The Toro 38381 is newest version of Toro’s well regarded and successful 1800 Power Curve line of electric Snowblower/Snow Thrower. Toro has made some improvements on this popular line. The Toro 38381 comes with a larger engine & bigger wheels. Toro also improved ergonomic handle for ease of use and maneuverability. A new quick lever helps the user adjust the direction of the chute and new zip deflector enables the adjustment of the angle; these two features allow for easy control of the where you want the snow to be thrown. The Toro 38381 comes with the Power Curve patented technology that helps propel the unit forward while in use. There is also a lift handle to help transporting the unit.
We’ve found some of the best deals for Snowblower/Snow Thrower including the Toro 1800 Power Curve (38381) online. Click here to check it out.
Toro 1800 Power Curve (38381) Features and Specifications
Toro 1800 Power Curve (38381) Reviews
Since this is a new, 2010 model for the Toro 1800 Power Curve line of Electric snowblower/snow thrower, there won’t really be any substantial review until this model sees actual use in the 2010/2011 winter. We can look at reviews for a comparable older model of the 1800 Power Curve line, the Toro 38025. This older model is a very widely sold model and comes with overwhelmingly positive reviews (4 out of 5 stars on Amazon). Most users were very pleased with how easy it is to use and maintain this model. Users were also pleasantly surprised at the how much this 25lbs machine could actually do. The negative reviews for this older model are mostly concerned with the capability of the snowblower to function in challenging situations such as heavy/wet snow, icy condition & gravel/rocky ground. Other specific complaints were for the belts that easily broke and wheels that were too small & flimsy. Users also complained about the lack of a cord lock to keep the power cord connected at all time. Please bear in mind that electrical snowblowers are made for light duty clearing only and were not intended for heavy duty tasks. If you are faced with challenging conditions or heavy winter precipitation, please consider buying more capable/durable gas powered two stage snowblowers. Some of these earlier issues may have been addressed by changes in this new model. The table below outlines the changes made by Toro in the new model.
Toro upgrades on 1800 Power Curve (from 38025 to
38381)
| Change Item | 38025 | 38381 |
| Engine Size | 12 Amp | 15 Amp |
|
Clearing depth/Intake height |
10 in | 12 in |
| Wheel size | minimal | 6in X 1.5in |
| Snow Discharge Control | – |
Quick Lever & Zip Deflector |
| Power Cord Lock | none | Cord Lock included |
The larger engine, increased intake capacity and larger wheel should make this unit more capable than its predecessor. Adding the cord lock and increasing the wheel size directly addresses specific user complaints. The dimensions and design of this unit is obviously different, requiring the use of a different belt. It remains to be seen whether this new belt will address the most serious complaint people have about the older 38025 model. Overall, it is clear that the upgrades made on the current version of the 1800 Power Curve line should increase the already high user ratings of the previous version.
2011 Update: We’ve checked the reviews of this new, one yr old model. The 38381 version of the 1800 Power Curve ranks just as highly as the previous 38025 from all the amazon reviews (4 out of 5 stars). Most users were very well pleased with their purchase. Amongst the few unsatisfied customers, it seems that their blower stopped working fairly quickly, suggesting either some defect with their particular unit or improper use by the owner. As to the belt issue, there were still some complaint related to the belt. There apparently is a tendency of the belt falling off in some units. One reviewer commented that this particular issue could be fixed by tightening up the main rotor axle.
All in all, this new model remains one of the highest
rated snowblowers and we continue to recommended it based on the
latest reviews. Just a reminder, electric blowers are not suited
for heavy duty wet/deep snow. Many of the unsatisfied reviewers
experienced problems clearing snow in more challenging
situations. Consider gas blowers for challenging situation. For
lighter, electric models though, this model is probably the best
one available.
The Toro 1800 Power Curve line of snowblower has a history high ratings from users. The improvements made on this latest model, the Toro 1800 Power Curve (38381), should improve its standing. We give this model a solid recommendation.
Best Snowblower Home | Electric Snowblower | Toro Snowblower | Toro 1800 Power Curve (38381)
The Toro Power Shovel (38361) is current model of Toro’s well regarded Power Shovel line of electric Snowblowers. The Power Shovel is line of small/light snowblower. Avoid sore backs and physical and time demands of using/maintaining larger snowblowers. The Toro Power Shovel (38361)is an ultra-lightweight model that is easy to use and maintain. This unit comes with an adjustable/telescoping handle that lets the user adjust the length and angle of the handle to fit height of the user. There is also a Cord-Lock system that locks the electric cord during operation to prevent accidental disconnects.
