I have a 300' long gravel driveway with a 15-degree incline at the
end, and I want to buy a snow thrower to clear it.

As I use the Honda web site "dealer locator" in search of the beloved
Honda HS724TA track drive 2-stage,

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/M...elName=HS724TA

it appears that they cannot be found within an hour's drive. Driving
that far to buy it would be fine, but is it sensible, cost-wise, to
have the unit transported that far (there and back twice = 4 hours) by
a dealer for service? The Honda track sounds wonderful, as long as
the handles aren't too short for us 6-footers.

But, I wonder if I would be better off getting a wheeled Toro or
Ariens (I can't find any Simplicity) that are said to be of good
quality and can be serviced locally. I could also get local service
for the tracked Craftsman or Troy-Bilt; both made by MTD. But reports
about MTD reliability scare me. Would you expect the MTD/Craftsman to
be about as reliable as the MTD/Troy-Bilt? This weekend, at a local
Sears, the Craftsman is on sale for $1110.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=07188890000

It looks like I have three choices:

*** I could give up on the tracks and get a Toro or Ariens that could
be serviced locally after the 2-year warranty period.

*** I could buy a Honda from afar or via the Internet, and hope that
I don't need to get it to a Honda authorized service center while
under warranty. Then have it serviced locally after the 2 year
warranty.

*** I could go snag that sale price on the Craftsman tomorrow at
Sears.



What you think?

Thanks for the help!
Teffy

I just went thru the same thing. The honda is great, but too rich for my
blood. I ended up getting the ariens 11528. We'll see how it works this
winter. I paid 1299.


What you think?

Thanks for the help!
Teffy

On 16 Oct 2004 20:20:19 -0700, (Teffy)
wrote:

I have a 300' long gravel driveway with a 15-degree incline at the
end, and I want to buy a snow thrower to clear it.

As I use the Honda web site "dealer locator" in search of the beloved
Honda HS724TA track drive 2-stage,

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/M...elName=HS724TA

it appears that they cannot be found within an hour's drive. Driving
that far to buy it would be fine, but is it sensible, cost-wise, to
have the unit transported that far (there and back twice = 4 hours) by
a dealer for service? The Honda track sounds wonderful, as long as
the handles aren't too short for us 6-footers.

But, I wonder if I would be better off getting a wheeled Toro or
Ariens (I can't find any Simplicity) that are said to be of good
quality and can be serviced locally. I could also get local service
for the tracked Craftsman or Troy-Bilt; both made by MTD. But reports
about MTD reliability scare me. Would you expect the MTD/Craftsman to
be about as reliable as the MTD/Troy-Bilt? This weekend, at a local
Sears, the Craftsman is on sale for $1110.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=07188890000

It looks like I have three choices:

*** I could give up on the tracks and get a Toro or Ariens that could
be serviced locally after the 2-year warranty period.

*** I could buy a Honda from afar or via the Internet, and hope that
I don't need to get it to a Honda authorized service center while
under warranty. Then have it serviced locally after the 2 year
warranty.

*** I could go snag that sale price on the Craftsman tomorrow at
Sears.



What you think?

Thanks for the help!
Teffy

Teffy;

My $.02 worth:

I've owned/used MTD products of various labels in the past. In my
experience not a single one lived up to expectations. Since then I've
tried to stay name-brand. When I replaced my snow blower 20 years ago
I purchased a Toro wheeled 724 model. With very little upkeep it
worked perfectly, was able to get up my driveway which is about or
steeper than yours and never really plugged up in wet snow. I did
have to have the belts, scraper, skids and traction wheel replaced
three years ago because I sort of "wore it out"!

This year I decided it was time for a new one because as much as I
liked the unit I had, I needed to keep both wheels locked to provide
the traction to get up the driveway. With both wheels locked turning
it any which way was always a chore. So, as I really didn't need one
but I figured why wait until the 20+ year old one eventually breaks,
why not purchase a new one. I looked long and hard, used reviews
online and especially consumer resports as my guide. I did visit and
try out the Troy-Built, Airens, Yardman and the new Toro. Truth be
told, none of them even came close to the handling of the Toro (the
Troy-built came close). So, visiting a local Toro dealer I traded in
my old for a new PowerMax 828 with power drive. This model has a
joystick for controlling the chute, it has a large pull start handle
as well as electric start and, most importantly, it has triggers on
each handle to disengage the clutch on the respective wheels.
This means that both wheels drive full-time but when it comes time to
turn, a simple pull on the appropriate trigger and the unit turns
itself. Honestly, I couldn't be happier. And now that this unit is
so easy to operate, I feel I can even convince my wife to try it
sometimes (hope hope).

Therefore, I would highly recommend the Toro because of its quality,
durabilaty, reliability and features. The price I paid in CT was
$1240 minus the trade value of my old unit.

Hope this helps with your decision.

