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jpmeyer


Joined: Nov 12, 2011
Points: 3

Need advice on new 2-stage
Original Message   Nov 12, 2011 2:15 pm
I plan on replacing a 12 year-old Toro 1-stage with a new 2-stage this season. I live in Northern Illinois and we get around 50 inches per year, with only a few snowfalls of more than 8 inches. However, my old Toro was sadly overmatched against last February's 20-incher and I need something that my wife can use in a pinch. I've got about 200 feet of sidewalk and about a 5-car driveway, all with modest slope. I also need to deal with significant end-of-driveway muck and to clear a curb cut that the neighborhood kids use to get to the bus stop. Ideally, I want something that can throw snow from my driveway and back walk over a 5-7 foot retaining wall and onto a hillside behind my house, something my Toro can do under only very limited circumstances. My garage space limits me to a 24- or 26-inch wide model. I tend to buy higher-quality, more expensive machines and to keep them maintained and in service for quite a while. Questions: How do 2-stage machines of this size do with the more common, smaller snowfalls (3 to 6 inches)? Any particular features I should look for to maximize performance in these common conditions? Would a 26-inch model do better because it collects snow from a larger path? I am leaning toward a Husqvarna 24-inch model because it will be easier to manage in the garage and has roughly the same power as a 26-inch Toro (which also seems to be using a brand new engine this year, which causes me concern). Any thoughts on these or other brands? Thanks, Jon
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MN_Runner


Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Joined: Dec 5, 2010
Points: 622

Re: Need advice on new 2-stage
Reply #1   Nov 12, 2011 2:44 pm
Welcome aboard.  Don't know how you did it for the past 12 years.  I feel like a whimp having a big snowblower for my small drive way. Your choices are fine and you seem like a level headed person so you will make a sound decision whichever you pick.  Take your wife with you so she can try and use it.  Steve_Cebu, one of the old time members, has Toro 1028 and his wife has no problem using it.  Good luck and tell us about your new toy when you get one.
Steve_Cebu


Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 888

Re: Need advice on new 2-stage
Reply #2   Nov 12, 2011 8:39 pm
jpmeyer wrote:
I plan on replacing a 12 year-old Toro 1-stage with a new 2-stage this season. I live in Northern Illinois and we get around 50 inches per year, with only a few snowfalls of more than 8 inches. However, my old Toro was sadly overmatched against last February's 20-incher and I need something that my wife can use in a pinch. I've got about 200 feet of sidewalk and about a 5-car driveway, all with modest slope. I also need to deal with significant end-of-driveway muck and to clear a curb cut that the neighborhood kids use to get to the bus stop. Ideally, I want something that can throw snow from my driveway and back walk over a 5-7 foot retaining wall and onto a hillside behind my house, something my Toro can do under only very limited circumstances. My garage space limits me to a 24- or 26-inch wide model. I tend to buy higher-quality, more expensive machines and to keep them maintained and in service for quite a while. Questions: How do 2-stage machines of this size do with the more common, smaller snowfalls (3 to 6 inches)? Any particular features I should look for to maximize performance in these common conditions? Would a 26-inch model do better because it collects snow from a larger path? I am leaning toward a Husqvarna 24-inch model because it will be easier to manage in the garage and has roughly the same power as a 26-inch Toro (which also seems to be using a brand new engine this year, which causes me concern). Any thoughts on these or other brands? Thanks, Jon


If you can get a Toro 1028 with the Briggs engine then that would be a good choice. I have not had the time to check out the Husqvarna's as they are not local to me. If it was powdery snow my 1028 could easily do what you are trying to do. If it was slush it would be a different story. The 1028 cab throw slush but how far will depend on just how slushy it is.

"If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in New England."  "If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in New England."
MrNuke


Joined: Oct 28, 2011
Points: 16

Re: Need advice on new 2-stage
Reply #3   Nov 13, 2011 11:56 pm
jpmeyer wrote:
I plan on replacing a 12 year-old Toro 1-stage with a new 2-stage this season. I live in Northern Illinois and we get around 50 inches per year, with only a few snowfalls of more than 8 inches. However, my old Toro was sadly overmatched against last February's 20-incher and I need something that my wife can use in a pinch. I've got about 200 feet of sidewalk and about a 5-car driveway, all with modest slope. I also need to deal with significant end-of-driveway muck and to clear a curb cut that the neighborhood kids use to get to the bus stop. Ideally, I want something that can throw snow from my driveway and back walk over a 5-7 foot retaining wall and onto a hillside behind my house, something my Toro can do under only very limited circumstances. My garage space limits me to a 24- or 26-inch wide model. I tend to buy higher-quality, more expensive machines and to keep them maintained and in service for quite a while. Questions: How do 2-stage machines of this size do with the more common, smaller snowfalls (3 to 6 inches)? Any particular features I should look for to maximize performance in these common conditions? Would a 26-inch model do better because it collects snow from a larger path? I am leaning toward a Husqvarna 24-inch model because it will be easier to manage in the garage and has roughly the same power as a 26-inch Toro (which also seems to be using a brand new engine this year, which causes me concern). Any thoughts on these or other brands? Thanks, Jon

I'm kind of in the same situation as you with a smaller area to clear and a slightly smaller retaining wall.  I ultimately ended up going with the Toro 826 OXE (their 26" two stage).  I can't comment on the Husqvarna, but a couple of things on the Toro.  I agree with the previous commenter that I'd take your wife along and have her try out both if she is going to be using it.  The Toro is incredibly easy to operate and moves around almost as easily without power by engaging both wheel clutches.  You may still be able to get the Toro with the Briggs and Stratton Engine as well.  I did.  The 826 has the B&S, the 926 does not.  The consensus here appears to be that this year is a transition year for Toro has they exhaust their existing B&S stock and transition to their "Toro" labeled engines.  The engine on the 826 is equivalent if not exactly the same to the Husky you are looking at, both about 250cc B&S.  I'm not sure you'd go wrong with either choice though. 
This message was modified Nov 14, 2011 by MrNuke
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