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 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.

aa335 wrote:
Now that's just wrong on so many levels...

Paul7 wrote:
Yes, I know.  Once the kids are big enough, I can show them my shovel, snow pusher, and ice chipper collection.    Hand manicured snowbanks is a lost art and I hope to revive it. 

Heck, they're not getting $5 foo foo drink at Starbucks sitting on their arses.