Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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kevintree
Joined: Dec 25, 2004
Points: 2
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Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Original Message Mar 2, 2005 6:28 pm |
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Here on Long Island last two storms 5" to 7" snow quickly turned to slush. I was using a Ariens 1128 and did so so by putting it into high (fast) gear to blow snow/slush. Are Toro units any better in this sitation? TIA Kevin PS Richie how was your 828LXE?? |
Richie
 
Bring On The White Stuff
Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562
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Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #1 Mar 2, 2005 7:58 pm |
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Hi Kevin, The biggest surprise to me with this machine has always been the fact how well it throws in ANY snow conditions. Wet or light snow, 2" or 12" there is very little difference even when blowing in the slowest speed. For some reason, it hasn't been necessary to use a fast ground speed to keep the auger full in order to get proper throwing from this snowblower. I've purposely tried to clog it up, whether using a fast forward gear or simply in 1st gear, and I was unable get it to clog or even come close to it. I can only assume Toro's auger/chute design is what it's cracked up to be. This has never been the case with any other snowblower I've used to date and I'm sure Toro already knows this because they don't sell it with an unclogging stick. The highest forward gear being, 6th gear, is far too fast to blow snow because I don't like having jog when doing my driveway. The machine does such a good job, I actually only use 1st gear which moves the machine along at the perfect pace. It has always been my experience that I've had to use higher forward speeds with any other machine to get decent throw distance, this Toro does it in any gear. Ever since I replaced the carburetor and adjusted the governor, I feel I could not have done better with any other machine out there. Hope this helps.
Richie
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robmints
Joined: May 13, 2003
Points: 4691
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Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #2 Mar 2, 2005 8:14 pm |
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I've purposely tried to clog it up, whether using a fast forward gear or simply in 1st gear, and I was unable get it to clog or even come close to it. I can only assume Toro's auger/chute design is what it's cracked up to be. This has never been the case with any other snowblower I've used to date and I'm sure Toro already knows this because they don't sell it with an unclogging stick. That is good to hear. I think Toro has had more than a few people not buy their machine because of the plastic. But the shape and design benefits of the plastic seem to be proving to be worthwhile to some owners. But $1250 for the machine and $80 for a carb, plus the time and tinkering. You might not be the average bear, Ritchie. I would not mind doing what you did ,not that I could. And I guess many here would not mind, but it sure would be nice if the the machines ran like they should without the carb swap. Is this some benefit that is inherent to OHV engines? Do they EPA better than L heads? Besides left over 2005s, do you think the L heads will be available next year?
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snowshoveler
tides in dirts out surfs up
Location: bridgewater nova scotia...aka the swamp
Joined: Jan 3, 2003
Points: 1261
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Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #3 Mar 2, 2005 8:17 pm |
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hi Richie... the un cloging stick is a liability thing. this is the reason many manufactures switched from a steel chute to a plastic one. people still stick there hand in there with the machine running. and thats why they are missing fingers...or worse. the little stick dosent make it any better machine ,it just helps keep the lawyers away. and there have been a lot of them. sears got hit really bad for a while. this is the reason pushmowers stop when you let go of the handle,and tractors stop when you get off them. we have to make this stuff idiot proof. ill get off my soap box now ...sorry for the bla bla later chris
craftsman 10/28 snowblower with tracks husky 372xpg chainsaw sachs dolmar bc212 bushsaw mondo trimmer monster tractor with trailer cheep wheelbarro and couple shovels and a partridge in a pear tree
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AZinOH
Those who accept self-deception will perish by it.
Shakespeare said "to thine own self be true".
Joined: Nov 25, 2004
Points: 189
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Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #4 Mar 2, 2005 8:56 pm |
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What surprised me most about my 726 is that it throws to the left (against the turn of the impeller) almost as well as it does to the right. And I love using the Quick Stik to turn the chute through the full 200 degree arc. I live on a somehat busy country road, and I continue to get a kick out of folks turning to stare as they drive by at that plume of snow coming from the Toro. AZ
Snowblower...Toro Power Max 726te 2004 Lawn tractor...AYP w/ 14.5 Briggs-42in 2000 |
faithfulFrank
He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep
to gain what he cannot lose....
Location: Batavia, N.Y.
Joined: Jan 20, 2004
Points: 1067
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Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #5 Mar 2, 2005 9:52 pm |
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I'm sure that Toro is a fine unit.......I had a Toro 724 for 20 years. I just have to comment on the shovel/stick thing....... My Ariens 13hp 32" snowblower has never clogged.....or bogged down......it throws unbelieveably far.........BUT, it comes with a nice shovel/stick. I am convinced that it is a Lawyer-induced option......... One cannot make the statement that not having or having a shovel/stick reflects on the quality of the unit. That is just illogical thinking. Please, I am not Toro bashing, and I am not pushing Ariens.......I'm just saying that the shovel/stick is a lawyer thing...period. Frank D.
Ariens 1332DLE Pro, Exmark 52" HP ZTR, Gardian Generac generator, Shindiawa T230 Excell/Honda PW, Craftsman rototiller, Favorite IPE- My Mac + Ipod- No Windoze for me!
