The ULTIMATE Snow Blower BUYING Guide (w/ Reviews!)

Today we're going to do an ultimate snow blower shopping guide to help you pick out the best snow snow blower for winter. Whether it's a single stage snow blower or a 2 stage setup, picking out the best snow blower is important to match it up to the right conditions!
We run through the gambit of snow blowers from the Toro 518, the Toro 721 and 821, and the new Toro HD Trax. All of these snow blowers are great machines, but let's get down to the nitty gritty and find out what snow blower is best for you, and what our favorite pick of the bunch is!
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[@madisonhopson5641]

Brian almost had me buy a snow blower and it never even snows here in southeast texas. Haha 😂

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Buy one and gift it to your favorite KZbin’r in Michigan 🤣

[@madisonhopson5641]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance haha you are my favorite KZbinr. 😂I hit the lotto I got ya

[@smallengines1018]

Lol

[@davidrenfro5756]

Same here..se Texas equals about a half inch every three years...snow blowers quantity zero in south east texas!

[@madisonhopson5641]

@@davidrenfro5756 haha facts

[@hoeto63]

Bought the Toro 721rc 4 yrs ago and I can safely say it will go through 10+ inches. I change the oil, scraper and paddles every season. The plug was changed after 2 seasons and I just replaced the drive belt last month, no problems and love that it's a 4 cycle(no mix gas). Your choice of the 721 for a homeowner would be mine too, small footprint(foldable handle helps) to store in the off season and powerful enough for larger snowfalls. You can manhandle it in/out of a pick-up bed, but unless you have a strong back, not something I would advise.

[@austindenney1384]

Had a 31” trax unit and for the few days over 10 years that it was a advantage was not worth the weight and how slow it was now run the 721 and love it.

[@speedball10169]

With a driveway as long and steep as mine, the 2 stage is needed. I live in the lower Hudson Valley region of NY and while we don't typically get multiple storms dumping multiple feet at a time, the bigger the better. My driveway is too narrow to plow too. I use an older Ariens 2 stage blower non tracked (really no need with the aggressive tired on it) with interlocking steering control. Makes life SOOO much easier when having to turn the machine since it allows it to turn on a dime which prevents you from having to muscle it around. 328 cc motor, 14 inch impeller diameter, etc. The only downfall is it's 327 lbs since it's all steel.

[@snoopluke54]

We run the 721s and 821s. Always gotta keep some back ups at the shop for when they break at 3am in the middle of a storm. You can postpone lawns for a day but can’t postpone snow removal.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Exactly!

[@DrumKing95]

I use a 20 inch 2 stage Ariens ST5+2 with the flathead 5HP Tecumseh that was bought brand new back in 95. No gear drive, just old school auger propelled. Still runs as good as it did when it was bought 26 years ago. Love the vids Brian! Keep em coming!

[@rowandegnan1064]

Great video. Editing is 🔥🔥. Out here in eastern PA getting hammered. 7+ inches. Hope you have a great holiday.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Be safe out there guys!

[@kodypilger]

Been using 821 toro this winter, it's a great machine very powerful!!! I'm in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada we have been getting some wet heavy snowfalls, its muscles through the slushy snow like nothing.

[@BlownL67]

Aside from my Gravely's, you can't beat a Honda HSS series or Simplicity Signature..

[@joseayala3746]

I live in PA (Philadelphia region) and I own the Toro Power Clear 518ZE model and it did perfectly fine 2 days ago with 6-7" snow with the top layer being wet. I can definitely say I was pushing it beyond its rated limits but it was able to tackle the job and succeed with no problems. Love it, highly consider. We don't get much snow. Have a great holiday and keep the great content coming. Great video!

[@justbjuan23]

got a 24 inch craftsman 5 years ago for like 650ish its payed for itself numerous times every year with 15 accounts and has held up great. did a little poiunding and straightinen with sledge hammer but she rips still!! just did the big storm up here in maine ran like a champ

[@yarcraft1778]

Love my Toro CCR 2450. .....10 years old. STILL starts on the first or second pull. Love stuff that just works. Good video. Thanks.

[@stevengandt1507]

And I just had to say...I really chuckled at the intro. Welcoming the snow with the enthusiasm of a 10 year old on a no-school snow day. Loved it!!

[@stephanodilks652]

I have a Ariens 26” snow blower

[@philbuilds116]

I'll keep my 96' CCR3650 and my 04' too. The 2 stroke was so much more powerful and lighter. The 96' took 1 pull after 3 years of storage. My 04' has needed a kevlar belt for 2 years and I still haven't ordered it yet. I love my single stagers.

