2020 Toro Snow Blowers Review – What’s New – Which One Is Best For You?

What’s New For 2020 Toro Snow Blowers?

Toro has made significant changes across the entire product line over the last two years. These snowblowers are competitively priced, state-of-the-art machines that are built to last you many years. Best of all they have the most complete selection – from a 12-inch cordless power shovel to a 32-inch track drive beast that’s easy to drive. You will find a snowblower that’s right for you!

New Features:

1. Metal Extended Chutes: All Toro 2-stage snow blowers have a metal chute. The Power Max HD models have a double-jointed extended chute (except the 828) for an increased range. You asked for it – they listened!
2. Metal ACS: The Power Max HD models now have an all-metal ACS. The Anti-Clogging System regulates the snow intake to the impeller allowing the engine to maintain maximum speed for the best performance and throwing distance. The open auger design and all-metal auger housing were also improved. The housing was tipped back slightly so you can push into and clear drifts easier.
3. Redesigned Impeller: The combination of the new impeller, extended chute, and larger engines on the commercial HD models increases the throw distance up to 60 feet.
4. Quick Stick Control and Beveled Gears: The Quick Stick chute control has always been one of the best chute controls on the market but Toro completely redesigned it with beveled gears. It’s almost effortless to use.
5. Top Load Gearbox: The gearbox on the Power Max HD models does not have a vertical seam so it will not leak. All Toro 2-stage gearboxes are so tough they don’t use shear pins!
6. Larger Engines: Up to 14 HP! This extra power allows the Power Max HD and Commercial HD models to throw more snow and throw it farther than ever before.
7. LED Lights on Power Max and Power Max HD Models: New location and custom-designed lens shine more light where you need it. Because the LED lights take less power than the old Halogen lamps more current is now available to the heated handgrips to make them warmer.
8. Power Max® HD 1428 OHXE and 1432 OHXE Commercial Versions: The Toro Power Max HD snow blowers have been a snowblower of choice for institutions and large businesses for many years. They are easy to operate and will run for years and years without a lot of upkeep. Two new models are specifically for the commercial operator and have a reinforced handle, cast iron skid shoes, drift cutters, large 420cc engines, an all-metal dash, and a commercial warranty.
9. Easy-to-repair Single-Stage snow throwers. New, exposed engine so it’s easy to change the oil, sparkplug, etc.

On top of the new features this year they have added:

• A cordless battery power shovel. The new 60 MAX is perfect for people who shouldn’t be using a snow shovel. It works great on sidewalks, decks, and steps. It throws snow up to 25 feet and the lightweight 2.5 AH battery will operate it for up to 45 minutes on one charge!
• Handwarmers on the Power Max 826. The older Power Max 826 OAE and OXE have been one of Toro’s most popular snowblowers but EVERYONE complained they didn’t have hand warmers. The new Power Max 826 OHAE has them!
• Two new Power Max HD models – Power Max HD 828 OAE and 1030 OHAE. The new residential 28 inch and 30-inch models are a great choice for areas that get up to 60 inches or so a year of heavy/wet snow. These models won’t plug like other brands and will throw snow farther than your old model. They are competitively priced and can handle any snowplow drift.
•  Two new TRACK Drive, Hydro models  – Power TRX HD 1428 and 1432. The new tracked snow blowers are serious, over-the-top commercial units with cast iron skid shoes, hydrostatic transmissions, high-speed 3-point tracks, and huge 420cc Toro engines. These snowblowers will be able to handle any terrain, any amount of snow, and throw it over 60 feet.  Yet they are very easy to use!

How this article is laid out:

This is a very comprehensive article so it will take you a while to read through it. Since Toro is one of the few brands with very popular cordless electrics, single-stage, and 2-stage snowthrowers I will follow the same layout as Toro.com. Or-You can jump to the section of the type of snowblower you like.

1. Cordless 60 MAX
2. Single-stage Power Clear
3. Single-stage SnowMaster
4. 2-Stage Power Max
5. 2-Stage Power Max HD
6. 2-Stage Power Max HD Commercial
7. 2-Stage Power TRX Commercial

When you click on the links in this article they will take you to a retailer I trust. When you buy anything through that link I make a small commission from that sale. I use that commission to maintain this site and purchase equipment to test. Thank you for buying through the links. You can read more about that here: How To Support MovingSnow.com

So – The snow is already falling in Wisconsin. Relax, grab some hot chocolate and let’s get started on the 2020 Toro Snow Blowers.  You know how long-winded I can get.

