Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Talk Me into choosing Red over Orange
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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Snowjoe
Joined: Sep 6, 2015
Points: 2
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Re: Talk Me into choosing Red over Orange
Reply #1 Sep 9, 2015 2:46 am |
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Check out the orange in Husqvarna. I just bought a S 327 Track with a 369cc and 17 ft-lbs of torque. I guess it's 11.5 hp. I have heard bad things about auto turn blowers. They dart off when you dont want them to when hitting uneven terrain and snowbanks. That's what others have told me. Best of luck.
This message was modified Sep 9, 2015 by Snowjoe
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mobiledynamics
Joined: Oct 1, 2011
Points: 81
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Re: Talk Me into choosing Red over Orange
Reply #4 Sep 9, 2015 6:16 pm |
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Big Red has alot going for it. Joystick, Easier Hydro disengagement when moving, Hydro Transmission, Leverd Turn, Gas Strut Bucket Adjustments.....all things I think are pretty damm nice in 1 complete package. My issue is EOD at the end of the day, and if I'm just comparing 24" buckets, the SHO has almost twice the CC rated engine on it. Granted, how that translates into real world, drivetrain differences, I don't know unless I had both to test in real snow conditions......but I would think the 369CC will break up EOD much more than Big Red
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aa335
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Talk Me into choosing Red over Orange
Reply #5 Sep 10, 2015 1:25 pm |
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The new Honda 2 stage now come with larger impellers to process more snow. And of course, all the new gadgetry that comes with the high price tag. Ariens have the large impellers, huge engines, thick steel, tough look. Definitely appeals to American preferences. Looks like the only happy solution is to get both! It's like having both a GT car and a muscle car. Someday, you feel like carving the mountain sides with modern high technology precision control and sophistication. Other days, you feel like a hooligan laying down rubber and smoke. I'm if going to get an Ariens, it will be the 28" model with a 420cc engine. Might as well go all out if ripping arse is what I'm after. But I haven't. After I've gotten used to the power, what else does it have that excites me? Maybe hydro, trigger steering, LED lights, onboard battery start, hydraulic assist for bucket lift. Oh wait, that's a Honda. Don't forget to check out the Husqvarna big block models with hydro transmission. I think it also comes with the same sized engine as the Ariens. It's still Orange, a lighter Orange of a European flavor.
This message was modified Sep 10, 2015 by aa335
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aa335
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Talk Me into choosing Red over Orange
Reply #7 Sep 11, 2015 1:37 pm |
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Husqvarna has some higher end snowblowers that are fairly competitive, feature, build and power wise. However, their dealer network and product availability are abysmal. Sales and marketing efforts could be greatly improved upon. They don't get good word of mouth because there aren't products or dealers that have them. The big box store models are price point and does not reflect the product quality very well. On to the SS, if I was on the market for one, I would go for the Toro 721. The Honda looks nice and expensive, but the user interface does not seems to be ground breaking, and it does lack a feel of finesse. The chute directional lever idea is at least 20 years old, Ariens had this when they were making SS. The only thing the Honda has over the Toro is the remote deflector. I seen how the Honda handle snow, it's no slouch, but it is not class leading. The new HS720 is a welcome refresh, but I would say it is not ground breaking and risk taking. But we can appreciate that Honda is taking a step forward from a long slumber. If you are not itching to get a newer and more powerful SS, I would wait for the next Toro 721. It would probably have remote chute direction and deflector from their 2 stage machines (QuickStick) The Toro SS just have the best balance over the wheels that makes it more maneuverable enjoyable to use. Also, the current Quick Chute is just superior to every other SS implementation, in my opinion. Toro just seems to know that people want comfort and convenience and focus on making their SS even better. It is more expensive than other brands, but I think the product and dealer support can justify it. Also, I think Toro overall is the most innovative company compared to the pack.
This message was modified Sep 11, 2015 by aa335
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Snowjoe
Joined: Sep 6, 2015
Points: 2
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Re: Talk Me into choosing Red over Orange
Reply #8 Sep 12, 2015 11:03 pm |
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aa335 do you mean product availability on the Husqvarna's to be on the snowblowers themselves or the parts? I did check out the Honda 928 but it is more $ but still a nice machine. Also I noticed toro's don't have hydro trannys. Huskys have a 5 year warrenty too. Best.
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