[@Moondog9322]

I have a CCR 2000e and it's a beast. Throws everything and starts right up.

[@Adventureswithmike1]

I have a toro 1024 .and it's a beast... I live in northeast Pennsylvania and there calling for 24-30 inches of snow for this big storm...

[@dooflicker1]

I've had a Toro Power Throw 824 XL, a Honda 1332 track drive & currently a Toro PowerMax HD Commercial 1432 wheeled unit & the 1432 is a beast! My driveway is 400ish feet long and no matter how wet or heavy the snow is it throws it like nothing else I have used.

[@JonsDailyHustle]

Great video Brian, I'm still just getting started in this business so all I use is a shovel and spreader for now

[@An11inchPenis]

Been looking at the 518 now that I have a tailgate spreader. It's a pain lifting the 721 over the side of my truck. Might be worth it

[@gonzalezproservices8961]

I used to haul around a real heavy Ariens blower (stationary but a beast) on and off of my bed with a ramp (slippery, just hell) until you introduced me to the 518 two years ago, its been a God send. Easy to lift on and off and it handles snow like a boss. I've blown up to 7-8 inches no problem. I bought mine brand new $425. Love it so that I found a used one (2 ysr old) this past summer, got it for $125 as a back up. Now I have the two in my bed, ready to crush it when needed.

[@bennyrosalez6648]

Thanks Brian, think I will get the 821 for this Michigan storm coming this Friday 1-12-24 .. Always following you !!

[@WranglerRunner1]

Had to use my elderly neighbors older 518 this past snowstorm (Massachusetts) since my John Deere 924de quit on me. Definitely pushed that thing to the limit with a foot of snow but it worked, just a lot of effort!

[@ivancedillo8]

How cute, in the last three weeks in Chicago we have received over 50” of snow, last night over 17”.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Haha love it

[@bryancampbell1445]

721 all day long. Absolutely love Toro blowers!!

[@huntersousa1255]

First off we are getting a good dumping of snow here in Central Massachusetts and I’m ecstatic about it. Now aside from my 8’ Fisher XBLADE snowplow, 3 different 2 stage snowblowers. New to me this year (have only used it once) is the Honda HSS1332ATD. I also have the Toro Powermax 826 OE. Nearly 20 years old but I also have the MTD Gold 26. In my opinion there’s no “bad” snowblowers out there (although I’m not a fan of electric). I’ve never owned any but I’ve used Ariens, Cub Cadet & John Deere snowblowers as well and I liked them too

[@dandennis8465]

Received about 8-10” of snow in PA, the towns pickup with plow did my street and I gave the driver a Coke. It amazing how the plow truck gets a little closer to the curb compared to some other houses b

[@kenirving5268]

We run toro powerclears, 2 721s 1 821, Ariens platinum 24 efi and a newly acquired Ariens Mountaineering edition.

[@vburke9232]

Fullerton! I’m buying my first 2012 F150 Lariat it’s tan w tan interior. It’s weird to say bc we’ve never met, but you have been on this journey w me to build my business and shit and it’s dope to say bro bc i watch your stuff religiously and my GF always gives me shit but I ignore it she can’t hop on this wave. I thank you for being so visible w ur channel, business model, and daily routine it’s entertaining and keeps me sane w running Grasshoppers Landscapes.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s awesome brother, congrats on the new truck!

[@frito_bandito_]

Good video. I run a Ariens 1132. It's a beast, it's now 22 years old, runs like a top.

[@dandennis8465]

I have a 24” two stage Troy Built that I got from a big box store 14 years ago. I purchased it at the end of season for a deep discount. It’s time it receives a tune up. My father has an Ariens two stage. He’s had that blower for about 45 years now and where he lives in western NY state, it snows a lot from the lake effect.

[@stevengandt1507]

Love to hear about an Ariens machine lasting 45 years! My dad has one that's almost as old. Its first winter was during the Blizzard of '78 in Massachusetts. It's needed some work over the years, but still going strong. My dealer has a 1960's-era Ariens on the sales floor for display, complete with original marketing brochure. Push drive, hard plastic wheels, all steel construction and absolutely no safety features. In short: I want it!!

[@dandennis8465]

The day after I wrote this my father purchased a new blower as the Ariens died. This one lasted 45 years, he’s now 80 so hopefully the new one will last 45 more years.

