What's the Hamer of... snow blowers

[Toadroller]

My inherited late-80s Toro 824 (with PowerShift!^TM and electric start) is old and weak and throws the snow like a public drinking fountain, and dang-it, I'm worth better.

Who out there can weigh in on the popular 24-28 inch $1000-$1400 range machines from Husqvarna, Ariens, Cub Cadet?  What sleeper am I missing?

I have a turn around driveway as well as a down-below large square area to get to the garage, so do need a workhorse.

[The Shark]

5 minutes ago, gtrdaddy said:

Seminole & east Orange Co’s Winter ‘82 /83 & winter 88/89. 

Dade: Year-round every year.

We used to play the Navy Base CPO Club once a month from early 1981 to New Year's 1984.  I remember loading the truck in flurries one night.  It wasn't really that cold. 

[geowolves]

12 hours ago, gtrdaddy said:

Ok guys, you’re all way off the mark. The HAMER of snowblowers is TECUMSEH. They were both proud and successful companies with a great history, they were both known for building high quality products, they were both purchased by larger companies in 2007, they both stopped regular production by 2009, they both officially closed their doors in 2013 and both Tecumseh and Hamer fans were caught up in embarrassing price fixing scandals rendering street value of products from both brands at tree-fiddy.

I agree, I had a Craftsman SB that I purchased when I moved in where I am now 20 years ago. It had a Tecumseh engine on it and it was a beast. Great engines! Couldn’t find another Tecumseh a few years ago so I went for the Honda 928s and haven’t looked back since. 

[Toadroller]

On 12/22/2018 at 9:17 PM, gtrdaddy said:

The HAMER of snowblowers is TECUMSEH.

And it turns out the engine on my Toro is a Tecumseh.  Go figure.

I received the new belts and auger bushings today and spent the afternoon putting it all back together.  It wasn't without it's challenges, but it gave me an excuse to try out my new Milwaukee impact wrench and remember where each of the nuts and bolts went.  When I got the whole thing together I set it to chomping on a fairly solid pile of snow bank (we haven't had fresh snow for a few weeks) and it was happy to chomp and throw a rainbow larger than I've seen in a while.  I'll report back when we receive a typical January helping of 8+ inches.  

For now, I'm pleased to rescue the beast and am looking forward to having two machines soon enough.  I'm leaning Ariens 28.

[DaveH]

On 12/29/2018 at 7:09 PM, Toadroller said:

For now, I'm pleased to rescue the beast and am looking forward to having two machines soon enough.  I'm leaning Ariens 28.

If'n this were my situation, I'd be happy to have the ole Toro back to kicking ass (in front of a 17 year old), and MY ass would be on the couch with a toddy! 

[Menehune]

On 12/21/2018 at 9:18 AM, geowolves said:

The Hamer of snow blowers are Honda's, You will be looking at almost double the price but it was well worth it for me. Honda engines are the Hamers on small equipment. They make a badass snowblower.  3 year warranty. 

This. Honda HS624/724/828/928 tracked snowblowers. Tough machines, but with the tracked hydrostatic drive, you can carve with great finesse and float the scoop depth over unpaved surfaces like gravel and grass. The new versions of the 828 and 928 have a joystick-controlled chute and battery start (if you want it), as opposed to the old side-crank and elevation lever, and plug-in starter.

If you buy one used, make sure the seller has kept the bottom chute plate and rear skid shoes adjusted, and hasn't ground down the auger teeth. Expensive replacement.

[hamerhead]

^^ That thing looks evil.

 

ETA:  I suggested in a previous post to hose your blowers down with silicon spray. While this works great, the overspray area on the ground is slippery AF (and remains so for a good while) and will put you on your ass in a heartbeat. Take care, kiddies.

[Boomerang~Junkie]

I have a mid sized, dual-stage Troy-Built with heated grips and electric start.    It has performed quite well for me - even in 18" - 24" of snow.

I think they make the Craftsman snow blowers now too - but they look more consumer grade.