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

I was about to make a phone call to the dealership in Wisconsin this morning to order a 221Q.  Before doing so, I decided to take a run to Home Depot to see what they had in stock.  I had thoroughly gone through their web site and it was less than helpful.  Terrible in fact.  Probably the worst big box store internet site I've tried.  Nonetheless, I took the trip into town to see what they had.  I was thoroughly surprised and pleased to see two new 221QE machines sitting on the floor.  Price was marked down 25% from $899.00 to $599.00.  Don't know who's doing their math but that works out to 33.3% in my books.  Regardless, I scooped one up right then and there.  I've got it down in the basement for a good once over before I put it to work.   We're supposed to get five or six inches of snow tonight and tomorrow so, I'll be submitting my review. 

Borat,

Don't worry, you still got a good deal.  Just enjoy that outstanding view while you clear snow, your video is a post card of snow throwing locales!

Love the 2-stroke sound, especially that distinctive bouncy engine sound when you back up with no load.  Not sure my tighter-quarter neighbours would agree.  That's why I'll probably hang on to my Poulan 4-banger, unless I see some crazy clearance on the 221QE, especially the HD with 27 in stock today from yesterday's pic.  I caught the 2-stroke bug years ago with three Yamaha bikes in a row, RD400, RZ350, DT200R, once in your blood.....

MN_Runner wrote:
I don't see too many OPE engines that restrict rpm during the break in period.   Loading and unloading the engine is more important with OPE.

When I say load the engine, I'm talking enough to make the engine work pretty hard for a few seconds then back it off.  Repeat off and on for the first hour or so of operation and the engine will be ready for sustained loads in an OPE engine. 


I know with motorcycles, some engine manufacturers like to keep portions of the break in period under certain rpm levels to ensure proper seating of rings, wearing in of bearings etc.  A new engine can be "tight" and shouldn't be stressed too highly before having a chance to run the internal parts in a bit.   Not unreasonable in my view.  However, babying the engine is not a good thing either.   I like to load and unload the engine during break in.  In a four stroke motorcycle engine for instance, back pressure is supposed to help seat the rings better.  Therefore, I'll run the bike up to speed then do some serious gearing down to cause engine braking which generates a lot of back pressure in the cylinder. 

Personally, I think a lot of manufacturers like to keep the engine rpms at reasonable levels to minimize warranty claims.   Chances are that if something is going to let go, it will probably be sooner than later.  Pushing a new engine too hard too long will more than likely facilitate something going wrong.  Whereas, a reasonable break in method will likely allow the engine to settle in a live a longer life. 

 

borat wrote:

A few local OPE dealers threw in the towel rather than try to compete with the big box chains.  However a few enlightened dealers in my area have flourished.  They found the sweet spot, as far as price that a consumer will pay over the box store price, for all of the extra value that a dealer can offer.  Things like expert product knowledge, free delivery, taking trade-ins, etc...are things that the box stores can't touch.  I would much rather buy from an independent dealer for all of those reasons, even if I had to pay a reasonable premium.  Of course there a difference between pay a premium to a service orientated dealer and being taken to the cleaners by a shameless gouger.

" Just enjoy that outstanding view while you clear snow, your video is a post card of snow throwing locales!"

I thank my lucky star every day to be fortunate to live where I live and have the health to enjoy it. 

We were at a dinner party last night and everyone sitting around was moaning and groaning about winter, having to deal with cold temps and snow etc. and talk about trips to warm destinations.     I was the odd man out.  I told them that I love winter and I love snow.  Bring it on. 

This year I bought a cheap old Skidoo Elan to push trails into the bush behind out house so that we could walk them during the winter.  Much nicer than walking out on the streets or roads.   Sadly, my Elan broke down with an electrical problem and I'm waiting for a warm day to pull the engine to fix it.  In the mean time, I've been keeping the trail packed by foot along with help from numerous deer, wolves, coyotes, fox and lynx. 

 The wife and I just come back from a 2.5 mile walk on this loop trail: 

Don't wig out about the picture Trouts, for some reason, I cannot re-size it.

 

   The pict is 640 x 597 which fits and is that size that determines if a thread blows out.   The other "size" is density which is 500,000kb.  It's got way more detail than needed for a net picture to be crisply displayed.  I have fast net but others don't so resizing for density is a good thing also.  That picture at 50kb would look as good and load quickly for everyone.

Good deal!

borat wrote:

My area up here looks a lot like that, less evergeens tho. Also no way you could walk 2.5 miles here like you can up in your area. Great pic!

Borat,

what a great place to go running or skiing.  your sky seems bluer than our MN sky.  it would be a great place to train for a marathon.

I'm waiting for a warmer day to pull the engine out of my Skidoo so that I can trace the electrical problem and repair/replace the coil/point/condenser and spark plug lead.  Been pretty chilly around here the last few days.   If I don't get the snow machine back in service, the trails will be difficult to walk. 

borat wrote:
Very nice.  You are definitely blessed to have such beautiful scenery within walking distance.  From your videos, you seem to be in top shape operating the Toro have and the health to enjoy it.

Like you, while most people I know complain about snow and cold, including my wife.  I love winter.  A few days ago, a neighbor stopped by to ask why I was shoveling snow when I have enough equipment to take care of a small park?  I said, because I enjoy shoveling.