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?

redtaven wrote:  Still like feedback on Ariens 24" deluxe (platinum too costly)

Acccording to my Ariens 2011-2012 full-size catalog, the Deluxe 24 (NOT referring to the Platinum 24) has a pin lock wheel arrangement, which means that both wheels are permanently locked together.  No wheel release lever on the left handle, and no differential.  Also, no left and right trigger release levers, since Ariens doesn't do that system.  Toro does.  See this link:

http://www.toro.com/en-us/Homeowner/Snow-Blowers/Two-Stage/Pages/Model.aspx?pid=Power-Max-926-OXE-38661

Check the Features and Specifications tabs for more information.  This blower has the Loncin engine, I think, since it says "Toro OHV" engine on the site.

Here's a link from the Toro page about the engine itself.  Click on the little dots for more information about the inner parts of the engine.  Insightful.

http://www.toro.com/en-us/Homeowner/Pages/toro-premium-engine/two-stage-toro-premium-engine-lp.aspx


A couple of Loncin addresses:

About Loncin:  http://www.loncinengine.com/About7/#Text       Definitely headquartered in China.

Loncin engine information from their website:  http://www.loncinengine.com/

Why is it always so hard to find the "perfect" snow blower that we want?  Hope this information helps. 

Interesting that they do not list the 926OXE as having freewheel steering.

Freewheel Steering

Turn on a dime! Wheels can be disengaged independently or simultaneously with trigger controls - making turning, reversing, and steering easy for anyone. Available on 826 OXE, 828 OXE, 1028 OXE, and 1128 OXE Power Max models.

Steve_Cebu wrote:
Toro is notoriously slow for updating their information especially the website.  It took them at least a year to acknowledge that the 826 had been given freewheel steering.  Look at the model numbers you have listed... All are pre-2012 variations. 

That's kind of my point. The 926 is replacing the 826 but it isn't fully updated. Toro makes good stuff but honestly they could do a better job on their website.

In Canada,  the  2012.Craftsman blowers are built mostly by  MTD  or Briggs.     But most models have  Briggs engines, only a few models have Chinese engines.     I saw some Husqvarna built models but the Sears man said they were leftovers from 2011.

Craftsman  in the USA  have different sniowblower models from ours.

Steve_Cebu wrote:
The "X" in the model name indicates that it does have the trigger steering. 

Steve_Cebu wrote:
:)  You're right, the 926OXE info was available on snowblowersdirect.com a long time before it was on Toro's website.

Well I ordered the Toro 926 OXE from Home Depot Online...given a great deal...total cost with delivery is a bit under $1200. Really feel uneasy about purchasing such a "high end" unit with an unproven new engine from a relatively unknown Chinese engine manufacturer. Yes I know Briggs and Loncin are all made in China but still uneasy. Still have time to cancel...

I could get the Ariens 24 Deluxe for less than $900 total almost a $300 savings. The major difference between the two would be the lack of hand steering controls on the Ariens. But Ariens is all metal from the ground up, chute, deflector and all. The paint jobs on the Ariens looks rock solid.

So as you see really on the fence. I hope Toro is not out to make a quick buck on their reputation.

Again any thoughts on the Ariens deluxe or Toro on clearing a 50 foot section of my driveway with no place to put the snow but toward the front which is over 50 feet away. The drifts on a 8-12 inch snowfall can get to be 3 to 4 feet high in parts of my rear driveway. I have to use a wheel barrow to clear it out in years past.

Well you won't blow heavy snow 50+ feet with either. If the wind is blowing in a bad direction or against you that will also cut down how far you can throw.

My Toro 1028 OXE will throw light powder 60 feet but not heavier snow.

Well Home Depot came through and got the Toro 926 OXE delivered in under 7 days...unfortunately it rained all last night and when the ESTES trucking company came to make the 2nd to last delivery to me. I found the carton ripped in half along the top front middle and worse water dripping out from the bottom, that the carton coming apart at one corner seam and the entire top left side and bottom saturated with water. I asked to open the box and inspect but told I had to sign for it first...I refused.

I tried to get HD to help and all they can do is refund my order and told me that the Ariens 24 deluxe is discontinued and reason why they are not carrying it any longer. They believe a new unit will be replacing it next season...for those that care.

What to do now go back to the toro or just wait a season till word comes out on this new 265cc Loncin engine?