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

We seem to be seeing a change in auger design among SS machines.  We used to see the traditional corkscrew style, much like a 2 stage except with rubber paddles riveted all along the edges of a full steel auger, and then a short flat section in the center for throwing the snow up the chute.  Now many machines are using a paddle that is only supported on the ends and center by metal, and which makes a much gentler curve of unsupported rubber material in which the snow is moved to center more quickly and there is more "paddle" that can contribute to the throwing of the snow.  Is the goal of this design to contribute to a further throw capability?  I can see the potential advantage of this in average-to-light-fluffy snow.  Do you think that the older, steel-backed corkscrew design would perform better in hard crusty snow or EOD situations?  The new design seems like it might be less effective at this.  Anyone used both and can comment to the difference in performance between the two in this tougher type of snow condition?

I had both GC160 and GX160 in comparison two years ago.  The had similar power if it's not loaded down.  The GX160 simply had more torque down low when loaded, it sounded deeper too.

As far as reliability, the GC160 would be fine for homeowner snowblower use.  Did I mention that the HS520 with the GC160 actually throw snow a bit farther? 

aa335 wrote:

If only the finesse and aesthetic were missing in these machines...

They need to prove themselves in action, prove that they are reliable.

Poulan Pro should be one of these.It is sold for 320 at stores here.If I did not get the used Hondas I now have I probably would have gotten the Poulan Pro or Home Depot's Sno-Tek (for around 400) .