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

So, there not much snow in the midatlantic (VA), but there was the occasional snow storm with more than 2 feet of snow. I'm contemplating a single stage Toro 621 vs a HS928TAS. Big difference in price, I know. I hate to buy the Toro then realize that it's not enough when the snow is piling on. The Honda is just overkill for my area though.

raysmd wrote:
"Driveway is 200 feet long...incline, close to 30 degrees"  the grade just seems so much worse comes winter time.  That's reason enough to buy a tracked snowblower.  My single stage snowblower at 90 pounds with the rubber paddles has no trouble accellerating down a slope with me behind the handles.  Definitely fun but scary when there's no control of the slide.

"It's not easy justifying certain tools"...have your wife and kids come outside and clear the snow on days they need to get to work and to school.  It's not so easy to use the wrong tools for the job when the weather is beating down on you. 

aa335 wrote:
That's the tact I have used in the past and it almost always brings an end to any further discussion about whether or not (fill in OPE choice here) is needed. You need to have the right tools for the job at hand, especially as you get older. Another way to justify the cost of OPE is to amortize the cost over the expected service life of the equipment. A $ 2,500.00 purchase with an expected service life of twenty years is $ 125.00/year. A big 2 stage snowblower in your neck of the woods however, might be a bit harder to justify than where I live. Last winter was a bust as far as snow goes but the year before (winter 2010 - 2011) I logged about 35 - 40 hard hours on my 2 stage machine.

I follow a much simpler approach.  If I'm doing the snow clearing, I'm buying what I need to get it done.  Or sub-contract it out and wait 24 hours after a big blizzard.  :)

If I'm expected to keep the driveway clear, I expect to have the required equipment to do the job.  In my younger years, it was a shovel.  When we moved into the present house with the big driveway, I could keep up with minor amounts of snow.  However, with a big dump, there's no way I'd get it done, particularly if we had to get to work.  Accordingly, machinery is required.  Now that I'm older, even a large two stage machine can be taxing.  It's not a walk in the park that's for sure.  Normally, after an hour or more of wrestling with the Simplicity, I need to change my clothes due to sweat.  Can't blame that on getting older.  I'd get just as wet 30 years ago and I was very fit.  Personally, I find a large two stage machine easier to use when there's enough snow to warrant it's use.  Using the two stage for small amounts of snow means the machine works less but I'm still working just as hard controlling it.  Hence my recent appreciation for single stage machines.  I had never owned one before two years ago and now wouldn't be without one.  That's why I've scooped up all three Tecumseh powered SS machine I've seen posted in local ads. 

I just got back in from going over the $30.00, 2006 Murray I picked up last summer.   When I bought it, I cleaned the carb and spark plug, fired it up then put it away.  Today, I opened up the housing, checked out the engine mount, belt drive system and paddles.  This machine is almost mint.   Paddles and drive belt show very little wear.  I put in some fresh fuel and fired it up on the first pull.  The engine has tons of compression and runs strong.  Responds crisply to throttle input and revs up impressively.  From what I've seen of it so far, it seems that it might even be stronger than to old '97 Craftsman, which is virtually the same machine albeit older.  

What's interesting is that the Murray was built in China (engine built in USA).   I don't see any difference in build quality between the USA built Craftsman and the Chinese built Murray.  Both look very much the same.  However, the Craftsman did have a seriously cracked engine mount which threw the pulley alignment off which caused belt destruction.  The new mount I put on fixed that.   What needs to be understood though is that the Craftsman seems to have seen a lot of hard use before I bought it and is quite a bit older.  I plan to have the Murray first out so it will be seeing yeoman duty from now on or until it fails.  We'll have to see if it will hold up as well as the old Craftsman.  From what I've seen so far, I'm fairly positive that it will.  I'll put the Craftsman on back yard duty and the MTD or Toro on the deck where they'll see considerably less work. 

Will post a video of the Murray in action once we get some snow.   

borat wrote:

Another vote for that. Seems crazy to have a huge expensive machine you'll only need once every other year.

Going one step further, you might even consider getting a Toro 2 stroke now if you can, and see how it performs in a big snow when you get it. If you're not happy with the performance, then buy a small 2 stage Ariens.

I agree a single stage and 2-stage setup would be ideal. I've always been of the mind set, get the right tools for the job. Maybe buy the toro now and once I get that dreaded snow storm then I'll have my justification for buying the 2-stage thrower. so, I've found a Toro 221E for $580 shipped and a 221Q for $590 shipped. Really, get the 2-stroke over the new 621 (4-stroke)?

I would suggest getting the 2-stroke Toro with the Quick chute option, that's the model 221QR or 221QE. My neighbor has the 221QR and it is a very capable machine.  That's how I found out about Toro single stage snowblowers.  Seeing it in action and I was convinced.  I have the Toro 421QE model and I really like the Quick chute, identical to the current 621QZE model. It's expensive for a few plastic parts and a cable but the convenience was well worth it in the long run.

raysmd, you can't go wrong with the advice the guys here give you. For my $.02 I would say the Honda is way overkill both in cost & capacity, unless you're having to clear 12" to 18" of snow two or three times a month.It's a big expense that will sit in your garage collecting dust. Start with a good SS Toro and see how it goes. Or, if you like to tinker (as many of us do) find a used one you can refurb. Put the money you saved into some other "toys".
Although with the way the weather has been working backwards the last couple of years we may all be wrong about this!

Cheers

raysmd wrote:
Depends on your preferences.  Both machines have the same basic design and power so, snow moving efficiency should be the same.  The four cycle engine will be quieter.  Thats's for sure.  The machine will be a bit heavier and you'll have to do oil changes as required and possibly the occasional valve adjustment.  From my experience, the valve lash on these utility engines seem to stay within tolerance for quite a while. 

Two cycle engines start very easily in extremely cold conditions.   That likely won't be an issue for you but around here, temps can drop to -40F.  Mixing fuel isn't that big of a deal.   Depending on usage, a  couple gallons of mixed fuel will last most of the season.   Other than cleaning the spark plug every so often, a two cycle engine reqires virtually no maintenance, which is a big plus for people no so inclined.   Two cycle engines usually smoke a bit on start up but that goes away once the choke is set to off position and the engine warms up. 

My preference is for two cycle engines.  I like their simplicity and power output.  Don't mind the sound either.

 

Well looks like my philosophy is a bit different from most.  I am happy if I can just drive out and get back and a little snow dont matter.  So....If its only an inch or three (seldom is) I just drive thru it and dont worry about a single stage - thats why I got 4WD.  If its a lot deeper a single stage wont do it, or least wont do it easily, so I break out the tracker -  in simpler terms: dont bring a knife to a gunfight.