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

I have an opportunity to purchase a slightly used 2009 toro 421 single stage snowblower. It has a 195 cc tecumseh OHV engine. Does anyone have any experience with this engine?

They work very well with this engine. Slightly less powerful than the 2 stroke models, but by no means underpowered. The motor isn't super smooth or anything, but it gets the job done just fine. If the price is right I wouldn't hesitate.

superbuick wrote:
Thanks Superbuick for the feedback.  The model I was looking at cost $899 brand new.  Asking price on this used one is $550.  I can probably get it for $500 Canadian.  In your opinion, would it be better to get a new 2 stroke model?  The dealer that is selling this used one has a few 2 stroke models left that he's trying to get rid off.  I can get the 221 model, with the chute and no-electric start for $699.  I can also get the 4 stroke Chinese made engine model for $899 too.  How does the 2 stroke compare to the 4 stroke Tecumseh or the Chinese made 4 stroke on the new model?

You should be able to get the 221QR (manual recoil) for $679, new.  I've seen it at that price for end of season.

I've decided to wait getting the 421QR so Toro can work out some of the bugs for next year's production.  I'm not saying that Chinese made engines are bad.  From the limited time I had evaluating the 421QR with the Chinese engine, it did start up easily with little effort.  It ran smooth and quiet. 

But the end of season price on left over 421QR is quite attractive to take a gamble on first production year.  It's $50 less if I buy the left over from this year.  Something to consider.

Personally, Joe, I would just get the 2 stroke over either of the 4 stroke models. It is more powerful than both of them, and certainly more reliable than the first-year loncin engines (the tecumseh 4 stroke in the previous gen 421 was reliable) By this point in time, they've pretty much perfected the 2 stroke single stage into a very reliable, high performing unit. Unless you have some EPA/government/olfactory driven aversion to 2-strokes, they are the better choice in this application.

"It has a 195 cc tecumseh OHV engine."
Just too clarify..........The older 421 had a standard side valve Tecumseh engine and not an overhead valve engine.
The new models use a Loncin overhead valve type.

superbuick wrote:
I could have swore you were on Toro's payroll.  :)  Good points though.  Its hard to ignore that Rtek engine is perfected by now.

clint wrote: Clint,

The model I am looking at has an OHV 195 cc Tecumseh engine.  These models were European models that were sent to Canada when they ran out of single stage snowblowers last year.  My guess is that they have the same specs as the side-valve version. 

My bad, Joed. I didnt know they existed.
Would you post a model number just in case I ever run into one?
Thanks.

clint wrote: Number on the unit I'm looking at is 6053.

aa335 wrote:

If I was...wouldn't I be pushing the new stuff??? I hate the direction they are taking things with foreign-made junk and underpowered 4-strokes.