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

TMI! LOLOL! I can't find the 2450 locally and want to buy that away. The Power Clear 180 is very tempting too and available here. Just not sure if it has enough power. Though we usually get 1-4" of snow at a time.
The other machine is a McCulloch MC621ES but I can't find any reviews on it.

Go with Toro / Its the best you can get outside a Honda.

kellyinkc wrote:
The Toro 180 should be able to handle that snow without any problems.  If you have a large area, it will take a little longer.

I haven't heard much about McCulloch and didn't even know they make a snowblower.  Who even sell them and service them?  That should be a red flag.  Any reason why you are so keen on finding info on this model? 

There's a good reason why you hear so much about the Toro and none for the McCullough.  Toro dealership network is everywhere, local mom and pop shops, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and don't forget craigslist.  Perhaps you might be interested in looking for a used Toro 2450 or 3650 on craigslist.

From the videos I've seen the power clear 180 is pretty lame. I'd try and find a 2450/221/etc to be honest with you. Or even a Powerlite.

Agreed, the 180 was useless in wet heavy snow. I was looking at a few videos last night and came to the same conclusion. The powerlite was more capable. Superbuick any tips on finding that elusive Toro gas power shovel? I want one now after seeing in action.

To find mine I just scoured craigslist nationally. I did a search a few weeks back and there were one or two on there..... Just keep looking.....

I have been looking on craigslist, so far mainly 2 stage models or antiques.
I also watched some videos of the 180 and it seems to have no reserve power.
 Here is the McCulloch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yeDXDrlY4o&feature=player_embedded

But the dealer is 20 miles away not exactly handy.

I may just bite the bullet and get what I want.

I think McCulloch is an MTD brand.

http://support.mtdproducts.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/584/~/mcculloch-corporation-bankruptcy-and-business-asset-sale-information

In January 1999, McCulloch Corporation, then the manufacturer and seller of McCulloch® branded chainsaws and other outdoor power equipment (“McCulloch”), became a bankruptcy debtor. In October 1999, in connection with the McCulloch bankruptcy proceedings, Taiwan-based Jenn Feng Industrial Co., Ltd. (“Jenn Feng”) purchased certain assets and trademarks related to McCulloch’s operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico (“North America”). From October1999 until July 20, 2003 Jenn Feng was the exclusive seller of McCulloch® branded products in North America. In March of 2003 MTD Products Inc (“MTD”) and Jenn Feng entered into exclusive distribution and trademark licensing agreements with regard to McCulloch® branded products. On or about July 20, 2003 MTD began distributing certain McCulloch® branded chainsaws, string trimmers, and other outdoor power equipment in North American under the terms of those agreements. MTD, however, did not assume responsibility for service or warranty obligations relating to products that were previously sold by either McCulloch or Jenn Feng. MTD similarly did not acquire and does not have access to service parts or information for products sold by Jenn Feng and/or McCulloch before MTD became the exclusive North American distributor. As a result, MTD can only provide warranty repairs and after-sale service and support for the McCulloch® branded products that it distributed in North America on or after July of 2003. With regard to products sold by Jenn Feng prior to July 20, 2003, you may contact: Jenn Feng Industrial Co., Ltd. at:

kellyinkc wrote:

I think the one on the left is a Toro 221 or 421 which finished ahead despite shorter throw distance. The one on the right is a Honda 520, which I felt was rammed in snow to purposely stall, the guy just gave up standing around for a few seconds before restarting the engine.

The McCullough does have the longest throw out of the three snowblowers.  However, nothing beats this one: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_O6g_uHAA4&feature=related

Anyways, I'm not saying the Mccullough is bad or good, but with the company shaky history, I'd be a little cautious buying a product with unknown support later on.

aa335 wrote:
Thats a Honda?  I could not tell. I was thinking that too, what about support after the sale. So it seems the Toro is the best option.

kellyinkc wrote:
In the video showing three snowblowers, the one on the right is the Honda 520.  If you ram it into heavy snow, it will stall.  Been there, done it.

As far as support, Toro dealers and Ace Hardware are all over, at least in my area.  Toro single stage have been pretty reliable, reasonably well built, and I think Toro went the extra mile to make it the most user friendly.   To me, I don't want a machine with just grunt power, I want some finesse or refinement too.  Not saying that the Mcculloch doesn't have any, but I haven't seen it in person to say anything negative or positive about it.