which single stage ?

[Earthscapes]

my choices are:

1.Ariens 722EC
2.Honda HS520A
3.Toro CCR 2450 R GTS
4.Troy Bilt Squall 521

All commercial "walks only"
Mainly looking for ease of loading/unloading out of pickup
and durabilty.
Had my hands on the Ariens today and I'm scared of the plastic bottom and wheels. I'm not sure if the rest are like that...I'll go look tomorrow.

[wyldman]

I go with the Toro,but the 3650,as the extra power is nice,and it's no heavier.It is a little noisy though.

The Honda would be my second choice,as it's quieter.

[Earthscapes]

So you choose the 2 cycle over the 4 cycle. I was thinking the other route...but this is why i'm asking.

[wyldman]

The two strokes are so simple,and trouble free.Use a good quality synthetic like Opti-2.They are easier to start too.

The only thing I did to mine was open up the main jet a few thou,as it had a lean surge.Must be due to them running so lean to meet emissions.

The Honda is a good machine too,I just love the smell of a good two stroke (goes back to the bike racing days I guess :D).

[synner]

like Chris said the 2 strokes are really easy to work with and lighter, my only complaint with the Toro's is that after a couple of seasons it seems like the motor is trying to leave the machine where as the Honda is a bit porkier but smooth and quiet for years to come.

[Earthscapes]

I'm down to 2.

Ariens 722EC 7 hp
Toro 3650 6.5 hp

They can be had on Ebay with free shipping and no tax. :D

I keep hearing the Ariens is easier to take apart if there is a problem ?? any feedback ?

thanks all

[synner]

my only real complaint with the Toro 3650 is the crank to turn the chute around is slow - the 5.0hp version 2450 maybe I like because the chute has the big mitten grip handle on the back, easy and quick to adjust on the fly.

[snowplowjay]

As I have said in prior Snow Blower posts............

We like the Toros 100%.................


Its a quality, dependable, lightweight machine................

Go for the TOROS!!!!!!!!!!!


Jay

[Earthscapes]

Short story,
Went to do an estimate & when the guy opened the garage door my eyeballs popped out. Guy says "u like it" I say yeah I'm going to buy one today, he says how about you take $200.00 off the price of my driveway and it's yours. I hand him my pen he writes me a check for $150, signs the contract and pushes his snowblower out the door.

http://www.jimpierce26.com/stuff/DSC00680.JPG

http://www.jimpierce26.com/stuff/DSC00681.JPG

[wyldman]

Way to go Keith !

It should serve you well.

It looks fairly new,but just check to make sure it has the updated "snow shield" over the choke lever.It's just a big piece of rubber that stops snow from getting sucked in and icing up the carb.

[CraftyBigDog]

Yeah I just bought the Toro Snow Commander, I like it alot and cant wait to use it!