Buying a Snowblower – What to Look For
Information brought to you by Toro Lawnmowers and Snowblowers
In areas that experience heavy snow or for homeowners with physical limitations a snowblower is an essential piece of winter equipment. For lighter snowfall areas a single stage snowblower will probably be adequate but for areas that experience heavy snowfall or for homeowners with a large area to clear a double stage snowblower will be the best purchase.
Consider the size of the area to be cleared carefully when deciding on a purchase. The width that a snowblower will clear will vary with the model. matching up the width of the pathway to be cleared with the clearing width of the snowblower will result in fewer passes. Consideration also needs to be given to the average snowfall in your area and its ‘packability’. For an average annual snowfall of around 50 inches a single stage snowblower would be adequate. In an area where the annual snowfall is around 150 inches and the snow is mostly wet you would need to seriously consider a double stage snowblower of at least 7hp.
A single stage snowblower has an auger, a rotating drum-shaped wheel that cuts and lifts the snow. A double stage snowblower cuts the snow with an auger, lifts it but impellers then take over to toss the snow into the discharge chute. The direction and angle of discharge can be adjusted by moving the chute. A two stage snowblower then requires more power, one of the reasons for the higher price. It’s a good idea to look for a polymer chute as metal ones can rust fairly quickly.
The clearing path of single stage snowblowers is about 20 – 22 inches, adequate for smaller areas. maintenance is fairly easy and they are compact enough to store in a small space. A machine with larger wheels is a good buy as the auger blades biting action propels the machine and a good push is sometimes needed. larger wheels will make that easier. Some models, for example from the Toro Snowblowers range the Power Clear models have a Power Propel Drive System in which rotor paddles contact the ground and propel the machine forward when the rotor is engaged. These machines typically range from about $300 to $600.
For a larger area or very heavy snowfall a better choice is a two stage snowblower. A medium power machine of around 8hp would probably be adequate. The clearing path is around 24 – 26 inches and the more powerful engine makes these machines a good choice for all but the largest areas or heaviest snowfall. They are self-propelled and most have large wheels. Prices for these machines are between $500 and $950.
For the heaviest snow and a very large area consider a large heavy duty snowblower. More powerful motors and clearing paths of up to a huge 45 inches will have the largest area cleared in no time! They come with a corresponding hefty price however. One of these machines will set you back anywhere between $1000 and $2,500.
A good choice of engine would be the Tecumseh Snow King which has been developed especially for the cold conditions these machine swill be working in. An electric starter is much more convenient than a recoil starter and much more reliable. Check the weight of the snowblower before you buy. Some can be surprisingly heavy and carting one up and down steps can be difficult.
Buying a snowblower out of season could be a good way to get a bargain. Good second hand Toro snowblowers can be found on our snowblower page. Second hand Toro lawnmowers are available on the Toro lawnmower page.
Toro Snowblowers
Toro lawnmowers are famous and win many Consumer Guide Best Buy Awards but did you know that Toro snowblowers are equally as respected for their durability and performance? We’ll look at two ranges of Toro snowblower and see what makes them the industry leaders.
Toro Single Stage Snow Throwers
Recommended Manufacturers Retail Prices from $399.95 for the CCR Powerlite to $859.95 for the Power Clear 421Q
Models Available
CCR™ Powerlite
CCR 2450 GTS
Power Clear 221
Power Clear 221Q
Power Clear 421Q
General Features
Exclusive Power Curve® System
A patented system to move snow quickly and eliminate clogging uses an inverted funnel housing and a curved rotor. The snowthrower is propelled forward while in use by wide rubber paddles. Suitable for light falls of snow.
Light and Compact
These machines are very light, typically around 40 pounds, and fold up to allow easy storage.
Electric Start or Recoil
Dependable starting on even the coldest days with either electric start or recoil.
Engines
All these snowblowers are fitted with Tecumseh Engines, from 98 cc for the cheapest model to a powerful 5.5 hp Tecumseh Snow King 4-Cycle engine for the Power Clear 421Q
Specifications of the CCR™ Powerlite
Capacity per Minute Up to 1100 lbs
Throw Distance Up to 25′
Clearing Width 16″
Engine Tecumseh 2-Cycle
Displacement 98 cc
Starter Recoil or Electric
Specifications of the Power Clear 421Q
Capacity per Minute Up to 1800 lbs
Throw Distance Up to 35′
Clearing Width 21″
Engine Tecumseh® 5.5hp 4-Cycle
Displacement 195 cc
Starter Recoil or Electric
Compression Release Standard
Toro Two Stage Snowblowers
Manufacturer’s Suggested List Price: $1099.95 to $1,799.95
Features
Power Max® auger system
A new, innovative system, the Power Max® auger reduces clogging by metering the snow intake. Maximum snowthrowing capacity is maintained by returning un-thrown snow back to the auger. Snow build up is minimised by the funnel shaped, inverted chute design which has a non-stick surface and a large opening.