1. TORO Cordless 60 MAX

The electric Power Shovel and Power Clear are part of the 60 Volt MAX battery line. This growing line of brushless tools includes a leaf blower, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, chain saw, 21-inch SmartStow mower, 22-inch Personal Pace Recycler mower, 21-inch COMMERCIAL mower, Power Shovel, and Power Clear snowblower. The line has 2.5 AH, 6.0AH, and 7.5AH high current, fast-charging batteries that are built to last. The new 60V MAX Li-Ion Battery Quick Charger will charge the batteries quickly, yet protect them so they last a long time. (Expect more additions in 2021!)

2. TORO Single-Stage Power Clear

I first started using the Toro single-stage snow throwers in the early ’90s and I have always liked how well they throw snow, how well they clear right down to the pavement, and how much abuse they will take. In the late 90’s I had one in the back of every snow plow truck and could count on them working when needed.

The Toro Power Clear 721 RC is still the snow thrower of choice for thousands of snow removal companies.

Toro Power Clear single-stage snow throwers have a 12-inch tall intake and will handle all types of snow well. Most other brands don’t like the end of the driveway snow pile but the Toro Power Clear handles it better than most.  All of the Toro’s gas single-stage snowthrowers are auger propelled. That means the front rubber paddle touches the ground and will pull you forward reasonably well. The pivoting, easily replaceable scraper bar glides over cracks in your driveway and clears all the snow off your driveway. If the snow has been driven on just lift the handle a little and the rubber auger clears right down to the pavement.

Since the auger touches the ground single-stage snow throwers will pick up gravel, turf, and frozen dog “treats” and throw it through your glass window so don’t try to use it on unpaved areas.

Toro has eight models of the gas-powered Power Clear. I’ll give you links to Internet retailers I trust or you may purchase them at your local Toro dealer.

3. TORO Single-Stage SnowMaster

The Toro SnowMaster is the first snow thrower I grab when I want to clear 2-8 inches of snow off my cement driveway. It will throw the snow as fast as I can walk and with its floating compression scraper clears down to the pavement without getting stuck on the cement edges sticking up. It also throws normal snow all the way across my 2 car driveway and off into the lawn. It clears the end of driveway snow easily if I get at it right away. It also works well on my brick patio out back. It’s as simple and easy to use a Toro Personal Pace lawn mower in these conditions.

The Toro SnowMaster has changed the topic of “What makes a good snow blower?” forever but I have developed a love/hate relationship with it. Yes, most of the time it is 20-50% faster than a typical 24-26 inch 2-stage snowblower and it’s is so easy to use, but it has a few limitations that keep it from being my number one pick on The Twenty Best Snow Blowers – September 2018 list.

It has three “features” that keep it from being the perfect snow thrower for most people.

Lightweight: I recommend it a lot to people in the Midwest and other areas that typically get good snow but I don’t recommend it in places like Long Island where you get a lot of heavy, wet snowfalls. Why? The Toro SnowMaster is different than a typical single-stage. Instead of using the auger to pull itself through the snow the SnowMaster has a Personal Pace drive with automatic steering. This makes it very fast and easy to use but when the snow gets packed down, is heavy or wet the snowblower does not have enough weight to push itself through more than 10 inches of snow. The Toro SnowMaster weighs about 120 lbs. A typical 24 inch 2-stage weighs about 200 bs.  For example, overnight last winter I received 12 inches of heavy, “let’s make a snowman” snow and after one pass up and down my drive, I put the SnowMaster away and grabbed a 2-stage. The SnowMaster threw the snow well enough but didn’t have the weight to push itself through the snow. I also had the same issue a few times cleaning the end of driveway snow. If this was the only snow thrower I owned I’d learn to deal with it – only take a half pass – don’t get in a hurry, etc.

Free Wheel: This snowthrower has automatic steering so it’s very easy to maneuver but, the transmission does not hold it in place when going downhill. If you have a steep drive it will coast/freewheel down the hill. Yes, you can hold the metal bar under the Personal Pace – but that’s just awkward and a pain for smaller people.