We’ve found the best deals for the Toro Power Shovel (38361) online. Click here to check it out.
Toro Power Shovel (38361) Features and Specifications
Toro Power Shovel (38361) Reviews
Reviews for the Toro 38361 are overwhelmingly positive. What few low low ratings exist comes from those who were expecting more from this unit. Please bear in mind that electrical snowblowers were not intended for heavy duty tasks. Most users were extremely pleased with the ease of use; some even reports that their young kids were able to use this unit without any problems and were actually able to do the job. Older users were also pleased with the ease of use of this ultra-lightweight snowblower. In short, the Toro Power Shovel (38361) does a great job at clearing walkways, decks and short driveways. Its ultra-light and easy to maintain, perfect for those who want to spare their back.
Update: This nifty little unit continues to be rated well by Amazon reviewers (4 out of 5 stars). This is really a versatile and convenient unit to use. You really can use this like a shovel, except without the back braking task of actually throwing the snow. It even works on deep snow, you just need to run it layer by layer from the top. Check out this video here that demonstrates this very well:
With the overwhelming number of high ratings and wonderful experiences shared by users online, we give the Toro Power Shovel (38361) a solid recommendation.
Best Snowblower Home | Electric Snowblower | Toro Snowblower | Toro Power Shovel (38361)
The Murray brand is actually owned by Briggs & Stratton a major manufacturer of small engines. This particular model has a clearing width of 21″ with an intake height of 12.5″. This model is one of the lowest priced single stage snowblower available. For this low price, it comes with a capable 190cc engine making it one of the larger engine size single stage snowblower available. The Briggs & Stratton 4 cycle engines works without the need to mix oil and gas together. This model comes with a clog resistant chute and is rated for 4″-6″ snow.
We’ve found the best deals online for Snowblower/Snow Thrower including the Murray 1695537. Click here to check it out.
Murray 1695537 Features and Specifications:
Murray 1695537 Reviews
The Murray 1695537 is one of the lowest priced single stage model available and it comes with one of the larger engines available in single staged model. Its one of the better selling snowblowers at Amazon. There is a few reviews available. The reviews were overwhelmingly positive at 4.3 out of 5 stars average rating. There is only 1 complaint in the reviews. Some units apparently came with rubber Augers that did not properly fit its housing. The Augers in these cases would graze the housing and users mentioned that they needed to file/sand the parts to fix the problem. Users were very pleased with the operation of this snowblowers with some reporting that this model worked well with snow exceeding the rated 6″ snow depth recommendation.
The Murray 1695537 is a great value for a single stage snowblower, with the a large engine and low price for this category. User reviews were exceedingly positive. We give this model our recommendation.
Best Snowblower Home | 1 Stage Gas Snowblower | Murray 1695537
The Poulan Pro PR6R24ES snowblower/snow thrower features a powerful engine and 24 in coverage that makes it well suited for clearing residential driveways and sidewalks in light to moderate snowfall conditions. This model is capable of electric start when connected to an outlet with an included power cord; it also supports manual recoil starting when an electrical outlet is not accessible. Deeply threaded 13” tires give extra traction for maneuverability. The Poulan Pro PR624ES has a wide 24”X23” intake works with the 2 stage design to enable greater capacity and longer throwing distance. The adjustable skid plate enable changes to the height of the scraper bar to adapt to different surfaces such as ice, dirt and concrete. A conveniently located control panel allows for easy control of the major functionalities of this unit. Additionally, the Poulan Pro PR6R24ES snowblower/snow thrower is equipped with flood light to enable continued use in low light conditions.
The Pro PR6R24ES is one of a line of Poulan 2 stage gas snowblowers that are very highly rated. These snowblower have similar features but offer different intake sizes, coming with additional clearing widths of 27 (Poulan Pro PR6R27ES) and 30 (Poulan Pro PR291E30) inches.
