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The Best SnowBlower For Heavy Wet Snow
If you get lake effect snow, Noreaster snow, New England snow, “Snowcrete” or just that spring snowstorm that left you 14 inches of snow that’s almost too wet to make a snowman with, here is a list of the best snowblowers for heavy wet snow.
There are actually quite a few heavy-duty snowblowers that can handle heavy wet snow but you won’t find them on anyone else’s lists. You won’t find these heavy-duty snowblowers on Amazon, at most big-box stores, or your local hardware store. You can get a few through The Home Depot, but most of them are dealer only snow blowers.
Before I list the snow blowers – if you are not quite sure you need a heavy-duty snow blower please check out these articles:
- The Best Snow Blower For 2019
- Buying A New Snow Blower FAQS,
- What Is The Best Snow Blower For Me? – All Your Questions Answered Here!
- 13 Snow Blower Features And Myths That Matter
- 5 Best Commercial Snow Blowers 2019
- Toro SnowMaster® 824 QXE (36003) Buy Here at The Home Depot. The unique design handles wet snow better than any other single-stage snowthrower. Check out my video on YouTube. lightweight, self-propelled snowblowers that clear snow fast from your hard surfaces. These snow throwers will clear up to 18-inch drifts. Many people are buying these instead of a 2-stage snowblower. If you have a larger hard surface driveway to clear and don’t get more than 8 inches at a time they are a great choice.
If the snowplow leaves you a wet mess or a solid rock wall of snow – these 2-stage snow blowers will power right through it! Good for areas of the country that get 30-120 inches of snow a year!
- Ariens Deluxe 24 Model 921045 Buy Here at The Home Depot. The Ariens Deluxe 24 and it’s bigger brother Ariens Platinum 24 are unique in the 24-26 inch size. They use a larger, 14-inch impeller and discharge chute so it is very, very hard to clog them on heavy, wet snow. I highly recommend the Deluxe 24 to anyone who struggles with the drift the snowplow truck leaves at the end of the driveway. It’s all-metal and pretty much indestructible. It’s also very easy to use because it has automatic steering (AutoTurn) and basic chute and deflector controls.
- Toro Power Max® 826 OXE (37799) Buy Here at The Home Depot.
- Husqvarna ST424? I have not reviewed it at this time but will most likely make this list.
- Ariens Platinum 24 SHO Model 921050 and Ariens Platinum 24 SHO EFI Model 921053. 24 inch, 369cc. Model 921053 with EZ-Launch EFI Engine. These two 24 inch snow blowers have over-the-top power and can handle any type of snow and any driveway including gravel and turf. Yet, they are very easy to use. If you have a small driveway but get a lot of snow this is a great choice. It will clear any amount/type of snow. It will not clog on heavy/wet snow. Because it has a larger engine and more capacity than all other 24 inch machines it works well for 2-3 car wide by 80-120 foot driveways. It has great traction for sloped driveways. This is one of the few snow blowers I recommend for Lake Tahoe and their 200-400 inches of snowfall per year. It’s also the best choice for areas that get lake-effect and the North-East U.S. that gets the “Noreasters.” Some of you will feel the price is too high for the EFI model but this heavy-duty 24-inch snow blower with Electronic Fuel Injection will not have the starting issues carburetor engines have on today’s fuels. Please use the dealer locator at Ariens.com to find a store near you:
- Ariens Deluxe 28 Model 921046 Buy Here at The Home Depot.
- Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO Model 921048 Dealer Only. Check out my video on YouTube. More power than the Deluxe 28 and the SHO impeller will throw snow up to 55 feet! The Deluxe SHO is one of the farthest throwing snow blowers on the market and has a much greater capacity than the Honda Snow Blowers that cost twice as much
- Toro Power Max® HD 928 OAE (265cc Auto Steering), Toro Power Max® HD 1028 OHXE (302cc Trigger Steering) Check out my video on YouTube. Toro PowerMax HD snow blowers have been good machines for years and they have made some improvements recently including an all-metal double-jointed chute and all-metal impeller housing. 14-inch impeller, no shear pins, and a new stronger gearbox. They are very easy to use. They now have two engine sizes for typical and heavy snowfalls. Power Max® HD series is also one of the farthest throwing snow blowers on the market and has a much greater capacity than the Honda Snow Blowers that cost much more.
