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kevintree


Joined: Dec 25, 2004
Points: 2

Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Original Message   Mar 2, 2005 6:28 pm
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??

Replies: 7 - 16 of 25Next page of topicsPreviousNextNext page of topicsAllView as Outline
Marshall


As Long As There Are Tests, There Will Be Prayer In Public Schools. ;- )

Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 7730

Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #7   Mar 2, 2005 10:08 pm
Another Lawyer Stick             

Richie


Bring On The White Stuff

Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562

Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #8   Mar 2, 2005 10:37 pm
AZinOH wrote:
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
pw3258


Joined: Mar 2, 2005
Points: 4

Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #9   Mar 2, 2005 10:41 pm

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 !!
ChrisS


Appreciate what you have already been blessed with.


Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 2793

Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #10   Mar 2, 2005 10:45 pm
kevintree wrote:
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.
Richie


Bring On The White Stuff

Location: Long Island, New York
Joined: Dec 12, 2003
Points: 562

Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #11   Mar 2, 2005 10:55 pm
Richie wrote:
 I'm sure Toro already knows this because they don't sell it with an unclogging stick.

I was trying to be funny guys, but next time I'll try a bit harder to make it more obvious. With two family members into law and one in the medical profession, I'm very aware of all the life changing situations us OPE users put ourselves in and I also know who ultimately pays the price.  

Richie
AZinOH


Those who accept self-deception will perish by it.
Shakespeare said "to thine own self be true".


Joined: Nov 25, 2004
Points: 189

Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #12   Mar 3, 2005 6:44 pm
Richie wrote:
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.



Richie,

Toro not  American made?  Are you certain? I just rechecked every label I could find on my machine and they all say "The Toro Company, Bloomington Minnesota".  Nothing to indicate they were built anywhere else. I know they're all dual-labeled in French, but I just figured that one (U.S.) facility was making machines for sale in both the States and Canada.

In answer to your other question, I am happy with the 7 hp R*tek. So far it runs fine. I'm confident it will be more than enough to handle the snow I'm likely to get (we almost never get more than 12 inches at a time...has only happened twice in 27 years). Folks who routinely have to deal with more snow may decide they need more power. If it should happen that we do get a real heavy blow, I think the 726 will be ok...it just might take a little longer to do the job. My only regret is that I didn't buy a snowblower years ago, and if I could buy another Toro tomorrow...I would.

AZ

This message was modified Mar 3, 2005 by AZinOH


Snowblower...Toro Power Max 726te 2004

Lawn tractor...AYP w/ 14.5 Briggs-42in 2000

Marshall


As Long As There Are Tests, There Will Be Prayer In Public Schools. ;- )

Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 7730

Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #13   Mar 3, 2005 7:34 pm
robmints


Joined: May 13, 2003
Points: 4691

Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #14   Mar 3, 2005 8:00 pm
Richie,

Toro not  American made?  Are you certain? I just rechecked every label I could find on my machine and they all say "The Toro Company, Bloomington Minnesota".  Nothing to indicate they were built anywhere else. I know they're all dual-labeled in French, but I just figured that one (U.S.) facility was making machines for sale in both the States and Canada.

I thought it was not a good thing for Toro to be seen as making their stuff outside of the US also.  Many have spent a good bit of money on Toro, Simplicity, and Ariens products to the exclusion of Honda, just because they believed  the Toro, Simp, and Ariens to be American made. So I sent Toro an E mail asking about the 828LE. Toro said they make their "power products" in Windum, MN.

Ritchie, please help me here. Is Toro blowing some smoke up my butt?

I have a Toro in the garage, I bought it with the Kohler over the Kawasaki. I sure hope the Toro I bought was made in the US.  I hope all Toros, Simps, Ariens, and Hondas are made in the US.

AZinOH


Those who accept self-deception will perish by it.
Shakespeare said "to thine own self be true".


Joined: Nov 25, 2004
Points: 189

Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #15   Mar 3, 2005 8:01 pm
Marshall, thank you for the link. It confirms that Toro's headquarters are indeed in Bloomington MN, but I didn't see anything saying where the manufacturing facilities are located. Did I miss something? Interesting reading there and elsewhere on the site. I noted the statement on the company history that Toro introduced the first snowblower in 1951, and that their sales are far more geared to the professional market than to the residential (62 percent vs. 34 percent).

AZ

Snowblower...Toro Power Max 726te 2004

Lawn tractor...AYP w/ 14.5 Briggs-42in 2000

Marshall


As Long As There Are Tests, There Will Be Prayer In Public Schools. ;- )

Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 7730

Re: Toro 2 stage 828 thru 1128 models
Reply #16   Mar 3, 2005 8:28 pm
They have many manufacturing facilities in the US. They also have some in other countries.


Toro Job Listings

"Where We Are
Our headquarters are located in Bloomington, Minnesota, a southern suburb of Minneapolis. Our manufacturing plants and distribution centers are located throughout the country and internationally."

This message was modified Mar 3, 2005 by Marshall
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