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About Paul Sikkema Paul Sikkema has been writing about snow blowers, riding mowers and other lawn and garden equipment for over 10 years. Paul does most his writing out in his workshop where he feeds the wildlife and birds in the yard. His goal is to have a red squirrel eating out of his hand. He spends as much time with his granddaughter as he can.
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Kevin
Amazing review and website.
I am considering this 28″ Toro model and the Ariens 24″ SHO Premium with EFI. I just don’t know if the smaller 24″ model will be too small for our 60’x30′ driveway. I like the idea of a smaller snow blower so my wife can use it as well as me. The EFI and the current 5 yr warranty promo from Ariens is drawing me to it. Looking for something that will get the job done quickly, scrape the driveway dry, be easy to use, and reliable. We are in the north east and occasionally get wet snow.
Paul
Hi Kevin, We discussing Toro and Ariens size really doesn’t matter with how easy they are to use. The 928 Toro is balanced just as well as the 24 inch Platinum Ariens. Put poly skid shoes on the snowblower and she won’t be able to tell the difference in how they handle.
If you want to get done quickly you can actually move up to the Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI and it will handle just as well as the 24.
Pierre
Awesome, thx Paul….confusing for sure…on the Home Depot Canada site, it says its an OXE, I research all OXE reviews online, drop 1500 and open the 200 lb box at home and find an OAE… but its a 37799, so all is good!
Pierre
Hi Paul, these videos are much appreciated!
Would you happen to know the difference between a Toro Power Max 826 OAE and an 826 OXE?
Thanks,
-Pierre
Pierre Charron
Hi Paul, would you happen to know what the difference is in a Toro Power Max 826 OAE and an 826 OXE?
Thanks,
-Pierre
Paul
Hi Pierre, The 826 OAE Model 37799 and the 826 OXE Model 37799 is the current models and they are identical. It has the automatic steering, metal chute, upgraded quick chute control.
The 826 OXE model 38800 is an older model. It had trigger steering and the Toro sub-zero poly chute. I know it’s confusing. You have to look at the model number to be sure what you are getting.
Evan
Hi Paul,
Could you measure the width of the widest part of the snowblower, but excluding the removable shoes? I want to get this 28” model but need to fit it through a 28 1/4” shed doorway. Home Depot says overall assembled width is 29 1/2”, but I’m hoping it might fit with the shoes removed. Thanks!
Paul
Hi Evan, the 928 OAE is exactly 28 inches at the widest point with the shoes removed.
If you can only open your door 90 degrees you need a 32-inch door with the skid shoes attached.
Chad
Hi Paul. How does the Toro 928 compare to the Ariens 28 SHO? I’m stuck on which one to buy.
Paul
Hi Chad, Either snow blower is a great choice. The Ariens has a little more power and the Toro has an easier to use chute control. That’s really the only differences.
Chad
How does the Toro 928 compare to the Ariens 28 SHO? I am trying to decide which one to buy.
Thanks!
Chad
Paul
Hi Chad, Either snow blower is a great choice. The Ariens has a little more power and the Toro has an easier to use chute control. That’s really the only differences.
Craig
About to buy one of these but would prefer smaller for storage reasons. How does the 824 hold up to the 928? I have a big driveway in coastal Maine, so many storms end with rain. Been getting by with a 22” Toro, but the area in front of the garage is problematic when we get heart attack snow. I would consider other brands as well. Thank you
Paul
Hi Craig, Not even close. The 824 has a much smaller impeller/auger. If you have to have a 24 inch but want the ability to handle heavy/wet snow look at the Ariens Deluxe 24 or the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO.
Nathan
Seriously considering picking this Toro 928 oae up in a few days. Thanks for the video. Would you recommend this over the husqrvana st327? Not the “p” model just regular 327, the price is comparable to this Toro in my area.
Paul
Hi Nathan, The Husqvarna is very front heavy compared to the Toro 928. That means the Toro has much better traction and it won’t wear you out as quickly. I like the chute controls on the Toro better. Finally, The Husqvarna throws snow a long way – just like the Toro – but the Toro handles heavy, wet snow without clogging.
Phil C.
Paul,
I live adjacent to Boston. I am on a limited budget. I was looking at the Toro Power Max 826 OXE, but read many of your comment answers to people living near Boston, which say that most of your popular snowblower picks are inadequate and therefore I need a heavy duty snowblower like the Toro Power Max HD 928 OAE, which of course about $350 more. What are your thoughts on this???
Paul
Hi Phil, The main assumption is that people want a snow blower that will clear the 12-20 inches you can get and they also want to get it done as quickly as possible. The Power Max 826 will not plug on heavy/wet snow but it will be slower than the 928 or 1028. If you want a snow blower that will last a long time and get the job done – just not as fast as the 928 then it’s a good choice.
James
Hello Paul,
Are you supposed to remove the tire to change the oil? Dismayed Toro went back to side discharge for oil drain plug. I’ve purchased a vacuum pump to suck oil out instead. Also, how does the automatic steering actually work? The machine senses the turn based on the pressure applied to the tire being used?
Paul
Hi James, When you bring your snow blower into the dealer for service they don’t drain the oil – they suck it out with a vacuum pump into a closed storage system. Environmentally that reduces/eliminates oil contamination spills. That’s also why most walk-behind mowers no longer have an oil drain plug at all! That said,
I keep a 12-inch long piece of 1-inch PVC pipe around for a drain extension. It’s large enough to fit over the drain pipe and I can angle it down to a container. I use empty plastic ice cream containers. They have a wide top and you can snap the lid back on so they won’t spill. They are easy to store and take to a recycling center when full.
James
Thanks Paul. I’m thinking of attaching a magnetic amber strobe light to maybe the metal(?) support bar that holds up the Quik-Stick gear box. Is this a ferrous metal?
Paul
Hi James, Yes, it’s metal. Have you seen my two videos on the 928? https://www.youtube.com/paulsikkema
James
Yes! Very well done! I have purchased the 928 OAE and am awaiting delivery.
Boris
Based on your recommendation I just purchased a Toro Power Max HD 928 and I know I will be very happy. The one feature I wish it would have is the hand warmers. Can I purchase the hand warmer parts for the 1028 and install them on the 928? How about adding a second LED light?
Paul
Hi Boris, According to Toro hand warmers are not available. They didn’t give a reason but I’ll guess the alternator on that engine is not strong enough for them. If you add an LED light make sure it’s for a snow blower. Snow Blower alternators don’t have a regulator so LED lights as you find on Amazon just flash.
Steve
Hello Paul,
Love these walk around videos! I see that you bought the Toro 928 outright. To me, this is the best recommendation. If the Snowblower Guru buys it, it must be great. I do remember, though, that local conditions dictate a great deal. Thanks for doing this!