- Ariens Platinum SHO Rapidtrak 28. Buy Here at The Home Depot This snow blower is a game-changer in the residential snow blower market. All the traction of a tracked unit and the speed and ease-of-use of a wheeled unit. In addition, it handles heavy/wet snow better than all other 28-inch snow blowers.
- Ariens Platinum SHO Rapidtrak 28. Buy Here at The Home Depot This snow blower is a game-changer in the residential snow blower market. All the traction of a tracked unit and the speed and ease-of-use of a wheeled unit. In addition, it handles heavy/wet snow better than all other 28-inch snow blowers.
- HUSQVARNA ST 427T. This new snowblower is their new Pro model. It’s designed for professionals who need a maximum-performance snow blower for commercial applications. Features include electronic fuel injection (EFI) engine, onboard electric starter, all-steel control panel, heated handles, LED headlight, continuous track treads, hydrostatic gearbox, and a cast iron impeller. Working width is 27 inches.
- Recommended: The Ariens Professional RapidTrak 28 in. Hydro 420cc Model 926060 Buy Here at The Home Depot is arguably the best snow blower for ALL conditions. With the high-speed RapidTrak, it will clear 15 inches or more as fast as you can walk! It has higher capacity, stronger engine and is considerably faster to use. This is arguably the biggest, baddest snowblower on the market right now. It throws snow farther, has more capacity, is faster, and has better traction than anything else right now.Ariens and Toro both have over-the-top commercial 28-inch snowblowers that outperform anything else on the market. They are designed to handle more snow in a week than the typical residential snowblower handles in a year. If you have large areas to clear and/or get over 100 inches of snow a year seriously consider one of these.
- Ariens Deluxe 30 Model 921047 Buy Here at The Home Depot. Check out my video on YouTube.
- Cub Cadet 2x 30 in. 357cc Fuel Injected (EFI) Model# 2X 30 EFI. Buy Here at The Home Depot.
- Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI 30 in. 2-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower Model# 921049. Buy Here at The Home Depot.
- Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30″. Buy Here at The Home Depot. Check out my video of the 34-inch version on YouTube.
- HUSQVARNA ST 430T. This new snowblower is their new Pro model. It’s designed for professionals who need a maximum-performance snowblower. Features include electronic fuel injection (EFI) engine, onboard electric starter, all-steel control panel, heated handles, LED headlight, continuous track treads, hydrostatic gearbox, and a cast iron impeller. Working width is 30 inches.
- Ariens Platinum 30 SHO 921051 Dealer Only. Check out my video on YouTube.
- Toro Power Max® HD 1232 OHXE (38842) Buy Here at The Home Depot.
- Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 34 Snow Blower Buy Here at The Home Depot. Check out my video on YouTube.
- Honda 32 inch: The HS series Honda tracked snowblowers were the industry standard for years. The new HSS models have inherited that reputation although there are now other brands with machines that have higher capacity and are faster when clearing large areas. Dealer Only.
Professional/Commercial Dealer Only Snowblowers
Professional: Ariens Professional 28 Available with Briggs & Stratton or Ariens AX engine.
Professional: Toro Power Max® HD 1428 OHXE Commercial (38843)
Professional: Ariens Professional 28 Hydro EFI
Professional: Ariens Professional 28 Hydro RapidTrak Available with Briggs & Stratton or Ariens AX engine.
Professional: Ariens Professional 32 Hydro RapidTrak Available with Briggs & Stratton or Ariens AX engine.
Professional: Ariens Professional 36 Hydro EFI
Professional: Toro Power Max® HD 1432 OHXE Commercial (38844)
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Mr.Freeze
Paul, I love my Ariens RapidTrak 28, model 926060 – thank you so much for the recommendation. I prepped it the other day, and a shear pin bolt head sheared off whiile I was removing it in preparation for greasing the auger shaft. I ended up having to drill it out, which was time consuming, and luckily 60 degrees. (Usually pins will shear off at 5:30 AM, it’s dark, 0 degrees, and I’m around the corner at my parents house). Do you have any advice/recommendations on shear pins: installation, removing broken stuck pins, etc.? My old manual Craftsman 29″ had shear pins without bolts, but with snap pin – which was a great design, and did not require tools. After my supply of shear pins runs out, do you have any thoughts on switching to toolless shear pins? Thank you very much, and the best to you in these times.
