The Toro SnowMaster – This May Be Your Next Snow Thrower

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Introducing the Toro SnowMaster.

This review covers the Toro SnowMaster Models 36001 – 724 ZXR, 36002 – 724 QXE, 36003 – 824 QXE

Toro officially announced the new Toro SnowMaster this week. This new snow blower will significantly change how many of us perform snow removal.  This new snow blower is powerful, yet lightweight and has all the features you need to quickly remove a 2 to 10 inch snowfall. The new Toro SnowMaster will clear your driveway 30% faster than traditional two-stage snow blowers and can handle up to 18 inches of snow!

Toro SnowMaster While every other brand has been progressively making bigger, high output, high-capacity, high horsepower snow blowers Toro has been listening to you. This new 24 inch snow blower fills a very big gap in the 24-28 inch snow thrower market. It’s fast, it’s easy to use and it’s half the price of the other brands new “high output” 24 inch models.

Note: I am not writing this review on an unproven snow thrower.  We had a chance to play with the demo model last spring on 5 inches of heavy, wet snow and it really handled the snow faster than a two stage snow blower and better than a single stage snow thrower. This article is my opinion of the new Toro SnowMaster.

This review covers Model 36001 – 724 ZXR, Model 36002 – 724 QXE, Model 36003 – 824 QXE 24 inch Toro Snow Master Snow Throwers

I have a lot of hands-on pictures of the new SnowMaster. Because I have so many I put them all at the end of this article

Is This The Best Snow Blower For You?

Who it’s for: This new Toro is great for someone who gets many light snows and an occasional heavy snow. I feel it will be just the right size for a paved driveway up to 2 cars wide and 60 to 150 feet long. It will handle heavy, wet snow well and power through the deep pile of snow the city snow plow leaves at the end of your drive. It will clean down to the pavement and should work well on cement, blacktop, sidewalks, pavers, decks and patios. If you always thought a two-stage snow blower was to big or too hard to handle but needed one because of the occasional big snow seriously look at this new Toro.

I live in an area of the country that gets about the same amount of snow as Chicago. In other words, I usually get many 2 to 6 inch snows and two or three 10 to 14 inch snows. I have a 16 by 70 foot driveway, a sidewalk and a patio to clear. This snow thrower will work for me very well.

This new snow blower uses adjustable skid shoes and flexible scraper bar. This combination is primarily designed to work perfectly on hard surfaces.

Who it’s not for: I usually recommend a 24 inch 2-stage snow blower for a 2-car wide driveway 60 feet long but because you can walk a lot faster with this snow blower I feel you can clear a much longer drive (up to 150 feet) of 6 inches of snow in the same amount of time. But the limitation of this snow thrower is how far it throws. If you have a 3 or 4 car wide drive or you have to always throw your snow to one side of the drive this snow thrower will only throw “up to 40 feet.”  A good 2-stage snow blower like the Toro PowerMax HD, Ariens Deluxe SHO, Husqvarna 300 series and the Craftsman Pro will throw the snow farther and get it away from your driveway. If you get a lot of drifting – stick with a good 2-stage snow blower.

Do you live on Long Island?  I’ve noticed that properties on Long Island are unique. Your driveways a typically short and you don’t have a lot of room to blow the snow but you do get significant heavy, wet snow falls every winter.   For years you’ve been trying to find a small snow blower that will clear your driveway quickly but is powerful enough to handle those occasional 14-18 inch’ers. I think the new Toro SnowMaster is the snow thrower you have been looking for!

The SnowMaster is unique for seven reasons:

1. Unique auger design.  From Toro’s Press Release: The SnowMaster powers through deep, heavy snow with ease thanks to its in-line two-stage auger technology. The steel rotor on the SnowMaster has a helical design that breaks up the snow, collects it to the center and throws the snow up to 40-feet out-of-the-way**. The rotor also spins ten times faster than typical two-stage rotors, and the tall auger opening increases snow capacity by 25% to move more than a ton of snow per minute*. 

