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.

Recently discussed  here: 

Toro 621QZ or Toro 221QR, proven performers.  It just works, no worries.

I would be buying Honda 520 if I thought it was better than Toro 621. The price on Toro is very reasonable as well for 2011.

Whichever you decide buying at the end, check your local craigslist ads.

After paying $246 for a used Honda HS621 single stage, yesterday I saw an ad for the same snow blower for $175 and the location was way closer to where I live. Although it looked a little more worn-out.

And also yesterday I saw an ad for a gently used Toro single stage with electric start, the price was $150. I wish I waited a little longer.I can not justify buying my third snowblower.

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/for/2674999404.html Toro

@blumonster

Looks like you got quite a good deal on the HS621 for $246.  Around here, those would easily fetch $400 to $450, and they get bought up very quickly.  

aa335 wrote:

People usually look for big snowblowers after a rough winter. When I moved into a new house with a steep driveway, I wanted something that can handle the worst winter.  That way, I can be self-sufficient and not having to wait for plow trucks or other people to help.  Plus, I have a rear wheel drive car with 5 inches of ground clearance.  It has to be brought into the garage because I will not leave it out on the streets overnight.

In 1998, a new Honda HS621 sold for $800, the electric start was even more.  Now, the HS621 is only available in Canada, for $1200.  The GX160 commercial grade engine, the metal bucket, and the tough metal auger is expensive.  They were overbuilt, and they were too costly for US consumers.  The Toro single stage units was much more competitive in price, and with very good performance too.  Parts and service network support was better, so it had overall lower ownership cost.

my vote is toro. i've had both and have found the toros just throw snow better.  personal fav would be the 2450 2 stroke.

seabird wrote:
Is there much difference between a 2450 and a 221QE?

borat wrote:
Essentially the same powercurve auger, the 2450 lower bucket section is metal, upper is plastic.  Side plates are metal on the bottom, plastic on top.  The 2450 has the same Rtek engine, but only 20" width.  It was designed only for the Rtek 2 stroke engine.  Engine cowl is red, console is black.  It has more compact and lean look.

The 221Q has all metal side plates, added pivoting scraper, quick chute, zip deflector, and square deflector.  221Q can accommodate both 2 stroke and 4 stroke engine on the same chassis due to the cast aluminum engine mount.  The bucket section is unibody style like the HS621 and HS35.

I stopped by my trusted Honda OPE dealer today and asked them about reliabilites of Honda HS520 and Toro 621 (same as 421) SS. The dealer owner tells me that Honda HS520 is much more reliable and experiences far less service calls compared to Toro 621.  The owner thinks the quick chute is a great idea and selling point  for Toro but you have to anticipate more service on the carb of Toro 621.   I have to assume some truth on this since he sells and services both Honda and Toro.