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

I'm sure this has been answered many times already but I'll ask again.  I have a toro 826 dual stage snowblower and would like to add a single stage toro.  One of our local dealers is having a sale on these units.  He has a bunch of toro 221Q and 221QE models from 2009 and 2010.  He also has several 621 versions from last year left over.  Price wise, the 621 are about $25 more.   The 621 does seem to be quite a bit larger than the 221 in frame size.  The questions I have would be:
1. 2 stroke or 4 stroke?
2. Electric start or not?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

I think the 2 stroke is a no-brainer.  It will hold its value better as well seeing as how they are no longer making them.

I also think electric start is pointless unless you have a physical reason why you cant pull the starter rope - I have it on 3 of my 4 units and have never used it for anything more than the novelty of it.

Thanks for the advice.  I'm leaning towards the 221 at this stage but I can get the 621 for free after cashing in my visa points at home depot.  Nonetheless, I think I'll still get the 221.  I'll be going in to talk to my dealer on the weekend.  The only issue is whether to go with electric start or not.  I have no issues with starting but my aging parents live with us.  They'll use the blower on occasion and they complain about starting a little handheld blower we have.  There's a $100 price difference to move up to the electric start version.  Decisions..decisions.

If the proper starting procedure is used, my 221 will start first pull every time.  Actually, all of my snow clearing equipment usually fire up with the first pull regardless of temperature.  I would suspect that the reason for your parents complaining about starting the leaf blower is likely from numerous pulls on the starter cord to get it to fire.   However, if the folks are physically limited, electric start will be a convenient feature.   If you can get the 221QE for $600.00 or less, that will be a good price. 

By the way, regardless of what you buy, ensure you know what the correct operating rpms are and have the engine speed measured to ensure it's correct.  My machine's governor was set at 3700 rpm.  It's stock upper rpm range is 4100 which, when adjusted to that speed made a substantial difference in power output.   However, due to the slope of my driveway, I actually had to cut the rpms back to around 4000 to keep the machine from pulling so hard going down hill.  The Toro paddles really bite and pull compared to the other SS machines I have. 

Thank you to all who replied.  I went with your advice and bought the toro 221QZE with quick shoot and electric start for $749 Canadian.  The electric start was $100 extra but hopefully it will be worth it.  Gotta wait a while for the snow but the combination of my toro 826 dual stage and the this single stage snowblower should be fun to use.   The snowblower came only with one key?  Was there supposed to be a 2nd set?

I received one key with the Toro.  The Honda 2-stage came with two keys.