Comments on: 7 Best Residential Track Snowblowers For 2018-2019

By: Mark Schmid

Mark Schmid — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 16:03:52 +0000

In reply to Paul. Me too!

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 15:35:21 +0000

In reply to Mark Schmid. Hi Mark, The Ariens website and my website are wrong. The Ariens Compact 24 Rapidtrack does have AutoTurn! Now I want one for myself! Good catch! Ariens and I will both get our sites changed in the next few days.

By: Mark Schmid

Mark Schmid — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 20:07:17 +0000

Thank you Paul for your reviews, they are very helpful. I have a question about the Ariens Compact 24 Rapidtrack. your review indicates that the 24″ model has a locked-solid axle and does not come with Auto-Turn. This is consistent with the specifications shown online. That said, the Operator’s Manual (at page 10) states that the 24″ model, model 90032, has Auto-Turn. The only dealers in my area are at Lowe’s and they are of no help in sorting this out. Has Auto-Turn been added since this review was updated for 2020-2021?

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 28 May 2021 13:45:36 +0000

In reply to Mike Miltenberger. Hi Mike, sorry for not getting back right away. No, the Husqvarna ST430T is even worse. It's big, bulky and very heavy. In addition, the weight balance is such that when you turn it feels like you are turning a 55-gallon tank of water that's half full. If you want the easiest track and most maneuverable track drive look at the Ariens RapidTrak. It's balanced perfectly and is very easy to turn. Plus, you get about 30% more capacity than the Honda or Husqvarna. Check out my videos of it over at my YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/paulsikkema

By: Mike Miltenberger

Mike Miltenberger — Wed, 19 May 2021 15:48:47 +0000

Hi Paul,
Last year I bought a Honda Hss1332atd. I finally got a chance to use it this year and it did pretty well, a few times it bogged down in wet snow. The biggest disadvantage to me is the maneuverability of this machine. After looking at your reviews do you think selling it with about 20 hours and getting the husqvarna st430t would be an improvement in maneuvering or is it about the same? Would I be sacrificing quality going from Honda to Husqvarna? I like the features of the Honda it’s been great but a beast to control on my long hilly driveway. Thanks so much
Mike

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 19 May 2021 12:28:54 +0000

In reply to Jeff. Hi Jeff, I'd go with the Toro 828 or 928 (1 HP difference and double jointed chute) over the used Honda. The Toro actually has more capacity and will throw the snow just as far. Plus, you get a warranty. The Honda will be much slower to use. The ONLY advantage to the HONDA is the resale value. There are a bunch of loyal Honda owners who continue to pay top dollar for that machine even though there are many better snowblowers now on the market.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 19 May 2021 03:01:28 +0000

Thank you Paul for your thoughts on the Honda! You had recommended the Toro Max 828 OAE 252cc for me. I am currently planning to get that one new for around $1200 next winter, but have been keeping my eye out in case a fantastic deal pops up for a used snowblower. If you were me, would you buy a used Honda HS 928 for $1600, or get a new Toro max 828 for $1200? I have been leaning towards the new Toro, as I read great things about the joystick chute control. Any thoughts would be very helpful!

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 15 May 2021 21:13:56 +0000

In reply to Jeff.

Hi Jeff, The HS928 is an older model. It does not have power steering, heated handgrips, and many other features the new HSS928 has. If you get lots of snow and have a “shorter” driveway (50-200 feet) it will do the job very well.
But, it’s a lot slower than the current snowblowers like the HSS928, Ariens Pro or Toro Pro.

The price is right. Most of these go for $1200 in “average” conditions. If this one is like new $1600 is a fair price.

The real benefit of the HS928 is there is it has a very rabid following and it’s the Honda snowblower that made Honda famous. It will hold it’s value if you don’t like it.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sat, 15 May 2021 19:38:15 +0000

Hi Paul: there is a Honda HS 928 track snowblower for sale for $1600. It is used, but like new. The person is relocating. Typically, it looks like they are around $3000. If you’re able to get one, used, but like new, is that something you would consider? We live in Yakima, wa. Thanks!

By: Jordan

Jordan — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 01:19:34 +0000

In reply to Paul. Thank you Paul - really appreciate your site and your advice. Have a good weekend!