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Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"

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jrtrebor


Location: Michigan - 3 hours north of Chicago on the lake
Joined: Feb 10, 2010
Points: 539

Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"
Original Message   Oct 5, 2012 9:53 pm
Found this at an auction, bought it for $70.00.  Don't really need another blower but couldn't resist the 7hp 24" cut.  It's a 2008 model and a rare bird in design.  The ad said it didn't run but had good compression.  Looked in good shape.  Turns out it was low on fuel.  After the ride home (fuel sloshing around in the tank) and a shot of starter fluid it fired right up.  Smoked like crazy, so either it had the wrong mix in it.  Or the fuel had evaporated and left a high concentration of oil in the remaining fuel.  Will post some pics tomorrow.    I'm ready for snow already.  Hope this year turns out better than last year.
For those wanting to know.  It has a BRIGGS AND STRATTON, 084333-0199-E1 engine.
This message was modified Oct 5, 2012 by jrtrebor
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borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"
Reply #7   Oct 13, 2012 12:05 pm
The third paddle might be there to compensate for reduced impeller rpm.   Adding the additional paddle might be there to assist in processing the snow more efficiently, thus taking smaller bites and spitting it out quicker vs.  larger volumes of snow causing more load per paddle and possibly more demand on the engine available torque.     
jrtrebor


Location: Michigan - 3 hours north of Chicago on the lake
Joined: Feb 10, 2010
Points: 539

Re: Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"
Reply #8   Oct 13, 2012 12:21 pm

Maybe I should just drop the Honda GX200 engine in it that I have sitting around.
Then put on the small pulley.

You've probably read this before. But it shows how the engine manufacturers.
are really covering themselves regarding HP ratings.
Sounds like a lot of smoke and mirrors.
Copied from the B&S web site.

Engine Power Rating Information
The gross power rating for individual gas engine models is labeled in accordance with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) code J1940 (Small Engine Power & Torque Rating Procedure), and rating performance has been obtained and corrected in accordance with SAE J1995 (Revision 2002-05). Torque values are derived at 3060 RPM; horsepower values are derived at 3600 RPM. Actual gross engine power will be lower and is affected by, among other things, ambient operating conditions and engine-to-engine variability (what does that mean). Given both the wide array of products on which engines are placed and the variety of environmental issues applicable to operating the equipment, the gas engine will not develop the rated gross power when used in a given piece of power equipment (actual "on-site" or net horsepower). This difference is due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, accessories (air cleaner, exhaust, charging, cooling, carburetor, fuel pump, etc.), application limitations, ambient operating conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude), and engine-to-engine variability. Due to manufacturing and capacity limitations, Briggs & Stratton may substitute an engine of higher rated power for this Series engine.

I'd like to know if all the "horsepower values are derived at 3600 RPM".
Or whether some are derived from higher RPMs.
Seeing as how some engines/blowers are spec'd to run at higher RPMs than others.
Case in point.  The 7hp 141cc engine in the Commander versus the 5hp 141cc engine used in the 421Q or my 210R.
I guess the difference could be in the carbs, porting, cranks, rods who knows.

This message was modified Oct 13, 2012 by jrtrebor
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"
Reply #9   Oct 13, 2012 5:02 pm
"I guess the difference could be in the carbs, porting, cranks, rods who knows."

Been down that road several times in trying to establish where the additional power comes from in engines of the same displacement and design.  Case in point is the B&S 305cc snow engine which is rated from 9 to 11 h.p.   Myself and others have analyzed virtually every part in every 305cc engine comparing parts vs. power rating.  Not one significant part had a different part no.  Anything that should make a difference in power was identical.  Same goes for the Tecumseh 139cc engine with variants from 4 to 7 h.p.   However, if I recall correctly, there was a difference with the 7 h.p. R-tek two cycle engine used in the rare Toro dual stage Powermax 726TE.  I've read that the 141cc engine used in that machine has an additional intake port and different piston which, if properly executed with matching carburetor and exhaust, woud make more power.  You should try to determine if the engine in your Snow Commander is the same as that used in the Powermax.  If so, there's your additional power source.

