2 Cycle Snowblowers The Truth about 2 Cycle Snowblower Engines
2 cycle snowblowers refer to snow removal equipment that are powered by 2 cycle gas engines. Gas powered snow blowers come in single stage and two stage models. Single stage models are made for light to moderate snow, while two stage models can tackle heavier and deeper snow. However, these snow blowers can be further differentiated based on the type of gas engine they come with. A gas engine can either be 2 cycle or 4 cycle.
2 cycle snow throwers use a 2 cycle gas engine. All 2 cycle engines are also called side valve engines because the fuel mixture and the exhaust enter the machine and leave it through the valves located on the side of the machine. These engines can usually produce up to 13 HP, but they exert more effort to do so, so they usually run hotter and burn more fuel.
They are also not the most environment-friendly engines around as they are known to produce 30 times more pollution than a 4 cycle engine. As if that’s not enough, 2 cycle engines are also louder when they’re being operated.
2 cycle snowblowers run as the engine produces power on every other cycle. Thus, it does not require big cylinders as those found in 4 cycle engines. Due to this, they work through a shorter span of time before you need a refill. They are also less durable than 4 cycle engines. Another common problem faced by 2 cycle engine users is that they can be pretty hard to start, so an electric start feature would be appreciated. And even though a 2 cycle engine may be used with both single stage and two stage models, they usually produce less HP and are best for low torque applications.
Due to the unreliability of 2 cycle snowblowers, only a few 2 cycle models are left on the market, and they don’t fare as well as their 4 cycle counterparts. Thankfully, leading snow blower manufacturer Toro still has some 2 cycle models left in the market. One of these is the Toro Power Clear 221QE. This may not be the most popular single stage snow thrower on the market, but it’s a good enough choice if you’re specifically after a 2 cycle machine.
Although the engine is a 2 cycle one, it is still a Toro R-Tek engine, which gives it considerable credibility. The engine boasts of a 141cc displacement, which is good enough for a small single stage model. And to make sure you don’t have any difficulty in starting the machine, it comes with a 120-volt electric start, with a manual recoil present only as backup.
Despite its engine, there are many things to like about the Toro Power Clear 221QE, especially as a single stage snow blower. It comes with a rubber auger that safely scrapes snow right down to the pavement. And though the chute is plastic, it is durable and rotates up to 180 degrees to give you flexibility. With the Quick Shoot rotating chute, you can throw snow up to 30 feet away to the direction you like.
But don’t expect too much in terms of added features. This model does not come with user-friendly features such as hand warmers, remote deflectors, skid shoes, and all those other features that are nice to have. With this model, Toro focuses on basic functionality only. The good news is that its price is just right for basic functionality, too, so this is also a good bargain.
Toro CCR Powerlite 325E 2 Cycle Single Stage Snowblower
The Toro CCR Powerlite 325E is another model in Toro’s 2 cycle snowblowers collection. This is also another single stage model. To make up for the 2 cycle engine, Toro at least chooses well, trusting only renowned engine manufacturer, Tecumseh.
This is a bit more popular than the Toro Power Clear, but it comes with the same limitations. The extra popularity comes from consumers looking for a small and light snow blower that can conveniently and easily deal with light snow conditions. True enough, the Toro CCR Powerlite 325E is made only for light snow with its 16-inch clearing width. It has enough power to tackle mid-range snowfall, but it will probably take you a lot of time due to the limited clearing width.
According to reviews, as long as it is used for the right purposes, this machine will satisfactorily clean right down to the surface. Tests have also proven its worth even in the face of wet and slushy snow. However, due to the size and engine type, you’ll have to contend with a slower run.
Toro CCR 2450 GTS Single Stage Snow Blower
If you want to compare more 2 cycle snowblowers, check out the Toro CCR 2450 GTS. This is also quite popular, although it’s not a new model. The machine was first released as the Toro CCR 2400, but eventually it was upgraded to the Toro CCR 2450 GTS. During the upgrade, the engine was improved to a 141cc 5 HP Toro R-Tek engine, but one that’s still 2 cycle. There’s one noteworthy thing about this engine, though: unlike other 2 cycle models with electric start, this one sticks with a recoil start. Even with Toro’s GTS or Guaranteed to Start technology, some consumers still had trouble starting the engine.
But once you get it running, you’ll have no problems with it. Reviews say that the Toro CCR 2450 proved effective in moving up to 1700 lbs. of snow in a minute. It works faster than other Toro 2 cycle snow throwers, and can throw snow up to 30 feet away.
This is one of the best remaining 2 cycle models on the market, so it makes a great buy.
Making 2 Cycle Snowblowers Run
Before you buy a snow thrower, check whether it has a 2 cycle or a 4 cycle engine. This is because a 2 cycle engine does not run on regular gasoline like any other type of engine. A 2 cycle engine runs on a mixture of gasoline and oil. So after putting gasoline into the tank, you have to add oil to the same tank as well; otherwise your machine won’t run. So make sure you have plenty of engine oil to go around.
