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

December is here and I'm anxiously waiting for some good snow to arrive.  I've been bit by the 2 cycle bug recently.  I have the Toro 421QE, which is the 4 cycle version of the 221Q.  I thought it may be redundant to pick up a used 221Q so I've been looking into getting a Toro Powerlite.  Plus, I can hang the Powerlite up on a wall.  the 221Q is too big and heavy to do so.

Anyways, anybody got a recommendation for a compact SS two-cycle?  If not, please provide a 7 step sure fire way to cure the 2 cycle habit.  :)

borat wrote:

A Harley engine is quite unique , in that the crankshaft consists of basically 2 flywheels with one main bearing sandwiched betweem them., onto which both connecting rods are attached , The  distance  of the main bearing  from the center of the flywheel  determines the length of the stroke, Therefore the crank is made in 3 pieces and pressed together ..  The Harley V-Rod   has the same arrangement but the crank is a one piece forged unit.

royster wrote:
Does it have a single piece roller bearing for the big ends?  Can the connecting rods be removed without taking the crank apart?

superbuick wrote:
Not disagreeing with you guys, but trying to see how the CR20 is better.  Both Powerlite and CR20 has the same size engine, curved auger.  The CR20 is 20" wide, versus 16" for the Powerlite.  Seems like the Powerlite should throw snow further with the chute, and the CR is much better only with slush due to the vane discharge.  Is that it?

Someone is listing a CR20 on CL for $250.  Seems a bit high for a 20+ year old snowblower.

royster wrote:
I don't know how this thread started with 2 cycle snowblower and got into a 4-cycle motorcycle.  

aa335 wrote:
Something to do with pressed cranks. 

Maybe Harley should look at converting their twins to two cycle engines.   If they get it right, they might begin to make something with some horsepower.  I can only imagine the tone of a 1400+ cc, lumpy two cycle.  Hey!  HD guys buy the bikes for their sound, they might just like the new flavour!

I thought they bought HD because the ladies like the vibrations. 

aa335 wrote:
Yeah....

A 20K vibrator posing as  a motorcycle.

Some guys will do anything to get a girl or reasonable facsimile thereof.  I've seen more than a few "modified dogs" riding on the back of a Harley.

Some guy was selling a 2009 Toro 221R for $300.  It was in a tough shape with a bit of rust.  Although the owner did not take care of it too well, there should not be too much rust only after two winters.  I am just wonder if Toro is using cheap materials on their SS machines.  It started okay but I do not like the sound of it and I could get my neighbors really pissed off blowing snow at 4AM.  The engine did not sound all that smooth or great either - in short I have no desire for a 2-stroke snowblower. 

MN_Runner wrote:
Yeah......

Thanks for sharing that with us.

MN_Runner wrote:
Are you still in the market for a SS?  I rather buy new than buy a used and abused one. 

Whatever you choose, 2 stroke or 4 stroke, no neighbors are going to be happy hearing any gas powered snowblower running at 4 AM.  I bet your HS928 is quiet than most SS. The shovel is quietest anytime of the day.

The Toro 421 / 621 has been the quietest SS of the bunch, even quieter than the HS621.  The HS520 is rowdy and as loud as a 221Q.  If any of these are still objectionable, you can use ear plugs.