aa335

The Honda 1132 sold in America does not have a strut. The Canadian model has strut assisted lift. It isn't all that hard to raise the bucket on the 1132 without the strut. It is already assisted somewhat, by the counter weight of the engine itself. It doesn't look too complicated to replace the strut if it to does fail.

I may be generalizing here but take it with a grain of salt. From what I have seen, the Ariens will process more snow volume than a Honda. Ariens usually equip their snowblower with larger displacement engines and larger diameter impeller (fan section). Its just pure simple physics, more power + larger fan equal higher capacity to do work. Ariens is an American company so their prescription for Americans is bigger and bigger is always better mindset. That being said, the Ariens will impress you with the sheer amount of snow it devours, the Honda will impress you with the tight stream and throwing distance. The Ariens will impress you with how things looks so big and thick. The Honda will impress you with how beautiful and thoughtful everything is designed. Depending on the age and fitness of the operator using the snowblower, a bigger and heavier snowblower means more work for the operator. Smaller and lighter machines does not beat up on the operator like a heavier and more powerful machines. I rarely take out the heavy 2 stage snowblower except for heavier snowfalls. Most of the time, I enjoy using the smaller single stage machines just because I don't feel like I just wrestled a 350 lb pig around. The efficiency of hydro versus friction disc is a non-issue, except for academia. Does the drive does what it supposed to do, without slipping? I prefer hydrostatic myself because I like to finely adjust the forward and backward speeds. However, I don't like the fact that the hydro does not allow the wheels or track to totally freewheel, which may be a pain when trying to reverse without using power. So there you go. My answer is more pragmatic, not so much specs and numbers.

Here's a video of it in action in the East Coast.  I think it does pretty well for itself.  Moves like a single stage unit, tackles the EOD almost like a full on 2 stage. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMzI6Lt3VOs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIP2huvSB3Q

I like how the Personal Pace drive work.   Looks like there's no need to force the snowblower into the pile.  This is a plus over the Toro 721 QZE single stage model.

joed wrote:
As a snowblower enthusiast, any snowblower can make sense, even if they are close or have overlapping qualities.  Same with shoes, automobiles, and woodworking tools, camera lenses, etc...The Snowmaster is, in my opinion, one good design.  But it is somewhat an in-betweener, a cross-over, hybrids, CUV.   IF you chose it for what it was designed for, you won't be disappointed.  It doesn't specialize in any category, and it has smart compromises in performance and handling.

For the current model 721QZE, there is no difference to the 721RC.  They both have the same engine.  The RC does not have Quick Chute, but has thicker paddles.  You can add Toro's thicker rubber paddles or aftermarket polyurethane paddles to make it into a 721QZE - C.  I think this adds to about $50-$80.  The thicker paddles lasts longer and can beat up on EOD piles a bit better, but you will notice increased vibration and noise.

I heard that Honda recalled or put on hold last year's HS720 models.  They tweaked something to take care of vibrations and noise.  I'm still disappointed about the chute and deflector design and finesse, and I'm expecting that next generation Toro SS will trample over the Honda.  There's some teething pains with Honda new SS and 2 stage models built in USA, but Honda is working on it.  :)  I'm excited of the new models, I may update my fleet sometime in the future.  I was a guinea pig in one of Honda's products in the past and I am not buying first production year again.

Thats a tough call.  I think the 8 hp Snowmaster has the remote deflector, would throw snow further and dig EOD piles better than the SS 721, but it will not maneuver as easily as a SS.    If you already have the 826OXE, you may find that the Snowmaster is not aggressive at EOD and maybe disappointed. 

The safe choice would be the SS 721.  It's proven design, has lots of power.  If only Toro make it with Quick Chute and remote deflector, I'd jump on it.  Maybe Toro will make it on the next generation of single stage snowblower.