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

Apparently, my local Toro dealer says that this year's 421Q model comes with a B&S 4-stroke engine.  He said that this engine is more powerful than the 2-stroke R-tek engine that is in the 221Q. 

He started the 421Q 4 stroke engine.  It sounded fairly quiet and was relatively vibration free smooth running.  Definitely quieter and smoother than the Honda GX160 engine.  I was impressed.  Good job B&S.

He didn't start the 221Q 2 stroke engine.  Stated that it had no gas in tank.  Either that could be true or he didn't want to stink up the showroom with exhaust fumes.

Has anyone used both engines on the Toro 221Q and 421Q and can provide honest report?  Which engine is more powerful and can do the job of moving heavy snow better?

I know there are folks here are dyed in the wool 2-stroke fans, you know who you are.  Barring the 4 stroke heavier weight, complexity, and hassle of oil change, none of these draw backs are really a concern to me, I can go either way.  No big deal to change oil or mix oil in gasoline.  The 421Q felt slightly heavier in the front, but not enough to make a difference.  I won't be lifting either snowblower up and down the bed of a pickup truck so weight difference of 10 lbs isn't an issue. 

oldcrow wrote:

I live on a corner lot with sidewalks.  I have 4 piles to attack when the plow truck finish its business.  Two for the sidewalks, one for the driveway, and one for the mailbox.

I hate the piles that the plow truck leaves behind.  However, I like my plow truck guy.  My car is rear wheel drive with 5" ground clearance.  Without them plow trucks, the furthest I can go is end of driveway. 

Good discussion on the 2-smoke / 4-fart (I think).  It's quite informational and entertaining to read while waiting for the next big snow storm to arrive.  It's been 2+ weeks with no significant snow in my area. 

Yup, I guess we all have too much time on our hands, eh?

You realize I was only joshing about the plow truck, right? Where I live, it makes no difference if they plow the road or not. Just jump on the snowmobile and go.

Good sledding to all.

oldcrow: What kind of old bikes do you have packed away? Do you have some pics? Are you in the US or Canada? I'm asking because I have five vintage 1970s Yamaha RDs that I'm restoring. Just curious what you have.

oldcrow wrote:
Of course.  All in good company among OPE and combustion powered junkies.

borat wrote:
Borat: Thanks for asking. Here's a list of what's currently in my garage and barn. 2-strokes only, in running or rideable condition. Didn't include basket cases, used for parts and fabrication. I'm a pack rat, I'll freely admit.

Bultaco Persang 250, 1972
Bultaco Sherpa 350, 1975 (Sweet!)
H-D XS125, 1972 (Don't say it - it runs!)
CZ 250, 1973
Hodaka Wombat 125, 1972
Honda Mini-Trail 50, 1968 (Remember lusting after one?)
Husky D400 (The beast)
Kaw KX250, 1974
Ossa Phantom 175, 1974
Yammy YZ250, 1971-ish
Yammy YL-1 (100cc) Twinjet, 1966 (the old man - still putts!)

Favorite is the Taco 350 - but I love 'em all.

Best of luck with your RD projects - sounds like you're hooked. You wouldn't have one of the rare 5-speed versions, would you? 5-speed makes more sense for that bike. I rode an RD350 back in the early 70's, had a blast on it. Fair amount of frame flex, but very nimble and stable if you didn't go nuts. Smoothest 2-stroke twin on the planet (for it's day). And, it ran on mogas! Very popular scooter - you shouldn't have a hard time finding parts.

I'll see what pix I can dig up, or take some new ones. BTW, wife sez feel free to make me an offer. I say he who dies with the most toys wins. Any questions?

I live 60 minutes from the border, in northern Michigan - but I'm definitely a US citizen - eh?

aa335 wrote:
Who you calling a junkie?!!

I can quit whenever I want to...

...Done it dozens of times already.

So there!
    

oldcrow wrote:
Hehehe.  Sorry, I jumped the gun gun and lumped you in the same basket case.  Should have waited until you post your list of motorcycles, weed wackers, snowblowers, and snowmobiles....

Like they say, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.  Do you have a problem? 

Nice line up there oldcrow. Sounds like some sweet machines. I'm surprised with your comments about the RD350 frames flexing. They're pretty close to an exact knock off of their race frames of the day only a bit heavier and do-dad brackets on it. Maybe you had worn swing arm bushings or something. The bikes I have are rock solid and handle better than I'm capable of riding them. I do have a 1972 R5 which is the five speed pre- RD version. It's a 350cc engine without reed valves. The six speed tranny comes in handy if you have the power to use it. I've massaged an RD400 and an RD350 to make in the neighbourhood 50 rear wheel h.p. through air intake/carb mods, electronic ignition with programable timing, and efficient expansion chambers. If you thought the old RDs were quick, you'd love these old rockets. I'm working on putting a stock '74 RD350 back together. It's the brandy wine coloured model. Not going to hop that one up. When it's done, I'll be giving the R5 a good going over and possibly a few enhancements.

aa335 wrote:
Hmmmm, let's see - motorcycles, snowmobiles, leaf blower, chain saws, snowblowers, edger, carbide saw, water pump, lawnmowers, generator, ATV, donkey motor...

AHA!  I have no weed-wacker!

There you go - no problem here.
                    

borat wrote:
No museum pieces, but each one tells a story. Thanks.

It is possible that my RD had some damage when I bought it, but I looked it over pretty carefully and saw no obvious signs of abuse. These things were awfully forgiving about being layed down. I added several aftermarket pieces to the stock forks and frame, and replaced the swingarm bushings with roller bearings Overall, it handled quite nicely, until it was pressed hard into a turn.

The tubular swingarm wasn't state-of-the-art, but with a stiff set of Konis it was plenty tough enough for a street bike. In a straight line, I could stop it like a cat on a clothesline (brakes were excellent). But nothing seemed to help when I'd go into a hard turn (both sides) and snap back up - like on a switchback. I could literally feel the bike bend - no kidding - especially with the 16" rear. Came close to losing it several times when the rear would break and hop. Scary.

I was pretty crazy back then, and rode like a maniac. This was about the time that both Suzuki and Kawasaki came out with 700cc+ 2-stroke triples. CB750s, KZ900s, XS750s - it was a good time to be alive. Needless to say, some challenges were met better than others. But, I did my part.

That was one of my first road bikes, and I treated it like a thumper. Not surprising that she finally fell apart piece by piece. But, it remains one of my favorites. Since then, I've straddled everything from a Harley low-rider to a canyon racer. Yet, that little 350 was more fun then I've ever had with my clothes on. Gas consumption was terrible (for me, at least), but at 40c/gal who cared?

With the enhancements you speak of, your little buzzers should keep up with (or pass) any 750 on the road today. Thanks for the trip down Memory Ln, amigo. Ride on.