I know from personal experience, it's difficult to find any detailed information on the R-tek engines.   

Over the years, I've come to realize that in the majority of cases, the various power ratings are no more than a marketing ploy to grind more money for the same engine out of uninformed customers.  For instance, a customer walks into a showroom and sees a 28" 9.5 h.p. machine with a 305cc engine.  Two feet away is a 30" 11 h.p. machine with a 305cc engine for only $200.00 more.  Set the hook! 

It's a sales scam.  Nothing more.

Here's an interestinf video from a participant of this forum. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdHYUeEayA
jrtrebor


Location: Michigan - 3 hours north of Chicago on the lake
Joined: Feb 10, 2010
Points: 539

Re: Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"
Reply #10   Oct 13, 2012 8:22 pm
borat wrote:
  However, if I recall correctly, there was a difference with the 7 h.p. R-tek two cycle engine used in the rare Toro dual stage Powermax 726TE.  I've read that the 141cc engine used in that machine has an additional intake port and different piston which, if properly executed with matching carburetor and exhaust, woud make more power.  You should try to determine if the engine in your Snow Commander is the same as that used in the Powermax.  If so, there's your additional power source.

Bingo borat,  The engines are the same.
The Commander engine # 084333-0199-E1 and the Powermax 726TE engine # 084333-0197-E1
I also looked at the parts list for both engines and the numbers match for all the important components.
Head, Cylinder assy, crank, piston, rings, main jet, carb, etc.

Something else that's interesting is that today (it was cold and rainy here) I also compared the engine parts list of the
Commander and the 210R that I have both have the 141cc engines.
In the parts list the Cyl assy for the two engines is different.
But it also use the term Boost with reference to the Cyl assy for the Commander.
And the term Non Boost when referring to the cly assy. on the 210R
That may be what they are calling or labeling the additional intake you spoke of.
Don't know that for sure as you said information is scarce.

I will also add that in comparing the Commander engine and the 210R engine.
The Cyl assy., crank, piston, rings were different #s.
But the head, rod, main jet and carb #s were the same.
Though that was curious.
This message was modified Oct 13, 2012 by jrtrebor
jrtrebor


Location: Michigan - 3 hours north of Chicago on the lake
Joined: Feb 10, 2010
Points: 539

Re: Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"
Reply #11   Oct 13, 2012 9:08 pm

Just uploaded a video I shot today of the powered chute set up I put on the Snow Commander.
And a short clip of the unique tilt system employed on this blower.

Snow Commander video.
This message was modified Oct 13, 2012 by jrtrebor
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"
Reply #12   Oct 13, 2012 10:17 pm
My Toro 221Q R-tek engine is model no:   0842-33-0199-E8  rated at 6.5 h.p. weighing 29 lbs.

Is the newer 221 engine designed the same as the Snow Commander engine?  I.e. extra intake port?   If not, how did it get it's power boosted from 5 to 6.5 h.p.? 

JRT:

Not sure where you found your engine no. specs.  How does the 221 engine compare design-wise to the Snow Commander engine?

No need to answer JRT.  I found parts comparison on Parts Tree.  The engines are different.  I'm in agreement that the extra port is for the boost designation.  Sounds like you have the hotrod R-tek.  Sweet.  Theoretically, you should be able to squeeze some decent power out of that thing.  Spin it up to 5K rpms and see what happens.  Take a video of it in action.  I'd really like to see that. 

Just watched your video.  Very nice indeed.  I would have one reservation with your powered chute mechanism.  If your electric motor is too strong and the chute freezes, you may break something.  The Toros are generally pretty well designed to limit freezing up but it's happened to mine more than once and there is quite a bit of resistance when it does. 

