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.  :)

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.

No market for SS as I just upgraded my MTB.  I just don't want to drive to Winnepeg and pay $1300 plus duty tax on the return.  The main issue is that I think I cannot handle buying used items regardless how good the deals are.  Perhaps this is a character flaw.  I may need a used body part from a cadaver or from a doner who got stuck in his snoblower auger.  My  brother-in-law's Honda HS520 looks still new when he bought in 2007.  I was just shocked how badly the 2009 Toro 221R looked so just wondering if Toro is using cheapter materials on their SS machines. It would be interesting to see how your 421QE looks/functions after a few more winters and my guess is that it will look/perform worse than your Honda HS621. 

Pretty much all of the domestic manufacturers have compromised build quality including Toro to improve the bottom line.  Problem is that with Toro's arrogance, they continue to charge top dollar for machines that no longer carry the same level of quality that their old products had.  So you still pay the big bucks and get less for it.  I bought my 221QE for $599.00 which was $200.00 less than the regular price at HD and $400.00 less than at the local Toro gouger.   At the price I paid, the Toro was a reasonable deal.  There's no way I'd pay the higher prices. 

Nonetheless, the Toro 221QE is still a decent machine and build quality is actually pretty good.  I have two other SS machines and neither are near the quality of the Toro.  Can't say for sure what their new price would have been.  However, I'm certain that it would be a hundred or two less than what I paid for the 221. 

Sounds like the Toro you looked at was pretty much flogged.  Chances are, despite it's cosmetic appearance, if it was in good mechanical condition, it would work well for you for many years to come.      

Funny part is that the Toro 221R looked like it was 5-6 years old and not two year as the seller insisted.  I saw HS621 for sale today and it was in a sad shape.  Blue smoke and rusted out auger but the seller wanted $300.  He must been following Abbysguide on HS621.

I don't expect the Toro to hold up better over the years, nor do I think it will fall apart that easily.  But the good thing is that replacement parts are cheaper and readily available.  Any machine that's abused with scratches and dent not taken care of will rust eventually.  Side plates, auger housing, and auger are typically seeing all the beating.  There's no reason to doubt it wouldn't last at least 20 years if cared for.  These are pretty simple machines and can be worked on easily.

Toro may come up with a new model to beat the rest of the copy cats in the next few years, without resorting to using larger engines.  SS just gets heavier and less maneuverable with bigger engines.  So if Toro can ressurect a 2 stroke engine with low emissions, tidy up the bloated styling, I might be getting a new model at that time.

aa335 wrote:

Toro may come up with a new model to beat the rest of the copy cats in the next few years, without resorting to using larger engines.  SS just gets heavier and less maneuverable with bigger engines.  So if Toro can ressurect a 2 stroke engine with low emissions, tidy up the bloated styling, I might be getting a new model at that time.

That bloated look is one reason why I like the HS621 so much - that and the GX engine. The HS621 is very sleek looking but very robust without looking bulky. Even the HS520 is on the bulky side compared to the HS621.

Guys, guys, guys......

We're talking about machines designed to move snow.  Not a beauty contest.  The only thing that should matter is how good a job it does, how easily/efficiently it does it and how reliable it is.  After all, that's what's important. Right?   I look at how well the machine is designed for functionality, build quality, and ease of maintenance.  Nothing else really matters. 

Would any of you "fashion designer types" buy an  inferior machine just because it "looks better"?   That should give you an idea of how important styling is when it comes to OPE.