How to Choose the Perfect Toro Snowblower

When it comes to clearing snow efficiently, Toro offers a wide range of high-quality snowblowers designed to tackle various conditions. Whether you're dealing with light, fluffy snow, or heavy, wet snow, Toro has a model that fits your specific needs. This guide will walk you through how to choose the perfect Toro snowblower for your home or business, based on features, power, and the type of snow you'll be clearing.

1. Understand the Types of Snowblowers

Person with Toro Snowblower

Before diving into specific models, it's important to understand the different types of snowblowers at our four locations:

  • Single-Stage Snowblowers: These are compact and ideal for light to moderate snowfalls. They clear snow in one pass and are perfect for paved surfaces like driveways and walkways.

  • Two-Stage Snowblowers: Designed for heavier snow, these machines scoop up snow with an auger and then propel it away with an impeller, allowing you to clear larger areas.

  • Battery-Powered Snowblowers: If you prefer a quieter, eco-friendly option, Toro offers several battery-powered models. They are ideal for homeowners who want a cordless option and have smaller areas to clear. However, it's important to consider the runtime of these models, as cold weather can affect battery performance. Battery-powered snowblowers are generally more suited for lighter, less demanding snow removal tasks.


2. Match the Snowblower to Your Driveway Size and Surface

For Small Driveways and Walkways:

If you have a smaller, paved driveway or walkway and are dealing with lighter snowfall, a single-stage or battery-powered snowblower is the best choice. These are easy to maneuver and perfect for smaller jobs.

For Medium-Sized Driveways:

If you have a medium-sized driveway, consider upgrading to a more powerful machine. A two-stage snowblower offers better capacity and power for clearing snow.

  • Recommended Models:

    • SNOWMASTER 724 QXE SNOWBLOWER 36002
      While technically categorized as a single-stage model, this hybrid functions like a two-stage blower thanks to its auger-assisted system. It's great for medium-sized spaces, offering speed, ease of use, and better handling of larger amounts of snow.

    • POWER MAX 824 OE SNOWBLOWER 37798
      With its two-stage functionality, this model can handle deeper snow on larger driveways, making it ideal for those who experience heavier snowfalls.

Toro Snowblower on driveway

For Large Driveways and Heavy Snow:

For those with long driveways or areas that receive significant snowfall, a two-stage snowblower with a large clearing capacity is essential.

3. Consider Your Snowfall Type and Climate

Snowfall can vary greatly depending on where you live, and choosing the right snowblower means knowing the type of snow you'll be dealing with most often.

For Light, Fluffy Snow:

A single-stage or battery-powered model will often suffice for areas that get light, fluffy snow.

For Wet, Heavy Snow:

In regions that get wet, heavy snow, you'll need the power of a two-stage snowblower to efficiently clear your driveway or walkway. Wet snow is denser and more challenging to move, so a model with more power and the ability to prevent clogging is key.


4. Prioritize Power and Performance

Toro Two-Stage Snow blower using more power

When choosing the perfect Toro snowblower, consider how much power you’ll need. Toro’s snowblowers come in a variety of engine sizes and power outputs. If you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall, more power is essential to avoid straining the machine.

For Maximum Power:

Look for models with powerful engines and two-stage clearing capabilities. These are best for large areas and heavy, compacted snow.


5. Electric vs. Gas: Choosing the Right Power Source

Another important consideration is whether you prefer a gas-powered or electric snowblower.

Gas-Powered Snowblowers:

Gas-powered models are generally more powerful and suited for heavy-duty work, especially in areas with heavy or wet snow. They offer higher torque, making them ideal for large spaces and long run times. However, they also require more maintenance, such as fueling, oil changes, and upkeep of engine components, which is important to factor in.

Electric and Battery-Powered Snowblowers:

Electric snowblowers are quieter and more environmentally friendly. Battery-powered models provide the convenience of cord-free operation and are great for smaller properties with less demanding snow removal needs. Keep in mind that battery life can be shorter in colder temperatures, so if you're dealing with a larger area or expect prolonged use, you may need a backup battery.


6. Commercial vs. Residential NeedsToro POWER MAX HD 1432 OHXE COMMERCIAL SNOWBLOWER 38844

For those with large properties or commercial needs, consider Toro’s heavy-duty and commercial-grade models. These snowblowers offer the durability and performance needed for continuous, tough use. They are designed with more robust components, such as heavy-duty steel frames and enhanced clearing widths, making them perfect for prolonged use in harsh conditions.


Maintenance Tips for Your Toro Snowblower

Maintenance on a regular basis is essential to keeping your Toro snowblower operating at its best. To maintain a smooth engine in gas-powered versions, change the oil regularly and inspect the belts, filters, and spark plugs. Shear pins can break if the snowblower comes into contact with a hard surface, so always have more on available. To avoid clogging, check the auger and impeller for wear on both gas and electric types, and remove any debris after each use. Because cold weather can affect battery efficiency, batteries used in battery-powered snowblowers should be properly charged and stored in warmer climates. To find out how to maintain your model properly and increase its longevity, always consult the user manual.

Check out our How To Videos on Maintenance!

Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Toro Snowblower

With so many reliable and powerful options, Toro snowblowers make it easy to find the perfect match for your snow-clearing needs. Whether you need a compact model for light snow or a heavy-duty snowblower for deep, wet snow, Toro has a machine to suit your driveway size, climate, and preferences. Use this guide to make an informed decision, and enjoy a winter with clear driveways and walkways without the hassle!

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