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.

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....