Tech Note: Toro is calling this “in-line two-stage technology.” The term is a play on words but Toro has changed the design of the rubber front paddle from the smooth transition of the single stage Power Curve® models to a cupped center section that grabs the snow and throws it farther. They can use the term “in-line two-stage technology” because the all steel rotor has a outer helical design which quickly breaks up and gathers snow to the center section that throws snow far through its tall chute opening. The new auger is all metal with a small center section of replaceable rubber paddles. The front rotor spins ten times faster than the front auger on a 2-stage snow blower so it grabs the snow and gets rid of it quickly. Toro states this new model will throw snow up to 40 feet! It is a single stage snow thrower but the front paddle does not touch the ground. Unlike many 2-stage snow blowers it handles wet, heavy snow!

2. Tall – open housing. From Toro’s Press Release: A larger intake opening also helps to reduce clogging.

The SnowMaster has a tall 18 inch open auger housing. The inside of the housing is smooth and free of obstacles to reduce clogging in deep snow. Even blowing wet, sloppy snow it won’t clog. In addition the SnowMaster uses a taller chute that is normally found on high quality two-stage snow blowers. The longer chute holds snow longer which reduces the amount of snow blown back in your face and increases the throwing distance. Because the chute holds the snow longer the SnowMaster will throw snow 10 to 15 feet farther than conventional single stage snow throwers.

Tech Note: This system is unique for two reasons.

First, with conventional single stage machines the front opening is only 10 inches higher or so because of the shape of the paddles. The paddles are designed to grab the snow and throw it but the paddles don’t release the snow well. If the front opening was higher it would throw most of the snow out the front of the snow thrower instead of out the chute. The SnowMaster grabs the snow like a single stage but what makes it unique is the center section is a curved paddle that throws the snow well but the slight curve allows it to let go of the snow better. It doesn’t hang on to the snow and throws it out the back of the auger and up the chute better than a conventional single stage snow thrower.

Second, Two stage machines have a lot of right angles that the snow has to move through.  The front auger of a two-stage grabs the snow and then throws it at a right angle into the impeller. The impeller than throws it another right angle up and out the chute. The size of the impeller and the chute limits the amount of snow that it can handle and the designers have to actually meter the amount of snow going through the snow blower. If you have ever had your two-stage machine push snow in front of it because you were walking too fast you know what I mean. This snow thrower is unique because it grabs the snow once and immediately throws it up and out the large, tapered chute. Toro claims the SnowMaster has 25% more capacity than their Power Max 2-stage snow blowers.

3. Quick Stick® control. The innovative Quick Stick® control allows you to quickly and easily change chute direction AND the chute deflector with a single, smooth motion. Convenient one-hand operation levers allow single-handed operation freeing the other hand to change speeds or the chute control without stopping. In my opinion the Quick Stick is the easiest-to-use chute control on the market. It also automatically locks in place so it never wants to wander around.

4. Sub Zero Material – Guaranteed For Life. Chute, deflector and ACS are made of a special cold-weather material durable to -104˚ F and guaranteed for life. It is also rust-free, so there’s no binding, and snow and ice won’t stick.

5. Unique scraper design. Toro calls this a “compression loaded” scraper bar. This is just a big term for the simple fact that the scraper bar mount on the Toro SnowMaster has a little give to it so you can run the scraper on the ground and not be stopped dead in your track by a sidewalk crack or a paver sticking up. The Scraper bar does a better job of riding over obstructions than the metal scraper bar on a two or three stage machine.

6. Unique Self-Propelled Drive and Automatic Steering System. Unlike a single stage snow thrower the new Toro SnowMaster uses a separate drive system to pull the snow blower through the snow. What makes this snow thrower uniques is Toro is using its patented Toro Personal Pace® Self Propel system that automatically senses and adapts to your walking speed. In light snow this snow thrower will travel up to 3.5 mph making it a lot faster than traditional two and three stage snow blowers. The drive is so easy to use that anyone who can use a push mower can also use this snow thrower. Watch the video at the end of this article to see it in action.