[@damian6781]

Ariens 30” and ariens platinum SHO 28” both are beasts

[@kturcotte]

Just picked up a brand new Craftsman a couple days ago, nice unit hoping t ok get to use it tomorrow, 12-18 inches coming

[@happyrocklawncareandsnowre2141]

I run a John deere 1330e, because nothing runs like a deere. 13hp commercial grade b&s engine electric start, 30"wide, electric controlled shute, automatic wheel stop to turn. Its a beast in two or three feet of snow. Yes i live in the prairie province of Manitoba Canada.

[@JohnIsaac88]

Great video! Just bought another 32" Honda Snowblower on tracks $5,470

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Dang, nice!

[@stevengandt1507]

Your grandchildren will be thrilled to inherit the Honda. Money can't buy much better than that model.

[@aroundthecape3421]

SnowJoe Hybrid. Love the battery/plug in feature.

[@jonathandoble4105]

Bought the 821 commercial and it is a monster , paddles wear along time and scraper bar. Amazing snow blower and will be the only blowers I will be buying going ahead

[@amargill4819]

I love toro snowblowers other than the button for the easy chute rotation it should just be a trigger on the front of the stick other than that they are all great machines

[@smoothlandin]

Just bought a Honda 32 tracked beast yesterday! Thanks to you for all your business tips on the Fullerton Unfiltered Podcast, I was able to pay for it in cash!

[@MB12116]

The best are Honda. There new tracked two stages are the only way to go. At least for the mountains. However the ego ones are also great. Perfect for decks.

[@markschmaus5580]

Troy Bilt 28 inch 2 stage. Toro 721. Love them both !!

[@mhtube01]

I just got an Ariens Deluxe 24" and I can't wait to put it to use! It's a really solid built machine. My neighbor has a single stage Toro, people seem to really like those machines.

[@jeffgale8420]

I live in Canada giing to rock a snojoe 40v blower from walmart.

[@swrconstructioninc.1158]

Toro 721 QZE is the best snowblower I’ve ever owned. Just add fuel and stabilizer and your set for years !!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Amen!

[@chrisblodgett3263]

That 518 is a beast for how small it is. Our go to snowblower for the ease of getting in and out of the truck with the salter on the back

[@Dale.Nienow]

Great video Brian, I bought the Toro 821 QZE Power Clear last year with the blue quick chute on the side! I also have Ariens two stage snowblower for the deep snow! Since there is snow there is a snow vlog coming in the future!

[@TheBullsi33]

Brian, I have to disagree with your take on the wet/slushy snow. I live in Alberta (Canada) where we get lots of the wet/heavy snow. The 721 and 821 both struggle to throw the snow through the chutes. The snow often gets clogged in the chute and either clogs completely or is simply too heavy to throw through the chute. Unfortunately, we end up putting the snowblowers back in the trailer and resort to other tools. Appreciate the video just wanted to throw in my 2 cents. Cheers!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That's true, sometimes though it'll eject forward and clean up that path or end of driveway nicely though! Cheers

[@mikewyant1135]

This brought back memories of running over news papers and then just having to shovel anyway... haha

[@drewforan7150]

Airens professional 21 has the easy lift feature for loading and unloading. For a single stage blower it will do 10"

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Bedell swears by his Ariens single stage!

[@2010stoof]

That's the one I'm getting. Not worried about the electric start based on how easy they start. Plus I just don't have the area to need the 2 stage. But man I want one. But need to be practical. If we get a Michigan blizzard I'll go out in the middle and clear.

[@fredcurrier5912]

Real time is right. Snowfall should begin in RI in an hour or so. And, of course, I found out last night that my Craftsman auger isn't spinning very quickly and I'm praying that it's enough to get the job done tomorrow.

[@MaxCam35mm]

A Toro 721 Qze for the patio an a 2 stage Ariens for the driveway. A lot of snow in Canada 🇨🇦!

[@SledgeHammer43]

From my experience when you get 12 to 18 inch forecast you will get drifts that are easily 2 to 5 even 6 feet deep.

[@MinnesotaLawnandLandscape]

I have had the 518 and 721. We don't do any walkways now and only offer plowing driveways with plow. That 3k one looks like a beast

[@maxclement1502]

Great video Brian thanks. Keep it coming. Getting 18 inches coming to mass tonight

[@ehexzs10]

Ariens 30 in, 21, 18. Selling the 30 inch and probably 21

[@Sutherland420]

"Your boys making some progress. This time it's my driveway. Not my mom's driveway." Lol. The landscaper's grind

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Hustle don't stop :) Can't wait to review something in my next driveway a year from now..