Two-Stage Technology: Toro calls this “Two-Stage Technology.” Actually, this is a single-stage snow blower but the front auger is built differently than Toro’s Power Clear machines. The outer edges of the auger are metal. They chew up the snow and move it to the center section. The center section grabs the snow and throws it out of the machine. It’s also completely open in front so it will take on an 18-inch drift and does not plug up clearing really wet snow like some 2-stage machines will. It even handles slush OK. But, it does not have a second stage impeller that throws the snow long distances.

It is meant to be used on hard surfaces ONLY! The skid shoes are not adjustable so you can’t raise up the scraper bar to clear gravel or turf areas.

So, in summary. Even though this is one of my top choices this snow thrower is for a very specific buyer. Is it for you? It’s for you if you mainly get “normal” snow. It is for you if you get a lot more 2-6 inchers than 12+ wet snowfalls. Because it’s lightweight, you’ll want you to get right out and clean your driveway after a heavy snowfall. If you only need to clear a short path on the grass to the shed or over to the mailbox it will work OK but it’s not meant to go “off-road.” It throws snow as well as most $700-$999 2-stage machines and you can typically get done much faster. It has extremely simple controls. But, it may not be the best for you because it’s so lightweight and it will run out of traction trying to clear 10 inches or more of heavy/wet end of driveway snow.

Toro has three models of the SnowMaster. I’ll give you links to Internet retailers I trust or you can purchase them at your local Toro dealer.

4. TORO 2-Stage Power Max

Capacity-wise the Toro Power Max 2-stage snow blowers are a good choice for most of you reading this. They will handle normal yearly average snowfalls up to 60 inches well. The snow blowers are built very well and will last you a long time. They feature a one-piece frame/auger assembly so they are stronger than the competitors and won’t twist or get out of adjustment over the years. These snow blowers have larger engines and the patented Toro Anti-Clogging System (ACS) so they handle heavy, wet snow better than any other competitor’s 24-26 inch snowblower with the 12-inch impeller.

Toro has two residential models of the Power Max. I’ll give you links to Internet retailers I trust or you can purchase them at your local Toro dealer.

5. TORO 2-Stage Power Max HD

I like the Toro Power Max HD snowblowers a lot. They are premium snow blowers and have long been known as some of the best snow blowers in the industry. They are among the most dependable snow blowers made. The Toro Power Max HD snow blowers will handle all types of snow.

The Toro Power Max HD snow blowers are heavy-duty machines. These snow blowers look big but are actually very easy to use. They are balanced very well and have excellent traction in all conditions. I have no problems recommending them to any person who can walk behind a snowblower and use both hands.

They are very comparable to the Ariens Deluxe and Platinum Series and will easily outperform the more expensive Honda 2-stage snow blowers.  I’ve been using the 928 OAE for a while now and it’s one of my favorite snow blowers. Consumer Reports agrees and currently gives the Power Max HD 928 OAE it’s highest rating. Check out my video of the 928 here: Can the Toro Power Max HD 928 OAE Snow Blower handle deep snow?

Toro has made a few significant changes recently to make a great snowblower even better.

1. New Metal Extended Chutes with double deflector: New for this year all the Toro 2-stage snow blowers have a metal chute. The Power Max HD models have a double-jointed extended chute for increased range over the previous models. You asked for it – they listened!
2. New Quick Stick Control and Beveled Gears: The Quick Stick chute control has always been one of the best chute controls on the market but for this year Toro completely redesigned it with a steel-reinforced handle and beveled gears. It’s almost effortless to use.
3. New Metal ACS: The Power Max HD models now have an all-metal ACS. The Anti-Clogging System regulates the snow intake to the impeller allowing the engine to maintain maximum speed for the best performance and throwing distance. The all-metal auger housing was also improved and was tipped back slightly so you can push into deep snow and clear drifts easier.
4. New Top Load Gearbox: The new gearbox on the Power Max HD models does not have a vertical seam so it will not leak. High-impact, grade 5 steel shear bolts prevent damage to the gearcase. (Grade 5 is so strong you may never have to replace one)
5. Larger Engine: Toro has added a 12 HP (375cc) engine back into the line. This extra power allows the new 32 inch HD model to throw more snow and throw it farther than ever before.
6. New LED Lights on Power Max Models: New location and custom-designed lens shine more light where you need it. Because the LED lights take less power than the old Halogen lamps more current is now available to the heated handgrips to make them warmer.
7. New 32 inch size! Power Max HD 1232 OHXE Residential. A larger width and a larger engine for those of you who want a wider machine.

