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

Many of you know I have been throwing the idea around of either selling my Toro 826OXE or having an 11hp from the 1128OXE installed. Anyway I had it up for sale but people wanted to pay like 600 bucks! Mind you I paid nearly 1600 less then 10 months ago!

So with the first reports of snow falling north and west of the city I have the snow blower loaded in my fathers van ready to go to the dealer. Do I just have it serviced and continue to try and sell it (really dont want to invest more $$) or do I have them install the 11HP engine?

The dealer wants 120.00 + any parts to do the service. Now if they swap the shortblock this 120 gets washed away as they need to do an oil change, new plug, adjust belts, etc once they install the new engine block.

What do you think I should do?

Don't put any more money on the 826OXE.  You have a 10 month old snowblower, it shouldn't really require any service unless it was abused.  I wouldn't do an engine upgrade either.

Get the 1128OXE.  Put the 826OXE on craigslist and hold to your price until you get more snow.  It will be in higher demand and get you better price for it.

But seriously, I think even after you get the 1128OXE, you still be lusting for more power.  The 826 has decent horsepower to width ratio, the 1128 is a little bit better.  Skip the Toro and go straight for the Ariens Pro 28.

Or do the sensible thing and don't overdrive your snowblower when there's 2 foot of snow in front of it.  Slow the ground speed and let the auger/impeller do its job.

aa335 wrote:

1,000% DITTO across the board! Could not say it any better.

stresst wrote:

Well first of do NOT get the 1128OXE unless you want problems not related to power. If you must buy a new Toro (not reccomended) get the 1028OXE. You will never get the money back if you install an 11HP engine on your 826. You will also need an impeller kit so you can take advantage of your new 11HP engine. Craigslist tends to have a lot of low bidders who want to sell for high money. Perhaps a used commercial machine would be more to your liking? They have some monster commercial machines costly but can be repaired anytime they break and even old used ones will last 30 years.

The advice you've consistently gotten is to keep the machine you have and not overdrive it. I agree with that, but like my buddy who always has to have more HP in his Mustang, some people just want more power, he actually needs a way to get more power to the ground but I digress. If you just want more power and don't care about facts or money have the dealer install an 11hp motor onto your 826 and get an impeller kit. You will have a pretty big power to weight ratio but you might not be happy with a mere 11HP afer a year or so.

I see a tracked Honda in your future because you can drive it right into a snowbank and it will spit it out no problem. Of course those are over 3 grand.

Also my dealer charges $79 to do the same service if you go when they are having a sale so your dealer is expensive, normally that service is $99

I have a better idea.  When you get a lot of snow and an immediate urge to remove the snow, use your shovel and convince yourself that shoveling is better than using your Toro 828.  After 5 minutes, if you are not convinced then you can use Toro 828.  You will realize that your Toro 828 is an excellent snowblower.  Shoveling is not that fun when you get wet and heavy snow and Toro 828 will do the job  (although you may think it is underpowered, still it has 7.5 more HP than a normal New Yorker). 

MN_Runner wrote:
Great idea.  Sometimes it takes a different vantage point to really appreciate what you have.

My car was in the shop for 2 days for service.  I had a Nissan Versa rental and it was a pretty decent car, I thought.  Pretty gutsy 1.8 liter 4 cylinder with 120 HP.  Until I got my car back, my first reaction was, "darn this thing is FAST!!!!"  I don't really need 400 HP.  :)

Steve_Cebu wrote:

Many good points and advice in this thread, I appreciate everyones input! I just came from the dealer and they pretty much said they dont want to do the swap. It's funny you said that about your friends mustang, when I was a teenager I was totally addicted to speed! Over the years I had three fox body mustangs which were 1/4 mile track cars with the last one going 10.11 @ 131mph yanking the wheels off the floor about 18"! Those were the days!

As far as the tracked Honda! No way 11HP is not enough, going to go with the Husqvarna 1827EXLT if I ever go tracked! LOL

One thing I want to do is buy a single stage unit to use as a cleanup machine. I have a small piece of property and sometimes the 2 stage is just too big! I want something I can literally throw around! I was looking at the Toro 621's but the salesman they gave me was a young kid who probably sells skateboards and bicycles in the off season. They also had a Simplcity sinlge stage which looked sick but unfortunately had a 899 price tag.

stresst wrote:

Well I'm not surprised teh dealer doessn't want to put an 11hp on it. This is a lawsuit driven society afterall.

I have my video camera fully charged, any videos you want to see of my 1028 doing it's thing? I'm running out of ideas, but at least now the videos will be in Hi-Def.

I wonder how strong an 18hp would be on that Husky you mention. Still I can pretty much do my driveway twice on 1 tank of gas so it's sort of economical.