Bob

The closest Honda dealer I found selling models with tracks is an hour
away, and the owner is not at all enthused about providing service
from that distance. So, I have given up on Honda.

I bought the 9 hp Craftsman with tracks for $1150. Should I get the
5-year in-home extended protection for $150? ??? The salesman said
they come to your home to repair for free whether it is a warranty
issue or my screw-up. I am responsible for periodiic mantenance,
which is fine with me.

Usually I think extended agreements are a rip-off. But if this unit,
which is made by MTD, "lives down" to MTD's reputation, it might be a
good deal. What do you think?

One potential downside - the delay in getting them to come out may be
a matter of luck. One salesman said he thought they came around
"about once a week."

Thank you,
Teffy

(Teffy) wrote in message . com...
I have a 300' long gravel driveway with a 15-degree incline at the
end, and I want to buy a snow thrower to clear it.

As I use the Honda web site "dealer locator" in search of the beloved
Honda HS724TA track drive 2-stage,

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/M...elName=HS724TA

it appears that they cannot be found within an hour's drive. Driving
that far to buy it would be fine, but is it sensible, cost-wise, to
have the unit transported that far (there and back twice = 4 hours) by
a dealer for service? The Honda track sounds wonderful, as long as
the handles aren't too short for us 6-footers.

But, I wonder if I would be better off getting a wheeled Toro or
Ariens (I can't find any Simplicity) that are said to be of good
quality and can be serviced locally. I could also get local service
for the tracked Craftsman or Troy-Bilt; both made by MTD. But reports
about MTD reliability scare me. Would you expect the MTD/Craftsman to
be about as reliable as the MTD/Troy-Bilt? This weekend, at a local
Sears, the Craftsman is on sale for $1110.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=07188890000

It looks like I have three choices:

*** I could give up on the tracks and get a Toro or Ariens that could
be serviced locally after the 2-year warranty period.

*** I could buy a Honda from afar or via the Internet, and hope that
I don't need to get it to a Honda authorized service center while
under warranty. Then have it serviced locally after the 2 year
warranty.

*** I could go snag that sale price on the Craftsman tomorrow at
Sears.



What you think?

Thanks for the help!
Teffy

"Teffy" wrote in message
om...
The closest Honda dealer I found selling models with tracks is an hour
away, and the owner is not at all enthused about providing service
from that distance. So, I have given up on Honda.

I bought the 9 hp Craftsman with tracks for $1150. Should I get the
5-year in-home extended protection for $150? ??? The salesman said
they come to your home to repair for free whether it is a warranty
issue or my screw-up. I am responsible for periodiic mantenance,
which is fine with me.

Usually I think extended agreements are a rip-off. But if this unit,
which is made by MTD, "lives down" to MTD's reputation, it might be a
good deal. What do you think?

One potential downside - the delay in getting them to come out may be
a matter of luck. One salesman said he thought they came around
"about once a week."

Thank you,
Teffy

I have a Sears (MTD) Track drive I bought more than 10 years ago. Never had
a problem with it but I don't have a driveway like you do and it is only a 6
HP. The first oil change I switched to 5W30 Mobil 1 (I have used it in all
my air cooled 4 cycle engines since it came out).

If you have any rocks in that gravel driveway, get some spare shear pins.
If they are like mine they are just soft bolts that hold the auger.

The maintenance I would worry about is throwing a tread. I think if you
annually check the tension on it you should not have any problem.

Also be certain to drain the gasoline at the end of the season, run the
engine until dry and squirt some oil into the cylinder (and turned the
piston over a couple times).

Teffy wrote:

The closest Honda dealer I found selling models with tracks is an hour
away, and the owner is not at all enthused about providing service
from that distance. So, I have given up on Honda.

I bought the 9 hp Craftsman with tracks for $1150. Should I get the
5-year in-home extended protection for $150? ??? The salesman said
they come to your home to repair for free whether it is a warranty
issue or my screw-up. I am responsible for periodiic mantenance,
which is fine with me.

Usually I think extended agreements are a rip-off. But if this unit,
which is made by MTD, "lives down" to MTD's reputation, it might be a
good deal. What do you think?


It's a crap shoot. $2.50 a month for 5 years is probably less than you
pay for postage stamps.
You may be lucky (or $ unlucky) to go the whole 5 years without a
problem, but if you do need the warrantee work, it may pay for itself
the first time you use it.

One potential downside - the delay in getting them to come out may be
a matter of luck. One salesman said he thought they came around
"about once a week."


So, they do all the warrantee work on one day of the week?
Or perhaps he meant it may take up to a week to get to you. If you are
lucky (again), you may be the first on the list.

Thank you,
Teffy

(Teffy) wrote in message . com...


I have a 300' long gravel driveway with a 15-degree incline at the
end, and I want to buy a snow thrower to clear it.

