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

Any advice as to which of these two single stage blowers is the better choice?  Thanks.

Borat,

Are you planning to run two 221Qs at the same time?  Just curious on why you purchased another 221Q.  There must be a good reason since you are very logical.

@aa335,

Do you know whether the Toro 621/421 can accept Honda GX160 engine?  Do you know whether the engine on your Toro uses standard 3/4" shaft?  Thanks for your help.

MN_Runner wrote:

When you are in love something/somebody, logic is the last thing you would would invoke. :D

MN_Runner wrote:
Not sure how/where I said I had two 221QEs.  I have just the one.  However, I also have a 1997 Craftsman SS machine and a 2005-ish MTD SS machine.  Both powered by 139cc Tecumseh two cycle engines.  I got them both dirt cheap and put a lot of time/work on the Craftsman last winter.  I over-ride the governors on the Tecumseh's to run them at 6000+ rpm.  I can actuate the governor to work like a throttle.  Kind of like using a chain saw.  Rev up the engine to throw snow and let off when backing up etc.  I flogged that Craftsman pretty hard at high rpm and it just keeps on going.  I'm curious how much abuse the Tecumseh two cycle engine can handle.  I find it much more fun to operate than the Toro that runs at a fixed 4000 rpm.   I didn't get the MTD until later in the year.  I over-ride it also but it's a bit on the light side and not as effective as the Craftsman.  I think I'll plant it on the deck to keep it clear. 

For real big snow events, I use the Simplicity two stage machine.    

MN_Runner wrote:
Can't say for sure, haven't poked around inside the machine getting measurements. 

The current engine is probably a GX160 clone so everything is likely to be similar in dimensions; the power is going to be the same too, or close to it.  No point to do the engine swap unless it fails or it gives you comfort having a real GX160. 

Honda has updated some of their snowblower models this year, hopefully, there's going to be a HS520 update or redesign sometime this decade  .   Hopefully a GX200 or GX240 finds it way in there, in the form of a HS621.  Just hoping....