Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Toro 221 QE review
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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kellyinkc
Joined: Oct 8, 2010
Points: 74
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Toro 221 QE review
Original Message Jan 12, 2011 8:31 am |
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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.
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NotMoneyGuy
Location: Toronto & north of
Joined: Nov 10, 2010
Points: 87
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Re: Toro 221 QE review
Reply #37 Jan 31, 2011 12:35 pm |
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PS. You're making an assumption by thinking that all used oil is properly disposed of LOL. I don't even know the proper way to dispose of it. I use it to start fires when I burn leaves and brush. Whenever I change the oil in my driveway on my cars (or on whatever), I drain the old oil into an empty oil container or into an empty windshield wash container and then bring it to the auto centre of the Wal-mart or Canadian Tire or Costco; from wherever I bought the new oil, or to the nearest place. If they can sell you oil, they can take it back IMO. There may even be regulations to that effect, but I have never had a problem with returning used oil and filters like this.
This message was modified Jan 31, 2011 by NotMoneyGuy
Ariens Deluxe 28 921022 WI, USA -- Poulan PRO PR621ES 208 cm3 961880002-00
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borat
Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692
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Re: Toro 221 QE review
Reply #38 Jan 31, 2011 12:43 pm |
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"Do you know what a pain it was to have to maintain a separate gas/oil mix for just ONE piece of equipment."
In my previous post, I said that I use one can of pre-mix for every piece of two stroke equipment other than outboard motors. There's no need to split hairs when mixing two cycle fuel. Stay a bit on the rich side and all will be well.
I readily see your point however, being that you've invested in primarily four stroke OPE. I have a mixed bag of small engines. Lots of both types, as well a a couple four cycle ATVs, motorcycles, riding mowers etc. I find two cycle machines far easier to live with and easier to coax a bit more power out of.
Other than the fuel leak in the 421, how does it perform compared to the two stroke when it comes to moving snow? According to Toro's advertisements, the 421 series is the flagship of their single stage machines. Supposedly, they throw snow five feet further and move 100 lbs. more snow per minute than the 221. Is that factual or just another sales ploy?
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aa335
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Toro 221 QE review
Reply #39 Jan 31, 2011 2:33 pm |
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Other than the fuel leak in the 421, how does it perform compared to the two stroke when it comes to moving snow? According to Toro's advertisements, the 421 series is the flagship of their single stage machines. Supposedly, they throw snow five feet further and move 100 lbs. more snow per minute than the 221. Is that factual or just another sales ploy?
My neighbor has a 221Q and I have the 421Q. In medium weight snow, the throwing distance is similar. Neither engines are taxed too much. They are so close that I don't notice the 421Q has more throwing distance. However, when pushed into a cement thick snow, the 421Q will not loose RPM as quickly and still has enough rotor speed to eject the snow out of the chute. The 421Q engine is quite gutsy and does 9.5/10 as well as the older Honda HS621 in this kind of situation. The 221Q would slow down and does not have enough velocity to push the thick toothpaste out the chute, instead it will spill out in front of the rotor. However, surprisingly, the 2 stroke engine still have enough grunt to keep the rotor turning, just very slowly.
This message was modified Jan 31, 2011 by aa335
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