As I use the Honda web site "dealer locator" in search of the beloved
Honda HS724TA track drive 2-stage,

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/M...elName=HS724TA

it appears that they cannot be found within an hour's drive. Driving
that far to buy it would be fine, but is it sensible, cost-wise, to
have the unit transported that far (there and back twice = 4 hours) by
a dealer for service? The Honda track sounds wonderful, as long as
the handles aren't too short for us 6-footers.

But, I wonder if I would be better off getting a wheeled Toro or
Ariens (I can't find any Simplicity) that are said to be of good
quality and can be serviced locally. I could also get local service
for the tracked Craftsman or Troy-Bilt; both made by MTD. But reports
about MTD reliability scare me. Would you expect the MTD/Craftsman to
be about as reliable as the MTD/Troy-Bilt? This weekend, at a local
Sears, the Craftsman is on sale for $1110.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=07188890000

It looks like I have three choices:

*** I could give up on the tracks and get a Toro or Ariens that could
be serviced locally after the 2-year warranty period.

*** I could buy a Honda from afar or via the Internet, and hope that
I don't need to get it to a Honda authorized service center while
under warranty. Then have it serviced locally after the 2 year
warranty.

*** I could go snag that sale price on the Craftsman tomorrow at
Sears.



What you think?

Thanks for the help!
Teffy

In my experience, the "in home" services aren't that at all.
Before you sign it, READ the contract very carefully, from start
to finish, and get whoever answers your questions about it to put
his answers in writing. The ONE contract I ever bought, it
turned out we were "outside" the area for that service but I
could bring my mower to another city nearby (turned out it was 55
miles one way) and they'd fix it when the guy got to that area,
which no one could determine his schedule. OH, and of course, I
could have shipped it! Yeah!!
I made enough noise I got my money back; but wow, what a
hassle! Oh, and I got it fixed for $20 plus parts. It was an air
conditioner motor. One of the best things Sears does, and why I
go back to them, is provide nearly complete parts lists and
assembly diagrams.

Your mileage may vary of course, but, my advice is Read. Read
carefully.

My OPINION is, let someone local fix it if/when it breaks. If I
can't do it myself, there's usually someone around that can if I
look hard enough. Also, $150 is an awfully expensive contract
for an $1100 dollar piece of equipment. I think, anyway. I like
Sears, I hate their hype and crappy useless contracts.

Pop



"Teffy" wrote in message
om...
| The closest Honda dealer I found selling models with tracks is
an hour
| away, and the owner is not at all enthused about providing
service
| from that distance. So, I have given up on Honda.
|
| I bought the 9 hp Craftsman with tracks for $1150. Should I
get the
| 5-year in-home extended protection for $150? ??? The salesman
said
| they come to your home to repair for free whether it is a
warranty
| issue or my screw-up. I am responsible for periodiic
mantenance,
| which is fine with me.
|
| Usually I think extended agreements are a rip-off. But if this
unit,
| which is made by MTD, "lives down" to MTD's reputation, it
might be a
| good deal. What do you think?
|
| One potential downside - the delay in getting them to come out
may be
| a matter of luck. One salesman said he thought they came
around
| "about once a week."
|
| Thank you,
| Teffy
|
| (Teffy) wrote in message
. com...
| I have a 300' long gravel driveway with a 15-degree incline
at the
| end, and I want to buy a snow thrower to clear it.
|
| As I use the Honda web site "dealer locator" in search of the
beloved
| Honda HS724TA track drive 2-stage,
|
|
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/M...elName=HS724TA
|
| it appears that they cannot be found within an hour's drive.
Driving
| that far to buy it would be fine, but is it sensible,
cost-wise, to
| have the unit transported that far (there and back twice = 4
hours) by
| a dealer for service? The Honda track sounds wonderful, as
long as
| the handles aren't too short for us 6-footers.
|
| But, I wonder if I would be better off getting a wheeled Toro
or
| Ariens (I can't find any Simplicity) that are said to be of
good
| quality and can be serviced locally. I could also get local
service
| for the tracked Craftsman or Troy-Bilt; both made by MTD. But
reports
| about MTD reliability scare me. Would you expect the
MTD/Craftsman to
| be about as reliable as the MTD/Troy-Bilt? This weekend, at
a local
| Sears, the Craftsman is on sale for $1110.
|
| http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=07188890000
|
| It looks like I have three choices:
|
| *** I could give up on the tracks and get a Toro or Ariens
that could
| be serviced locally after the 2-year warranty period.
|
| *** I could buy a Honda from afar or via the Internet, and
hope that
| I don't need to get it to a Honda authorized service center
while
| under warranty. Then have it serviced locally after the 2
year
| warranty.
|
| *** I could go snag that sale price on the Craftsman
tomorrow at
| Sears.
|
|
|
| What you think?
|
| Thanks for the help!
| Teffy