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

I'm looking at either buying the Toro 2-cycle 221QE or the 4-cycle 421QE.  One dealer I talked to said that the 4-cycle 163cc engine will be almost impossible to start, even with the electric start, if stored in an unheated garage at -20C.  He said that he has lots of people who bought this machine come back and complain about it not starting when really cold.  He had both the 2-cycle and 4-cycle models in the showroom and recommended that I buy the 2-cycle and that I would be a lot happier with it.  Another dealer said that it just comes down to personal preference on which one you want to buy and that they are both just as easy to start when the temp is really cold out.  Anyone have any comments about cold starting on the 421QE?  This is the one I would like to buy because it would be a little bit quieter and the exhaust wouldn't stink as much as the 2-cycle.

Steve_Cebu wrote:

I called Toro Canada this afternoon also and she told me exactly the same thing.  Did not know why the dealer would say that unless they had a surplus of 221's in stock.  As far as she knows there are no starting problems and also mentioned the 2 year GTS.  I also asked about the fuel leaking problem that I have read in many reviews with the 421's.  She said that there have been quite a few complaints of the carbureator leaking gas on the ones starting with serial number 331.  But right now she said that there is no recall on them and Toro is still looking into it.  They are working on a fix for the leak and we should see it in the 2012 models this fall.

Steve, thanks for calling, really nice of you to go out of your way to call and ask.  Hopefully they give you something really good for using your video.  Also, thanks everyone for your replies also this is an awesome forum for getting info.

jackrabbit000 wrote:

Glad to be of help and I was curious myself. Interesting info about the gas leak too. I didn't ask about that.

So are you going to get a 421 this year or wait until next year?

Steve,

You have been promoted to Saint Toro!

Steve_Cebu wrote:

I'm going to check into the carbeurator gas leak a bit more before getting one.  Since Toro has not decided to do a recall on the 421 yet, I would hate to buy one and have the leaking gas problem especially when the machine will be stored inside my garage.  Probably going to get the 421QE myself.  They cost around $1000 here.

MN_Runner wrote:

That would be even funnier if you knew my last name. ROFL!

jackrabbit000 wrote:

Maybe you could check the serial number on the unit you are buying? Other than that I guess you have to take a risk if it'll leak gas or not. I'd just call up a bunch of places and check their serial numbers. You might get one built before the problem.

jackrabbit000 wrote:

Ouch! If you might instead sway towards the two-stroke 221QE, you could save a bundle buy having one shipped from the Toronto area where at Home Depot the 221QE is going for CA$675.00.  HD SKU 490090. Maybe Alberta, Canada HD locations will price match. On my way home this evening, I swung by the Elgin Mills / Leslie (Richmond Hill) location where they have 98 units on hand, still at CA$675.

I am paying close attention to the price as I bought a 221QE on Dec 22/10 and I have it still sealed in the box awaiting a price drop and a price match opportunity (within 30 days or rejuvenation thereof).  (I also have an Ariens in use to get me through anything white that comes our way, but so far a light snow winter around here.) With 10% off the $675 for first use of HD card I got it for CA$607.50 but I am still looking for a better deal since last season's HD price history was pretty sweet; Jan 22/10 down to CA$499, Feb 24/10 down to CA$399. That was around Toronto. A Montreal location cleared out their last few 221QE units at CA$299 on Feb 24/10.

CA$1000 seems pretty steep, especially if you're kind of on the fence on 2- vs. 4-stroke.  Good luck!

Since the beginning of this winter my 421QE has started on the first or second pull every time.  It's been down to the single digits - but not

below zero yet.   When I purchased it from the local Toro Dealer - they had over twice as many 221's as 421's in stock.

I live in Saskatchewan (which is as cold-if not colder- than Alberta).  My 221 QE starts easily, however the carb *always* freezes up and causes it to run in a lean (over reving) condition.  The only way to solve this problem has been to point a blow dryer at the carb for about two minutes before operation- often it will freeze up during operation.

 Toro customer service has been zero help...they simply said, "sorry, that can happen in cold weather."  I would not buy this unit again.

Good luck.

saskwinter wrote:

Do you think the 421Q would be any better or the same as the 221Q when it comes to freezing up?