Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I'm buying a new snowblower in the smaller size for a driveway and sidewalk. Can anyone comment on the Simplicity 522E or Honda HS520C please? These are both single stage and compact for good storage.

aa335 wrote: I'd also recommend looking at the 221 Toro.  I'm not hesitant to say it is far and away the best single stage snowblower currently on the market.  Its worth a look.  The Toro auger/housing design throws snow incredibly well.  If you insist on 4 stroke (aka insisting on less power, more weight, and more maintenance) then check out the 421 Toro. 

Sure appeciate all the replies and information. I thought I wanted just a 4-stroke, one-stage. I'm limited to its storage space. Also, we don't get a lot of snow where I live; however, there are those days!!! Also, I hav a large driveway but a small sidewalk, so it's primarily to clear away the snow on the driveway and the mess the street cleaners leave right at the end of the driveway. My driveway is cement and it's pretty much clear of any debris that would get in the blades.

Is the Toro a 2-stroke? I recall a video on YouTube of an older small Toro ploughing through snow in the woods and it was incredible. Just never wore out and really cleared the snow.

Any other thoughts on this would be appreciated.

The Toro 221 series (and the 210) are 2 strokes.  They are VERY underrated at 6.5hp, lightweight, reliable, and very easy to start.  The Toro 421, Snapper, and Honda are 4 strokes that are marketed as superior but in reality are more complex, heavier, weaker, and require regular oil changes.  The common knock against 2 strokes is the "messy mixing of oil and gas"- this is a complete load of crap.  If you can make a cup of tea, coffee, or lemonade, then you can mix oil and gas.  You buy a gallon of gas, then dump the pre-measured bottle of 2 stroke oil (included with the snowblower and available at any hardware store, home depot, lowes, etc.) into the gallon of gas.  Done.  MUCH easier than changing the oil in your 4 stroke motor each season.

When it comes to single stage snowblowers, I'm partial to 2 strokes and also to the Toro auger design.  I've run the Honda 520 quite a bit, but never the snapper (though I used an old MTD that had the same auger design and it isn't very good).  In back to back comparisons, the Toro 2 stroke out threw the Honda handily.  I've never run the Toro 4 stroke, but with the way the 2 stroke performs I can't see a need to.

I only post because I have a 13 year old Simplicity.  My only comments are regarding servicing.  I have no doubt designs have changed but sevicing mine is a royal pain.  You essentially have to remove the top cowl, back cowl, auger...almost dissasemble the whole thing just to get at the carb!  It was always a surcharge when it went in for service and the guys in the back never looked real happy about it.  My newer toro however is very simple to access everything.

Like I said, design likely has changed but I'd ask the dealer on each model you are interested in: 'Hey if I want to drop the bowl, whats involved?'

Well I went with the Honda Model HS520C for just over $1000. I live in a small place and it seemed every time I went to one of the local stores or dealers they were sold out or they got something new in. This one just came in the day I stopped by and it had an electric start so I quickly bought it.  Originally they said they'd not be able to get them in or they'd not be the electric start model.

Has anyone had any experience with the fuel stabilizer? What happens if you don't use this or is it something that should always be used?

Of course now that I have this it won't snow, right?

I use SeaFoam as a fuel stabilizer. It also has other medicinal benefits for fuel system,carb and engine.