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Richie
Bring On The White Stuff
Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562
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Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #6 Mar 2, 2005 9:56 pm |
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Hey Rob, I'm guilty and must agree 100% with you when it comes to being a bit different from the average OPE user. I doubt there are many that would go to such lengths to fine tune the engine on their snowblower as I have. I am experienced in this area, so it isn't a big deal or chore for me. I actually considered it a challenge at one point to see if it was possible to get one of these new snowblowers to run great. As for the polypropylene chute assembly, well, you may be correct about the reason some have passed on Toro's snowblowers because they prefer a steel chute, but I lean a bit more to the fact that many don't buy Toro because it isn't American made, which is very important these days and is my only regret with this snowblower. However, I don't want anyone to think of me as a traitor. The dealer I purchased from was American and a local dealer at that, so I was very happy to contribute to his rent. It's unfortunate because some that pass on it may not entirely realize that American dealers are selling them, not to mention what an amazing snowblower it is. As for the extra money for the carburetor, I would have had to do this no matter what I purchased, at least I believe I would have. Even my 5 HP OHV Honda powered pressure washer surges in addition to my Briggs 8.5 HP L-head on my Sears chipper shredder. I was at least able to prove to myself that the surging has nothing to do with the winter grade gasoline, enabling me to zone right in on the EPA carburetors. The engine surging I've experienced with my summer equipment is just a minor inconvenience to me, but on my snowblower, I will not tolerate it and felt I had to undo the patch work on these new carbs to make it right. I too wish they ran correctly and perhaps the Briggs & Stratton engines that come on other brand machines might run better, due to the engines being a new design, and designed from the start with the EPA in mind, rather than take an old design and try to modify it to make the EPA happy. I can't say if or when the L-heads will be phased out, but mine runs great with very little vibration. I wouldn't have a problem with purchasing a piece of OPE that came with a L-head engine. At this point, I've made it very obvious on other threads I'm not impressed with any of the performance ratings on any of these engines. For me to go out of my way to purchase an OHV engine on some future equipment is just going to cost me a lot more money and I don't see the need for it. Besides, I've run these L-head engines at the track, ungoverned, at RPM's that would make you cringe, and they hold up great.
Richie
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Richie
Bring On The White Stuff
Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562
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Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #8 Mar 2, 2005 10:37 pm |
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What surprised me most about my 726 is that it throws to the left (against the turn of the impeller) almost as well as it does to the right.
AZ,
It's funny you mention that because I noticed that same thing recently. In fact, if someone asked me which direction the machine throws the best, I really wouldn't be able to say one way or the other. As I recall on my last snowblower, I'm pretty sure it was when the chute was turned to the right side. That 726 you have is a 2-stroke model, correct? If so, I'm curious to know how well it runs. How do you like the power?
Richie
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pw3258
Joined: Mar 2, 2005
Points: 4
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Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #9 Mar 2, 2005 10:41 pm |
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In response to the original question, my new 2005 Toro 828 LXE has not clogged or even bogged down in the 4 or 5 storms we have had here in northern NJ this year. Regardless of the type of snow it has thrown it all with ease, even the large mounds of slushy wet stuff at the EOD. My drive is adjacent to a cross street and the plows come down and go either right or left and always leave a pile at the EOD, the Toro hasn’t met a challenge it couldn’t beat yet. The machine is a monster. This doesn’t necessarily make it better than any of the competitions machines but it is very impressive and hasn’t disappointed me yet. I’ve owned a Toro since 1985 (Toro 521) and had been looking for a little more power for the last couple of winters. After looking at a number of models from other companies I came to the conclusion that most were using the same basic design for the last 40 years or so. They all looked basically the same just different colors, sizes and control locations. What impressed me the most about the Toro brand was their innovations such as the Power Max Auger system and the Quick Stick Chute. Even back in 1985 they were innovative with the barrel style auger meant to meter the snow intake and reduce clogging (which it did!!). Some may be concerned with the “plastic” chute, but having had one since 1985 with no problems it wasn’t an issue for me. It might have been nice to have an engine with more recent technological advances, however the Tecumseh engine was the same basic design as I had on my 521 only bigger and more horses. The engine on the old machine always started with just 2 pulls regardless of my years of neglect (no oil changes, no tune-ups, no summerizations, stale gas, not even changing the spark plug), so there is probably something to be said for that engine model. The only repair I ever made was to replace a worn auger belt. I also considered the 726 or 826, but really liked the Free Wheel Steering on the 828, definitely makes it easier to hulk around a piece of equipment which weighs over 200lbs and not have to play with wheel locks. Based on my past experiences you would probably call me a Toro loyalist, but I respect how well my 20 year old machine ran and am looking forward to another 20 good years with the new Toro 828LXE. I really love this beast and can't say anythign bad about it !!
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ChrisS
Appreciate what you have already been blessed with.
Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 2793
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Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #10 Mar 2, 2005 10:45 pm |
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Here on Long Island last two storms 5" to 7" snow quickly turned to slush. I was using a Ariens 1128 and did so so by putting it into high (fast) gear to blow snow/slush. Are Toro units any better in this sitation?
In a word no.
All snowblowers have difficulty with slush. What helps here is HP but even then only to a point. You do what you gotta do to get the job done. If that means cruising in the high gear so be it. Each storm is different, none clears the same. No need to start second guessing your 1128..... C
Honda 928TA, Ariens 924 STE, Toro single stage S-620, 95 Jeep Wrangler with a 6 foot Fisher Plow, many shovels, one 14 year old boy. Craftsman 01 1000 LTX pimp Gold LT 20hp Briggs OHV V-twin. Tough as it is ugly.
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