Rifboy

I am a Vespa dealer and we winterize about 100 scooters a year. We use the marine version of Stabil. It has the highest concentration of anti corrosive additives and it seems to work the best. To be safe I'd suggest that you always have some Stabil Marine on hand so that even if the machine sits a month the stabilizer is in the gasoline protecting the carb and tank. Remember that the issue is not just the classic breakdown of the fuel but the corrosion that is caused by the water held in suspension by the Ethanol. The Stabil covers you for both! I think that it is a very prudent measure to drain the tank and carb before you put the machine away at the end of the season. New fuel when you want to use it in the Fall/Winter and away you go. Remember that the fuel you store in a fuel can goes bad too. I never let it sit unused. When I am done with the snow blowing I empty the can into my car and leave the can empty so that the next storm I will not have contaminated fuel to put into a nice clean fuel system. Rifboy

Wow!

I personally think that a new or used replacement bucket is in order here, however; you might find a sheetmetal shop who can make a repair panel or two for you if you look.

I know of a guy who could create the entire end tube and weld it all togeather to be better than new, I think it would be just as expensive as buying a new housing though.

I can not imagine that a fiberglass repair would be all that sucessfull. Fibreglass is wonderful stuff when used properly but I dont see it here.

I'm thinking that a split tubular repair panel welded to the outside may be the way to go. Then you could sand blast the inside and use a filler to re-create the inside surface.

This is a lot of work though. There must be a place to purchase used snowthrower parts somewhere. I'd spend some time looking before you try the repair.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Rifboy

I keep looking at the handlebars and wondering how I can effect a change there. It will not be a casual change as there are no simple solutions that I can see. Extensions might get me a little but I am concerned that too much will weaken the bars and the other concern is that the cables might move a little but there certainly is not a lot of room for stretching. The other thing I am contemplating is removing the gusset at the bend in the bars and changing the angle of the bar ends. Then I could weld a new gusset in and re-finish the bars. I think this would allow me the biggest change. I'm trying to see what these changes will have on the controls before I begin though.

Rifboy

I have had the Honda for about one year. You are right though, it is amazing to watch how well it works. I have used it primarily for my home where it is really overkill. As for getting the lot plowed, well we pay between $100 and $150 per "event". Annually, that doesn't add up to the price of this machine but It would sure be nice to chip away at the costs now that I own it. I also do not want to shovel that lot! We'll give the Honda a try and see how it goes. Now to see what can be done about those handle bars! I am 6'3" and they really are on the short side. Rifboy

Just wondering how much parking lot area is too much? I own a Honda 1132 and I am wondering if it will be enough machine to clear my 7500 square foot parking lot. We have paid for plowing in the past but I am wondering if anyone else uses a walk behind snow thrower to clear this kind of space? I use the Honda on my gravel 300 foot driveway and I love it! It's a great machine and for the first time in years I am looking forward to snow! Just wondering if clearing the lot at work is a realistic goal. Thanks, Rifboy