Paul
Hi Freeze, I have a pin punch that’s long enough to go all the way through the auger shaft. Instead of drilling, I use that punch to drive the shear bolt out if one gets stuck. Here is a set that’s like it. pin punchset
Mr.Freeze
Hi Paul, Thank you so much for your advice! I will definetly get a Pin Punch set. What are your thoughts on a “Starter Punch” which I read when reading up on Pin Punches. I did originally try a large nail punch, before drilling, to try and get the shear pin out – and the pin did not budge. I tried light taps to harder taps w/4 lb hammer. It seems a nail punch and starter punch are basically the same shape. You are a treasure, and I greatly appreciate the knowlege and education you provide! Thank you.
Paul
Hi, A nail punch comes to a point and is usually tapered down to the point. If you try to use one on a shear pin it has a tendency to flare out the end of the bolt and makes it even harder to push out.
The starter punch is designed to start a roll pin into a hole. The little rounded bump on the end allows you to keep the punch on the roll pin without it slipping off. The shaft of the starter pin is straight so you won’t flair the roll pin.
A drift punch is a lot like the starter punch but without the bump. A straight shaft drift punch is a good choice.
A pin punch has a hole drill into the end. This allows you to drive out a roll pin without making the roll pin flair in the hole. It also works great for sheared off shear pins because it puts all the force on the outside of the bolt when you try to pound it off. Again a straight shaft drift punch is also a good choice.
Evan
Hey Paul. I am moving into a new home. The driveway is over 850′ long. sloped, and primarily slate with some gravel. About an hour north of Albany NY. The slope on the driveway is not bad for most of it but there is one steep section that is a 14 degree angle. Is there a snowblower that can handle this? Would I be biting off way more than I can chew if I try to snow blow this? I am in shape and on the younger side.
Paul
Hi Evan, Yes, there are three snowblowers on the market that are quite capable of handling the task.
First, I’ve been to Fort Drum in the winter and I saw snow so deep that you couldn’t even tell there were M1A1 tanks sitting out in the field. You not only get a lot of snow but it is typically wet and heavy. You need a snowblower with a large engine so you can power through that heavy/wet snow.
Second, you need a snowblower with a large capacity. A snowblower with a 14-inch impeller that can move snow quickly and efficiently.
Third, the combination of the large engine and large capacity will let you clear the snow fast so you are not out there on your driveway for hours. The three models I am going to suggest will be able to clear 12-16 inches as fast as you want to walk and can handle deep drifts and hard-packed snow.
I recommend a 32 inch or larger snowblower for your driveway. A 32-inch snowblower will be able to clear a 9 feet path in two round trips. Your driveway is 850 feet so you will do about 3/4 mile of walking each time you clear it. Depending on the amount of snow you have to clear these three are capable of traveling up to 3 MPH. Since you are in shape you will be able to clear the drive easily in less than an hour.
1. Ariens PROFESSIONAL KRAKEN – 32 HYDRO EFI RAPIDTRAK. (Ariens snowblowers) Besides the big engine and large capacity, the biggest advantage of the Kraken is the lighting. It has full 360-degree lighting so if you are out after dark you can see all around you. The second major advantage is the RapidTrak. It has all the advantages of a tracked snowblower but is also as fast as a wheeled unit. You can clear snow 20-50% faster with it than all the other tracked snowblowers on the market. That’s a big advantage when you have such a long driveway.
The problem with the Kraken is it’s a special order unit. Your local Ariens dealer may not be able to get one until NEXT fall.
2. Ariens Professional 36 Hydro EFI – This snowblower doesn’t have the RapidTrack or the wraparound lighting but it’s weighted so ALL the weight is on the wheels. That means it will have a lot more traction and I’ll bet it will handle your hill just fine. This is also an Ariens dealer only snowblower.
