Once you're ready to switch from a snow shovel to a snow blower, you won't get past Toro.
The Toro brand, with the farm tractor being the original product, was named based on its association with The Bull Tractor Company. Known for pioneering the golf industry, beginning in 1919 with fairway mowers, Toro is a proven and trusted global brand. Today, that trust extends to its line of snow blowers.
In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about the different types of Toro snow blowers, including our picks for the very best machines to invest in this year and why we picked them.
Our Top 5 Toro Snow Blowers for 2021
|
|
PRODUCT |
FEATURES |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
Why Should You Trust Us?
When it comes to snow blowers, many of our staff have owned or at least operated a snow blower, as quite a few of us originate or currently reside in the great snowy northern atmosphere. We know how important it is to invest in a reliable machine that actually works and is worth the money. We aren't here to profit from promoting sponsored products, we are here to help our readers make the best-informed buying decision possible, period.
Here at BYB, we take pride in researching, field-testing when applicable, and reviewing the very best products for the home, garden, backyard, and other related areas. That said, each staff member that writes, edits, or otherwise work on our site is hand-picked for their areas of special expertise. From DIY and home decor experts to landscapers, carpenters, and gardeners, we all possess genuine love and experience in the areas that we create content about.
Every product that we review and recommend is one that we either have hands-on experience with or that we have research and analyzed in-depth. It is our practice to gather up all the hottest recommendations on the web and follow-up with intensively comparing and contrasting each product against each other in order to review and recommend only the best.
Best Compact Model
Compact but powerful, this is a great residential choice and easy to operate.
- Easy maneuvering and fast snow clearing
- Compact design and easy storage
- Lower price point than other Toros
- Designed for use on pavement only – unless you add snow shoes or skid plates
- Clearing width is only 18 inches
|
|
Toro's single-stage snow blowers get the job done quickly. The Power Clear, with 8 different models, is equipped with Power Curve®, enabling the operator to clear snow all the way down to the pavement surface. This is just one of the features exclusive to Toro.
The second feature is Power Propel® which helps in maneuverability and in busting through the snow faster. The Power Clear blowers range in price from $399 to $799. Compact but powerful, this is a great residential choice and easy to operate. Out of the eight models, two are commercial grade, great for small but tough jobs.
Best Battery Powered Model
This battery-driven snow blower offers a longer run time and longer performance due to the Brushless DC Motor.
- A reliable starter that fires up every time
- Low maintenance requirements compared to other machines
- Under 2-hour charge time
- Works on pavement only - unless you add snow shoes or skid plates
- Clears lower levels of snow (two to nine inches) than other Toro snow blowers
|
|
Still touting the trusted and reliable name Toro, but battery-powered, this Power Clear battery-operated snow blower is equipped with the Power Edge® auger made with all steel. With a fully-charged battery, the 60V Max can clear an 18 vehicle space efficiently, clearing two to nine inches of snow at a time.
This battery-driven snow blower offers a longer run time and longer performance due to the Brushless DC Motor. The 60V battery is compatible with other Toro brand products in the Flex-Force line, including Power Shovels, Toro's electric snow shovel. The Power Clear battery-operated option gives the same great power with the convenience of no gasoline.
Best Self-Propelled Residential Model
The SnowMaster can handle heavy, wet snow with ease with its powerful self-propelled function.
- Self-propelled driving
- Designed to cut through ice and slush
- Clearing width of 24 inches
- Built for use on pavement only - unless you add snow shoes or skid plates
- Less vehicle capacity for the price
|
|
Master the snow with this mid-level model SnowMaster. The toughest snow and ice cannot compete with this model snow blower. The SnowMaster® can handle heavy, wet snow with ease. Easily change the deflector and chute all at once with the Quick Stick®. Choosing speed is also made easy; fast or slow, get it done with Personal Pace® technology.
All three SnowMaster models come with a 3-year warranty. Even with a bit more engine power, this blower is safe to operate for most people in the household, even teenagers and seniors!
Best for Heavy-Duty Residential Use
With a robust 4-cycle gasoline engine, this is a heavy-duty snow blowing machine in a compact package.
