Snow blowers

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

I live in the snow belt of Lake Erie and have run Toro, Yardman, Arens machines over the years. Dealer talked me out of the elec start and he was right. The fist time I fire it up for the year it takes 4-5 pulls, but after that it has never failed to start 1st pull in 10 years! I change the plug, oil and broke 1 shear pin. That's it. Wet snow won't slow it down. It goes right through heavy wet deep snow, and still throws it a mile. The hydrostatic drive makes it easy to control. I recommend this snow blower to everyone. Best I've ever used. Well worth the extra money.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

I own the tracked model of this (624). The hydrostatic drive is outstanding when used properly. The lack of gears, drive wheels, etc. makes this much more reliable. The proper way to use it is to engage the auger with the right-hand control, select zero speed and then engage the drive clutch. Keep the drive clutch always engaged during use, and the auger will remain in operation. When it's time to turn around, keep the drive auger engaged and stop or reverse with the speed control. This way, the clutch will last indefinitely. The tracked version is better for long, straight passes because it's a bit tougher to maneuver, but it seems to have more traction. Also, it doesn't lift the front when starting off, causing a bump. The wheeled version which I've also used is easier to turn around, and move around when not running. <br /><br />It will handle just about any snow, including berms, as long as it's fed slowly. With the hydrostatic drive, the speed is infinitely variable between zero and full, so you can adjust it to keep the engine working at an optimum speed for throwing the snow as far as possible. <br />It will eat snow and toss it right over my truck (but I don't recommend this). <br />I've owned mine for six years and bought it used. No issues except the seal in the auger gear reduction drive, but that was my fault; ran over some string which wound around the shaft and damaged it. It was easily repaired and the local distributor had the parts in stock. Also, the chute direction crank friction washers did not last long, but that was easily fixed with a bungie cord. <br />It is loud, but not obnoxiously so. As with most small engines, you should use hearing protection, and certainly should with this. I would give five stars if it were quieter. <br />And, this is a Honda, of course, so it will start every time you try it, unless you've run out of fuel or forgotten to use the choke or key switch.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.