Hi Lisa, I need to get his article updated… We had a very early heavy/wet snowfall nationwide this year and the demand exceeded the supply for the good snow blowers. Toro is out of all snowblowers under $1300 for the season. That includes the Power Max, SnowMaster and PowerClear models. The models will again be available after July.

Ariens is also sold out of the Classic 24, Compact 20 and Compact 24 in most areas of the country. The best model available right now is the Ariens Deluxe 24 at The Home Depot. This is a heavier duty machine than the ones you were looking at but it is still about the same size as the Ariens Compact and Toro 824. It’s very easy to use, has great traction and will last you years & years.

Hi Dave, My first choice is the Toro Power Clear 721 E 21 in. 212 cc Single-Stage Self Propelled Electric Start Gas Snow Blower. It has plenty of power to chew through those big, hard chunks of snow the plow guy leaves and it will clear any snow left on your driveway/sidewalk even if the snow has been driven on and packed down.

A second choice is the Toro Power Clear 518 ZE 18 in. Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower. It smaller, lighter and not as powerful but it doesn’t take up any more room than a Rubbermaid Tote. You could even store it on a shelf. It will still clear down to the pavement and chew up the chunks of snow well – just not as fast.

Hi Sky, The Toro is still the best by far. The Ariens Path Pro is just a mediocre snow thrower. Consumer Reports agrees – the Toro 721 gets it highest ratings the Ariens 938033 has the honor of being at the very bottom of their list.

thanks, how about between the Ariens path pro model 938033 and toro 721 QZE . I am focusing on these 2 now.
regards Rob

Hi Robert, I like the SmartLoad feature on the Ariens a lot. If you take your snow blower places to help others you can load the snow blower in your pickup, van or SUV all by yourself. Check it out here: https://www.ariens.com/en-us/snow-products/snow-blowers/professional-21.

Performance-wise the Ariens and the Toro 721 R-C are comparable. Both are good, longlasting, single-stage snowblowers. The 821 is new this year and just has a little more power. If you are clearing sidewalks and pushing back corners from hard-packed areas that were cleared with a snowplow the 821 will do it a little faster.

I don’t have any videos of the Ariens but I’ve used it and it throws snow well and clears right down to the pavement. I expect the 821 to be as good as the 721 R-C.

Hi Phil, The only difference is speed. The 721 will handle the snow but the 821 will just do it faster. If you get a heavy/wet snowplow drift at the end of your drive the 821 will throw it farther.