Why not see how your 826 performs this year and get a single stage for cleanup? Toro makes some decent SS blowers. You can always buy the 1827 Husky and sell the 826 at the peak of the season for decent money as the dealers will have run out by then.

Steve_Cebu wrote:

They guy I spoke to who did the research wasnt available but the lady whom I think owned the place was talking me out of it. I probably could have convinced them but I wasnt totally convinced myself.....She said the same thing you guys have been telling me all along. Gonna lose my warranty, that I dont need it as the machine is NOT underpowered and that if anything I should just sell and buy what I want IF I am not happy.

As far as the videos go NO FRIGGEN WAY! LOL. It because of your videos that I am jealous and want more! ;)

As far as the husqvarna goes I dont think tracks would be good for me as there is such a small area that it would be a PITA to constantly turn. But I would love to borrow one for a storm!

Thats my plan, gonna see how it goes. My main issue is I still owe 350 or so on my Toro cc and really dont want to dump 2K on another Toro until I sell mine. On the other hand very soon everything will be sold out and I dont want to get stuck with nothing. So I actually may go for the SS unit so I have something.......I would assume after one snow mine will sell immediately but who knows!

Did you ever see the top of the line simplicity SS?

stresst wrote:

The most expensive Simplicity SS922EX single stage snowblower is listed for $599.  I've seen them typically sold online for $580. 

I haven't seen $899 or higher single stage snowblower except for the Toro Snow Commander or Honda HS621.

stresst wrote:
Yes, this is the same Briggs & Stratton built unit that's badged as a Sno-tek and Snapper.  208cc, curved rotor, and with all the conveniences remote chute rotation found in the Toro 621Q.  From what I've seen, this Simplicity is quite good dealing with slush and throw snow very well.

Simplicity

Snapper

stresst wrote:

Well whatever you you decide this time be happy with your decision.

I'll still make some more videos tho.

aa335 wrote:

Yeah I noticed that late las nite, ebay has them like 650 delivered (no tax of course). Now I am wondering if they were marked wrong or are they pushing the Toro SS uits by putting a ridiculous price tag on the simplicity's??/

I was looking at the Simplicity Pro series but IMHO I hate the way they look with those handle bars........Seems like there built like a tank but look like crap! JMO

So back to SS units is the top of the line 621 (forget all the p/n's) or the Simplicity the way to go?? If the Toro had the larger engine I wouldnt even think twice......

aa335 wrote:

I will tell you what a 208cc engine on a SS unit has to have some power to weight ratio!!! There are some two stage units that weigh 200+lbs that have a 208cc engine and nevermind a 150+ weight differance some of the power gets used up propelling the wheels! The snapper/simplicity must be like a tracked honda of SS units!

stresst wrote:
I think you should get it, it has the largest engine for a single stage from the factory.  The Toro is very good even with just a 163cc 4-stroke engine, 208cc is just even better.

With that said, I'm not sure if you are aware of this little know fact.  The Toro 621 is designed on a platform that can accomodate either a 2 stroke and 4-stroke engine.  The cowling is bloated, and that's not by mistake.  It's seems it can fit 208cc or larger size engine.  I wouldn't be surprised that a 250cc may find it's way in there. 

But you know Toro is not going to play that game.  They're already successful enough with their smaller engines. The last time they built a super single, it was too heavy and expensive, 125 lbs. 

aa335 wrote:

So your telling me I should take the 250cc from my Toro 826OXE and install in the 621 that I didnt buy yet? Great idea! Thanks! LOL

I would prefer to get the Toro SS being they match perfectly but the Simplicity SS looks so much more "beefier", nevermind it has a halogen light and fuel guage! Gonna be a hard decision!

stresst wrote:
Gizmos don't move snow.

Why don't you just tune it up YOURSELF. Check your belts or replace them YOURSELF.  Change your own oil.  Replace your own spark plug.  You will save allot of money.  If you are willing to spend $120, you can Replace all your belts. change your oil , replace your spark plug. And install clarence's impeller kit for less money.  It is not hard to do at all .  I'm sure everyone here can help you if you get stuck.  There are many u-tube videos too  It may take you 2 hours tops. Why give your money to the snow blower man.  You know how it ran last year. If you do the above i'm sure you will be impressed . You will be proud of yourself too .

stresst wrote:
I can't say for sure that the engine in your Toro 2 stage will fit in a single stage.  Give it a go, do an engine swap. 

But perhaps a Honda GX200 or GX240 would fit, these are nice compact engines.   Not cheap though.

I never found the power on the Toro 421QE (or 621QZE) to be lacking.  It even surprised me how gutsy it is.  If anything, I would like it to be smoother and quieter.   Sure, more power would be nice, but that just upsets the balance of the machine.  More noise, more vibrations, skittish behavior, no thanks.

