HUSQVARNA 1830EXLT
2.5
5
2
2
The worst of the worst
The only thing I like about this machine is the hand warmers!
It's big and clumsy. Yes it moves the snow as long as you're on a flat level surface!
If you're drive is NOT completely flat it will go which ever way it wants to because it is very difficult to maneuver this machine because of the weight of it which all sits squarely over the auger tube in its present configuration!
It's as if they took one of their wheeled models and slapped tracks on it with out any thought to how it would effect the maneuverability of the machine!
This machine is going up for sale after this season or maybe even sooner if I can find a replacement Yamaha sooner!
January 21, 2012
A true powerhouse but be careful at your dealer...
This machine is an engineering marvel! I've been swimming in data (web and people) for the past few weeks on the various tracked models out there. I currently own a wheeled Ariens and am simply disappointed with the poor traction of wheels (yes, also not enough with chains). I'm also disappointed with the drive mechanisms out there for lower-end machines (probably 95% of the market)...those non-hydrostatic transmissions as they wear out easily, give the pretense of being 'geared', etc... then most are just a couple of rubber-covered wheels rubbing against each other to drive the wheels with 'faked' gear slots that simply hold the selector handle.
I've looked at the Honda, Troy-Bilt, Ariens for tracked machines and I've also looked at the dual-wheeled models like Simplicity. The Hondas are fantastic machines HOWEVER they aren't steerable (meaning the tracks moving at different rates of rotation...not just lugging or pushing them), until you get to the $7500 model that is the hybrid electric/gas. The Troy-Bilt and the Ariens are NOT hydrostatic which is the essence of what has made the Hondas legendary.
Husqvarna delivered on four key design differentiators:
1. Tracks--massive more contact area with the snow over what wheels give you...but the track pattern itself has a very aggressive bite that has the right design with diagonal ridges to hold the blower up/down a hill and *also* sideways to the hill which neither Honda nor Troy-bilt have.
2. Hydrostatic transmission---lets you inch and crawl along without any spinning at all...hydro trannies separate men/boys. Try it and you'll see...they also have these in wheeled versions but I think wheels don't hold a candle to the traction of a track.
3. Steerable! The Honda is just forward/back and you lug it/push it as it moves...same for several others. This is a massive difference as it's one of the great things about tracks and hydro but Honda's hydro isn't steerable!
4. Cog drive in tracks--METAL...others are plastic and the triangle design also keeps the tracks clear and above snow at all times. Troy-bilt... plastic...Honda...plastic... Husqvarna? Gorgeous steel tubing welded nicely around the metal drive wheel.
Here's the down side!!! Just like the Hondas...if these units are shoved/pushed while they have the tracks engaged (Honda's cannot be disengaged BTW), then the hydro drive can be damaged! Yea, right when you buy it then it's under warranty but they also may say it's abuse (which it actually is). What's my point? I tried one at a dealer and he has stairs that he drove it up and twisted it around...the unit does not turn left! He said a cable adjustment, etc...but then came back and said it wouldn't work but needed to be in the snow. Nah, it's a bust. SO... as with any hydro-drive (wheeled, tracked, Honda, etc.), make sure the thing steers equally in both directions when you try it at the dealer. I found another dealer and bought it...turned perfectly in both directions so don't believe anything about 'getting her into the snow'.
I have two Husqvarna saws (one big pro and one Rancher), and they absolutely rock... and I think this machine will keep me happy as well over the years. I think Husqvarna needs to be sure the dealers are really educated on these engineering marvels... I shouldn't be explaining features to the dealer. Bravo Husqvarna on a fantastic piece of engineering design and build! NO! I don't work for Husqy but just enjoy machinery like this!
One more brief point...yes, tracked machines are tricky to move if you can't power up the engine ... they can be pushed and pulled though especially how this one can disengage the tracks. Around the garage I put mine on a $15 wheeled moving dolly...good to go. I think I may do something silly like attach a small $50 ATV winch for kicks. There, I guess Husqy didn't think of *everything*... could add a winch plate or even a winch. ;) Yes, I know....
ps... I rated it down one on durability just because of what I saw happen when a dealer appeared to have mistreated one of these units by yanking it/driving it up/down/around flights of stairs ...that may not be fair but it's just a point and I haven't owned it long enough yet to tell but it's based on what I can see/feel/sense from the design and behavior.
November 10, 2011