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

Agreed.  The 2 extra HP is well worth it.   I really liked the 24" size of 724 but the power on 928 is much more balanced and uninhibited. I am planning to purchase a new Toro 621 SS in a few weeks so I can use it when we get 2-6 inches of snow or use it as a fine cleaner. Toro 621 will be something simple my wife can use without worries  Good luck and enjoy!

@DBV1

You didn't mention if you were looking at wheeled or tracked Honda snowblower.

I was worried bout the reliability of the chute controls too.  Bought mine last January so it's had most of one winters use with no problems, and it was a relatively hard winter too.  As to long term reliability,only time will tell. That being said, the electric chute controls are a big advantage.   I have the 928 and prefer it cause it is easier to maneuver in confined areas.  Many people complain about tracked models because they are hard to use.  They definitely take a different technique than the wheelies, but when this is learned they are not that hard.  And the advantage of the tracks is amazing when going through the tough stuff.  Tracks, coupled with the hydrostatic transmission:  it'll go through stuff that a wheelie won't even touch.  I find the big drawback of tracks is inside;  the machine is very hard to move without starting the engine.  More of a problem in the off season, since I drain the carb when it's stored.  So....I fixed up an old crawler and just put the machine on it at the end of the season.  Moving it is still a bit of a hassle, but I don't have to do  that often.

Leaning towards the wheeled version as we have a concrete driveway.  Looked at both the Honda 24 and 28 today.  The 2011 28 also has firmer/different tires than last years 28 and this years 24.  Price difference was $200 more than the 24 - this was for the 28 without electric start.  It sounds like the Honda's are easy to pull start.  I think the 24 would be easier for my wife to maneuver when I am traveling, but for only $200 more the 28 seems like a better deal, but probably harder for her to handle???

Below are a couple links that highlight the new features of the 2011 28:

http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=6369-en

http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=6368-en

Good choice!  You won't regret it when the big one strikes.  Take good care of it and it'll outlast you.  And don't forget to grease the auger shafts so they don't freeze up.  Get a few spare shear pins too, especially if you have gravel.