My "new" YS828!!

[brider]

I just snagged a YS828 on ebay, it was mentioned here is this forum in January, but for some reason the deal didn't go thru, and I got it on the 2nd go-round, Here is what the owner said about it:

Dear XXXXX,

Hi ~ There is some surface rust in by the auger which is normal..all controls work...machine starts right up...I never changed the shear pins...they look to be the correct ones...I had ordered some many years ago...If I can find them, you are welcome to them...The air cleaner cover is off the machine right now but is in my garage...tracks don't appear to have dry rot on them...skid plate on left side needs new shoe...the one on the right is good...the air cleaner cover is the only thing that is not in place.......everything is original on this machine...I have not used the electric start in years...it seems to always start on second or third pull....However, this machine is used but has serviced me well with no problems for many years.....I have not overhauled the carborator this year...this is something that I do every year when I drain the gas...Hope this helps...Thank you for your inquiry and good luck! Sue

Item Id: 120376047198
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120376047198&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

The owner also said she used it for the 3 snows we've had this year. AND, I specifically asked her about vibration, and she says there is none.

I haven't picked it up yet, but what about that "skid plate on the left side needs new shoe"? Is that something I can deal with until I find the part, or is it something I need to do NOW??

[Underdog]

This was a great ebay find at a fantastic price.  From the photos it looks like very little wear (The front scraper bar looks new). Certainly not abused and it sounds like the owner took good care of it (real bonus). You really did your homework and it paid off.   You could not have done better. When are you picking it up?  

I would not worry about the worn skid for now. Those are inexpensive/easy-to-find and some folks put skids on the sides of the bucket instead.  For now just get it running at home, change the oil and spark plug and try it out. See how well it works and see if there are any issues (I'm sure there aren't).  I think you'll really appreciate the extra power of the 8hp.  Download the manuals and put them in a 3 ring binder. Post some pictures when you get the chance.  Welcome to the "Fan Club" and great job.

[brider]

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I hope to pick it up next Tues, I'll take some pics quick and post them. I HAD a deposit on a really nice Husqvarna 10.5 hp, 30 in variable-speed tranny blower for $600, but after reading about the Yamaha and talking to a former distributor about the benefits of the track (I have a hilly yard and need to blow paths for the dogs and to the woodpile), I figured the Yamaha was a better deal at 4 bills, even though it was much older.

Still, that Husky was a great price and is still available.

The PO says she hadn't used the electric start in years; do you suppose it still works?

[Underdog]

That electric start will work.  The only thing that kills them is leaving them out in the wet.  The water will freeze and split the starter's magnets.  Keep them dry and you won't have an issue.  
Tuesday?  That's almost a week away.  You are far more patient than I am.
As for paths, the tracks are great. I really like the adjustable bucket height.