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

So I FINALLY got to use it the other day. First thing I did was shake the 2 cycle can for a few minutes to make sure it was well mixed. Then I poured it in the tank. I took my glove off and pressed the primer bulb twice covering that little nub. Turned the key to on set the choke and pulled. It started on the third pull. First time starting. Cool!
We received about 7 inches of snow.

That Quick Shoot is just down right cool. I debated whether I wanted it and a glad I splurged. I did not try the electric start.
I have a flat double concrete drive and the Toro had it done in about ten minutes. SO much easier than shoveling plus I am not getting any younger. There is a learning curve but that is part of the fun! IT does throw the snow far, it was powdery. ON the EOD is bogged down a little but did not stall. On shut down it sounds just like a Lawnboy, given the engines heritage.
I am impressed with it and would buy another.

"Buying higher octane than is recommended by the engine manufacturer is spending extre money and receiving nothing in return."

These same people will also buy over-priced synthetic oil and realize no advantage from that either.  It's a mental exercise to slay demons that don't exist. 

It's a dealer's job to hoodwink inexperienced customers into buying their expensive wares such as$15.00 qt. synthetic oil, $10.00 spark plugs, etc.  because that's where the money is.   Why a dealer would recommend fuel with higher octane unnecessarily is beyond me?  Maybe he has stocks in the octane chemical business??

I'm forever perplexed why people participate in these forums, receive perfectly sound advice/guidance, yet continue to be lulled into the dealership smoke and mirrors routines.

Why bother asking if you're not going to heed the advice from those with real world experience? 

BORAT: Not sure if you were referring to me or not but I was not asking for advice on octane. I was only offering information on what my dealer recommended for this machine. The next time I speak with them I will try to get the rationale for that advice. I will report back here at that time.

OK. I've done some internet research on fuels octane with regards to 2 stroke engines. The information I've read says that 2 stroke oil mixed at 50:1 will lower a fuel's octane by two point. Sounds reasonable to me. Here are links to threads where this is discussed:

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/ot-grade-gasoline-2-cycle-lawn-equipment-206164/
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-749087.html

Sorry youll need to copy /paste I cant seem to convert to hotlinks using firefox.

I asked my work buddy (snowmobiler & snow thrower guy) why he had recommended Premium gas for my snow throwers.  Turns out that what he meant was get the ethanol free (!) Shell V-Power 91 that "contains no Ethanol".  It wasn't the high Octane he was after, it was the no Ethanol part of it.  I just filled up my gas can at lunch of the Shell 91 and snapped a shot of the pump.  This is in Toronto, Canada so maybe it is a regional thing.

I usually get gas at Petro-Canada where they say "may contain up to 10% ethanol".  I think I am switching gas station brands.  One of my cars calls for Premium anyways.

As for the throwers, my Ariens wants "a minimum of 87 octane", "up to 10% ethanol" or "up to 10% MTBE".

The Poulan asks for "Unleaded Regular only", "do not exceed 87 octane rating" and "Do not use any fuel >E10 in this machine", also "Do not use E85 blended fuels.  This engine is not E20/E30/E85 compatible".

A downloaded 221QE Operator's Manual doesn't seem to mention Octane ratings from what I could see, but did say "fresh, unleaded gasoline" and "Do not use E85 or E20 fuel".

I figure that exceeding Octane ratings (i.e. on the Poulan) is less of an evil than running Ethanol if Ethanol can be avoided, as I am able to do at Shell.

NotMoneyGuy wrote:

I will have to stop by our local shell station and see if they have 10% ethanol in the super. My guess is that they do in this State and it probably varies by State.

I just noticed the photo's 1-800-661-1600 phone number "for more info".  I just tried it, Shell Canada; "please call back during business hours".  I'll call tomorrow and find out the geographic info on Ethanol-free gas availability.

On the way home I topped up my premium-needing car with this Shell Ethanol-free gas, and as I pulled out, placebo effect or not, I swore the car felt better....hello Shell, meet your new customer!

Once home, topped up both the Poulan and Ariens with the new vitamins.  Ran the Poulan, sound nice, too bad no snow to play with.

This site lists all the ethanol free gas stations that have been reported to their site. It's pretty depresssing as my State only has 1 gas station and the fuel they sell is racing gas at $8 per gallon!

Hope this helps someone who lives in a corn free area.

http://pure-gas.org/

Getting back on topic, I plan on ordering a 221QR tomorrow from a retailer in Wisconsin.  The woman who was selling a CCR-2000 for $475.00 won't budge on price.   So, rather than buy a used machine for an outrageous price, for less than $100.00 more, I can bet a better machine brand new.  

I've come to the realization that single stage machines have their applications.  From my experience, I know I will use it far more often than the big Simplicity.   The cheap, little old Craftsman has impressed me so much that a top quality single stage in now a must.  I can get the 221QR (no electric start) for $566.00 with free shipping to the border which is less than 30 miles from here.   Is that a good price?    

Good choice BORAT.  Especially if speed is a priority.  I have the 221QE but it seems to require a different starting technique each time I use it. Following the manual directions of 2 primes and full choke seems to flood it every time. If possible please post your observations about starting this beast and what works best for you. Thanks and good luck with it!

Is $566.00 USD a good price for the 221Q non-electric start?