[@richpicone7788]

Can’t beat the toro snow throwers. I prefer the 18, just because it’s light and easy. We have 2- 21” and 1-18”at my job. Every one fights over the 18. They are about 15 years old. I have a 21” at home that was my fathers.... must be 30 years old easily and always starts right up!

[@Fencearmor]

White gold is here! Great, informative video Brian!

[@michelpicton8357]

2 stage tracked HSS724 honda is what I run. Really awesome machine. Sweet video!

[@mrkend69]

Rocking a Toro Snowmaster 724 QXE, it is a great machine. Love Toro's Personal Pace. It will throw dry snow 40 feet I'd estimate. Struggles with slushy wet snow but overall it is a great buy in my opinion.

[@mikedeiana1504]

Brian if you have a Lotta walks to do and move big snow Honda track Drive snowblower with electric start that’s the Way to go bro I did it for years

[@mikedennis8]

Just picked up the 721E with the newer look like the 821. Wanting to get more into snow in the upcoming years

[@andyslawncareandoutdooradv]

My go to snowblowers are the Toro CCR 2450's. I actually acquired a 2nd unit and of course, it hasn't snowed😂. On their 16th year and they start on the 1st pull and can do 7-8" of heavy snow. Little 5hp 2 stroke engine has lots of power for its age and size, and it just never breaks down. If I need an upgrade, then the 721/821 would be my choice

[@timlobstein911]

Great video sir, I have 2 stage cub cadet snowblower for the few driveway that I have.

[@No5k1llz]

Same, we run the cub cadet HD 30" 2 Stage. Just grabbed it in October. We do about 20 drives and she's a beast so far.

[@StevenJames32]

I have a Cub Cadet 2X (two-stage) 24" snow blower. Brand new this winter.

[@nurturedlawns4499]

It’s like you guys have 2 industries to prep for, grass and snow. For me in Australia I mow all year and I’ve never even seen snow!

[@wenull3]

Toro Snowmaster 724 QXE best all around. I have one as well as a Toro 3650 single stage and 726 TE PowerMax 2 stage and live in New Hampshire and although the PowerMax is a beast it's more often overkill and is less easy to manage than the Snowmaster.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Amen!

[@neddaly462]

I have the Honda 928 and the HS1332. Absolute beast! The only way to go out here in CO. The small ones are great to throw up on the upper decks. It's nice to have portability some times.

[@danhjelholt5262]

Hey Have you ever owned a Toro or any other brand snow blower? How do they compare to the big Honda?

[@mikelash3840]

They both have a 12 inch inlet. I'm waiting on mine to arrive but I'm afraid I should have went with 721 not 518

[@HubersRanch]

Picked up a Toro CCR 2000 for this season. I don't think you can beat those 80s Toro's :D Great for me as a home owner and our 1-3 inches we get here in my valley. It did manage to fight through 12inches of heavy September snow so you have to hand it to those machines.

[@mikecambino8295]

Need advice. I have a 400’ concrete winding drive with a steep section about 50’ with a grade as much as 18.5 degrees. I live in KY with annual snowfall of only 8-10” average snowfall but when it snows, I’m trapped on my hill till it thaws with car at bottom. So, I’m looking at UTV with snow blade or an inline Toro single stage snowblower model#39915. I’d rather go with the blower to save a lot of cash but is my driveway grade too steep. Any advice helps. I’ve never owned or used either by the way. Thanks!

[@joshuabunkley6727]

We only use snowjoe for our snowblowing. Nothing beats not having to maintain the electric

[@JonsDailyHustle]

Man that tracked blower is an absolute beast

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

It seriously is huge! I wish the camera did it justice.

[@dandufour116]

I picked up a new toro 721r and two shovels similar to the ones you showed in the vids. 23 residential drives with me and 1 guy this year-my first year in business. Should be pretty interesting 😂

[@justensuchy5551]

Great vid brian let me know what i should run with my setup scag toro husqvarna echo sthi bob cat let me know great vids and keep going!!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Whatever your local dealer sells and supports, and whatever your budget permits bud! Wish you the best in 2021..

[@sgninjasllc8172]

My best video my favorite video that I have ever seen I love that you are so happy about snow

[@VictorsMowingandMore]

About making progress, I know that you did this video two years ago, but hopefully soon you’re going to be doing videos in the shop at your own pace.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

One day soon!