Why Toro Power Max HD?

1. These snow blowers do not need high horsepower engines to do the work. The design of the Anti-Clog System inside the auger housing allows the impeller to off-load snow if there is too much. That gives the snowblower a consistent output without requiring an excessively large engine. Because of that, they have more capacity than snow blowers from other brands that use closed flight augers. These snow blowers are very fuel-efficient.
2. Like the other good heavy-duty snow blowers on the market, the Power Max HD series use a 14-inch impeller and 14-inch auger to give it more capacity and throwing distance than the compact residential grade snow blowers. They use a unique cupped impeller paddle that really throws the snow a long way – if you want it to.
3. The Anti-Clog System does not plug. It handles all types of snow including heavy, wet slushy snow well.
4. The Toro Power Max HD will throw more snow just as far as the Honda HSS928AW/HSS928AWD and costs almost $1000 less.
5. The Toro Power Max HD 828, 928 OAE, and 1030 OHAE have Triggerless Steering and steers/zero-turns as easily as a shopping cart. The rest of the Power Max HD snowblowers all use a trigger-style power steering system. The trigger steer goes in a straight line until you pull one of the handle mounted triggers to turn. You can pull both triggers to release both wheels at the same time to zero-turn.

Toro has four residential models of the Power Max HD. I’ll give you links to Internet retailers I trust or you may purchase them at your local Toro dealer.

New! Power Max® HD Snow Blower Snow Cab Kit (139-1640) This cab is designed specifically for the Power Max HD series. This cab is not cheap but will last many years longer than the “universal” kits. 

• (Buy From The Home Depot)
• (Buy From ACME Tools) 

6. TORO 2-Stage Power Max HD Commercial

The Toro Power Max HD snow blowers have been a snowblower of choice for institutions and large businesses for many years. They are easy to operate and will run for years and years without a lot of upkeep. The two new models listed here are specifically for the commercial operator and have a reinforced handle, cast iron skid shoes, drift cutters, large 420cc engines, an all-metal dash, and a commercial warranty.

NEW Features!

1. All-metal design: Chute, ACS, dash, and reinforced handles are now all metal.
2. Redesigned Impeller: The combination of the new impeller, extended chute, and larger engines increases the throw distance up to 60 feet.
3. Larger Engines: Toro has added 14 HP (420cc) engines back into the line. This extra power allows the 28 and 32-inch Commercial models to throw more snow faster and throw it farther than ever before.
4. New LED Lights on Power Max Models: New location and custom-designed lens shine more light where you need it. Because the LED lights take less power than the old Halogen lamps more current is now available to the heated handgrips to make them warmer.
5. New 32 inch size! Power Max HD 1432 OHXE Commercial. Larger width and engine for those of you who want a wider machine for parking lots and commercial sidewalks. One round trip will clear a 5-foot sidewalk!
6. New Metal Extended Chutes with double deflector: All the Toro 2-stage snow blowers have a metal chute. The Power Max HD Commercial models have a double-jointed extended chute for increased range over the previous models. This allows you to put snow exactly where you want it – whether it’s 60 feet away or right by your side.
7. New Quick Stick Control and Beveled Gears: The Quick Stick chute control has always been one of the best chute controls on the market but for this year Toro completely redesigned it with a steel-reinforced handle and beveled gears. It’s almost effortless to use.
8. New Top Load Gearbox: The new gearbox on the Power Max HD models does not have a vertical seam so it will not leak. High-impact, grade 5 steel shear bolts prevent damage to the gearcase. (Grade 5 is so strong you may never have to replace one)

I’ll give you links to Internet retailers I trust or you can purchase them at your local Toro dealer.

7. TORO 2-Stage Power TRX Commercial

It has been a very long time since Toro has offered a track-drive snowblower. I’m glad they waited because track drives have been historically hard to use, were very slow compared to wheeled units, and required special heavy-duty turning clutches/dogs that notoriously broke down when you needed them most.  Toro took their time and eliminated all of these problems with the new Power TRX.