3. Toro 32″ (81 cm) Power Max® HD 1432 OHXE Commercial 420 cc Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower (38844). (Toro snowblowers) Like the Ariens 36 Hydro this one has the capacity and speed to get the job done quickly. By-the-way. I don’t recommend the Toro PowerTRX (tracked) snowblower for your application. It’s a lot slower than the Ariens Rapidtrack and you will hate having a snowblower that won’t go as fast as you want it to.
There is one other snowblower to consider and it may be the easiest to get this year. The PROFESSIONAL 28 RAPIDTRAK HYDRO is only 28 inches so you clear 8 feet in two round trips but it has the large engine, large capacity, and RapidTrak of the Kraken. (I have over a dozen good snowblowers but this is the one I always grab. It’s very easy to use, can handle any type of terrain or driveway and can handle any type of snow I get)
Evan
Thanks so much, Paul! I have been searching for the models you suggested but coming up short (supply chain issues I am guessing). Do you know anything about Massimo 34 in. 375CC Electric Start Gas Snowblower, SNBL-MS1334MT? It seems to meet the qualifications you laid out that I would need, it’s available, and a pretty reasonable price. My concern is it is not a brand I am familiar with, and doesn’t appear to be much literature about it online.
Paul
Hi Evan, The Massimo is cheap because it’s made in China and they managed to get a bunch of them into the U.S. before the tariffs went into effect.
Massimo does have a warehouse in Garland, TX and from what I can gather they are very fast at getting warranty parts to you. Service centers are very hard to find if you can’t work on it yourself – for example, the only place that will work on them in the MidWest is Farm & Fleet.
Evan Rudomen
Guessing you have never tried this unit? I can work on it myself so I am not as worried about the service centers.
Paul
Hi Evan, No, I haven’t tested the Massimo but I did inspect the 2-wheeled version a couple of years ago. I’ve also never contacted the company to see if they will send you warranty parts or if you HAVE to go through a service center to get the repair done. (Many of these off-brand companies won’t just send you warranty parts because they don’t trust that you can diagnose the real issue)
You didn’t mention where you live so I can’t really help you decide if this snowblower is the best for you.
I’ve had a few Chinese manufactures send me 2-stage units over the years and all I can say is they are “average.” What I mean is they will throw snow off your driveway but they don’t have anywhere near the capacity of many of the U.S.-made units. They really let you down if you live in an area that gets heavy/wet snow. All the ones I’ve looked at are spot-welded so they don’t have the housing/frame strength as the U.S. made ones and they won’t last as long – let alone get parts for it 20 years down the road.
Mike F
Hi Paul,
Thank you for so many informative reviews and videos! I am buying my first snowblower this year but I have a sloped gravel driveway and I’m not sure if I should be going into a tracked model. It is a huge price jump but I don’t want to get the Airens 28″ SHO if it will struggle with the slope. Is there a way to tell how much slope would be too much for tires?
Paul
Hi Mike, Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is one of the best for traction. All the weight is over the wheels.
Do you need tracks? If you can walk up the slope in the winter in your sneakers you don’t need tracks.
Mike F
Hello again,
Just a follow up on my previous comment. All the Ariens blowers in our area were backordered due to supply constraints but I did manage to find the RapidTrak 28 in stock. It was a lot of money but I’m glad I did because I think the wheeled unit would have been a hassle on my driveway. Now I can get everywhere on my tiered property!
I will say, for the record, that everything you’ve said about this unit is true. It is such an impressive machine! Thanks again for all the informative reviews and videos on these machines, it really made a difference for me when I was out shopping and talking to dealers. All the best to you and yours this holiday season!
Paul
Hi Mike, Thank you! Enjoy your new machine! One feature that I don’t talk about enough. The RapidTrak’s front end will raise high enough that you can (with a little practice) go up and down stairs easily.