- Steep slope capability, great for uneven terrain
- Premium 252cc gasoline engine
- Ease of use is superb
- Higher priced than single-stage Toro snow blowers on our list
- Requires higher level of maintenance
|
|
Part of the two-stage class series of Toro snow blowers, the Power Max has no shear pins needing replacement in cold weather. This blower is built twice as strong with its hardened gears and Power Max®. Power and gracefulness are a package deal with this triggerless steering, compliments of the disengaging wheel during turns.
This model boasts the impressive 252cc Toro Premium 4-cycle OHV engine, a real beauty. There are three total Power Max compact blowers, however, compact does not mean they are not tough and efficient in doing what they were designed to do. The compact Power Max blowers are great for large driveways and parking lots with six to 12 inches of snow at a time.
Best for Commercial Use
A beast among snow blowers, this unit is perfect for large properties and businesses.
- Big 420cc gasoline motor
- Large 28-inch scoop
- Powerful features and functions
- One of the most expensive commercial Toro snow blowers currently on the market
- Requires more fuel
|
|
As the most powerful of the two-stage blowers, this commercial masterpiece is fierce. Low maintenance, smooth handling, tight turns, self-propelled: names synonymous with Hydrostatic transmission and self-propelled operating. Toro's powerhouse engine, the 420cc, gives the Power TRX its stability for the harshest of terrains.
This electric start model throws snow up to 60 ft. while biting through the snow 28 inches across and crushing a depth of almost two feet of snow. Trust the power of the Toro with its 5-year warranty and 1-year commercial warranty. The Power TRX commercial blower is the best for extra-large driveways, the biggest of snowstorms, and for handling the accumulation quickly.
What Are the Different Types of Toro Snow Blowers?
There are numerous types of snow blowers on the market today. For the most part, they are either gasoline or electric powered and function with single-stage, two-stage, or three-stage operations.
Single-Stage Snow Blowers
This type of snow blower is the lightest and easiest to operate. Single-stage snow blowers are made for clearing snow of approximately a foot or less from small to medium-sized areas. Most single-stage snow blowers require pushing by hand and work via an auger that shoots snow up and out of a discharge chute.
Likewise, most single-stage snow blowers make direct contact with the ground and therefore work best on the pavement rather than loose gravel or dirt. That said, snowshoes and skid plates are available to raise single-stage snow blowers - making them much more friendly towards uneven surfaces and gravel.
Two-Stage Snow Blower
These snow blower types are made for clearing a foot of snow, or slightly more in some cases, from large to medium-sized areas. They are heavier than single-stage snow blowers and may require a bit more skill to operate as well. Most two-stage snow blowers have engine-driven wheels which make them much more useful for clearing snow from uneven and unpaved surfaces.
Two-stage snow blowers work by an auger collecting snow, an impeller fan moves it along, and a discharge shoot slings it up and out of the way. In addition, snowshoes are almost always available for two-stage snow blowers, as well as a wide range of features compared to single-stage snow blowers.
Three-Stage Snow Blower
The three-stage snow blower types are the heaviest and most advanced models. These snow blowers have all the power and features of two-stage snow blowers and then some. In addition to an auger, impeller blade, and discharge shoot, three-stage snow blowers also come equipped with an accelerator that works with the auger to help collect more snow and smoothly move it through the machine.
Due to their advanced hardware and larger frames, three-stage snow blowers are the perfect machines for clearing large snowdrifts and heavy snowfall from areas of just about any size. They work faster and more efficiently than single-stage and two-stage snow blowers, to say the least. That said, a three-stage snow blower may actually be too much machine for the snow job you have.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Toro Snow Blower
Now that we have discussed the different types of Toro snow blowers, let's look at a few of the most significant things to consider about a snow blower before buying.
What type of snow blower do you need?
The type of area you will be clearing snow from dictates the type of snow blower you need. This includes whether the ground you need to keep maintained is even, uneven, paved, or unpaved. If you have a small to medium area to clear, a single stage will do just fine. But, if it is uneven or consists of mainly gravel, you'll want a two-stage or three-stage blower.
Where will you use the snow blower?
As mentioned above, the type of snow blower you need is largely decided by the area you will be clearing of snow. If you will be clearing snow from multiple areas, including paved and unpaved, dirt, concrete, and gravel, two-stage or three-stage blowers are best.
