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

I was at a local Honda dealer yesterday and I was stunned by the prices on their snowblowers. In Canadian dollars, they were: 928 wheels: $3000 928 track: $3400 724 track: $3400 1132 track: $3500 I know they have tracks, hydro tranny, honda engines, etc. but they're at least $1000-1500 more than equivalent toro and ariens models. Is it gold, they re making?

I used a piece of Wacky Karpet/Krazy Carpet or some goofy name like that. 

It's a piece of plastic that textured on the back and very slick on the bottom.  It's a kid's toy used for sliding down hills in the winter.  Cost about $8.00 and can be found at places like Walmart and Canadian Tire.  Possibly elsewhere that winter outdoor sleds/toys are sold.  It's tough stuff and easy to work with.

I didn't line my chute to improve snow throwing distance, although, I'm pretty sure it does.  I lined the chute to keep winter control material (gravel/sand/salt) etc. from stripping the paint.  It's a bit of a job to measure, cut and install, but once it's done, it will last a long time.  If a second liner ever needs to be made/installed, it will be much easier to do because the first liner can be used as a template.   I also added a thin piece of stainless steel plate to protect the deflector. 

Nice.   That might be in my future mod list.

snowmachine wrote:
I might have to buy a Yamaha just to put a "smack down" on the Honda blow-hards!!!

borat wrote:
What did you use to fasten it to the chute?

The chute had two small hole at the bottom front.  I used those with a rivet/screw.  At the top, I used the bolt hole and bolt that controls the arc of the deflector.  That's all it needs to hold it firmly in place. 

borat wrote:
If you can't beat them, join them.  :)

Besides the differences in paint, they do have common design philosophy.  I'm not talking about reasonable prices, tough cast iron gearboxes, and C channel handlebars.  :)

Please do get one.  I wouldn't mind Honda getting some competition so they can get back on the ball.  It's lonely at the top. 

aa335 wrote:

If you can't beat them? 

By the looks of the Yamaha, I would doubt that there would be too much of an issue "beating" a Honda.    The Yamaha appears to out-class the Honda in every aspect. 

Problem is that the Simplicity is such a joy to own and use, it would be difficult to give it up and I doubt it will be crapping out within then next twenty years or so. 

In addition to that, I'd have to relax my fiscal discipline to indulge in such frivolous spending.  However, that would be easier to do than waiting for the Simplicity to expire.  

In the meantime, I'll keep my vanity in check and go with what I have. 

aa335 wrote:
Pretty funny... One thing about this site with mixing of all of the brands, it's very easy to do a little pot stirring. 

This thread was started a year ago.  Lots of lively heated debate to keep us warm while we wait for the snow to arrive.

Notice how the pot cools down over the summer and then on Dec 17, 2010, someone picks up a log and a gallon of gasoline and throws in the fire to get it to boil again.   :)

Ah the great thing about Toro is they have a plastic chute already and yes you can hear gravel being spat out of it every so often. Really nice having a plastic chute, stock.