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.

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?

It can't imagine it being any worse.  As I said, it starts easily even at -30, but it runs like junk.  I'm going to try some Iso-heet in the fuel, maybe that will help?  However, this unit freezes up whether it's -35 or -5.  Sad.

NotMoneyGuy wrote:

I called a couple of dealers and they gave me a price of $999 for the 421QE and $899 for the 221QE.  For the extra $100 I was leaning towards the 4 stroke engine.  Since the big dump of snow last weekend, HD is sold out of everything.

saskwinter wrote:

-27C here tonight with a wind chill of -34C tonight and this is supposed to last all week.  That's why I put up this post on starting a 221QE or 421QE.  At these temps, it's always good to do some research before actually buying one.

I wonder if the 421Q/QE has the same problem as in this recall of the Power Clear 180 dated 7/14/10.

Snow Blowers Recalled by The Toro Company Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following product. Consumers should stop using products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: Power Clear 180 Single Stage Snow Blowers

Units: About 35,700 in the United States and 2,300 in Canada

Manufacturer: The Toro Company, of Bloomington, Minn. Hazard: Exposure to ethanol in gasoline can cause the carburetor needle to become corroded. A corroded needle can stick in the open position and allow fuel to leak from the carburetor, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Toro has received 2,200 reports of carburetor leaks. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Toro® Power Clear 180 Single Stage snow blowers. The recalled snow blowers have model numbers 38272 and 38282. Serial numbers included in the recall range from 310000001 through 310999999. The model and serial number can be found on a decal on the lower right side of the snow blower.

Sold at: Toro dealers and The Home Depot stores nationwide from November 2009 through May 2010 for between $400 and $440.

Manufactured in: U.S.A.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately check to see if their snow blowers are included in this recall and contact an authorized Toro service dealer to arrange a free repair. To obtain the location of the nearest dealer, consumers should contact Toro.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Toro toll-free at (877) 738-4440 between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.toro.com.

jackrabbit000 wrote:

No it just involves the Power Clear 180. If there was a recall for the 221Q/421Q it would be a seperate recall notice and it would list the affected units by serial number just like this one does.