For smaller flat areas, like sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways, single-stage snow blowers are more than adequate.
Does it support add-ons? If so, how many?
An important consideration to make about snow blowers before purchasing your first one is whether or not it supports add-ons. If it does, how many does it support, and how hard/easy are they to acquire and add on to the snow blower?
If the machine does not support add-ons, does it offer enough features and functions to get the job done as is?
How much snow does it clear?
Perhaps the biggest consideration to make before purchasing a machine is how much snow a snow blower is able to clear. If you have only a bit of sidewalk and driveway to clear, a smaller single-stage snow blower is what you need. Anything more would be too much machine for the job.
For those with parking lots, long driveways, and other large spaces to clear of snow each year, two-stage and three-stage snow blowers are much more suited for the job.
Does it come with a warranty or guarantee?
Last but not least, it is crucial to check whether or not the snow blower you are interested in buying comes with a warranty or guarantee of some sort. The best snow blowers have limited warranties at the very least, and possibly money-back guarantees.
Snow blowers that lack a warranty or guarantee are a riskier purchase and should be avoided. If you are going to invest several hundred or thousands of dollars in a machine like this, it should have a warranty, period.
Where to Purchase a Toro Snow Blower
Toro is without question one of the best snow blower brands on the market. That fact, however, means they are a bit trickier to get your hands on than many less prestigious machines. Unfortunately, you won't find these bad boys on most major online retailers, like Amazon. That said, you may find one on eBay, although it may be a used one. Like buying a Corvette or Jaguar, you will need to head to the local dealership. In the case of buying a Toro, you will need to visit your local HomeDepot or a comparable home department store.
Snow Blower FAQs
Just in case we didn't already cover your questions, here are a few frequently asked questions that first-time snow blower buyers have.
What is the best type of snow blower for light snow, heavy snow, or ice?
Generally speaking, single-stage snow blowers are the best machines for moving light and fluffy snow, even if it is stacked up. For heavier snow, two-stage and three-stage snow blowers are preferred. If ice and slush are a concern, three-stage snow blowers are the most well-suited units for the job.
What is the best type of snow blower for ditches and snow drifts?
For ditches and off-road snow clearing, self-propelled, engine-driven, two-stage, and three-stage snow blowers are highly preferred (with tracks or wheels). Although, a decent single-stage snow blower with snowshoes or skid plates can also get the job done if the ditch isn't much more than a few inches deep.
For snow drafts up to a foot high, any sort of snow blower type may be suitable so long as the drift is on a flat surface like a driveway or parking lot. If the snowdrift is more than 12 inches high or is located on uneven or unpaved ground, a heavier-duty two-stage or three-stage snow blower will be necessary to get the job done.
How much snow can a snow blower handle?
Depending on the specific model snow blower you invest in, most snow blowers can clear as much as 12 inches of heavy snow. Single-stage and two-stage snow blowers move between two and 16 inches of snow. Three-stage snow blowers also move up to 16 inches of snow or more, depending on the model and add-ons.
How do you start a snow blower?
Many newer snow blowers start with a simple to use button or switch. Older snow blowers may require starting with the use of a manual recoil or pull start. Refer to the user manual that comes with your snow blower for the proper instructions to start your machine.
How We Picked
To bring you a list of nothing but the best Toro snow blowers the brand has to offer, we poured over countless units, recommendations, reviews, ratings, descriptions, and comparisons. After we selected a handful, we further reined our pickings by vetting them. We looked at cost, functionality, add-ons, ease-of-use, fuel type, and more. Each of the units we picked for this guide surpassed all the others, hands down.
In this case, all of the snow blowers obviously came from one brand; Toro. But, even amongst their own machines, not all are created equal. We passed over the budget-made machines, as well as the strictly commercial units, and focused in on the very best blowers for home-owners and small business operators.
Choosing the Best Toro Snow Blower for You
After reading over the guide above, picking the best snow blower for your specific needs isn't as hard, after all. Just remember to pay attention to the most significant factors that we discussed and you'll do just fine.
Not satisfied with Toro snow blowers? Check out some of these other great snow blowers that we reviewed, recently. While you're at it, you may also find our Toro vs Honda snow blower review helpful in selecting the best machine for you.