Mr_Pacman

Thanks for the reply.

Just so I understand correctly (I'm new to small engines):

It's ok that it starts when the choke is closed, and won't start when the choke is open (to the right) as it's warm outside.

So would it be safe to assume that when it gets a bit colder outside, I will have to try starting it with the choke open?

For what it's worth, it starts on the first pull with the choke closed, so I'm impressed.


Also, one other question.

When I check the dipstick, one side of the dipstick shows oil at the top of the hashmarks, and the other side shows it only 1/2 way up the hashmarks. How do I know how full the oil tank is?

I know the max capacity of the engine is 12 ounces of oil, and I put in 10......so I suspect I must be close to the right amount.

Thanks
James

Ok, I got the new 418ZR setup this evening......putting in the oil and gas was easy.

I followed all the directions in the manual on the start procedure:

I put the red key in the ignition slot
I moved the little choke lever to the right
I pushed the primer twice, holding in the button for 1 second each time

I pulled the recoil starter, and nothing happened. I pulled it another 20 times.......still nothing.

I then moved the choke lever all the way to the left, and it pulled in one start.

According to the manual, the choke lever is supposed to be towards the right to start it, not the left position (closed).

Any thoughts on why this is happening?  Is it because it's still fairly warm outside (10* C / 50* F)?

I'm hoping I dont have a defective unit, as it's going to be a hassle to drain all the fluids and take it back to HD

Thanks
James

HI ParadiseNFLD,

Do you recall how much you paid for that machine at Canadian Tire?  I was looking at that one as well.  What about spare parts (auger/scraper bar)?  Does Canadian Tire sell them, or do you think they would be easy to procure locally when they need replacing?

I just picked up a Toro 418ZR today from Home Depot, but I'm going to keep it in the box on the off chance I find something else out there.

Regards,
james

Just quick update and also a very big thanks to all of the members who took the time to give me advice in this (and a few other) threads over the past few weeks. I really do appreciate it!

I ended up buying a Toro 418 ZR today from Home Depot. They "price protected" an online competitor, so my final price was $360 which I felt was fair as the cheapest online price was $399.  I won't unpack it until it's getting close to the first snowfall just in case a nice used machine pops up for sale.

I debated between this machine and the $850 Honda HS520/ $800 Toro 621, but with those machines being 2 - 2.5 times times the price, plus they were quite a bit larger and would be hard to store in my 2 car garage.

What sealed the deal, was the Home Depot rep giving me a demo of a Toro 621. I didn't realize how the rubber auger would "bite" into the ground and literally pull the snowblower and the driver with it.  With my recent lumbar fusion, I didn't really want something that was pulling me around, as I'm still healing and trying to restrict any sudden jerks in my back.  I'm sure the "pulling" feature is a desirable selling point for most (and it might be for me in the future) but for now, I needed something a little less powerful.

The 418 didn't bite as much, and was much easier to move around. It's similar to the electric Toro 1800 I had last year.  It might be a bit underpowered for what I need, but I suspect it will do the job for most of the snowfalls we get in Calgary.

Once the first snowfall arrives, I'll give an update as to how it works. Perhaps it will help someone else make the right decision on what's best for them.

My wife is also quite happy that this snowblower saga is over. She was sick and tired of hearing about different models, prices, pros/cons etc. 

Thanks again!

James

I'm a bit curious about these as well. They also sell them under the "B&S" brand at Canadian Tire for $550.  I wonder how easy it would be to find consumable parts such as the rubber auger and scraper bars.