my Toro 826OXE for something with a larger motor. I am leaning toward a larger Toro but  I am open. Any suggestions?

blumonster wrote:

 The literature states that there is a large box under the control panel, Keeps tools handy.

Does this suggest that your tools should be handy to repair this unit when it breaks down?

Looks like your tools would mostly electronic devices to test and adjust this model,

Probably could   only be  done by a Honda technician

The money spent for this machine could buy you a good used 4x4  truck with snowplow.

So to continue to add to this discussion. What do we know so far...Toro is dumping B&S engines and going with Loncin. With that said I can get a 926 OXE from my Home Depot for almost $1300 with delivery and tax or try this company on the web.
http://artagarden.com/products.php?product=Toro-Power-Max%C2%AE-826OXE-%2826%22%29-250cc-Two%252dStage-Snow-Blower

What do you all think? They are located in Indonesia, no 800 number and when I spoke to them via on-line chat the person said item will ship from USA in Minnesota.

Why consider them?  Well check out the prices almost $400 less on many Toro units but the s/h & taxes is $210.

Do I take a chance and save almost $200 on a 926 OXE that they sell for $899 plus $210 s/h = about $1109

What to do...new engine made in China and now a Far East company purporting to sell Toro well below others.

When they're new they all run great, it doesn't matter.  But when they're no longer new only the Honda still runs like new. Read the reviews from Honda snowblower owners years after they bought the machine, they rave about these reliable machines.

redtaven wrote:

I got my 826 OXE (2012 model)  from Speedway Sales for $1299 , no tax & free shipping.    Wise Equipment is another good choice , if I remember right they have the 926 OXE for $1279 , no tax & free shipping.  I have bought mowers etc. in the past from both of these places with no problems at all.   Don't think  I'd be comfortable ordering from some Indonesian outfit...... could be a very expensive deal in the end.

I just found this= "my visit to loncin motorcycle engine factory in china"  (put it in search). interesting they make some of the BMW motorcycle engines and others. Has some pictures of inside factory.

I'm a big fan of Toro products, no secret there. But if I had to buy a Toro 2 stage with a Loncin engine. I'd buy a Honda instead!

Sure Loncin might be better than they used to be but I want my snowblower to start every time and maybe it will with a Loncin but what about 5-10 years down the road?

I know my B&S will work for many years, but Loncin? I just don't know, and for me, I want reliability in my snowblower because when I wake up at 6am

and there is 20" of snow in the driveway and my wife has to get to the hospital for her job, I need my snowblower to start up every time.

All the fancy gadgets mean nothing if it doesn't start right up and blow snow.

The engine is the heart of the snowblower.

Steve_Cebu wrote:

I never noticed that....

If the new Honda Hybrid Snowblower for $ 8000.00 dollars isn't in your price range, try looking at the Cub Cadet that Consumer Reports made its top rated snowblower, it sells for a list price of $ 1,600.00 dollars.  The machine has both a  16" diameter auger (the part that bites into the snow), and a 16" diameter fan (the part that throws the snow).  It is a 900 series Cub Cadet, and they are built by MTD the largest manufacturer of snowblowers.   Most two stage snowblowers have a 12" auger and fan, the larger 16" diameter should translate into more impressive snow removal. Good Luck with whatever you decide to buy.

To all still unsure about the Loncin engine but as Toro seems to be moving forward with their relationship with Loncin I feel I have no choice but to get the Loncin engine Toro 926 OXE.
The Toro 826 OXE with a 250cc B&S had 11.5 ft/lbs of torque while the Loncin 265 cc that is in the Toro 926 OXE has per Loncin spec website has only 11.1ft/lbs

Oh well can not get everything.

Don't let the torque numbers cause you concern.  That's more of a marketing hook than reality.  Chances are the Loncin will be as strong if not more so than the B&S.  Engine manufacturers like to use numbers to impress prospective buyers.  The bigger the number, the juicier the deal.  Engine power can vary considerably even on engines of the same size from the same assembly line never mind between brands.
 
For instance, a Honda engine of the same or even slightly less displacement as a B&S will deliver noticeably more torque and power despite what the spec sheet shows.  Small engine manufacturers often mislead consumers with false ratings.  A good example of that is the B&S 305cc snow engine that I have on my Simplicity.  On my machine it's rated a 9.5 h.p.  That very same engine is also rated at 9, 9.5, 10 and even 11 h.p. with absolutely no difference in parts.  Other than the decals, the engine parts list is exactly the same for every rating.  So, in my opinion, the engines should be either all 9 h.p. or 11 h.p.  In reality, the power is probably around 10 h.p.   It's all marketing b.s. to get people to pay more for the illusion of getting more power for their money. 

Personally, I doubt there will be that much of a difference in power between the two and if there is, my nod would go toward the Loncin.