When it's too much for the SS, then I bring out the 2 stage.  Pick the right tool for the job and it's so much more enjoyable.  I'm not into modifying anymore.  Just don't have the time.

borat wrote:
Agreed.  I never let gizmos be the deciding factor.

bus708 wrote:

I hear ya I am actually quit handy but the problem is it was running a bit rough last year. The last few weeks of the season I drained the gas out and put fresh gas in but the same thing. The other day I put some gas in for the first time with a new plug but it was the same......Plugs and oil are childs play....... but carb adjustments im lost! As far as belts go I probably could have done that as well but I figured let me get everything checked out......last season I ran a ton of crap over including the outdoor carpet which stopped the motor, about 25' of 10/3 extension cord & a 2lb steel ashtray which shut the motor down as well. A screw rattled loose on the black cover which covers the belt.........figured it couldnt hurt to get it checked out! Trust me I didnt want to cough over 120! As long as I dont run anything over this season this will be the last time this thing sees the dealer!

Do they make service manuals for theset things? Would like to know which carb screws adjust what, as well as how much tension should be in the belts........

borat wrote:

True enough, they don't. But in the this snowpocalypse, I was clearing my driveway in the dark and we had no electric power for the postlamps.

I couldn't have moved  snow that night without the large powerful headlight on my Toro 826OE. It also lighted the whole yard as I chainsawed downed tree branches, and I aimed it into the garage when I needed to go in there.

Well, I suppose I could have struggled through with a Walmart headstrap light, but it would have been slow. I sure appreciate that big 250 cc powered halogen headlight now.

stresst wrote:
Never heard anyone's snowblower ingest so much stuff as yours, in one winter!  Hopefully, it's only $120 to have it checked out.

Sounds like the Ariens Pro 28 should have enough power to go pulverize those objects without shutting down the engine. 

samdog wrote:

I don't look at a headlight as a gizmo, it's good for safety both for you and so people will see you in the dark. I also have reflective tape on the front lip of the bucket. Maybe I should put some on teh sides and back as well.....

Heated grips are a gizmo as is electric start.

Steve_Cebu wrote:

My neighbor has gizmo, heated grips on his MTD. Problem is; they are too hot to use, even with gloves!

And with proper storage and care, OPE will start on the first pull. So my electric starter cords make nice little extension cords for the house and shop.

Yes, the headlight is essential safety equipment, when motoring up the street in snowy conditions, to do my neighbor's drives.  I am considering wiring in a tail-light as well (using a motorcycle mirror arm) for rear visibility. 

Don't forget the yellow strobe light, backup beeper, and the orange prison jump suit.  :)

It's only funny till somebody gets hit by a plow truck....then it's hilarious.

Well, I try to stay off the streets.  :)  Pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk matches perfectly with the speed of my snowblower.

aa335 wrote:
Same goes for snow shovels???

It's amazing how we like to complicate simple things made to do simple jobs. 

If a person is truly concerned about being struck by street traffic, put a flashing light on a pole and stick it in the snow bank at the end of the driveway when working at that end. 

How many SS machines are made with lights and hand warmers?  To me, the less there is to a machine that will be working in a difficult environment, the better. 

borat wrote:
Nope.  I got those classic straight shaft shovels.  Strong, simple, and lightweight.

aa335 wrote:

On my street you'd want that stuff, yes we are remote but they drive like maniacs on this street. They are working on the main road so a lot of people detour through our area. At night the EOD would worry me with cars flying down a back road at 50+ mph.

Are those driveway markers for protecting pedestrians walking on sidewalks? I had no idea what they were for.

blumonster wrote:

They uh, mark where your driveway is.

Steve_Cebu wrote:
Really?  I thought they made it easier to spot mailboxes so you can whack them with a baseball bat. 

Steve_Cebu wrote:
Maybe you should place fake deere or moose on the side of the road to slow people down. 

It seems everybody is in the holiday mood now. :D Especially after the heavy snowfall in the East and the passage of Halloween, the spirit is here. LOL

Maybe I should get a couple of those markers too.Away from the mailbox.

samdog wrote:

Last year I came close! Some dumb EFF sanitation plow truck came flying down my block last doing about 45mph with the plow down, this SOB buried me up to my thighs in ice and snow it was like a wave at the beach blind siding you nevermind the blade was about 18" from me! Either he didnt see me or he didnt care either way I thought I was gonna get hit!

