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

Hello - I have a two year old Honda 928 and think it is extremely hard to maneuver/use. Are there any other snowblowers that would be easier to use in the 24 to 28 inch range. I would rather shove than use this thing. :)

If you need a dual stage, buy yourself a 24" Ariens , Toro or even a Craftsman.  The smaller dual stage machines are considerably lighter and easier to manage.  I have an eight year old Simplicity 11 h.p. 28" and it's a freaking tank.  The weight of that thing seems almost twice that of my neighbour's new 24" Craftsman (with the same size 305cc engine).  I've used them both side by side and the difference is abundantly obvious.  The 24" Craftsman feels like a toy by comparison but it certainly is more than capable at moving a lot of snow.   I'm actually quite impressed with his little Craftsman. 

A single stage machine is even easier to use and also quite capable.  However, as we all know, if and when we get the heavy accumulation, it's better to have too much machine than not enough.  

I definitely appreciate how well built the Honda is, but don't appreciate how clumsy it is to maneuver. Just checked Consumer Reports and they also rate it below average for ease of use, so guess I am not alone. The Honda is such a well built machine with many positives, but Honda should also make it where it is easier to use. I would downsize to the 24 model, but guessing that will not be any different. I would rather shovel in less than 8 inches of snow than use this thing, which is what I have been doing. :)

DBV1 wrote:

I also have Honda HS928WAS and it is not easy to move around if you have a lot of turns.  This is the reason why bought Honda HS520AS as a companion and it is very light and does excellent job.  I would consider Toro 721 (new single stage mentioned by AA335).  HS928 is a great machine if your driveway is very long and straight.  I weigh 125 lb so turning 928 is not that easy for me.  I will redo my driveway this summer to make it a ittle bigger and more rectangular. I blow with HS520 even if the snow is only 1" deep to keep the snow away from the driveway.

DBV1 wrote:
I also shovel up to 4 inches if I'm not in a hurry and I want to get some work out.  Sounds like you are a good candidate for a good single stage snowblower for most snow clearing uses.  Keep the Honda 928 around for the bigger storms when this beast will prove its worth.  Your Honda 928 is has a solid axle.  It isn't going to like tight turns on high traction surfaces.  It's like driving a truck in 4x4 mode on the road, there's a lot of tire scrubbing and binding.  However, when the surface is slippery, the solid axle on the 928 is a is a plus.  You can go down to a smaller 24 inch model, but it will have the same characteristic, only lighter.

The Honda 2 stage snowblowers could definitely use some sort of smart differential.  The folks at Honda have been asleep at the wheel for the last 15 years.  The US market has been neglected and forgotten.  I don't expect anything new to come out that an average person can buy.  They have the uber high tech 2 stage with dual electric traction motors, but at $8000.  Not for me.

I have a Toro 421QE,  the current model is a Toro 621QZE.  Since having a this machine around, I enjoy snowblowing and don't dread about wrestling my beastly Honda 1132 tracked snowblower.  I also have curvy brick paver walkways and the single stage Toro has been perfect for this.  It is small and maneuverable to allow me to get in tight places.  The model I have a the Quick Chute which allows swift changes in the chute direction without tedious cranks.  All single stage snowblower should have this feature standard!  Then there's the new Toro 721R-C, which is a commercial grade snowblower.  It has larger 212cc engine, heavier duty rubber auger and drive belt.  There's no Quick chute on feature on this model, yet.  However, this is probably the best SS on the market now.

DBV1 wrote:

I had a Honda HS624WA when I lived at my previous home which had a much smaller driveway than where I currently live. I really liked that 6 HP with the 24" bucket but my current driveway is 130' long + I have several other areas that also need to be cleared. This led to my purchase of the larger (and less maneuverable) Honda HS928TA. I also have a single stage machine like many others here on the forum as it definitely can get most snowfall amounts under 12" cleared with ease and is very easy to handle. My suggestion would be to consider getting a single stage and keep the 2 stage for those snowfalls that warrant a larger machine capable of clearing 12+" of snow. Better to have a 2 stage and not need it than to need a 2 stage and not have it... P.S. - We're in the midst of a 30 hour snowstorm as I write this and will most likely get out there with my single stage in a few hours to clear the first 8 or so inches before nightfall. My body likes me much better when I use the single stage rather than the 2 stage. If I don't get to it tonight, I'll be using the 2 stage to clear the anticipated 15" - 18" expected by tomorrow.

FrankMA, the storm Hercules just passed through my area.  This storm system is coming your way.  I was expecting it would bring a lot of snow since it is so long and narrow.  However, I only got a total of 5 inches in the last two days.  However, I've been outside snowblowing about 4 times because the winds just keep moving the existing snow around.

I haven't had a need to bring the two stage snowblower out to use.  It's still hibernating under the covers.  I think I'm forgetting how to operate that thing.  :)

Hello aa335: I just got done using my HS621 on about 8" of nice fluffy 5* degree F snow - ate it up like a hobo on a hot dog! Second time today I was out there clearing my driveway. The first time I used my Stihl BR550 Backpack leaf blower as there was only a few inches of very light fluffy snow and this method works particularly well when the depth of snow is under 4" or so (and light and fluffy). Looks like we'll be in for another 10 - 12 inches overnight so I may have to employ the HS928TA if conditions warrant that kind of firepower.

Buy a 2 stage unit with a differential,4hp /ft of auger width and X-trac tires. That formula should give you an easy handling machine that will move just about any storms leavings. The Xtrac tires are heads and shoulders better than the Snow Hogs and in my experience work as well as chains without the damage to black top. I am especially fond of the 8hp 24" wide machines because they can be stored between 2 parked cars in a standard home garage. Anything wider is usually a problem. Marc

just bought a new ariens 921030 28" snowblower with the new autotrack differential for the drive and it is a breeze to operate. it drives with two wheels and turns like only one wheel is locked in. no trigger levers or fighting it to turn around at the end of the drive. I bought the deluxe model and it was only available in the 28" however upgrade to the platinum series and they all have it. the 28" is only 6 lbs heavier (235 lbs) than the same model in 24". cost out the door was $1054.95 my 1985 924 still starts one pull and runs like a top but I either have the drive bearing, gear differential, or both that's starting to get sloppy. don't know if it's worth fixing and don't have the room for it in the garage. trying to get $250.00 for it on craigs list. sold the snowblower yesterday!