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

Does anyone know of any new snowblowers out for 2012? Looking to trade in my Toro 826OXE for something with a larger motor. I am leaning toward a larger Toro but  I am open. Any suggestions?

I bought a Toro 421QE.  This model had the Loncin engine that's on its second year that Toro has phased in.  I've had fuel leak at the carburetor, there's a recall going on, I have to take it in.  Bummer.  It only had 5 hours of run time on it.

I'm not happy that this problem showed up STILL on a second production year, especially since the smaller Toro 180 also had the same problem the year before.  However, I'm not too concerned or bothered by it because I have a backup snowblower, even the shop takes 4 weeks to fix it.

In your case, if this is your only snowblower and the one you rely on this winter, I'd take a conservative approach and go for the 826OXE, if stock is still available.

Or you can take a chance  with the new 926OXE, hoping Toro is on the ball this time. 

Or go up to the next model 1028OXE, with the B&S engine.  Very few people have been dissapointed with the power upgrade.  :)

Steve_Cebu wrote: It certainly looks like that is what is going on with this year being somewhat of a transition year. 
Steve_Cebu wrote:
People looking at the 1028 this year need to be even more careful.  Just from the looks of it the 1028 is in the same boat as the 826 and others, except for the fact Toro has a 2012 1028 OXE with the Toro engine.  It is the only model where they didn't alter the name. 

MrNuke wrote:

Well it's certainly likely this is a transition year. That would make sese for the company to sell off all the B&S engines and into 2012 switch over to all Toro engines whih might be a good or bad thing. Time will tell.

I wasn't aware they had switched the B&S out of the 1028. I'll have  to swing by my dealer this weekend and see what the story is from him. He will at least know what engines teh machines he has in stock are.

Supposedly dealers got a notice from Toro stating that there would be no more B&S engines next year. They will be the Toro engines.

Garth wrote:

I heard the same thing.......my job is looking for a blower went to look at the 1028 & 1128 and they told me the same thing.....

Steve_Cebu wrote:
Here is the link to the toro site for the "new" 1028.  http://www.toro.com/en-us/Homeowner/Snow-Blowers/Two-Stage/Pages/Model.aspx?pid=Power-Max-1028-OXE-38663  You can  click on the specifications tab on the link and see the "Toro" engine. 

Garth wrote:
Thanks for the info.  Just looking at the Toro site and snow blowers direct, I had a feeling this is what was going on. 

The fact that it is a transition year means you can still find models with the B&S engines out there. But you'd have to ask the dealer to be certain.

Considering the new engine doesn't have a proven track record I would look for either an 826 or a 1028 with the B&S engine. If I was looking.

I was at a dealer today who had some Toro coming in and they have been delayed because of a storm I guess, sounded like he has not even been able to contact Toro if I understood it right. I will have to wait until next week to see if it will have a B&S or the new Toro engine. I am hoping for the B&S because this guy (independent dealer) will deliver for free and also pick up for free during the warranty period. Been in business for a long time too. Just my luck they will be the new engine. Seems like that is a move that could hurt Toro sales.

stresst wrote:
Just receive a 2012 1128OXE this past week.  The serial number starts with a 312, indicating a 2012 model.  They changed the belt cover slightly and the traction frame slightly, from the 2011 model.  Still a B&S engine...