[@AliBaba-mp7zb]

The toro 21inch blue shoot handle is the worst for doing commercial lots, the blue shoot freezes and won't let the shoot neck turn side to side in freezing cold days.

[@DavidBrown-sv1st]

Great station Brian. I've had a single stage Toro. Works great. Dug me out the 4 footer back in 2016. I'll tell you though, I bought an entry level two stage blower and it's night and day. Troybilt 2410, no frills, works like a champ, same price as those higher end single stage blowers. It's self propelled, basically no effort, 6 forward 2 reverse. Electric start, with backup recoil start. Love it. Can't wait till I get to play in the snow. 😁

[@DizsLLS2197]

I bought a 821 and it’s beast and got a 621 out of the trash and it runs

[@allamerican1832]

Great content!!! Man I love the toro snowblower, I have two of them.

[@bengeskie9840]

Love it dude!!!

[@Sjackson2369]

Considering one of those power shovel/power broom things for the really light stuff. That and a leaf blower would really help me out

[@williamramirez5692]

Love the vids man you inspired me so much god bless

[@RavensHardCore]

Love these kind of videos Brian! Awesome editing!! 😀👍

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Hey thank you Mitch!

[@RavensHardCore]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance Sure thing!

[@cwrowe]

Good video

[@michael19541]

Does anyone have a problem with the chute freezing up when its under 32 degrees? No matter what I spray on it, nothing works, always have to take the chute off to dry off before it will work again, its a new machine! Any suggestions guys or gals, pretty annoying when you have a route to do, also Toro on this model went to the plastic tires, tires constantly get plugged with snow which then, the damn tires won't turn, you then have to push it, this things to heavy for that, I've heard others complain of the same thing. The dealership didn't seem to care, any suggestions please? Should I get a 721 instead, I really need you suggestions on what to do. Different single stage snowblower other than a Toro, I've only had Toro's. Seems like the last 4-5 years thing aren't thought ahead until the customer gets stuck with all these problems, these things aren't cheap either, Thanks for listening.

[@civmike]

The 821 works great

[@richardburnett2749]

By the way, your KZbin movie is two years old. Do you plan on updating your KZbin movie showing how good your snowblower is I am looking at buying that toro 721E is that a good snowboard for Michigan deep wet snow and sum slush

[@thiggins5734]

Love the editing keep it up!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Hey thanks!

[@evanrude2544]

At least Chicago might finally get its first accumulation snowfall on Christmas eve

[@2010stoof]

I'm going with the Ariens pro 21. Only have 6 car driveway and small path to door. No sidewalks. The Tim Allen in me wants the 2 stage but with the area I have and 3 cars to work around and the skinny walkway I'm going with the single stage. The 2 stage, although beautiful and a beast, I don't think I need it. The 2 stage may make it harder.

[@kblessing93]

Great video. You need get into making tv commercials for landscapers. The perfect commercial would be brian on camera with marty's voice. I have been binge watching KZbin of plowing videos because we only got 2" here in the tug hill region of nys.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I love that idea lol

[@fertig_adam]

When Brian is in the ad for his own video and you don’t feel the need to skip it

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

lol 👊💯

[@roachbrotherslawncare2936]

Toro blowers are the best!

[@cleanclippingslawnservice7128]

Awesome video 👌

[@chuckmaxon3727]

I use a Legend Force 2 stage that I bought at HD about 8 yrs. ago. I spent 3 hours yesterday putting a new primer hose, starter and plug in it to get it to go again. It is self propelled and I use a wheelchair carrier with a ramp to move it. I wanted to ask if the smaller non self propelled blowers take a lot of effort to push? Great vid!

[@judeanthony0721]

It's snowing here in east PA right now we have almost a foot

[@mattjones1792]

It’s snowing here in reading Pennsylvanian I live in a little town called wernersville

[@dandennis8465]

Lancaster

[@VictorsMowingandMore]

I have a little Toro, but I’m not sure which one it is.

[@ApartmentMaintenanceCouple]

Hello Brian, Can you tell me if you think it is worth the extra money and get the QZE model with the quick shoot trigger even though it's not their RC commercial model, or is it a better idea to go with the RC model for "commercial use" (just doing residential homes)?? I know I can always upgrade the paddles and belt on the QZE model (more money$$$), but is it that big of a deal to use the manual shoot? I am not worried about the warranty because everything Ive read suggest these things last forever. Thanks for any help you or anyone else may be.

[@glendajune9140]

Brian, always informative, thanks.💯❤️👍🏾✝️🙏🏾🇺🇸