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.

superbuick wrote:
I may have found one!
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/grd/2028432777.html
I need to go check it out. Hopefully it is not too bad.

Well, did you get it?

aa335 wrote:
No....... By the time I saw it and called it was gone. :( That fast. I am a little leary of buying used though. The unknown on how the engine was treated.

Sounds like a new 221QR is your best bet.

Hey Kellyinkc,

MTD products are distributed under quite a few brand names and the differences between like products may be nothing more than the color, the logo, and the price tag.

No doubt the buy for resale business is thriving.

I purchased a MTD Snowblower 10 years ago and not only did MTD discontinue the model line but specific parts are no longer available either.

When I spoke to the people at MTD I was asked how old the machine was which was followed by an Oh Well!

Trying every warehouse on the internet It did not take me long to realize that  I now have a new yard ornament because the parent company has decided it no longer wants to support a legacy product. It is really kind of a shame because other that one critical broken part that costs around $25.00 the thing runs like a champ.

To have the part custom made would end up costing a small fortune so I decided to spend the extra bucks and purchase an Ariens Pro model.

Although the high end commercial version machines are more expensive the parts are not likely to change or be discontinued.

Quite frankly I have more than enough lawn ornaments.

Starwarrior

Curious.  What is the factory number of your machine?  What part did you have trouble with?

Hi Trouts2

MTD YARD MACHINES (SNOW THROWER) 26 INCH TRAC DRIVE MODEL:315E740F352  ENG: 8HP TECHUMSEH

The Rear Track Drive wheel  is no longer available.  (Part MTD631-0002)

I replaced 1 last year and should have ordered both. As soon as I replaced the broken one the other side started to show the same stress cracks .......!@#&%C$*&%C$

I looked around but to none are available and  I really do not want to take a chance and have the thing break down right in the middle of a storm.

It really doesn't owe me anything and has given me quite a few years of solid service. When I contacted MTD in effort to find one they kind of just shrugged it off.

Starwarrior

I have seen MTD track assemblies and parts machines on ebay.

Hi Troust2

If you are able to find one let me know ???

I would most certainly keep it up & running.

I spent quite some time surfing the net and have to call each company directly since most will gladly charge my account and  then attempt to order it from the same source, MTD.

Starwarrior

snowmachine wrote:
This is incorrect. The McCulloch brand name is now 100% owned by Husqvarna, and the snow throwers have only been made since Husqvarna bought the brand name. The single stage machines are new this year, the two stage machines came out last year. All parts come through Husqvarna.

I have an MC621ES on the way after being recommended by two different dealers who also carry Toro.

Starwarrior... I had your same problem.  My back wheels on my 95 MTD 826 broke.  Looked forever to find a replacement.     I just found the only route you can go.  A guy in Idaho is making them out of steel.  Just received mine the other day and installed them.  They will be there forever!  His website is FlyingVproducts.com.  Its great cause you can actually call the guy and talk to him and make sure you get the right ones.
Tell him I sent ya
Blake Thackeray