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

Ok lets here it what are the actual differances between these units? For the record I have the Toro 826OXE but I am looking for something with a larger engine so I am considering selling my Toro and buying something else and I limited it down to the Toro and Husqvarna but if im going to do this again it has to be the last time so I decided to through the Honda in there. I know how much better honda engines are but from my limited snow blower experience I dont think spending that kind of cash can be justified just for a better engine.

Any suggestions? Or maybe I over looked some other models that I should be considering? BTW besides a larger engine I need power steering, something similiar (or better) then what I have now on my Toro.

Even thought about looking at the Deere 1028E! Few hundred less then the Husqvarna and half the price of the Honda! But I dont know how it stacks up against the others.

Thanks in advance!

If you absolutely require some sort of power assisted steering, then you can rule out the Honda. I'm surprised to hear you need something similar or better than the Toro as I have heard many positive stories about the Toro snowblowers being very easy to use (especially from Steve_Cebu). Do you have a physical condition that inhibits your ability to operate a snowblower? If so, you may want to consider a tractor with a snowblower attachment if this is conducive to your property layout.

I live in Rockland county NY, I gave a deposit for Husqvarna 14527 -XLS for $1,500. ( if u buy early in season it's Actuly only $1,400) It has all the features in the book. 305 cc, 27" ultra heavy auger/impeler, front wight bar, drift cutters, lamp, hand warmer, hydro static transmission, turn on a dime, fuel cut off, electric start, and etc.. bla bla bla.. I feel this beast should over power toro/ Ariens with flying colors, but I can't find this modal else were ONLY at my local dealer. I'm going to call him up soon and ask about my mystery! The place is called: Precision Mower & Power Equipment (845) 624-2159

I spoke to the above dealer AND to Husqvarna, it appears that Husqvarna builds allot of different models for different retailers. So the Husqvarna 14527- is a legit model sold only true dealers. Why it is not online “Anywere” is yet a good question to ask. The Item number for the 14527-XLS is 961-930061

IMO it’s a steel of a deal… better from Arians and Toro together.

Toro have bigger and less spinning blades in the auger. Vs. Husqvarna which have smaller size but MORE spinning blades, and a very big size auger, which is the Husqvarna way of preventing clogging.

JoelKlein wrote:
Until Husqvarna sales, distribution, and service departments get their act together in the USA, they'll be nothing more than a fancy foreign name in the line of Peogeut and Renault in the mid 1980s.  Husqvarna probably have very aggressive pricing to gain market share, potentially that could false economy to the consumers in the long run.   If you're not risk averse early adopters, take the plunge. 

Dealer support for Ariens and Toro are much better than Husqvarna at the moment.

JoelKlein wrote:
Actually, I think Husqvarna closed and tight spacing auger will be more susceptible to clogging.  Snow likes to compact and get hard when compressed.  The auger function is to break up snow and feed to the impeller.  If it acts as a pump, it will definitely clog with snow. 

aa335 wrote:

FrankMA wrote:

Yup! I sure do! Its called shear laziness! I want a remote control snowblower that I can use from my heater living room while im watching football! lol

Mine is easy to use but I want a larger engine like Steve has. I live onthe rite side of the street and the DSNY leaves mountains like no other. Then they salt, then plow, then salt then plow by the next morning its nearly solid ice. I know a snow blower is the not the rite tool for this but mu Toro actually chopped through this it was when we had 26"+ that it seemed to bog. So being the blower is nearly new I figure I can get the most out of it now with the least lose.  

FrankMA wrote:

Yup! I sure do! Its called shear laziness! I want a remote control snowblower that I can use from my heater living room while im watching football! lol

Mine is easy to use but I want a larger engine like Steve has. I live onthe rite side of the street and the DSNY leaves mountains like no other. Then they salt, then plow, then salt then plow by the next morning its nearly solid ice. I know a snow blower is the not the rite tool for this but mu Toro actually chopped through this it was when we had 26"+ that it seemed to bog. So being the blower is nearly new I figure I can get the most out of it now with the least lose.  

Stresst -

Does does DSNY ever plow to the left in your part of town?

I'm just curious as seems like we're in the same boat. Live on the right, plow to the right....
You would think at some point - whether it be during the day, when they are salting and there is snow, they would plow at least once to the left ----- to let the salt do it's work.

stresst wrote:

Yes, I know exactly what you mean. A couple of extra ponies makes a big difference, especially on the EOD garbage. There was a guy on a Youtube video that made a robotic plow that he controlled with a joystick from his computer inside his heated garage. The thing was pretty neat and actually worked pretty well.

Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/user/ideaLABORATORIES