Quick Stick® Chute Control
Very easily change snowthrowing direction with the Quick Stick Chute Control.
One-Hand Interlock
One handed operation is afforded by the levers which allows you to adjust the chute without having to stop.
522 Power Throw Snowblower
Manufacturer’s Suggested List Price: $999.95
The Power Throw 522 is a powerful snowthrower able to deal with the heaviest snow and the longest driveway! It is compact and easy to store and very maneuverable.
Features
Engine
Powerful Tecumseh Snow King® 4-Cycle Engine
Durable Design
The Power Throw will last for years due to its heavy steel and cast aluminum construction.
Specifications
Capacity per Minute Up to 1,800 lbs.
Throw Distance Up to 30′
Clearing Width 22″
Engine Tecumseh Snow King® 4-Cycle
Horsepower 5 hp
Starter Electric
Have fun choosing the right snowthrower for you at Choose a Toro Snowthrower
Toro Fairway Mowers Review- the New 5010 Reelmaster Series
Toro lawnmowers and Toro snowblowers are well known to homeowners but a major part of the Toro product line caters for commercial users, including golf courses and other sporting venues. Featured include 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder Kubota diesel engines, impressive quality of cut and exceptional after cut appearance, groomer and roller brush accessories and improved operator comfort.
Features
Dual Precision Adjustment (DPA) Cutting Units
Levelness and hold adjustments are maintained with the precision machined cutting units. Dula precision adjustment allows quick and easy adjustment from bedknife to reel. The hardened steel of the bedknife and reels retains a sharp edge for much longer and minimises the frequency of adjustments. width of the blade and bedknife interface has been reduced with the tapered reel blade design leading to less heat build-up and wear.
Improved Operator Comfort
Conveniently located on the right arm rest the controls and indicators are easy ro reach. Improved visibility and lowered noise, plus a suspension seat and tilt steering ensure a comfortable ride for long periods.
Improved Aftercut Appearance
A single, wider tire track has been achieved by stretching the rear axle to allow the front and rear tire tracks to align. The track is less noticable and better looking.
Lighter Weight Design
A major improvement has been made in the weight of the Reelmaster. Use of lighter weight materialsd and design improvements have resulted in a lighter mower for less turf compaction, while keeping all the performance and functionality high. In addition the cutting unit suspension system uses no down pressure springs further reducing turf compaction.
The new 5010 Reelmaster series is a major improvement with many new features. A new design with reduced weight and better mowing performance, greater operator comfort and simpler maintenance make this a serious contender for the top fairway mower.
Toro Lawnmower Reviews – SR4 Super Recycler
Lawnmower Reviews from Toro Lawnmowers and Snowblowers
The new line of Toro lawnmowers, the SR4 Super Recycler are gas-powered models manufactured for high performance and long life. Ranging from the hand-push 20090 with manufacturers retail price of $429.99 USD to the 20095 Personal Pace at $659.99 USD there’s an affordable Toro Super Recycler for your needs. Toro SR4 Super Recycler 20058 gained the Consumer Guide Award!
Features
Blade Override System
The blade can be stopped by the blade override system to allow you to safely leave the mower while moving objects or bagging clippings.
Key-Lectric® Start
Easy start system. Just turn the key!
Personal Pace Rear Wheel Drive
The freedom to mow at up to a comfortable 4mph with the personal pace drive. The speed infinitely adjusts its speed accordingly.(not available on some models)
Super Recycler® Cutting System
The best cutting system available with the veneered cutting blades, clipping accelerators and kickers. An accelerator lifts grass under the 21-inch deck, and kickers bounce them back into the convex blade, chopping and re-chopping them into fine mulch.
Cast-Aluminum Cutting Deck
The cutting deck is manufactured from aluminum to give a durable, rust-free long life. It converts easily between mulching, side discharging or rear bagging.
Height of Cut Range
The cutting range is adjustable between 1.25″ to 4.25″ with seven positions.
