I too can't speak to all of your needs, but here's my experience.
I bought a wheelhorse 12hp manual 18yrs ago after blowing up my 8hp
wheelhorse due to lack of owner maintenance (no oil).
I'd agree 100% with Derek except for the snow blade thing. I have a 130' x
30' drive and have plowed with my 42" blade every year with no problems. I
have chains but no extra weights. Like someone else said, when it's deeper
it takes longer. I live in Michigan.
Sounds like you take care of your lawn similar to mine (1 acre) and my 42"
deck has been sufficient to have a beer or two while mowing.
Oh, btw, I bought my wheelhorse just before toro took over, so no telling
what is available now. I have a Kohler engine, and just last fall changed
my transaxle oil for the first time. I've religiously changed my engine oil
every fall and spring since new. Never a problem except an occasional new
plug and have been through 2 batteries.
hth
Safety Fast!
Gordie Bird
'62 MGA
'67 MGBGT
>
>
> Based on my 7 years experience with a large suburban yard
> (not 2 acres) - I'd say -
> - buy new - 10 year depreciation less than $200/yr
> - any well known make - I went Sears for service
> - 12hp enough 14/16 a luxury
> - manual trans fine for open areas
> - only advantage of hydro might be getting SO to drive it!
> - forget snow blade - it's not lack of hp it's lack of
> weight and traction (even with chains) - get separate
> snowblower - not much more expensive than buying a blade
> and much better - much easier.
>
> "If you want to turn and mill buy a lathe and a mill not a
> 3-in-1"
>
> YMMV
|