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SailinAway · 01-03-2020, 02:09 AM

I spent some time today researching snowblowers. I didn't realize that some Toro single-stage machines can handle quite a bit of snow. I'm looking at the Toro Power Clear 518 ZR: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-Pow...8472/205380014

You'll probably say it's too small for a 20' x 60' driveway and New Hampshire snow, but I here's what I'm thinking:

It has very good reviews.
It weighs 54 lbs, which I can handle in the driveway, compared to a 2-stage machine.
If it snows more than 7" I can clear the driveway more than once during a storm. A 15" storm could be done in two passes.

The next size up, the Toro Power Clear 721, is a more effective machine but it weighs 84 lbs. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-Pow...8472/205380014

My concern about a two-stage machine is not just the weight while using it, but the impossibility of getting it home and taking it anywhere for service since I have a compact hatchback.

Your thoughts?

And a question: I need some paths around my house (like to the electric meter and oil fill pipe). Would this machine tear up the lawn?

01-03-2020, 02:09 AM	#33
SailinAway Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Posts: 991 Thanks: 256 Thanked 280 Times in 169 Posts	Plan B I spent some time today researching snowblowers. I didn't realize that some Toro single-stage machines can handle quite a bit of snow. I'm looking at the Toro Power Clear 518 ZR: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-Pow...8472/205380014 You'll probably say it's too small for a 20' x 60' driveway and New Hampshire snow, but I here's what I'm thinking: It has very good reviews. It weighs 54 lbs, which I can handle in the driveway, compared to a 2-stage machine. If it snows more than 7" I can clear the driveway more than once during a storm. A 15" storm could be done in two passes. The next size up, the Toro Power Clear 721, is a more effective machine but it weighs 84 lbs. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-Pow...8472/205380014 My concern about a two-stage machine is not just the weight while using it, but the impossibility of getting it home and taking it anywhere for service since I have a compact hatchback. Your thoughts? And a question: I need some paths around my house (like to the electric meter and oil fill pipe). Would this machine tear up the lawn?