We’ve found the best deals online for the Poulan Pro Two-Stage Snowblowers, check these out:
Poulan Pro Snowblower Family Features and Specifications
| Product Feature | PR6R24ES | PR6R27ES | PR291E30 |
| Weight | 240 lbs | 305 lbs | 285 lbs |
| Engine | 208cc OHV | 208cc OHV | 291cc OHV |
| Clearing width | 24 in | 27 in | 30 in |
| Auger/Impeller | 12 in Auger & Impeller | 12 in Auger & Impeller | 12 in Auger & Impeller |
| Intake Size | 24in width X 23in height | 27in width X 23in height | 30in width X 23in heigth |
| Tire Size | 13in X 5in | 16in X 4in | 16in X 5in |
| Electric Start | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Headlight | Flood | Flood | Flood |
Poulan Pro Reviews
The reviews for the Poulan Pro PR624ES snowblower/snow thrower are very positive. The few negative comments come from problems with order fulfillment and not from the actual performance of this snowblower/snow thrower. Most users are very happy with the ease of unpacking and assembling the unit before use. Users were also pleased with the features included like the headlights and excellent control mechanism. The Poulan Pro PR6R24ES snowblower/snow thrower performed well for residential use with positive comments coming from heavy snowfall areas like Western New York. All of these Poulan Snowblowers: Pro PR6R24ES, Pro PR8R27ES and Pro PR291E30, are very high rated by users in online reviews on websites like Amazon. Some of the points that sticks out in the reviews include the power of the engine, reliability of the unit and the sturdy construction of the various parts.
Buy Online Now:
Given the positive reviews and comments of users, we recommend the Poulan Pro line of two-stage snowblowers for those who face more challenging snowfall.
Best Snowblower Home | Poulan Pro PR6R24ES
If you’ve been wanting a powerful snow thrower that won’t hurt your pocket as much, you should try the WORX WG650 snowblower. This snow thrower will help you get through the winter with clear patios, pathways and driveways with so much ease. The WORX WG650 Snowblower has a powerful 13 amp motor that can easily handle 18 x 9 inches of snow. It is also built with a 180-degree chute that you can rotate. It can shoot the snow to up to 30 feet. It’s adjustable; it has 3 levels that can give you the comfort you desire. It’s handlebars can easily be folded, so it’s compact and ready for easy storage. It is also built with oversized chute adjusters, so that you can easily adjust it even with gloves on. It has wheels that make it easy for you to move it around.
Great Performance
The WORX WG650 snowblower can really be compared to those heavy-duty, gas operated snow throwers. It can throw snow as far as 30 feet away, and can clear your driveway in minutes! Also, it can easily go through 18 inches wide, by 9 inches deep – you never need to do the same path twice! Most importantly, it has a chute that can rotate 180 degrees, to make sure that the snow that it shoots out wouldn’t be in your way.
Easy to use, easy to store
The WORX WG650 snowblower is very convenient because it works just like the bigger machines. All you need to do is plug it in the socket, push the “on” button, and presto – you have a snow thrower that’s built for the kill. It was also built with oversized chute adjusters that won’t give you a hard time to turn when you’re wearing snow gloves. It has wheels so it is very easy to maneuver and bring from one place to another. Also, it has a collapsible handlebar that doesn’t take a genius to figure out! Since it is foldable, you can easily store it in pantries or cabinets. It can even go under your shelf in the garage!
We’ve found the best deals online. Check out the WORX WG650.
WORX WG650 Snowblower Features and Specifications:
WORX WG650 Snowblower Reviews:
Just from the product description, you would know that the WORX WG650 Snowblower is a fine machine, however, let the reviews of other users convince you even more! They are very happy that a small machine is as well built as it is. One customer even commented, “As it was going so well, I ended up going 4 houses down of my neighbors and clearing their sidewalk also. ” This just proves how great the WORX WG650 Snowblower is!
We fully recommend this snowblower.
Best Snowblower Home | Electric Snowblower | WORX WG650
The Greenworks 20-Inch 12 Amp Electric Snow Thrower is very easy to use, since you just switch it on, especially compared to snow throwers that are powered by gas. It weighs 37 pounds, and has a 12-amp motor that is capable of clearing a 20 x 10 inch path. It can also discharge snow in any direction within 180 degrees, due to its 180-degree chute, to up to 20 feet. It has a cord lock that holds the extension in place, and an adjustable handle for easy usage. The handlebar has a rubber grip that can be adjusted to a person’s preference. It can be adjusted to be able to provide both safety and comfort to the person using the snow thrower. It also has 8-inch radial wheels that will help you move around and easily be able to maneuver the machine in the snow. This electric snow thrower is not only very powerful, but it is also environmentally friendly; it does not omit carbon emissions.
We’ve found some the best deals online for Snowblowers. Check the Greenworks 26032 here.
