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.

aa335:

Do you know what rpms the four stroke runs at?   Who makes the engine in the 421Q? 

The 221QE is supposed to be set at 4000 +/- 100 rpm.   Before adjusting mine, it was running between 3700-3800 according to the mini tach.   When I set it to 4100, there was a noticeable difference in power.  I'm wondering if your neighbour's 221Q engine is running at the correct speed?   Either way, four strokes are supposed have more torque and being a few ccs. larger than the R-tek, the added displacement should also increase torque.  

@borat and others who may be interested

I guess I should set the stage and provide some background info in case someone would question the performance of the 221Q versus the 421Q.

Both engines are in stock form.  No modifications were made to either.  My 421Q is new, so it has factory setting.  My neighbor's 221Q is 3 years old, may or may not be in top operating tune.  He hasn't messed with it so I assume it is factory setting.  So what I was comparing to is factory stock.  His paddles are a little more worn than mine so that might skewed the observation somewhat.

I don't know what RPM the four stroke runs at, but the engine is Loncin 163cc, probably a Honda GX160 clone.   Have not dig into the specs yet.  It sounds very similar to a genuine GX160 engine.  The GX160 has a more subdued sound, the Loncin has a little sharper bark to it.