Overall excellent, affordable Toro lawnmowers that are gaining awards for all-round good features and performance.
Rate the Toro SR4 Super Recycler
(13 votes, average: 4.38 out of 5)
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Toro Lawnmower Reviews – The Titan Z Zero Turn
Lawnmower Reviews from Toro Lawnmowers and Snowblowers
An established range of Toro lawnmowers, the Titan Z series has been manufactured to give outstanding durability and a high level performance while cutting down mowing time and giving a comfortable ride. Manufacturers retail prices vary from $4,799 for the Z4800 to $5,399 USD for the Z5200. Two new models have been introduced in 2008, the Z4800K and the Z5200K.
Features
Premium Extended Life Twin Cylinder Engines
All the Titan Z series feature premium twin cylinder engines carf\efully matched to the individual model for extended life and the best perfomance.
Hydro Gear ZT2800 Hydrostatic Drive System
This new transmission has a high load capacity and is easy to maintain. It has been designed to have fewer leak points than prvious versions and a significantly easier to maintain brake and filter system in comparison to the usual wheel pump and motor system
Foot Operated Height of Cut Adjustment
An easy to use foot operated adjustment system allows the minimum cut level to be changed quickly. The system can also rais the deck when covering uneven ground.
Comfort Seating System
Designed to be a hardworking mower the Titan Z needs comfortable seating to allow use for msny hours. The comfort seating system is designed to give a much smoother ride than normal by absorbing the bumps. Three springs combined with a comfortable seat wioth adjustable arm rests gives the most comfortable ride imaginable.
Hydraulically Dampened Control Levers
Jerky operation and sudden stops are eliminated with the hydrolical dampers which have been carefully positioned for comfort. Cruise control, created by the elimination of a spring return system helps prevent arm fatigue.
20″ Rear Tires
Better traction and a smoother ride is provided by the large 20″ diameter rear wheel tires. The rear wheels can be turned individually cutting down on wasted motion.
Attachments
Twin Bagger
Optional twin bagger to clean up grass clippings leaves etc.
Mulch Kit
Clipping are recirculated and re-cut before discharge to provide rich mulch for your lawn.
Light Kit
Mow in the dark with the optional light kit.
Hitch Kit
Increase the functionality with a hitch kit to tow light attachments.
Overall the Titan Z series are durable, high performance models that will give years of work cutting larger lawns. As usual for the Toro products the attachments tend to be expensive and there is a limited range. Good value for money zero turn mowers.
Rate the Toro Titan Z Zero Turn
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...
Toro Lawnmower Reviews – The New line of LX series tractors
Toro is one of the most popular makers of lawn mowers and snow blowers. Toro lawnmowers and Toro snowblowers win many awards in the annual Consumer Reports review articles. The new line of LX series tractors looks set to continue this trend. Toro lawnmowers in this series retail from $1,499 to $2,049 USD.
General Features
All the LX tractors come with 3-in-1 cutting decks which allow you to easily mulch, bag or side discharge and can be adjusted between 1.5 and 4 inches. Automatic drive with cruise control allows for continually variable mowing speed or use the cruise control. All the LX series feature powerful engines carefully matched to the specific mower for optimum performance. Comfort is ensured with a rubber soft touch steering wheel, much better on hot days than the usual plastic wheel, rubber side handles and foot rests and a step through design. Large 3-gallon fuel tanks ensure maximum mowing time between fill-ups.
Performance
In general the performance of the LX series is excellent as would be expected from this top manufacturer. On rougher terrain the ride can be a bit bumpy, but this is partially compensated for by the comfortable seat.
Round up of Optional LX Tractor Attachments
In general Toro attachments tend to be expensive but they are well made and durable.
Bagging
Smaller models have an optional twin bagging system with a 6.5 bushel capacity. The LX500 which has the option of a triple bagger with 10-bushel capacity.
Snow Blowing
A high performance 42″ two-stage snow blower is available for all LX models.
Front Blade
A 42″ front blade will come in handy to move soil, snow etc
Broadcast Spreader
125 lb. hopper capacity with a Fully enclosed gearbox, directional flow control and a patented Autoflow™ feature which stops material flow automatically when tractor stops
Advantages
Powerful engines and good general performance.
Disadvantages
Bumpy ride on rough terrain and expensive attachments
Please rate the Toro LX Tractors
(2 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)
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Toro – The Company
Since 1925 with the introduction of their first lawnmower homeowners wordlwide have relied on high quality, powerful and reliable Toro lawnmowers and Toro snowblowers to meet all their mowing and snowblowing needs.