Mr.Freeze
Hi Paul, I would be even more ecstatic w/my Ariens RapidTrak Hydro 28 – if I could climb and descend stairs to clear the porch. I just measured the slope, it’s 37 degrees, and there are 8 steps, approx 11 1/4″ deep. Do you think that is possible? (I realize skill, and common sense, are factors) [Years ago I considered going to Canada to get a smaller Yamaha] Do you think the new RapidTrak 24 is equally capable at climbing stairs, or limited by the Disc-O-Matic tranny? Again, thank you for taking the time to answer questions over the years. Best wishes for the holidays, and a Happy New Year.
Paul
Hi Mr. Freeze, Yes it’s possible. I go up and down my five front porch steps all the time. The front housing lifts a lot higher than other track drives so it will get onto that first step easily. Take it slow at first – the hydro is strong and won’t slip. The tracks are also aggressive enough so it will hold on the steps.
Be careful if there is snow on the steps.
The RapidTrak 24 will climb the steps but just remember – it does not have AutoTurn or any type of steering. It has a solid axle which will make it harder to turn – even in the wheel mode.
Shad
Hello Paul,
Very informative videos on your YouTube channel. I am planning to buy my first snow blower. 3 car wide drive way about 30 feet length, no very very steep.
I am confused between below two models to use in Des Moines, Iowa.
1. Toro 826 OAE. (Two Stage).
2. Honda HS720AM (Single stage).
I like Toro is two stage, automatic steering, no clog and no sheer pin. Only negative is it is big compared to Honda and more expensive.
I like Honda for compact, easy to maneuver, reliability and less expensive. Negative is it vibrates a lot and not sure if it will as good as two stage.
Appreciate your response.
Paul
Hi Shad, You will be a lot happier with the Toro over the next 15 years because it will handle all the snow you get.
The Honda is great for 2-6 inch snows. It’s fast and cleans down to the pavement.
The Toro will also handle the blizzards, the six-foot drifts you can get when the wind comes in after a storm, and the 3 foot deep drifts the snowplow leaves in the front of your driveway. It will also throw the snow a lot farther away from your driveway so you don’t end up with your driveway drifting shut from the big snowbanks alongside that the Honda will eventually create.
shad
Hello Paul,
Thank you for you response and God bless you.
Allan Mugan
I inherited a mdpro 30 inch 357cc snowblower. Its brand new. What is it worth please
Paul
Hi Allen, It really depends on how old it is and your local market. Around here MTD Pro is not that well known – most MTD sold is Craftsman, Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt. So in my area you may be able to get half of what it was originally sold for.
Denis
Paul, I have to add to my 2 previous messages what I wish my snowblower would be equipped with. Firstly more traction from the tires and secondly a 3 piece discharge chute like the ones on the high end Honda models.
I hope to hear from you.
Paul
Hi Denis, I read your previous comments. I’m glad you like the snow blower. I suggest getting a set of tire chains from your Ariens dealer. That will give you more traction. The only time you would want a 3-piece discharge chute is if you need to throw the snow right next to the snowblower – but the discharge chute on the Ariens is a lot wider than the Honda so it will throw snow close to you just as well as the Honda.
Mike
Hi Paul, Me again! I am patiently waiting to check out new model this Spring/Summer before (very likely) buying the Ariens 24″ SHO EFI (hopefully a Pro version with hydro drive)
I stumbled across the Simplicity Signature Pro Series 24″ which according to specs on the Simplicity site has 420cc engine!! (Assuming this is an error?)
I am guessing that this blower is the same as the Cub Cadet 2X24HD but the pictures look different. Also wondering what your opinion is on the electric chute and spout control they show in the pic on Simplicitys website?
Thanks Paul
Paul
Hi Mike, That is not made by MTD. It’s made by Briggs & Stratton. Yes, it does have a 420cc Briggs engine. The Simplicity Pro snowblowers were very popular 10-15 years ago but the newer Toro Pro and Ariens Pro have a much higher capacity and are a lot easier to use.
The electric chute has always been a problem. It’s slow and breaks after a few years.
Before you get too interested in it be sure you have a local dealer and if that dealer will order one.
Dan
Thanks for the quick reply. I was looking at the Ariens deluxe 30 EFI but wasn’t sure how the 306cc EFI would stack up against the 420cc cub cadet.
