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

I lucked out Sunday, October 23 (my birthday) by landing a 2008 Toro 1028LXE (with Tecumseh L-Head, 10hp) for only $599.  It was almost brand new.  This retailed for $1799, just like the current 1028OXE with a Briggs 305cc.  The man at the farm said on the phone that he probably should have sold it for more but that he would honor his ad.  He didn't seem to mind.  I'd been debating between Ariens (like a Platinum 24) and the Toro 1028OXE.  In another thread, I mentioned that maybe something would turn up on Craigslist.  It did.  Now to see how well all those plastic parts hold up, like the steering triggers.  Plastic triggers with plastic hinges.  Small parts, so we'll see.  Plastic hand levers, and plastic chute controls.  Plastic control deck.  I do like the look of this blower and it's conveniences, but now I can actually play with it this winter and see how much I really like it, and test the robustness.  I had to slightly re-position the chute-lock lever cable that's under that plastic cover because the lock wasn't releasing from the gear quite enough.  It was hitting the gear as I swung the chute around.  Now fixed and works perfectly.

I still haven't ruled out an Ariens Platinum 24 at some point because it was my original intention, anyway, until this hot deal popped up.  Couldn't pass it up for that price.  Runs good, too. 

Anyone else been through a sudden change of direction like mine? 

On my "new" Toro 1028LXE, the Tecumseh L-Head engine label says 358cc.  I figure that's MAYBE the same as a 342cc Briggs, based on the idea that L-Head engines aren't as efficient as OHV engines.  Or is it closer to a Briggs 305cc?  Using that formula I've seen a few times on this forum and elsewhere (HP = torque x 3600 divided by 5252), I get  about 11.31hp for my engine and for the 342cc Briggs (16.50 Briggs torque x 3600 divided by 5252 = 11.31).  If based on 305cc (torque of 14.50), then it drops to 9.94hp.  I think the formula is pretty decent.  I know the "10" in the model number is supposed to be 10hp, while the "L" is referring to the L-Head engine.


Here are some photos of my "new" Toro 1028LXE.  I thought my front yard with the leaves would make a colorful backdrop for the rather colorful Toro.  Pretty good for $600 from Craigslist.  Thanks to Steve for the instructions about using Photobucket.  Sorry to be so late getting these up, but I've never uploaded photos to this forum before.
  
             
        

As much as I like colorful leaves, I kinda like the color of these:

        

One of my sons using his Ariens ST824 (1993 model) blowing out my backyard driveway which leads to our alley, which leads to our side street.  I am two houses from that street.   You might say I have an EOA (End of Alley) instead of the EOD (End of Driveway).  I also have an EOS (End of Sidewalk) which leads from my house to the main street in front.  I have no front driveway, so no EOD.  I also have to clear out the front curb for any parking taking place there.  Then comes the city plow to wreck that effort.   This is Christmas Day 2008 after a 19-inch dump, plus a bit more afterward, totaling 23 inches..                                                


It would be great to see more photos from others, too.  It spruces things up.

Pics look good. That Toro looks like it's in really good shape. I hope this upcoming winter we have more snow rather than bitter cold.

WOW - that's in really good shape! You did very well to get that for $600. How much property did the guy have to clear snow from?

Steve_Cebu wrote:
I was a Honda guy until Steve_Cebu and Superbuick comes along with pictures like these and some cool videos on youtube.  Now I'm a Toro guy too, I have a 421QE.  Earlier this month, I saw a Toro 726TE, a very rare 2 stroke model that was in production only 2 or 3 years.  It was listed on CL for $700 and looks almost brand new listing, got my pulse racing on impulse power.  If I had a pick up truck and an outdoor storage shed, I would have went out and purchase it right away.  :) 

I then remember I've been holding out for the new Sony NEX-7 camera that's due this November.  I figured the wife and kids would be more excited about me getting the Sony rather than another snowblower.  :)  And then there's that new Ariens Pro 28 with a whooping 420cc of fun. 

So please, don't post pictures or videos like these.  It's too hard to keep my mind thinking straight. 

If you are going for distance you could always get a 22HP V-Twin Ariens:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BahOwtQrvuo

Shryp wrote:
My property isn't that big, and the FAA would be very upset that I'm hurling projectiles into their airspace.

Isn't that engine supposed to be bolted on to something with four wheels, like a tractor?  Seems like a beast on a snowblower, like trying to go against a sumo wrestler.

FrankMA wrote:
His driveway was about 200+ feet leading to a large newer home with a two-garage garage, then to the left his big 3-bay garage for farm machines and whatever else.  I figure the home/garage area to be about 200 feet by 50 feet.  I figure he couldn't handle the large area.  Maybe he has a blade?  My good fortune!


            Sorry about the quality of the photo.  That's the way it was on the ad.
    

aa335 wrote:

Red is better than Orange.

I have a new HD camcorder so i will have all my videos this winter in full HD. I got a Canon HF G10 even better was Best buy made a mistake on it and mistakenlt priced it at $899 instead of $1,499!

It takes awesome videos. If I can only figure what to take videos of this year?

Steve_Cebu wrote:
How about videos of your new blue Yamaha tracked snowblower?    No one has captured that awesome machine in HD yet.

Don't forget to have an attractive female operator working the controls.  Use a steadycam to avoid Jello-Vision HD.

aa335 wrote:

If you want to provide me with a new Blue Yamaha I would be happy to oblige. For now I will have to take videoos of my Toro 1028.

Hopefully we will get 3 feet of snow in one go so I can video it cutting through that! I'm hoping the dealer finishes up with my machine soon. They've had it for 3 weeks already.