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

Quick intro: From eastern Mass (half way between Boston and Providence RI). Need to invest in a snow blower that is robust yet easy to steer - well, one that has a good steering system. I'm about to have L4 & L5 vertebrae fused and during the healing process will need a blower that won't make me screw things up by bulling it around. Anyway, been doing a lot of research (lots of free time - disabled from work until back is fixed) and I am narrowing my search down to the Toro's OEX's (Power Max 826OEX, 828OEX, or 1028 OEX) and the Husky with power steering and the high impeller speed (11524E & 14527E) Questions, how do these steer? At this point that is the priority, I will tackle the other differences later. OR do you know of a RELIABLE machine that needs no body twisting or pulling to steer it. (I read reports that Troy-Bilt have unreliable reverse gears) thanks -Bill

@coasteray, Thank you for that info. I am hoping the Husky turns as easy as you say. If they are as equal to the Toro as you suggest, location of a dealer will now be my deal maker/breaker

 

@Steve, I'd really appreciate any feed back from you once you've had a chance to look at and hopefully drive a Husky

Norfolker wrote:

So far I've been too busy to go but I do have to get a workout tire for my wife, so I'm hoping this week but the dealer is actually about 40 minutes away. I've been going in the opposite direction all week. But once I learn something I'll be sure and post it.

My husq dealer showed me the Husqvarna 14527-XLS (part no# 961-930061) for only $1,400.00
it's a Hydro drive, so you can set it to ANY speed you like at any time. with all the goodies included:
305 cc B&S
Hydro drive (freeing up A LOT of engine power)
heavy duty auger
very high speed impeller
bar wight
drift cutters
heavy duty skid shoes
Electric start (including the wire)
heated grips
Hal. light
Big Snow tires
Fuel cut off switch
biger fuel tank
and last but not least....quick turn on a dime.

IMO this monster packs more stuff for the money vs. toro.

I also have back pain with high Dr. bills. so i needed an easy snow remover too...
I'm getting mine some time next week.

Hope that helps.

Where are you at?  We're not getting any Husqvarna hydrostatic models here the Midwest.

Monsey NY 10952

call up Precision Mower & Power equipment  (845) 624-2159. ask to talk to the boss, ask him if he could get u shiped

JoelKlein wrote:
Thanks for the info, but snowblowers are those things I feel needs local sales and service support.

I hope Husqvarna is more available across the US.  Seems like they pack quite a lot in such a small price.

find out if you have a dealer close to you. if yes, ask him if "he" could get in that model. husqvarna makes all kind of models and NOT all of them is listed on the husqvarna website.

Norfolker wrote:
I know I'm late getting to this, but if you see this posting, there is another thing I've noticed about the newer Husky units.  The handles are higher than just about any machine I've seen.  I'm not too keen on that.  The Toro handles are at a nice level.  Just a thought.

I have not had the time to visit the Husky dealer not sure when I will have the time But I do want to see one up close.

aa335 wrote:
Good point about the local aspect. 

I can never understand Husqvarna for only having a 12-inch impeller across their entire line.  Also their auger gear cases seem small.  Compare to the Toro or Ariens, for example.