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.

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.

And don't bring a gun to a pile of snow.

Somewhat in the same situation but took a different direction.  I had a small single stage that was enough till the winter of 2010.  I ended up buying and rebuilding several 2 stagers (a couple to keep and the rest to sell) and I was able to essentially get a couple of 2 stagers for free.  Right now I have (after selling a couple of machines) about $100 invested in 8 blowers ranging from a 4 hp 20" to 10 hp 32".  If I sell one more, I won't have any of my $$ in any of them.

If you start with the right machine and are handy with tools, buying used can be a way to stretch your $$ a long way.  It's knowing what to look for and finding the right machine to fill your needs that's the hard part.  If you have the time and patience to do it off-season, there can be some real deals to be had.

I'm also getting up there in age, so anything that helps stall off a heart attack like 2010 tried to do to me is worth it.  I'll use my single stage on the light stuff, a 5 hp for midrange and one of the 10 hp if we get dumped on.

My only concern about the single stage is getting the blower back up the driveway. It's a decent incline. If I get the 2-stage the. It might not be useful for most of the year. I can always shovel it if it's light. I guess there isn't one machine that will be perfect for all situations

raysmd wrote:
My Driveway has an 10% grade.  It rises 11 ft. from the street, up the 110' length to the garage door.  The Toro has no trouble pulling itself up the hill.  As a matter of fact, if I set the governor over 4000 rpm, it's a handful to hold back going down the grade. 

I think you said your driveway has a 30% grade.  That's aweful steep for 200'.   Not sure how a SS machine would be to handle going down the grade moreso than up? 

I concur with Borat.  My drive is roughly 8-10 percent grade and when the surface is slippery, the SS can run away downhill.  It's a fine balance holding on to the handles to keep the machine from getting away from me or it taking me down as I loose my footing.  I use spikes on my shoes to gain some traction.  So going downhill is actually more challenging than uphill. 

aa335 wrote:
Good idea with the spikes.  I have a pair around here somewhere.  Just have to find them. 

I actually bought a new pair of boots to provide more traction when clearing the driveway this winter.  Almost fell on my a$$ a couple times last year going down the grade using the Toro.  The Craftsman machine doesn't  pull nearly as hard as the Toro and is much easier to manage.  That's one reason I prefer to use it.  The fact that it throws snow as good as, if not better than the Toro makes it easy to like as well. 

I can't imagine a 30% grade?  That's awful steep.