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

Hello all,

I know it's a little bit early to think about snow, but some parts of North America has seen those little white flakes already on September 9.  Anyways, there are two new interesting models from Honda and Toro that may fulfill your wish of more power and convenience features.

The first one is a Honda.  As many of you know, Honda makes good performing snowblowers.  But Honda has been very slow to update their SS with more power and features that the competition already has for years!  But that has changed.  Rip Van Winkle has awaken.  The Honda HS720 is now available in the US. This models sports a  bigger 190cc (was 160cc) engine and now is available with remote chute and deflector controls.  I emphasize a remote deflector control!!!  Wooo Hooo!!!!  Of course, electric start is always available.  Just saw this baby at Home Depot today.  Honda went big this year.  Looks serious and purposeful.  Here the link.

Honda HS720AS


The second one is a Toro.  Some of us already seen this as a Toro 721R with a 212cc engine.  This model was released last year as a bare bones commercial model without the homeowner frills and thrills.  However, this year, we see the much wished convenience of remote quick chute and zip deflector added as a homeowner model 721QZE.  Here's the link.

Toro 721QZE

Surprisingly, the Toro is actually more expensive than the Honda.  So stop complaining Honda is expensive.  :)   Also, the Honda is made in North Carolina, designed by an US engineer.  :)

I have a HS520 and it's been a great machine. When I saw that Honda was upgrading, I couldn't wait to see the HS720AS. I really wanted to try out the remote chute controls. Well all I can say... they have some work to do. I agree the controls are way too hard to use and need a complete redesign.

MN_Runner wrote:
Not sure which part you heard, but I still like snow and cold weather.    The only time I want to move to a warmer state is during the coldest month of January.  I'm complaining a little bit since the east coast is hogging all the snow.  Can you guys share a foot or two?  I don't need it all at once, about 10 inches weekly would be nice.

I might have to drive across the borders to bring home a Yamaha just to spite Honda.  :)  It will be the first blue OPE in my collection. 

aa335 wrote:

Are you going to Toronto to buy the BLUE beast? London, ONT perhaps? It is a beautiful drive from Chicago to ONT.

MN_Runner wrote:
Nothing definite since it's not a necessity.  I have a summer time OPE that I would like to upgrade that takes higher priority.

Did Honda refine their controls for this year or is it the exact same as last year? Any other changes to these two lines (Toro 721 & Honda HS720) ?

I don't see any changes to the Toro 721, which is fine.  I'm happy with the Toro SS.  The larger engine on the Toro 721 is nice for EOD piles and slush.  Toro did introduced a new Snowmaster, which is interesting.  You may want to check it out.

Not sure if Honda addresses all the vibration and hamfisted chute problems on the HS720 this year.  They pulled the product off the market last year which is a smart move.  Telling people to torque their handle bolts and deal with it is quite a joke.