Tech Note: Toro is making a big deal that the Personal Pace is faster than a 2-stage. Even though time savings is important, I feel the big deal is actually the full time traction and steering. This Personal Pace system offers intuitive steering; nudge the machine and it turns automatically, while keeping traction on one wheel. There are no steering triggers, buttons to press or levers to pull.  When turning the machine the transmission will automatically disengage one or both wheels, allowing on the spot turning. The power steering is automatic and works so well you will not even notice it’s there.  You can do hairpin turns and zero-turn. It doesn’t need reverse gears. Just take your hands off the Personal Pace control and grab the metal wrap-around handle underneath. The transmission completely disengages so it’e like moving a push more on cement. The snow thrower is so light you can easily pull the machine backwards.

No Tricks – No Word-Smithing.

This snow thrower has full time two wheel drive that automatically unlocks to make hairpin and zero-turns.

  • No Triggers.

  • No Extra Levers.

  • No Axle Pins To Move.

  • No Tire Scuffing.

Check out this video

 

Tech Note: The transmission case is not plastic. The case is a nearly indestructible glass fiber composite housing. The case is stronger than aluminum but can flex if needed. It resists debris impact, torque caused by twisting or severe flexing, and will never rust or corrode. The trans is sealed for life and will never need oil changes or maintenance of any kind. 

7. This machine is very lightweight.  When I first looked at the snow blower I laughed at the small tires. But after playing with the snow thrower outside I realized that the 11 inch deep tread wheels are just the right size. Why? Because the snow thrower is so lightweight – about half the weight of a conventional 2-stage snow blower. The tires have plenty of traction to push this lightweight snow thrower through the snow. It is balanced very well and is easier to turn than a walk-behind mower. You can pull it back towards you just as easily as your Toro Personal Pace mower. Pushing it around your garage without the engine running it pushes easily.  

Three different models starting at $649:

Where To Buy: Home Depot has these new models available to order online only. They will ship to your home for free! Dealers will also have a very limited in-store stock for the next few months. I highly recommend if you want one to get it ordered now!

Home Depot: 724 ZXR Model 36001 Retail $749 – On Sale for $649 Toro Snow Removal SnowMaster 724 ZXR 24 in. 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 36001

Home Depot: 724 QXE Model 36002 Retail $849 – On Sale for $749  Toro Snow Removal SnowMaster 724 QXE 24 in. 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 36002

Home Depot: 824 QXE Model 36003 Retail $949 – On Sale for $849  Toro Snow Removal SnowMaster 824 QXE 24 in. 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 36003

Your Local Toro Dealer: Toro Dealer Locator.

Toro SnowMaster 724 ZXR (36001) Specifications

Auger System In-line 2-Stage
Chute Control EZ Turn
Clearing Width 24″
Snow Cut Depth – 1 Pass – 18″
Drive System Personal Pace®
Engine 212cc Toro® OHV
Engine Displacement 212cc
Fuel Capacity 2.3 qt.
Ignition Recoil
Scraper Compression Loaded
Throw Distance Up to 40′ / 12 m*
Tires 11″ Deep Lug, Directional
Warranty 3-Year Limited**
Deflector, Lower Chute, Chute Warranty Guaranteed for Life**
Weight 117 lbs (53 kg)
Disclaimer *Throw distance will vary with conditions. **See toro.com (US), toro.ca (Canada) or your dealer for warranty details. †Capacity will vary with conditions. Compared to Toro® Power Max® models

Buy Here At The Home Depot: 724 ZXR Retail $749 – On Sale for $649 Toro Snow Removal SnowMaster 724 ZXR 24 in. 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 36001

Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE (36002) Specifications

Auger System In-line 2-Stage
Chute Control Quick Stick®
Clearing Width 24″
Snow Cut Depth – 1 Pass – 18″
Drive System Personal Pace®
Engine 212cc Toro® OHV
Engine Displacement 212cc
Fuel Capacity 2.3 qt.
Ignition Electric Start
Scraper Compression Loaded
Throw Distance Up to 40′ / 12 m*
Tires 11″ Deep Lug, Directional
Warranty 3-Year Limited**
Deflector, Lower Chute, Chute Warranty Guaranteed for Life**
Weight 125 lbs (57 kg)
Disclaimer *Throw distance will vary with conditions. **See toro.com (US), toro.ca (Canada) or your dealer for warranty details. †Capacity will vary with conditions. Compared to Toro® Power Max® models.

