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

I am considering replacing my Ariens 926 snowblower with possilby a Honda.  I want a better motor and something that is going to tackle the plowed driveway a little better.  I think if I could get a Subaru motor on a larger size Ariens, I would still consider one but they only offer it on the smaller compact model.  Anyway, I can't make up my mind on a tracked model or wheeled model honda.  I live in Wisconsin and have a 3 car wide driveway and sidewalk to do.  Will the tracked unit clear down to the cement or do I have to shovel the little bit it leaves behind after blowing?  Also, would I be able to turn 180 degrees when I get to the end of my sidewalk with the tracked unit or would I have to make my turn in the driveway because I may need more room to make a turn on about a 4 foot wide sidewalk?  Probably still have to do that with a wheeled unit anyway.  I've head a few people state that the tracked unit moves a little easier when you have a little bit of snow under the track but since I have a concrete drive, I may not have that little bit extra to easy the turn.  I really would like to try one out but most all of the dealers around here don't stock the two stage only the single stage.  I would assume because of price and low sales on the larger units.  I saw a used HS1230TA from about 2004 for $2500 but feel that might be too big.  It looks like new and only has about 4 hours of use.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

John 

MN_Runner wrote:

It may be Harbor PowerHouse

http://www.harborpowerhouse.com/

Steve_Cebu wrote:

Yes, I would be nice. just got a call from the Yamaha Dealer in Regina, He can not get the 928 until mid February.

Now, THE GOOD News, there is one in Saskatoon, about a 2 hour drive from here. So I am working on a deal to get this one, it is the last 928 in the Province!!! I hope it works out!

njal wrote:

The thing is it gets hot & cold here and everything sweats this new crap gas is 10% ethanol and that draws in moisture. The stabil helps as it's an enzyme. I am really going to worry when they finally pass that stupid 15% ethanol requirement. Thank you Kalifornia.

I will probably buy a diesel if I have to deal with 15% ethanol. So far they can't cut that with alcohol.... yet.

I can imagine the damage 15% Ethanol will do to our snowblowers.

rubinew wrote:

2 hours is nothing! Heck we have to drive 2 hours just to find something to do around here other than throw rocks at trees.

I'd go for it just make sure it's not been used. Promises for a February delivery is like promises from a politician about not raising taxes.....

If I lived within 2 hours from you, I would help you with the drive just to take a peak at your BLUE.

MN_Runner wrote:

You have a truck with ramps  Come on Down, your the next contestant on 'help Ed Pick up a Yamaha!!!'

That is my next little hickup! The Local Dealer would deliver, this dealer is looking into it, but it won't be free.

I am going to have to make some calls tomorrow, see if I can wrangle a friend into going for a drive. My Shop Van won't have room for this 370lb beast! Plus I'll need some ramps!

I was able to fit my Honda 928WAS in the back of my 2005 Honda Odyssey.  The dealer helped me to get it loaded into the minivan then my wife and I unloaded when I got home. It is only 210 LB.  My wife and I barely weigh over 250 LB combined so this was not an easy task. 

FrankMA wrote:
I can't remember from the user manual or from a forum that leaving full tank of gas for storage is recommended to keep the metal gas tank from rusting.  I store it with full tank of gas.  I drain the carb bowl, of course.

rubinew wrote:

I tacked together some 2x4's to load a Yamaha YS828 in the back of a Toyota RAV.  The tracks walked themselves into the back and I didn't need to remove a thing. It rolled out just as easily (gravity is your friend).

Yes, it was Harbor Powerhouse in Benton Harbor Michigan 877-837-2468.  I found Gary to be knowledgeable, honest and appreciative of my buisness.  He treats his internet customers with as much aprreciation as his walk in customers.  Sounded like he still had one 928 left and about 12 of the 1132's in stock.  He will ship also.