Comments on: Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE Test on Pavement, Gravel and Turf. It Snowed!

By: archermq32

archermq32 — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 11:47:23 +0000

In reply to Paul.

Thanks Paul for your input .

I decided to go with the ARIENS PLATINUM GREAT LAKES EDITION-24 SHO EFI

https://www.ariens.com/en-us/power-equipment/snow-products/snow-blowers/platinum/platinum-great-lakes-edition-24-sho-efi

Probably a little overkill for my situation but it will be very dependable with less worries .

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 15:46:07 +0000

In reply to John.

Hi John, I don’t recommend the SnowMaster for any slope. It’s too lightweight to have the traction to go up a slope. (regular 2-stage machines are 250-400 lbs – this one is 131 lbs)

It’s also too lightweight to go downhill. Because of the plastic scraper bar, it wants to coast/slide down the hill, and with the Personal Pace, it will just run away from most people.

Since you live in the snowbelt I really recommend a 2-stage. You don’t need a big snowblower but you will want one that can handle heavy/wet snow.
My top three choices are Ariens Compact with AutoTurn, Toro 826 OAE, or the Ariens Deluxe 24

By: John

John — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 02:05:01 +0000

In reply to John.

Hi Paul,
I am looking to upgrade my snowblower for next season. This is my first season using a snowblower. I have a Ariens Path-Pro 938032 (21″) 208cc single stage. It has been adequate this year with the mild winter we have had.
I live in Southwest Michigan (Allegan County) lake effect is common. My Cement Driveway is 18FT X 56FT with a 7% grade incline. The Driveway is in excellent shape and I can blow the snow to either side.
From what I have read here. I like the Toro Snow Master 824 QXE. However, I am not sure this will handle my incline?
Any Recommendation’s would be appreciated. Looking for the most dependable, quickest, with decent throwing distance, and one that cleans closest to the pavement. Which will also handle the 7% grade Incline.
Overall price is not as important. I am willing to spend more to get something that will work for years to come.
Please recommend a couple options. When I pull the trigger on the purchase. I will be certain to use your links so you get a commission.
Please disregard my other question
Thanks,
John

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 17:31:57 +0000

In reply to John. Hi John, I don’t recommend it for any slope. It’s too lightweight to have the traction to go up a slope. (regular 2-stage machines are 250-400 lbs – this one is 131 lbs) It’s also too lightweight to go downhill. Because of the plastic scraper bar, it wants to coast/slide down the hill, and with the Personal Pace, it will just run away from most people.

By: John

John — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 17:06:53 +0000

Hi Paul,
What is the steepest grade a SnowMaster 824 QXE can be used on a cement driveway ? Mine is about a 7% grade . I appologise for asking this question earlier on a different article .
Thanks,
John

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 14:07:43 +0000

In reply to Ben. Hi Ben, All Toro snow blowers smaller than the 928 are basically out of stock until late July. The 824 SnowMaster won't clog on wet/heavy snow but it will not throw it any farther than the 2860. I have both here so I've used them side-by-side. If you want a 24 inch snowblower that will throw wet snow the farthest and not clog seriously look at the Ariens Deluxe 24. Home Depot link

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 22:05:25 +0000

I’m hoping the 824 can throw wet snow farther than my Troybilt 2860. They’re all but unavailable now. How and when would I know if this model is up for replacement/upgrade this coming fall before turning the country upside down to find a current model ? I understand it could use a muffler and one can always dream of it getting an EFI engine. If this went out in 2016, not sure what the typical model refresh cycle would be.

By: DP

DP — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 18:15:24 +0000

Was able to find a Snowmaster 824 in stock at a local dealer, and I just picked it up! Bring on the snow!!!

By: DP

DP — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 03:05:32 +0000

That’s great to hear – thank you for posting your thoughts and review as well! My mind is completely made up at this point, so I’m going to start calling around to my local dealers to see if I can hunt one of these things down.

By: jdg0928

jdg0928 — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 21:44:54 +0000

In reply to Paul.

I’ll back up Paul’s comment about the end of the driveway. Our city seems to love to plow me in, so I have experience with this. I have the 824, and it does a great job.

As Paul said, you have to work at it a bit and the weight will sometimes allow it to ride up over the packed snow. However, it will get the job done with some patience.

Personally, a little extra work at the end of the driveway is a small price to pay for the speed and ease of clearing the rest of the driveway. My sense is that you’d be very happy with the SnowMaster on your driveway. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.

Also, I just started mine on the first pull after it sat all summer. Follow Paul’s advice and use TruFuel.