On a side note I asked the dealer today about the clarence impeller kit but he never heard of it! Should I order one?

samdog wrote:

I will tell you what, I almost didnt buy the Toro cause of the lack of handwarmers but my neighbors 1028 Craftsman has heated grips and like you mentioned they burn your hands with heavy goves on! Makes your hands sweat like crazy! IMO this feature is made for -20 and below with 40+mph winds!

stresst wrote:
What was the engine running like?  Does it sound funny under no load, when you engage it, or under load wile snow blowing? What does it sound like. You said your blower is 10 months old!  That being is should be under warranty.  If you ran a bunch of stuff in your machine enough to stall the engine then you might have bent something.  With your belt disengaged try turning your impeller.  Check for any binning. I assume your engine is a Briggs Call them with your model # and serial # tell them what it  is running like. They can walk you through the carb adjustments.  There are usually only 2 screws . One for your idle speed and the other for your mixture. For your mixture. Start it up normally and let it warm up. Then tighten the mixture screw by  turning it in until your engine stops running. Unscrew it 1/4 turn and restart your engine.  Now  Listen to your engine  and continue to unscrew the adjustment screw until it smooths out. It should run well at idle and wide open. Replace your belts. It sounds as if they burnt  when you got junk jammed in it.  I would try and get it fixed under warranty. The worst they can do is say No. They can show you the adjustment screws and you can pick up your belts too. As I said  check for anything rubbing ,loose or worn.

borat wrote:

It's amazing how we like to complicate simple things made to do simple jobs.....
How many SS machines are made with lights and hand warmers?  To me, the less there is to a machine that will be working in a difficult environment, the better. 

It's obvious that the MTD handwarmers I've seen are not useful, and are merely marketing ploys (I havn't tested and can't speak to any other manufacturer's grips). 

However the heated seats in my car are excellent. Thet have 5 heat levels, and have been competely reliable going on 7 years now. They are quite enjoyable on a cold winter morning.

It should not be that hard to put  reliable, multi-stage heat elements into snowblower grips. If someone does it right, I would certainly consider it as an option and I imagine so would many others.

Regarding the OP's question:

Considering the number of yard items your machine has eaten, and the investment you already have in it; I would choose to install the larger engine, provided the auger and impeller check out OK. Perhaps you could sell the smaller engine to the shop or some small equipment guy. 

stresst wrote:
I'm surprised he hasn't heard of clarence impeller kit.

It's probably most dealers are not performance shops.  There's a liability issues hot rodding snowblowers.  Who's responsible?  Not worth it for dealers.  They rather deal with 5 regular customers (at $200 a pop)  than 1 hot rodding customer.

Anyways, with all the crazy objects your snowblower has taken in and the plow truck incident, and you're still here and no one got hurt.  Consider yourself lucky.  Count your blessing and BE SAFE !!!

aa335 wrote:

That too.  They also make great targets for passenger side mirrors as well. I replace mine every year up at the EOD. I've had my mailbox batted, run over and plowed over and that's just at this house.

My last house the city plow made a habit of running it over so I asked the post office precisely where I should have it. They came out and showed me exactly where it should go. Then we dug down 10-11 feet with a power auger thing and put in a post that was 3/4" thick steel pipe. Took 4 of us to get it in the hole then we filled the hole and the pipe with concrete and bits of rebar and other assorted metls from the machine shop I work at. Then we welded the mailbox onto the top of the pipe and painted it white. A few months later the city plow guy who liked to knock over all the mailboxes on the street hit it soild doing about 35mph and totalled the plow. I mean the plow was bent like it was origami. Wow was he mad! The city did an investigation and tried to get me to pay to fix the plow but the post office backed me up that the mailbox was in the correct place. I think the frame on the plow truck was also bent.

I moved from there that summer but I'm sure that guy lost his job. Tough, that's what you get when you do stuff like that. This was back around 1984 so it's been awhile. But I'd love to do that here!

aa335 wrote:

Oh God no! That's all they need, another target to aim for! 

I guess I'm lucky that our city plow drivers are courteous and safe.  I live within school zone speed limit so any reckless behavior like mowing down mailboxes will not be tolerated.  The streets are plowed first here because of school bus route. 

aa335 wrote:

Well I suppose nowadays too many people would be worried about losing their jobs doing things like that. Our road is one of the last ones plowed in the city. We are too remote for them to care I guess.

samdog wrote:

I got a call today and was told the impellar/auger is fine and nothing is bent either. My plan was to do the swap then sell my motor but the only direct replacement is a shortblock which means I need to remove my head, carb, fuel tank etc which means I probably couldnt sell my motor. Between this and losing my warranty I am going to wait it out, if I get my price I will let it go and buy what I really want if not I will just keep it for now. In a few short years once the warranty is over then I will proceed with the swap.

The parts on your 249/250cc will not retrofit to a 305/342cc shortblock.

Snowmann wrote:

I really dont know.....all I know is what the dealer told me......he did say the alternator is probably differant.....