Paul
Hi Dan, Here is a video I made using the Deluxe 30 EFI. I was very impressed with it.
Dan Themeles
Great website. Lots of helpful information here. Thoughts on the cub cadet 2×30 357cc EFI vs the cub cadet 2×30 pro with the 420cc? Worth the extra $200 for the 420cc? I’m located in New Hampshire with 200ft gravel driveway. Any other recommendations in the sub 2k price range? Thanks.
Paul
Hi Dan, The 2X30 with the 357 is a dud. I don’t recommend it. That model has six auger flights in the front and a 12-inch impeller. That “system” does not have enough capacity and the auger constantly plugs and the snowblower wants to ride up all the time. My statement also includes the new Model# 2X 30 EFI (This is also sold as a Troy-Bilt 3090, Craftsman and Yard Machines)
The 2X 30 HP, on the other hand, is a decent snowblower and fairly competitive with the Ariens Platinum and Toro Power Max HD models. It has a larger 14 inch, 4 flight front auger, and a 14-inch impeller. It can handle a lot more snow than the other model, it won’t clog, and won’t ride up very often. I have its paternal twin, here (Arctic Storm 30) and its been a good snow blower. Both, Consumer Reports and I put it in the “Top 5” for best high capacity homeowner snow blowers.
Check out the Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI.
Danny Alcini
Thanks a bunch Paul! You are the best source of un-biased (and well informed) advice I’ve found. I’ll write back to let you know what we get!
Danny Alcini
Hi Paul,
First – thanks so much for this awesome site. I live in southeast Michigan. We get at least a few heavy/wet shows each winter (up to 14″), as well as a giant mound (2-3ft) of the heavy pack at the end of our drive from neighborhood plows. My AMAZING ~ 25yr old Ariens 24″ still runs like new but has small tires and is hard for my wife to push when I’m away (Tranny doesn’t work so great anymore either). I like a lot of power and want a 2/3 stage. After reading through your site, I’d like to get an Ariens Deluxe 24, however my wife could use something with lower handles as she is a bit shorter. (she also wants something light, but I think that’s because ours doesn’t propel very well).
– Do you have a recommendation for something with lower handles?
– Is the single stage Toro 824 QXE worth considering for the light weight – or should I stick with a 2/3 stage? I’m mainly concerned about the occasional heavy dumps of wet stuff.
Many many thanks!
Danny A.
Paul
Hi Danny, You won’t be happy with the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE. It will not push through your snowplow drift. You’ll have to use a shovel to break the drift down so it can throw it off the drive. If you get heavy/wet snow like I got last night it will also have traction issues trying to clear your driveway.
The Deluxe 24 is so much easier to use than your old Ariens. The snowblower is balanced very well and combined with the AutoTurn it’s really easy to use. It has the power and capacity to handle your snow plow drifts and it won’t plug on heavy/wet snow.
Handle height: Most brands are now using larger/taller tires and because of that most of the snow blowers have almost the same handle height as the Ariens. The only snowblower on the market that handles you can lower is the Husqvarna ST224P. Unfortunately, it has significantly less capacity, less power and will plug on heavy/wet snow. It’s not really comparable to the Ariens Deluxe 24. I’m realizing that there are quite a few women using the Deluxe 24 and the handle height actually will give your wife more leverage to turn and maneuver the snowblower. So, I suggest taking her to your Home Depot or your local Ariens Dealer and moving the Deluxe 24 around the sales floor.
The Toro Power Max 826 OAE has a slightly lower handlebar height. It is comparable to the Ariens Deluxe 24.
Christopher Skeels
Hey Paul. Ended up getting the Toro 826 on your recommendation + I liked the joystick better than comparable Ariens. Enjoying it so far. Quick question for you. My wife loves getting a physical newspaper delivered. Worried about running the paper over after a deeper storm where we can’t easily find the paper in the drift. I know the Toro is supposed to be able handle accidentally taking solid objects like in that without damaging the gears immediately (assuming you stop the auger right away). How much should I be worried about running over a stray newspaper like this? What do I need to do if I notice the auger has taken one in? Your sage advice is most appreciated!