Greenworks 26032 Electric Snowblower/Snow Thrower Features and Specifications:
Greenworks 26032 20-Inch 12 Amp Electric Snow Thrower Reviews
The Greenworks 26032 20-Inch 12 Amp Electric Snow Thrower proves to be an amazing product as there are more people raving about it, than ranting about it. Besides the consumers raving about it’s 4-year warranty, this Greenworks 26032 20-Inch 12 Amp Electric Snow Thrower has more than just that to offer. According to most users, the machine is compact and light, that even girls will be able to use it without exerting too much effort. Also, the product is very easy to assemble, that it only takes about 10 – 15 minutes before it is ready to be used! It can easily be pushed, handled and maneuvered in the snow, and at the same time, they like the fact that the machine can clear snow fast. A customer even commented, “I AM SHOCKED with how well this little thing does. We have 8 inches of heavy snow on the ground from today’s storm. I cleared the pathway and area in the yard in minutes with this little blower with little effort. It never bogged down or slowed“. They appreciate that it throws snow well too. It is cheaper compared to gas blowers and is just as quiet as a vacuum – which won’t wake the neighbors up if you decide to use it at 6am! Another user said, “We’ve had 5 inches (and still counting) and I was super stoked to try out my new toy! Works amazingly! My husband and I were fighting over who got to try it first.”
The Greenworks 26032 features one of the largest clearing width (20 inches) for an electric snowblower. This unit has one of the highest rating from Amazon reviewers (4.4 out of 5 stars) with a large portion of buyers satisfied with their purchase. We give this snowblower our full recommendation.
Best Snowblower Home | Electric Snowblower | Greenworks 26032
The Snow Joe SJ620 Snowblower is really quite different compared to gas-automated snow throwers. The Snow Joe SJ620 snowblower is a heavy-duty snow thrower that has a 13.5 amp motor that is capable of throwing 650 lbs. of snow per minute. It has a scraper four-blade rotor that can effectively cut a pathway of 18 x 10 inches. It can clear driveways and walkways in half the time that you would on a regular snow thrower. Since it throws snow to up to 20 ft., you don’t need to worry about going through the pathway twice! What’s more impressive is that the Snow Joe SJ620 snowblower Thrower can clear about 2,450 square feet of snow in just an hour! It has a 180-degree adjustable chute, which means you can control the direction of the snow. You can even adjust the height of the snow stream. It is very easy to maintain even during the summer, since it is electric. It is also designed with a push-button, instant start technology that switches on in just one push. No more arm straining pulling required! Also, maintenance is easy because it comes with a 2-year warranty! In addition, you don’t need to worry about oil changes, gas refilling and the machine running out of batteries! Also, it has ergonomic grips that you can adjust to your liking. It won’t strain your back and your arms. The body is very easy to move and control that make handling the machine easy for all users.
We’ve found the best deals online. Check out the Snow Joe SJ620.
Snow Joe SJ620 Snowblower Features and Specifications:
Snow Joe SJ620 Snowblower Reviews
Given that this is a heavy-duty device, that has a 2-year warranty, and is cheap in comparison to other snow throwers, it is expected that users will really like this product and give it good reviews. Most users who purchased the Snow Joe SJ620 snowblower were amazed at how easy it was to get the machine assembled. It wasn’t at all hard to put together, and it only took them 5-10 minutes to do so. One user commented, “Got it out of the box and its super easy to put together…even your grandma could do it;)!” Also, they liked how the machine is very light, that they can easily carry it anywhere; even above the snow. The purring sound was also something they raved about. They’d think that a snow thrower would cause havoc, but it didn’t produce loud sounds like that of heavy machinery. They appreciated how fast and how “hard” the machine worked. One customer said, “40′ x 10′ driveway, 50′x 2′ back side walk, 35′x2′ side walk, 20′x5′ front side walk all 17+” of snow, it had done yeomans work. The city snow plows had plowed my alley and left a 36″ pile of hard packed snow across the driveway. This unit took care of that pile! To say I am impressed would be an understatement.” However, some users commented that the snow thrower didn’t do too well on wet snow, but still gave the unit a 3 or 4 star review.
This model has the highest rated user reviews in Amazon (4.6 out of 5 stars) out of all models with a meaningful number of reviews (it has 48 reviews in Oct 2011). Clearly a vast majority of users are quite happy with their purchase. We give this Snowblower our full recommendation.
Best Snowblower Home | Electric Snowblower | Snow Joe SJ620
The Powerland PDST24 snowblower/snow thrower represents the first snowblower model produced by Powerland. It is one of the least expensive two stage snowblower available and one of the few CARB compliant snowblower in the market today. This model is capable of electric start when connected to an outlet; it also supports manual recoil starting when an electrical outlet is not accessible. The Powerland PDST24 has a wide 24”X21” intake. This model comes with self propelled wheels with 6 forward & 2 reverse speeds.
