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

I was at a local Honda dealer yesterday and I was stunned by the prices on their snowblowers. In Canadian dollars, they were: 928 wheels: $3000 928 track: $3400 724 track: $3400 1132 track: $3500 I know they have tracks, hydro tranny, honda engines, etc. but they're at least $1000-1500 more than equivalent toro and ariens models. Is it gold, they re making?

Here is my two cents. Two days ago I bought a new snow thrower. It was going to either be a used Honda 1132 for $1700 or brand new Ariens Pro 28 for $1999. I did not like the fact of spending that much on a used thrower. So I went with the Ariens. (this was 2 days ago). Today I thought, If I was spending that much money, I should do myself the service of at least checking out a new Honda. So I went to the local dealer and took a look at the HS1332. Let me say. Upon just looking at it, the quality is superior to any other snow blower I have seem. The crank chute is top notch. The exhaust is top notch. The quality is absolutely amazing.

Here's what I like:
-Quality. Did I say top notch yet? Stunning all around
-Crank chute. Best on the market
-Engine, not much else to say 390cc (which probably feels much more powerful than that)
-Probably will last 30 years if well taken care of. Probably longer'

Here's what I don't like;
-Price is obvious
-Track or wheeled version. Hard to turn. Cant even move the track version when its not running. At least I couldn't at the dealer, nor could the salesmen.

So seeing as I just purchased a $2000 sno-thro, I'm going to say this. I was very very close to canceling my delivery with the Ariens dealer. But the two negatives, were enough for me to keep what I have coming.

-Would I buy a Honda: YES
-Are they worth it: YES
-Overpriced: As far as throwing snow (which is its only purpose) yes it is overpriced because other machines can move snow from here to there. Your paying to quality, longevity, and reliability. For that reason they are NOT overpriced. You decide.

Here is my take on top brands IMHO!!!!!! With keeping $$ in mind. Excluding Yamaha not sold in USA)

1) Ariens (best bang for the buck. Good quality. Proven. Reliable, lots of choices) without breaking the bank
2) Toro (Proven, reliable, use more plastics than I like)
3) Honda (Not best bang for the buck, but best quality) Difficult to turn, PRICY. Would pay the extra $$ for a Honda, than settling for any of the other brands.
4) Simplicity
5) Husqvarna
6)Deere
7) TIE among the rest
-Craftsman
-Troy-Built
-Cub Cadet

Just my .02 and my opinion alone

We purchased a Honda 928TA last year after researching the brands and comparing. I thought the build quality of the Honda is fantastic, but also liked the Ariens. We did not get to use it much last winter and it is our first snowblower, but I did think it was hard to turn. Wished we got the smaller size, as maybe it would be easier. Hopefully, this winter will give it a real test and see if turning improves, as our knowledge of using it improves.