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

Does anyone know of any new snowblowers out for 2012? Looking to trade in my Toro 826OXE for something with a larger motor. I am leaning toward a larger Toro but  I am open. Any suggestions?

Loncin Engine. Got it straight from a Toro dealer representative by pretending to be a local dealer. The rep. says been using Loncin for about 10 years in various products and going away from B&S due to competition and was very adamant about not re-establishing any relationship with B&S.
I am about to order the 926OXE from HD when I started to do more research and really am on the fence as to the engine quality. The websites say that they also make BMW motorcycle engines and have gotten fairly decent reviews on other websites.
I am fearful about the parts and oil leaking talked about on this websites on some of Loncin other engines. Advice?

Are you happy with the unit and build qualityy of the engine? Any chance you got a chance to test it out in snow conditions yet?

The site that I saw about a review about the Loncin factory is: http://bikeadvice.in/visit-loncin-motorcycle-factory-chongqing-china/

The review is 2 years old but I guess based on the reviewer the quality was good to better than good and I assume since they are now making engines for even more companies that the quailty is still acceptable. I need advice if to go with the 926 OXE as Home Depot allowing me a 20% discount on the online price.

blumonster wrote:

 The literature states that there is a large box under the control panel, Keeps tools handy.

Does this suggest that your tools should be handy to repair this unit when it breaks down?

Looks like your tools would mostly electronic devices to test and adjust this model,

Probably could   only be  done by a Honda technician

The money spent for this machine could buy you a good used 4x4  truck with snowplow.

So to continue to add to this discussion. What do we know so far...Toro is dumping B&S engines and going with Loncin. With that said I can get a 926 OXE from my Home Depot for almost $1300 with delivery and tax or try this company on the web.
http://artagarden.com/products.php?product=Toro-Power-Max%C2%AE-826OXE-%2826%22%29-250cc-Two%252dStage-Snow-Blower

What do you all think? They are located in Indonesia, no 800 number and when I spoke to them via on-line chat the person said item will ship from USA in Minnesota.

Why consider them?  Well check out the prices almost $400 less on many Toro units but the s/h & taxes is $210.

Do I take a chance and save almost $200 on a 926 OXE that they sell for $899 plus $210 s/h = about $1109

What to do...new engine made in China and now a Far East company purporting to sell Toro well below others.

When they're new they all run great, it doesn't matter.  But when they're no longer new only the Honda still runs like new. Read the reviews from Honda snowblower owners years after they bought the machine, they rave about these reliable machines.

redtaven wrote:

I got my 826 OXE (2012 model)  from Speedway Sales for $1299 , no tax & free shipping.    Wise Equipment is another good choice , if I remember right they have the 926 OXE for $1279 , no tax & free shipping.  I have bought mowers etc. in the past from both of these places with no problems at all.   Don't think  I'd be comfortable ordering from some Indonesian outfit...... could be a very expensive deal in the end.

I just found this= "my visit to loncin motorcycle engine factory in china"  (put it in search). interesting they make some of the BMW motorcycle engines and others. Has some pictures of inside factory.

I'm a big fan of Toro products, no secret there. But if I had to buy a Toro 2 stage with a Loncin engine. I'd buy a Honda instead!

Sure Loncin might be better than they used to be but I want my snowblower to start every time and maybe it will with a Loncin but what about 5-10 years down the road?

I know my B&S will work for many years, but Loncin? I just don't know, and for me, I want reliability in my snowblower because when I wake up at 6am

and there is 20" of snow in the driveway and my wife has to get to the hospital for her job, I need my snowblower to start up every time.

All the fancy gadgets mean nothing if it doesn't start right up and blow snow.

The engine is the heart of the snowblower.

Steve_Cebu wrote:

I never noticed that....

If the new Honda Hybrid Snowblower for $ 8000.00 dollars isn't in your price range, try looking at the Cub Cadet that Consumer Reports made its top rated snowblower, it sells for a list price of $ 1,600.00 dollars.  The machine has both a  16" diameter auger (the part that bites into the snow), and a 16" diameter fan (the part that throws the snow).  It is a 900 series Cub Cadet, and they are built by MTD the largest manufacturer of snowblowers.   Most two stage snowblowers have a 12" auger and fan, the larger 16" diameter should translate into more impressive snow removal. Good Luck with whatever you decide to buy.