The Toro Company has been manufacturing power equipment for home owners, golf courses, sports grounds, landscapers and irrigation contractors since 1914. Introducing their first lawnmower for home use in 1925 with the Silver Flash push reel mower they quickly became a leading supplier of walk power mowers, zero-turn riding mowers, snowthrowers, irrigation systems, and handheld trimmers and blowers. Now recognised as a leading manufacturer of products for the home owner their fastest growing sales sector is for equipment for golf courses. Since entering this market in 1921 as the first company to mount reel mowers on a Toro tractor to cut the fairways at The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis, they are now a leading supplier of equipment for maintaining golf courses. Golf course superintendents, grounds and sports field managers, and landscape and irrigation contractors rely on high performing products including precision fairway and rough mowers, commercial zero-turn mowers, bunker management machines, commercial zero-turn mowers, greens mowers, compact utility loaders, and irrigation systems.
In addition to their commercial concerns Toro also have expressed a commitment to the community and the environment. A portion of every purchase is donated through The Toro Foundation and Toro’s community relations programs. Grants and scholarships are provided to environmental programs and organisations and funding for turf management research is provided to leading universities. Toro also maintain their own agronomic research facilities to develop environmentally friendly products and technologies.
New for 2008 the Troy Bilt Xp Series Lawnmowers
Lawnmower Reviews from Toro Lawnmowers and Snowblowers
Famous brands of MTD lawnmowers include Troy Bilt, Cub Cadet, Bolens and Yard Machines. New for 2008 Troy Bilt have introduced the XP Series rear wheel drive mowers with Kohler Engines. New features include SelectSpeed Transmission which allows the user to easily set the ideal speed and allows easy operation over uneven ground and a single lever height adjustment for all four wheels and deck makes adjusting the cutting height between 1.5 to 4 inches simplicity itself. The rear wheel drive gives good traction in all conditions and the maneuverability and handling are very good. Combine this with variable speed self propulsion, something rarely found in mowers of this price bracket, and you have good all-round mowers at affordable prices. The Briggs & Stratton engines used for the XP series are easy to start and include a Briggs & Stratton starting promise that no more than 2 pulls will be needed.
All the lawnmowers in this series have the capability to side discharge, mulch or bag and conversion between cutting options is very easy. Comfort while mowing is enhanced by the ergonomic grip with handles molded to the natural position of the hands and within easy reach of the speed controls.
Troy-Bilt TB83KXP self-propelled gas mower
Specs
MRSP $350.00
Engine 173 cc Premium Kohler
Speeds SelectSpeed, 4-speed variable
Mowing Width 21 in.
Bagger 2.3-bushel capacity
Troy-Bilt TB1083E XP self-propelled gas mower
Specs
MRSP $390.00
Engine 190 cc Premium Kohler
Speeds SelectSpeed, 4-speed variable
Mowing Width 21 in.
Bagger 2.3-bushel capacity
Overall the XP series is a welcome addition to the Troy Bilt range of affordable, easy to use mowers.
MTD – The Company
Lawnmower Reviews from Toro Lawnmowers and Snowblowers
MTD is an international company that manufactures a wide range of quality outdoor power equipment under the brand names Cub Cadet, Cub Cadet Commercial, Cub Cadet, Yard-Man, Yard Machines, Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor, Bolens, MTD Pro and MTD Gold, Arnold and GardenWay. The company started as a tool and die supplier to local manufacturers in the 1930’s and has its headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.
MTD produced its first lawnmower in 1958 and has since grown to the international company it is today, producing equipment for the residential and commercial markets. Today MTD lawnmowers of all kinds are produced under the famous brand names quoted above. MTD Yardmachine lawnmowers, fitted with excellent Briggs and Stratton engines are basic machines, reasonably priced with few extras but good at getting the job done. MTD Cub Cadet garden tractors have a good reputation as quality machines at an affordable price. Many of the Cub Cadet machines are designed for light-to-medium-duty tasks, but the GT 2550 is tougher and suitable for harder work. The MTD Mow Master ride-on lawnmower is designed for orchard and paddocks and other large areas areas of up to 1 acre Fitted with an electric start Tecumseh engine it should quickly cover those large areas, and is very maneuverable around all kinds of objects.
From the wide range of lawnmowers from MTD and its family of brands there is sure to be one suitable in performance and price for just about anyone’s needs!