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

Hello all new here.
 I have been wanting a snow blower and have decided on Toro. I have noticed on the 210, 221 and 2450 blowers they have the 2 stroke R-Tek.
Now being a noob,are these the same or does Toro "tweak" these things depending on which model.

I am wanting a Toro but I did run across a McCulloch single stage but unsure of the quality.

kellyinkc

All these models use the same engine.

Ok, thanks, Then it looks like the 2450 is the "sleeper" of the bunch. Westlake Ace Harware has all Toro's 10% off this week.

The 2450 is definitely the sleeper of that bunch. Works exactly as well as the more expensive ones. The only thing you miss out on is the quick chute which is neat, but may not be worth the extra cost depending on your perspective.

Sorry guys but the #"2450" always makes me smile! I got one a few years ago when HD got stuck with a load of machines at the end of the season and dumped them at 50% off. The 2450 is the "Little Engine That Could". Capable of doing much more work than it's  appearance would suggest and is just plain fun to use.The bonus is it's ability to clear those late winter/early spring slush storms that are more water than snow. It has the ability to actually pump water a good 10 feet. You know-the type of stom that makes your 2 stage form ice cylinders that just tumble out of the chute. The only addition I made to mine was to put a fuel shut off valve in the little "window" adjacent to the right wheel.

If you don't have room for a "2450" you need to build a bigger garage/shed!!  

Marc 

superbuick wrote:
And that is the $80 question. Is it really worth it? I agree the Quik Shoot is pretty nifty but........

Another perspective to look at.  Is it worth $8 a year for the convenience?

Sorry, trying hard not to sound like a car salesman.  :)

aa335 wrote:
No prob, actually that made me think. I might as well bite the bullet and get what I want. I do notice the shoot has a square discharge instead of round like on the 2450.
If that makes much difference. This will be my first snow blower.
I have a Honda HRX model mower which I love and looked at the Honda 520A but I did not like the auger design. Expensive thing too!

The other SB I have looked at is a McCulloch and it has a 208cc LCT engine.

I prefer the square chute discharge over the round one.  From my experience, it throws a tighter stream of snow.  It comes out as a sheet of snow which seems to fan out less over distances.

Most, if not all, modern 2 stage snowblower have a square discharge at the end of the chute.

The Toro auger design is definitely a newer and more efficient design.  Lighter and less expensive to replace.  I had brief experience owning and operating the Honda 520A, decent snowblower, but the Toro is lighter, cheaper, and perform better in most aspects.  Throw in the fact that Toro has the Quick Chute and the decision becomes quite clear.

One last bit of advice, is electric start even needed on a single stage? If the thing is maintained right that should not be a issue. It does add quite a bit to the price of it.

Electric start is not necessary on a well maintained machine regardless of it being a one or two stage model. This is true unless we are speaking of the physically challenged or a person of diminuitive size.

Marc