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.  :)

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. 

borat wrote:
Well it kind of comes down to whether you'd rather go to bed with the aesthetically challenged girl or the hot cheerleader....both will get the job done but one will be a bit more palatable.

OPE guys, OPE. 

borat wrote:
I hear you, but I do agree with FrankMA.  Beef is just beef, but fillet mignon is much better than hamburger meat.

MN_Runner wrote:
After a while looking at CL, you can figure out which sellers are flippers and who sells their own stuff.  Flippers usually request for phone numbers and won't respond to inquiries without it.  I typically don't chase flipper ads, their prices are usually too high for what it is.

aa335 wrote:
You are correct.  There are a lot of snowblower flippers especially on CL.  The Toro 221R was leaking gas really bad but the seller told me it is normal and nothing to worry about.  Then insisted that the auger rubbers and scraper bar were in top shape when they were worn out.  The guy who is selling his 928TA for $2000 must be very desperate for money as I would have hard time selling my 928WAS for that low.  I hope I can give it to one of my kids when I am at a nursing home thiking about blowing snow and waiting for trouts to find me a nice burial site.

Go with your instinct, if you feel something is wrong, give it a pass.  Unless you can fix it without much trouble or cost.  Depends on your comfort level.  I personally wouldn't want a complete tear down machine, nothing more than 3 or 4 hours.  I got other things around to the house to take care of so that takes precendence.

If you're going to get a Toro 221, might as well go with a QR version.   Usually, there are people moving south so they will sell off their snowblower.  I bought an HS520 from an old couple moving to Florida, there are the usual rust spots, but everything else was mechanically sound.  No dented buckets, twisted auger, ect..