Overall, I really like the looks of the Snow Commander and what you've done with it.  You've got a great piece of equipment there for $70.00! 
This message was modified Oct 13, 2012 by borat
jrtrebor


Location: Michigan - 3 hours north of Chicago on the lake
Joined: Feb 10, 2010
Points: 539

Re: Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"
Reply #13   Oct 13, 2012 10:52 pm
borat wrote:
My Toro 221Q R-tek engine is model no:   0842-33-0199-E8  rated at 6.5 h.p. weighing 29 lbs.

Is the newer 221 engine designed the same as the Snow Commander engine?  I.e. extra intake port?   If not, how did it get it's power boosted from 5 to 6.5 h.p.? 

JRT:

Not sure where you found your engine no. specs.  How does the 221 engine compare design-wise to the Snow Commander engine?

borat, sorry about that.
I've been looking at so many different Blower and engine specs. today that I
posted the wrong model #  in post # 10.
I posted model 221R it should have been 210R
I've since changed it from 221R 38581 to  210R 38587

The 221 is in the 842 engine series and the Snow Commander and the 726TE
are in the 843 series.
The 221Q engine and the Commander don't share the same parts.
But the 221Q and the 210R do.
This message was modified Oct 13, 2012 by jrtrebor
jrtrebor


Location: Michigan - 3 hours north of Chicago on the lake
Joined: Feb 10, 2010
Points: 539

Re: Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"
Reply #14   Oct 13, 2012 11:11 pm
borat that's a good thought about the chute freezing.
I usually keep a heavy coat of Anti-seize on the chute ring
but I will need to check it before using it.
Going to mess with the carb tomorrow.
Here is a great site for getting information on Toro blowers.
Just put in the model # e.g. 38587
Toro Master parts viewer.

I've been using this one to get R-Tek parts lists
B&S Customer Support Portal
This message was modified Oct 14, 2012 by jrtrebor
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"
Reply #15   Oct 14, 2012 4:22 pm
I've heard of anti-seize for spark plugs etc., but never for plastic surfaces.  What kind of anti-seize are you using?
jrtrebor


Location: Michigan - 3 hours north of Chicago on the lake
Joined: Feb 10, 2010
Points: 539

Re: Bought a new toy. A Toro "Snow Commander"
Reply #16   Oct 14, 2012 8:38 pm
borat wrote:
I've heard of anti-seize for spark plugs etc., but never for plastic surfaces.  What kind of anti-seize are you using?

I use the silver type
Permatex® Anti-Seize Lubricant
A highly refined blend of aluminum, copper and graphite lubricants.
Use during assembly to prevent galling, corrosion and seizing and to assure easier disassembly.
Temperature range: -60°F to 1600°F (-51°Cto 871°C).
Salt, corrosion and moisture resistant – ideal for marine use.


It just really seems to keep things coated a long time.

On another subject.  I started the SC up today to check the RPM.
It was only running at about 3100.
So I reached in and pushed on the throttle a little.
The RPM went up, took my finger off expecting it to drop back down.
But it didn't, I had to push on the throttle again to bring it back down.
Shut it off, and discovered that the throttle was stiff, not frozen.
But would stay where ever it was move to.
To make a long story short.  Finally found out that when I reinstalled the carb after cleaning it.
I had tightened the mounting bolts a little to tight.  It has the plastic carb. and if you tighten either
bolt as little as a 1/4 of a turn to tight.  It distorts the carb body just enough to either bind up
on the throttle shaft.  Or distort the carb throat just enough to bind on the throttle butterfly.
Never run across that before, the bolts really weren't that tight.
Anyway, got that straightened out and the RPM is now set at about 4225.

Also decided to eliminate the stops on the chute ring.  Just cut teeth in where the stops where.
So now it will spin 360º either way.  And I won't have to be concerned with breaking something by running into a stop.
 I can also blow snow behind me if I duck.  That would be a strange sight to see.
This message was modified Oct 14, 2012 by jrtrebor
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