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

I saw a two year old toro power max 6000 snowblower for sale with the two stroke R-tek 141 cc motor, they said they used it maybe ten times and it looks real nice. Anyway, they want 600.00 for it and I'm not familiar with this blower so I need advice on if it is a good deal or not? I've never seen a self propelled two stroke before.

Coldfingers

I'd probably get one if I come across one in excellent shape at a reasonable price.  It's a rare model to come by, like the Snow Commander which has the same engine, but I would not pay collector's price for it.  I'd probably offer $400 for and see how the seller respond.

I doubt any Powermax 6000 are two years old, maybe the seller is the second owner and had it in their possession for two years.  The other scenario is that it's new old stock machine that only been in actual service for the last two years.

Thanks guys. I kind of thought 600 was a little high, maybe I will watch and see if it comes down shortly or not. I beleive the guy was the original owner.

Hi-

Be sure  (if you decide to purchase) to take your tool kit and ask to remove the muffler from the engine and look at the piston through the muffler port. Look for vertical scratches and gouges in the piston.  Two hex head bolts, and a locking tab, easy to remove.

Press each piston ring with a small wood dowel and see if the rings are stuck in their grooves. Look for carbon deposits below the rings, that is a sign of stuck rings also. Carbon above the rings is normal.

Stuck rings allow hot gases to blow down past the rings and superheat the sides of the piston causing more carbon build up and finally the piston siezes from all the burned on carbon and overheating.

If the piston looks smooth and clean, then that would be a great machine to buy.

A simple compression test would be a good indicator of cylinder condition. 

If the compression is where it should be (approx. 120 psi), I wouldn't bother pulling the muffler.  Every used SS machine I've bought has had factory spec or very close to it.  Unless the machine was straight-gassed, it should be fine.  Snow removal equipment live a fairly easy life considering their relatively low operating rpms combined with cool temperatures of winter.