• Hydrostatic transmission (Hydro-Gear SST) with internal planetary clutches. No worry about having them bind-up.
• Smooth Handling and Low Maintenance – Hydrostatic transmission for self-propelled operation, increased stability, and smoother handling. Total Speed Control – Change your speed on the go with Infinitely Variable Speed.
• The new track drive is only 4 inches wide. This narrow width allows the tracks to dig into the snow giving it better traction than most of the competitors. Unmatched Stability – Track driven allows you to clear snow from the toughest terrain and steepest slopes.
• Large drive wheel on tracks gives this snow blower a faster top-end than most of the competition.
• Toro’s QuickAdjust auger height control is right at your fingertips allowing you to go from transport to float to dig-in mode without stopping. In dig-in mode the 3-point tracks will shift the weight of the snowblower to give you maximum tractions pushing through old snow.
• Powered Precision Moves – Powered with Toro’s king, a 420cc engine, and controlled with power steering for smooth, tight turns.

(I have one of these to use this year. I can’t wait to get it out of the box!)

Reading Toro Snow Blower Reviews:

1. 1. When you read snow blower reviews you are going to find reviews that state “the engine would not start,” “the engine won’t stay running.” and “the engine runs rough.” You will find these reviews for all brands and sizes of snow blowers. 98% of the time engine problems with Toro snow blowers are either fuel or operator related. Toro Premium snow engines run/operate differently than your lawn mower engine and because of that, I suggest educating yourself on how to store fuel, how to keep your fuel clean, and how/why your snow blower engine runs the way it does. Knowing this will go a long way toward liking your new snowblower. Please read this article to learn more: Buying A New Snow Blower FAQS – Read This For The Truth
   2. By the way: The Toro snow blowers sold at a dealer are the exact same snowblower as sold at the retail stores like The Home Depot and ACME Tools.
   3. Aggregate reviews. Many websites scour the web for reviews and then post them on their website. In other cases, one disgruntled owner will write the same or similar review in as many places as they can. So what you end up with is many reviews about one specific issue from only one person. I see this quite a bit on The Home Depot and Toro sites.  Just remember, for every bad review there are thousands of Toro snow blowers sold and doing well. Please read the date the review was written and the wording to determine if there is an actual problem. If there ever is a recurring problem Toro identifies it and makes the changes so it gets fixed. In other words, negative reviews more than two years old are not worth your time to read.
   4. I want to caution you about one type of review website in particular. There are dozens if not hundreds of sites that are only interested in making money through Amazon. If you read an article or watch on YouTube about a “Top 10” review or a “2018 Best” review and the ONLY place they send you is Amazon assume they did no research and are only trying to get you to buy something on Amazon through their affiliate link. Don’t get me wrong, Amazon is actually a great place to buy certain snow blowers but don’t believe the sites that only send you to Amazon. 

By The Way – All Opinions are Mine.

I would like you to find the best snow blower for you but there are over 400 available so it’s an almost impossible task for you to find the right one. So let me help.

By the way – a quality $500 two-stage snow blower no longer exists. The base regular price is now $699.

I normally spend most of July and August talking to the different snow blower manufactures about the new models they have coming for the fall. Usually, in September the manufacturers are shipping the new models to the dealers and I spend the time I need to inspect the new models as local dealers put them out on the sales floor. Sometimes that also involves traveling to the manufactures assembly plants or corporate offices to look at, demo, and talk to the snow product managers. In October, I travel to the GIE-EXPO in Louisville, KY. GIE-EXPO is the largest lawn and garden equipment dealer show. There I get a chance to demo machines plus talk to the engineers and company management about all the features, fixes and new rumors. In addition, I keep 12-15 of the current snow blowers at my home for testing and answering your questions. I use these snow blowers when it snows and post videos using them on YouTube.

I also spend a lot of time reading reviews from owners, reading and watching video YouTube reviews from owners and of course keeping up with Consumer Reports latest test and reviews. Over the last ten years, I’ve become pretty good at sorting out honest reviews from the otherwise biased, paid, only here to make money, and only here to complain ones.

Feel free to ask questions in the comment section below.