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

A lot of SS now comes with 200cc engines.  This new model from Toro should level the playing field.  Toro's new 721R-C 212cc SS snowblower. 

http://www.toro.com/en-us/professional-contractor/snow-removal/single-stage/pages/model.aspx?pid=power-clear-commercial-721r-c-38751

Do you expect that they will eventually add 721R-C with Q, Z & E options? I'm really surprised to see that in a more "ruggedized" unit that they don't include the zip deflector at least. Are we to garner from this that the lowly friction-type deflector is the more dependable way to go? Has anyone out there ever had trouble with their zip deflector (or quick chute, for that matter)? I noticed that some other brands of SS were using a polymer paddle instead of the standard rubber one. Wonder if that's what is being employed here? So now Toro has 721, 621, 418,& power shovel offerings in SS design. They are getting as bad as Ariens is in the 2 stage department!

The muffler looks like it's too tall to fit under the cowl.  Perhaps this is just a representative engine shot, not the actual one in the snowblower.

aa335 wrote:

slinger wrote:
My 14 year old Honda SS has the friction deflector. when adjusted properly, it is dependable and consistent. 

For the 721R paddles, it's probably cord/fiber reinforced rubber but thicker than the residential version.

I can't remember, but either Simplicity or Ariens had the molded rubber or polymer paddles.  It was expensive.  Surprising, it did not perform better.  :)  Looks good though.

I'm not sure which models now have the polymer paddles.  The only ones I've seen are on the electric single stage.  I prefer the rubber paddles, more flexible, conforms to the pavement, and wipes clean.

Has anybody had anymore experience with this new commercial unit?   I have a one year old 221QZE that I bought last year brand new.  It's a 2010 model.  I was thinking of trading it on on the commercial unit but I wanted to get some reviews first.

I wouldn't trade that 221QZE.  Hold on that baby.  That's the last one of its breed.  2 stroke Toro's are highly desirable.  Love the sound of that engine.

The 721R-C performance should be better than anything Toro has made so far.  I'm confident of that.  Toro should produce a 721QZE version though.

aa335 wrote:
That's the SS I'm going to hold out for. Hopefully within the next season or so.

Toro finally caved in and went Chinese!!! LOL... Although so far these engines are holding up well..

Was curious about the possibility of getting a QZE version of the 721 so I asked Toro directly. Here is their reply for anyone interested. It looks like it's a real possibility.

1/21/2014 Thank you for contacting The Toro Company. We currently have no plans to add more features to the 721 this season. However, we have received many requests for these features for next years models. We recommend checking back during the summer when we unveil our new models for next year. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us. Sincerely, Zachary Customer Care Representative Case Number 2615855

aa335 wrote:

Does anyone know what a lightly used 2010 221QZE would fetch? I love this machine but I don't like smelling like burnt oil. Plus I'd rather change oil once a season than make 2-stroke mix. If I could get a decent number for it the 721 could be in my furture. Thanks.

ralphfr wrote:

I will give you $100 and you pay for my tolls from MSP to NYC. Do we have a deal?  It might take me a year to show up.

You don't need to do that. I'll just ship it to you!

ralphfr wrote:
It is probably ranges from $400-$500.  Depends on if someone really want the electric start and the Quick Chute, you may get $500 for it. 

I've not had any problems with 2 stroke smell.  I'm using semi synthetic 2 stroke oil, no smell at all.  You may want to give that a try.  Mixing oil isn't that bad.  I have a separate 2 1/2 gallon container for mixing.  Takes less time to mix than to clean up after an oil change.  I get 2 or 3 mixes per season and it's still faster than an oil change.  Also, with 2 stroke oil mixed, the engine is always getting fresh oil, versus 4 stroke where the oil degrades over time. 

I think Toro should seriously consider making the 721 RC with the Quick Chute features, that is unless they feel that it isn't robust enough to stand up to commercial use.  It's about $20 in plastic parts and cables that they charge $100 for.  I don't see the need for an electric start, just the QZ feature would be fine.

MN_Runner wrote:
Are you walking or riding your bike?  :)

aa335 wrote:

Don't give me any ideas. It is an interesting option to bike there and pull it back. No mas for me.

aa335 wrote:

Always a pleasure and thank you for your input.

Regards

Ralph

The 721 should be dependable without a doubt.  I'm sure that the predecessor 421 and 621 has all the bugs worked out.  It's not like the 721 is a brand new unproven design.

By the way, if you're mixing 2 stroke oil with gas, there's no need to use stabilizer.  The  2 stroke oil already has it. 

I don't mind 2 stroke and mixing oil.  I wish that my lawnmower is 2 stroke.   I don't like changing oil on a lawnmower.  It's just awkward and messy.

aa335 wrote:
I've got a 25 year old Toro Recycler with the aluminum deck and Suzuki 2 cycle engine. Still starts first pull and runs strong. Best mower I've ever had...and that includes my newer 30" Timemaster.