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

Norfolker wrote:

Go for the Toro 1028OXE we have one and my 84 lb. wife can drive it. I also screwed up my back in the same area between the L4& L5.

They wanted to fuse my back also but I decided against it. What they don't tell you is teh strain it will put on your upper back so in 10 years you'll need to get that fused as well. That happened to one of my neighbors.

Here is a video of my wife using the 1028OXE, she's small! The second vid is her starting in for the first time of the new season with 1 pull. It's a great machine and is super easy to steer, no muscle needed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uUBRE7vsRU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u9Y7ELfI3M

What's up Steve? Been waiting for you to chime in over the last few weeks.....were you been? lol

stresst wrote:

I generally come back to the forum once the leaves turn.

Can't wait to try out a few more machines this year and see how they are. I still like the Toro. But I'm curious if anything better has come out.

I am curious  as well....keep me posted if you find anything. I know Toro came out with a 265cc 926OXE and thats about all heard about so far.

I recently learned ariens makes a 28" 420cc beast which got me thinking a bit!!

But I really want to put a larger engine in my Toro!

stresst wrote:

I'll also be looking at Honda and Ariens and Simplicity probably next month. I'm not sure if they really have anything new but it will keep me busy.

The 1028OXE is still the one for me. Why not ask your local dealer if he can put a 10HP engine on yours for you?

Steve_Cebu wrote:

Thank you Steve, I actually saw your vids before finding this forum. Your wife is a good sport <grin >

the 1028 is definitely in the running, as are the other OXE's. There is much to like about the Toro, especially the way it "regurgitates" the snow and no shear pin. But I would love some feedback on the Husky's power steering. The 14527E looks comparable to the 1028OXE, (also with a 305 cc engine).

There are no Toro dealers near me, but the Husky dealer is just a couple of miles.

Norfolker wrote:

Yeah, my wife is a real gem.

I think it's best to try out whatever units you can and buy the one you like the best. i don't know who makes Husky. I know Toro makes Toro. The Toro has an auger shear pin but does not have a differential shear pin. It's not easy to break a Toro shear pin. My machine has thrown chunks of granite, sucked in a Christmas wreath that coiled wire all around the auger and all that did was slow it down. Some other posters with Toro's have pulled even worse stuff into the bucket. Their Toro's are still running! I can't speak for Husky as they don't sell them in my area. If you can find people who own them and ask them as well as testing it out yourself. Toro is very reliable and starts with 1 pull and for me that's super important. Just try and get the dealer to work on your machine in season. At my dealer it won't happen, as it takes 2-3 weeks minimum. Find out your dealers service time during peak season, you might be surprised.

I am not  familiar with the Toro power steering, but here  in NB Canada, there are many Husqvarna and Husqvarna built Craftsman

snowblowers.  I have found that the power steering used on these machines( the 2 little levers under the hand grip) works very well and is easy to operate.

nothing complicated. just releases power to either drive wheel,for a gradual or zero radius turn.

royster wrote:

That is basically what Toro uses. Since we don't have Husqvarna dealers around here I have no way to compare them.

So far my Toro even with all the plastic on it has proved very durable.

thanks guys

yes Steve, I need to find someone who has a Husky, that's why I'm here < grin >

I appreciate the feedback about the "stuff" you've eaten with your 1028. That's incredible. Hope you don't find the neighbor's dog the same way (sorry)

and thanks royster, as Steve says, sounds like how a Toro works.

and I assume for both, when you pull both triggers, both wheels freewheel for easy maneuvering in the shed/garage