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? 

Steve Cebu wrote:

"You will find that during a storm the Toro will also turn easier and by pulling both triggers you can freewheel it backwards. This helps in many areas in my driveway. I certainly got a good workout today, my gosh was that snow heavy! I'm sure an Ariens would have done a good job of moving it as well but it takes a storm like this to humble a 2 stage snowblower!"


I look forward to the moments when I can take advantage of that freewheeling when still "in gear".  That must have been quite the workout with snow and leaves mixed together. 

Steve_Cebu wrote:
Steve, you almost got your wish today.  You "only" got 16 inches?

coasteray wrote: I look forward to the moments when I can take advantage of that freewheeling when still "in gear". That must have been quite the workout with snow and leaves mixed together.

Well in my video you will see that it I climb up on the snow at the EOD I just pull thetriggers and roll it back. Yes I could change gears and put it in reverse but squeezing boh triggers is usually faster and easier.

It was a massive workout to constantly clean the leaves out of the auger, chute and impeller. The leaves really made the snow difficult to throw. When I was just throwing snow the wet heavy stuff wasn't a problem but once the leaves built up that was it.

coasteray wrote:

Ok let me rephrase that.  I want leaf free snow!

The Toro does well with everything but it did ride up a lot this snow was so dense that it packed under my feet. This stuff would have been a nightmare to plow as well.

I just let it ride up a bit and then took a second pass in 3rd or 4th gear. For snow this wet and heavy I found that to be easier and faster.

Ok, so with the unexpected snowstorm and the power outage that you guys getting over there.  I've began to question those new battery/electric power 2 stage snowblower.  So once you're done clearing the driveway, you hope that the power is restored so you can recharge the batteries again. 

Same thing with those electric plug in cars.  If you made it home from the storm and the car batteries is depleted, you need power to charge it again.  How are you going to go out again to get milk, eggs, and gas?

So with the electric stuff, you're still going to need a internal combustion generator for back up.

aa335 wrote:

I would never trust all electric anything. We have enough power outages that make relying on electric cars or electric snowblowers unworkable for this area. Plus our phone is through the Internet so when teh power goes off we rely on cell phones. battery power is good for flashlights and radios etc... But for big stuff I'll stick with a fuel II can replace out of a container.

Of course a diesel powered flashlight would be pretty cool!