Buy Here At The Home Depot: 724 QXE Retail $849 – On Sale for $749  Toro Snow Removal SnowMaster 724 QXE 24 in. 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 36002

Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE (36003) Specifications

Auger System In-line 2-Stage
Chute Control Quick Stick®
Clearing Width 24″
Snow Cut Depth – 1 Pass – 18″
Drive System Personal Pace®
Engine 252cc Toro OHV
Engine Displacement 252cc
Fuel Capacity 3.4 qt.
Ignition Electric Start
Scraper Compression Loaded
Throw Distance Up to 40′ / 12 m*
Tires 11″ Deep Lug, Directional
Warranty 3-Year Limited**
Deflector, Lower Chute, Chute Warranty Guaranteed for Life**
Weight 131 lbs (60 kg)
Disclaimer *Throw distance will vary with conditions. **See toro.com (US), toro.ca (Canada) or your dealer for warranty details. †Capacity will vary with conditions. Compared to Toro® Power Max® models.

Buy Here At The Home Depot: 824 QXE Retail $949 – On Sale for $849  Toro Snow Removal SnowMaster 824 QXE 24 in. 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 36003

Pictures!

The SnowMasters have arrived!

The SnowMasters have arrived! Thanks to Eau Claire Lawn for letting me get fingerprints all over their new display.

Toro SnowMaster

Yes, It’s kind of ugly. No fancy cowlings to add hundreds of dollars to the price:)

Toro SnowMaster

All the controls are easy to use with gloved hands. You don’t need an adjustable height handle because you can grab the side or the top of the Personal Pace Bar.

Just one engagement lever that controls the auger. It's so simple to operate compared to a 2-stage.

Just one engagement lever that controls the auger. It’s so simple to operate compared to a 2-stage.

Toro SnowMaster

With the auger engaged the lever fits comfortably into the handle.

Toro SnowMaster

Quick Stick Chute Control

Toro SnowMaster

If you have never tried a Quick Stick before I can’t explain how easy it is to use.

Toro SnowMaster

Look! The engine starting controls are very easy to get at. No reaching between the handlebars!

Toro SnowMaster

Nice deep treads

Toro SnowMaster

Toro SnowMaster

Notice the slight curve to the center paddle? This allows the SnowMaster to get rid of the snow quickly and not throw it out the front.

Toro SnowMaster

Compression Scraper. This is made of Toro’s Sub Zero Polymere. It will last.

Toro SnowMaster

Nice, Long Poly Skid Shoes. They won’t scratch your deck and I expect them to last.

Toro SnowMaster

If you ever have to change the drive belt it will be very easy to do.

Toro SnowMaster

All the shields are tapered so snow and ice will slide right off

Toro SnowMaster

Easy oil check. Notice the large, quiet muffler?

Toro SnowMaster

This model is the 724 QXE

Toro SnowMaster

Very clean under carriage. Nothing to rust under here.

Toro SnowMaster

Toro’s Personal Pace Transmission. This is not a plastic case. It is a nearly indestructible glass fiber composite housing that resists debris impact, torque caused by twisting or severe flexing, and will never rust or corrode.

Toro SnowMaster

Another view of the Compression Scraper. It will be easy to replace.

Toro SnowMaster

Look! An easy-to-use oil drain!

