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

After owning a couple of Ariens 2-stage Snow Blowers, I've decided to try a Toro Single-Stage. I've already gone thru the mental exercise of comparing pros & cons of owning a 200 lb. bohemoth, vs. a 72 lb. Single-Stage. And my last Ariens, a 5 hp with an "L-head" engine, was so underpowered it was almost useless, but still very large, hard to manuver, & heavy.

Anyway, I've narrowed it down to either a: Toro Power Clear 221Q Model # 38583 $619, with the Quick shoot & Zip Deflector:

http://www.homedepot.com/Toro/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xh3Z1i9Z1z10ypl/R-100599761/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Or the Power Clear 210 #38587. $499, or $559 with electric start:

http://www.homedepot.com/Toro/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xh3Z1i9Z1z10ypl/R-100677593/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Questions: Is the "Quick shoot & Zip Deflector" on the 221Q worth the extra $120? I know why it would  be useful, but seems really pricey. Are there any other features on the 221 that are not on the 210?

The $60 for the electric start on the 210 seems like a good deal (it's $100 on the 221Q for some reason). I know a lot of people say not to get it, but my last 2 Snow Blowers had it, & I liked just pushing a button when it was 15 degrees out, & maybe my back was hurting from chipping ice, or throwing some of the EOD "ice boulders".  Would anyone give up the Quick shoot on the 221Q, & get the electric start on the 210 (& save $70)?

TIA for any advice!

Woody - From experience with both, the quick shoot is much much more desirable than the electric start. The R*Tek engine turns over so easily its really more effort to pull out the electric cord than it is to give the starter a half-hearted tug. Its very different from turning over a cold L-Head tecumseh with valves and cold, thick oil. I would skip the electric start and get the quick shoot, but I do agree that charging $120 for it is kinda ridiculous. A $50 premium would be more reasonable. The zip deflector (though not a choice/option) is kinda gimmicky in my opinion, and not a difference maker versus the traditional friction fit style (though I guess it does hold position a little better). If you're looking to save more money, you could also take a look at the CCR2450 as I believe they still sell that one new. Same motor/paddles, full manual chute and manual start (though electric is available).

221Q would be my pick.  I'm not sure if it is $120 difference in price, but the Quick Shoot and the ergonomic handles are well worth it.  Electric start,  I could go either way, may spring for it just for a whim.

I just bought a Toro 221q and I am happy. This is my first so I can't say one way or the other. That Quick Shoot is pretty cool no stopping on the turn around.

Thanks for the advice. What I did, was to order a 221Q. I found this giant power equip. place on ebay that was selling them for $599, w/free shipping, & no sales tax as they're in Michigan I think. Also, ebay had a 10%-off coupon I was able to use, so $539.99 total for the 221Q, about the same price as a 210 locally w/sales tax. I don't have it yet, it hasn't even shipped, so I'll see if it arrives undamaged, starts, runs, etc. A little hairy buying something like this mail order, but I'm hopeful.....

To make things more complicated, a used Toro 221QE just popped up for sale locally for $475. For reference, the new 621QZE sells locally for $800.

I called the owner, he said it's 2-3 years old and has probably been used 10 times (which makes sense, as it's probably only used for big snowfalls which don't happen often)......so it's basically brand new. He also said he would accept a "reasonable offer".

I know the 221 is a 2 stroke, and I'm fine with that.

What are your thoughts on a fair used price for the 221QE?

If I can get it for $400, would it be a better buy than a new 621?

I really appreciate all of the replies and assistance. 

James

To make things more complicated, a used 221QE just popped up for sale for $475.  What would be a fair used price for a used 221?

I know it's a 2 stroke, but any thoughts on a 221 vs a new 621? If I could get the 221 for $400 (the owner is open to a reasonable offer) would that be a fair price?

Thanks for all of the replies and assistance.

james

Mr_Pacman wrote:
$350 if everything is functional and slightly dented, minimal rust, a few small scratches.  $425-$450 if in perfect shape and very little wear on the rubber rotors.

If you can negotiate the price down, I'd go with a full featured but used 221QE over a basic but new 621.  The Quick Chute and the Zip Deflector may seem like a gimmick and quite spendy for what it is, but it's a convenience I really appreciate.  I don't think we have heard from anybody who have got it and regret it.  Also, the basic 621 does not come with the ergonomic curved handles.

aa335 wrote:
Perfect. Thank you for the quick reply! 

Is there a way to tell if the rubber auger/rotor is worn?  I guess I could go to a Home Depot and measure the length on a brand new 621, and then compare it to this one? Do you know if they use the same rubber auger on the 221 and the 621?

If I can snag this one for $400 or so, then I think I would be happy. I would have the power of the 621, for the price of a 418 and the electric start and quickshoot are nice to have as well.

Do you recall what the original MSRP is on the 221?  IF both the 221 and 621 were available brand new for the same price, which one would you pick?

Thanks again for all of your assistance with my questions over the past few days. I'm hoping to pull the trigger on something in the next week or so, as it's starting to get cold here......snow is probably a month or so away

Regards,
James

Mr_Pacman wrote:
All of Toro's current 21" models have the same frame and auger/rotor, whether it's a 210, 221, 421, or 621.  As far as wear, you have to measure it and compare it to a new one.

The 221QE was $699, 421QE (now 621QZE) was $799.  These are both with electric start, Quick Chute, and Zip Deflector.  I would pick the 621 if they are the same price. 

If you can get the 221QE at $400, it's a no brainer to chose that over the 418. 

Thanks for the reply WoodyWW and aa335

I'll go an measure a new 621, and then try to snag this used 221 for a good price. The seller said he will accept a reasonable offer, so I'll try $400 and see what happens.

Thanks again
James