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 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...

stresst wrote:

I am torn between getting them the 1028 or 1128??? We need something to clear the sidewalk around a 80K square foot building and two parking lots! Technically they need an ATV and a snowblower! But I guess this is a start!

stresst wrote:

Just look real carefully at that moving scraper bar and how unhappy you'll be if it jams on you in the middle of a storm.

Steve_Cebu wrote:
K.I.S.S.

I bought a 826 OXE a couple weeks ago and used it once so far , 5 1/2"  wet heavy snow and it walked right through it with no problems. I also noticed  the 926 OXE after I got my 826 and was concerned about the different Toro engine.  I think I'll be happy with the 826 with the Briggs.  Funny the 926 sells for $1299  and the 826 is at $1499 now. Wonder if the Toro engine makes it $200 cheaper to build ?.

THe new Toro engines that says Toro on them, are built by one of the Chinese engine manufacturers,    Toro does not build engines.

duke88 wrote:
Probably not!  But the public and or Toro may perceive that the US branded B&S engine is worth $200 more.  The left over B&S engine snowblowers are getting rare, and paint Chinese engine in a bad light, so demands are up.  I see opportunities for sales people to get some more money out of this.  When they sold out of the B&S engine, then they'll sing praises for Chinese engines so you have confidence in it.  Hey, they do whatever to make the sale.

Well the Toro engine looks good on paper with the cast iron bore liner & heavy crank bearings etc.  The B&S has an aluminum alloy bore.  I guess time will tell how good the Toro engine is.   I think most engines are ok if you do the maintenace properly and don't abuse them.

The TORO 926OXE has a Loncin Engine. Got it straight from a Toro dealer representative by "pretending" to be a local dealer. The rep. says been using Loncin for about 10 years in various products and going away from B&S due to competition and was very adamant about not re-establishing any relationship with B&S. Rep says backed by Toro and 3 year engine warranty.
I am about to order the 926OXE from HD when I started to do more research and really am on the fence as to the engine quality. The websites say that they also make BMW motorcycle engines and have gotten fairly decent reviews on other websites.
I am fearful about the parts and oil leaking talked about on this websites on some of Loncin other engines. Advice?