Toro SnowMaster

Second to last picture Right Side View

Toro SnowMaster

Last picture – left side view

Toro’s Official Press Release:

Winter Has Met Its Match: Introducing the New Toro® SnowMaster®

In-line, two-stage auger technology pairs with unprecedented maneuverability to get the job done up to 30% faster

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (August 18, 2015) – Toro is forging the next evolution in snow removal with the new SnowMaster® snowblower. This first-of-its-kind snowblower defies definition, combining the best features of snow-removing technology into one easy-to-use, time-saving machine. It’s faster, easier to maneuver and more efficient, saving you up to 30%* of the time you spend clearing what Mother Nature dishes out. Click here to see it in action.

The SnowMaster powers through deep, heavy snow with ease thanks to its in-line two-stage auger technology. The steel rotor on the SnowMaster has a helical design that breaks up the snow, collects it to the center and throws the snow up to 40-feet out of the way**. The rotor also spins ten times faster than typical two-stage rotors, and the tall auger opening increases snow capacity by 25% to move more than a ton of snow per minute*. A larger intake opening also helps to reduce clogging.

Revolutionary features make the SnowMaster incredibly easy to handle. Toro’s innovative and proven Personal Pace® self-propel system, commonly used on Toro walk power mowers, automatically adjusts to your walking speed up to 3.5 mph. With Toro’s Personal Pace technology, the new SnowMaster delivers up to 50% faster ground speed* to help you get the job done quickly. Integrated automatic steering makes turning nearly effortless, while the Quick Stick® chute control makes changing the chute direction and angle as easy as using a joystick. A compression-loaded scraper bar hugs the ground, clearing down to the pavement better than a comparable two-stage snowblower*. The result is a clear, clean driveway in less time with less effort.

Look for new Toro SnowMaster snowblowers available now at select Toro dealers, ToroDealer.com, and select The Home Depot stores. Three models are available, with prices starting at $649.

All three SnowMaster models are backed by a three-year limited warranty. Visit an authorized Toro dealer for full warranty details. For more information regarding the complete line of Toro snowblowers and other Toro products, contact Toro at 1-888-384-9939 (U.S.), 1-800-544-5364 (Canada), or visit www.toro.com/snowmaster.

*Compared to a Toro Power Max two-stage snowblower

**Capacity and throw distance will vary with conditions

Three different models starting at $649:

Where To Buy: Home Depot has these new models available to order online only. They will ship to your home for free! Dealers will also have a very limited in-store stock for the next few months. I highly recommend if you want one to get it ordered now!

Home Depot: 724 ZXR Model 36001 Retail $749 – On Sale for $649 Toro Snow Removal SnowMaster 724 ZXR 24 in. 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 36001

Home Depot: 724 QXE Model 36002 Retail $849 – On Sale for $749  Toro Snow Removal SnowMaster 724 QXE 24 in. 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 36002

Home Depot: 824 QXE Model 36003 Retail $949 – On Sale for $849  Toro Snow Removal SnowMaster 824 QXE 24 in. 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower 36003

Your Local Toro Dealer: Toro Dealer Locator.

[schema type=”review” url=”https://movingsnow.com/2015/2015-toro-snowmaster-models-36001-724-zxr-36002-724-qxe-36003-824-qxe-review/” name=”2015 Toro SnowMaster Review” description=”Toro officially announced the new Toro SnowMaster this week. This new snow blower will significantly change how many of us perform snow removal. This new snow blower is powerful, yet lightweight and has all the features you need to quickly remove a 2 to 10 inch snowfall. The new Toro SnowMaster will clear your driveway 30% faster than traditional two-stage snow blowers and can handle up to 18 inches of snow!” rev_name=”2015 Toro SnowMaster” rev_body=”This new Toro is great for someone who gets many light snows and an occasional heavy snow. I feel it will be just the right size for a paved driveway up to 2 cars wide and 60 to 150 feet long. It will handle heavy, wet snow.” author=”Paul Sikkema” pubdate=”2015-09-09″ user_review=”9″ min_review=”1″ max_review=”10″ ]

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I'll be glad you help you find the best snow blower. Please tell me the city, state and how large an area you want to clear.

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