We’ve found the best deals online for snowblowers. Click here to check the Powerland PDST 24.
Powerland PDST24 Features and Specifications
Powerland PDST24 Reviews
This model is Powerland’s first snowblower; it was first available for sale last winter season. Powerland is a Chinese made snowblower. Its one of the very few models of snowblowers that are CARB compliant (California Air Resources Board), which makes it available to California buyers. CARB compliance basically means that the engine meets the stricter emission standard required in California. CARB compliance for Snowblowers is not as influential as similar requirements for say lawn mowers or generators. The California market for snowblower is not very big, with snowfall widely prevalent only in more sparsely populated sierra nevada mountain range and sections of northern California. Most positive reviewers of this model are happy with the features available for the price paid (its the lowest priced two stage model in Amazon). This model was sold last season thru Costco. Costco reviewers give this model an average of 3 of 5 stars with only 42% willing to recommend this model to friends. There are several very low ratings where users complained that the unit stopped working after a short period of usage. Problems with the belt were cited most frequently. Reviewers also complain about poor design, e.g. the oil fill hole is poorly located; users need to use a funnel to fill the oil container.
The Costco web page where these reviews were posted stated that this model is no longer available. But a Powerland snowblower with the same model name is still being sold by Costco. So, it is unclear if the current year’s model are identical to last year’s or if Powerland made some modification for models sold this year. Costco only sells 2 models of snowblower, both are Powerland models. Costco is in the business of selling products at a discount. It seems that this Chinese manufacturer were able to meet the price requirements of Costco. Costco also sells quality products, most customers are happy with their purchases. This retailer also has a no questions asked return policy. So, it would seem highly unlikely that Costco would continue to sell this model if there is a high expected return rate.
Given the mixed reviews, at best, of last year’s model, we could not give our full recommendation for this model. Its unknown if Powerland made modifications to address problems from last year. Early reviews from people who bought this year’s model and actually used it in clearing snow would be a crucial signal. We would gladly recommend this once the durability/capability is proven by higher review ratings. If you are looking for CARB compliant models, John Deere has a full line of CARB compliant snowblowers. Deere’s lineup is targeted for the premium segment with prices much higher than most other makes.
2011 UPDATE: The latest reviews for this snowblower has not improved much from last year. It’s likely that the manufacturer has not made any further changes to this model of snowblower. The latest check we did (September 2011) on Costco’s website does not show this snowblower as available for sale from Costco. So, unless changes are made later on, it seems likely that this snowblower is no longer sold by Costco. We obviously can’t change our recommendation on this. For a great alternative snowblower (albeit not CARB compliant), check the Poulan snowblower reviewed here.
Best Snowblower Home | CARB Compliant Snowblower | Powerland PDST24
Yard Machines is one of the brand names for MTD Snowblowers. This particular model has a clearing width of 21″ with an intake height of 10″, making it one of the smaller single stage gas powered snowblower available. This model actually has the smallest capacity engine in this class of snowblowers (123cc), it’s also one of the lowest priced single stage snowblower available. This unit is designed for lower level of snowfall, more capable than electric snowblowers but one of the least capable in the single stage snowblower category.
Yard Machines 31A-2M1A700 Features and Specifications:
Yard Machines 31A-2M1A700 Reviews
Reviews for the Yard Machines 31A-2M1A700 are split right down the middle. About half of the reviewers love their units, among the positive comments were for ease of starting (no electric start available), low engine noise and small size making it easy to store. The other half of reviewers absolutely hate this model. The main complaint by far is that snow clogs easily and the unit get jammed up often. Users report having to stop and clear the snow often to prevent jam ups. The same distribution of reviews and type of complaints were seen at Amazon and other review sites such as Ace Hardware’s website. Given the widely divergent reviews, one wonders if users with negative reviews simply failed to operate this model correctly. However, some of the negative reviewers were experienced owners of other types of snowblowers. So it seems unlikely that these negative reviews came from incorrect use.
Given that half the reviews are negative, we cannot recommend this model. A quick overview of other single stage snowblowers show that most of the other model have significantly higher proportion of positive vs negative reviews. We recommend that you pay a bit more to get other models with larger engines.
Best Snowblower Home | 1 Stage Gas Snowblower | MTD Yard Machines 31A-2M1A700