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

Hello....

I have just found this forum and would like to ask a question. I have tried to do some comparison on-line between these two machines. But I feel it is always better to ask the more experienced directly!

I have a Toro 826 that dates back to around the early 1980's. It is in pretty good condition for its age, and has served me well. Lately, it has not been throwing snow like it used to. Especially the heavy stuff. I am guesing that it needs new belts.

I have come across someone who is looking to get rid of his Yamaha YS624. He swares by its performance. He is an elderly man and can no longer use it. It dates back to the early 90's. I have seen his machine working but have not used it. It does seem like a strong machine.

I have an opportunity to take it from him at a very reasonable price.
My question is this. Is it worth me taking the Yamaha off his hands, and then selling my Toro? Or, should I be looking at investing the money into new belts for my Toro?

Yamaha made great snowblowers, similar to Honda.  I would rate them above Toro.

The problem is that Yamaha no longer sells snowblowers here in the USA.  Therefore, finding parts may be a problem.  Check around with some local OPE dealers to see if they will service the Yamaha and if they can get parts for it.  If so, then go for it.  If not, then let us know where this Yamaha is so that one of us can buy it.

p.s. - if your Toro doesn't throw snow any better after a belt change, you might check out the Clarence Impeller Kit.

Thanks for the responswe!

Can you please clarify on what kit you are talking about? I am not familiar with it.

http://www.abbysguide.com/ope/reviews/355-0-1.html

The YS624 is probably a 6hp.  so I'm not sure if it could keep up with an 8hp Toro.  Still you can never have enough snowblowers and those  Yamahas are something  worth trying out  (especially if the price is right) If you find its not for you just sell it.  You can easily find someone to take it off your hands.

 

Underdog wrote:

That's a nice condition Yammy.  I like the location of the chute crank, not having to bend down to turn it. 

How do those black bucket extension work for you?  I'm seeing them in the Canadian Honda models, but not for the US market.

aa335 wrote:

I don't really have a need for the extensions. I rarely see that much snow. They're more for "effect."

This snowblower is not mine, only one I saw being sold recently with zero hrs.   I wish mine looked this nice.
You are right about the location of the chute crank.  Its very nice.  There are other "little things" that make the blower easy to use.
Some people refer to that as "over engineering"