Paul
Hi Christopher, If the paper is wrapped in plastic and it gets stuck in the impeller you’ll have to cut it out. A utility knife and pliers work well. Just remove the safety key, tip the snowblower up on its handles, and hack away. When you think you have it all reach in and move the impeller with your hand to make sure nothing is stuck behind the impeller.
If the paper is not wrapped and it freezes into a solid rock there will be more work getting it out. Hammer, chisel – I use an old wood chisel to knock it out.
Remember to put the safety key back after you are done so it starts.
Vivian
Hi Paul. I have decided to go with Ariens Deluxe over Toro. I was concerned Toro would not be sufficient for the plow pile at the end of the driveway, but the Toro is more user friendly. Anyhow, my driveway material is paving stone and you’ve said an owner should buy polyurethane skid shoes for both Ariens and Toro if they have a brick driveaway. Would that apply to me as well? I guess it is to make sure the skid shoes won’t make marks on the brick, but won’t they be much less durable over time? Such a small part, but the price does not reflect it. Would it be okay to just use the steel skid shoes?
Paul
Hi Vivian, Steel shoes will leave brown rust marks on cement and scratch your stone pavers. (Some paver are harder than others so if you have a good, name-brand paver installed you may not get too much damage) The Ariens poly shoes are expensive because they are designed to last as long as the steel shoes.
Vivian
Okay, so the “freewheel steering” is included with the auto turn feature Toro uses?
Paul
Hi Vivian, Yes.
For the rest of you that are reading this – Freewheel steering is an old term. Snowblowers need both wheels locked to the axle to give them the traction they need to push through snowdrifts. So most of them had a solid axle tied to both wheels. When you wanted to turn you had to scrub the tires and turning the snowblower with the locked axle was/is very hard to do. To make it easier to turn manufacturers came up with a pin that could be easily removed on one of the wheel rims. When you removed the pin that wheel “freewheeled” so the snowblower was easier to turn. (This was also called a pin-lock axle) Of course, it cut your traction in half making the snowblower much harder to use.
Later manufacturers devised a way to pull that pin by using a lever on the handle. You pulled the pin when you wanted to turn and the spring-loaded pin re-engaged when you let go of the lever. That’s where the term “freewheel steering” came from.
Next manufactures replaced the pin-lock and lever with a set of dogs and cogs – one set for each wheel. Today that’s called power steering or trigger steering. You pull a lever under the handle in the direction you want to go. That lever releases the dog inside the transmission and the snowblower turns. Many manufacturers still use this method today.
Finally, General Transmissions developed a device that eliminated the “pin lock” and trigger/cog style steering with a small, robust automatic locking differential. This is the future of snow blowers because it eliminates up to 70 parts inside the trigger-style steering and eliminates having to stop and pull a pin with the pin lock style steering. Ariens calls this AutoTurn and other manufacturers who use this differential called it automatic steering.
So even though “freewheel” steering used to mean a specific type of steering today it is used as a general term for any snowblower that has trigger-style steering, AutoTurn, or automatic steering.
Vivian
The Toro model I am viewing is the Toro Power Max 826 OAE, not OXE. In previous comments you have mentioned there are differences, but not with regards to auto turn.
ConsumerReports says Toro Power Max 826 OXE “lacks freewheel steering (making it harder to turn)”. Is this true? I was under the impression it was included or complemented the auto turn feature, and that it used the same auto turn machinery as the Ariens Deluxe 24/28. Though ConsumerReports writes the Ariens Deluxe 28 “has freewheel steering”.
Paul
Hi Vivian, The Toro 826 Model 37799 has the automatic steering. Machines with serial numbers below 405866400 were labeled 826 OXE and machines with serial numbers above 405866400 are labeled 826 OAE. The Toro 826 OXE Model 37779 has the poly chute. All have the automatic steering. This information is taken directly from the toro parts support/documents website.
I don’t know who fills out the forms for Consumer Reports but like myself, they don’t always get the details 100%. For example, that is not the only mistake. Another example is the Ariens 926078 and Deluxe 30 EFI. Both also have the automatic steering and the specs on the CR list that it doesn’t have it…