Toro Commercial Power TRX Review - Blowing Snow and Slush Jan 2021

[@PaulSikkema]

Feel free to leave a comment below. (I do moderate the comments so it may not show up right away) Thanks for watching and please Subscribe! If you would like me to help you find the best snowblower for you please tell me where you live, what types of surface you want to clear, and how much area you want to clear.

[@michaellanglie5502]

Oh sure. Now I have Toro Envy, my 928 OXE is perfect for me though.

[@shawngannon7354]

- Iowa - Standard 3-car driveway - Pavement What would you recommend? Thanks!

[@PaulSikkema]

Ariens Deluxe 28, Toro 828 first choice. Toro 928, Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO if you want "bigger is better"

[@gregpowers3102]

Great video! I just got a TRX a couple weeks ago and am loving it so far. Haven’t had a nasty snow yet, but have run it in lighter stuff and am already really impressed. I’ve been running a 30” 11hp craftsman for 15 years, this is a *serious* upgrade.

[@russellmaddock3492]

Great video Paul. I can attest to the Toro Power Max HD machine's ability to throw heavy wet snow. Last March here in southeastern MI we got 9 inches of extremely wet heavy snow. It was like blowing slush instead of snow. My Toro 1232 HD was able to blow that mess 50 plus feet and in an hour of blowing the stuff not one time did it even hint of clogging. That sold me on the performance of this machine. In the right snow conditions, the 1232 can blow snow 57 plus feet. Step up to the 1432 commercial unit and your snow distance is 60 plus feet. The dealer I buy all my outdoor power equipment sells Toro's, so that made my decision to buy a Toro snow blower an easy one.

[@walterbordett2023]

Paul, thanks for the informative review. That tracked Toro is a truly impressive machine. The conditions are tough for snow machines and it would be a killer shoveling that stuff!

[@fierceflyer5]

I like how you blew the snow on your neighbors roof lol

[@PaulSikkema]

If this was "good snow" it would throw it over the roof!

[@jasonhughes3638]

Not overly impressed with the stiffness of the bucket height changer. I hope it loosens over time. The joystick control is a little different to use. Sometimes it's hard to get the chute to stay where I want it. As far as the transmission, I think you'll find it's the belt.. I noticed right away it didn't have the track power I thought it should.. But I put a few turns in the cable adjustment and a huge difference. Plenty of track power to spare.. It will throw snow. Overall I am really satisfied with my trx. Toro builds a nice machine.

[@PaulSikkema]

At the end of the video I talk about what I discussed with the Toro engineers about the height adjuster and the hydro. I'll check the tension and get back to you if the belt is loose but this snowblower is big, heavy, and it has more track on the ground than any other snowblower so even though I didn't expect it to stall out it does make sense that it does. This snow was so heavy that I had to stop the snowblower to adjust the chute. Whenever I tried to adjust it with snow going through it the snow just forced the deflector open. I couldn't hold it down.

[@jasonhughes3638]

@@PaulSikkema exactly the issue I have with the chute. Thank you for the great reviews on all the different products by the way. Your my go to channel for this stuff.

[@joecappalappin5569]

So I’m torn between this and the Ariens. I have a 150’ driveway, slight 40’ incline to flat 2 trucks wide, with a 3 truck turnaround/parking spot, and 50’ of road front for 2 entrances. It is gravel, hard pack but obviously get stones through the chute. Also have a 20x50 spot I clean for the dogs, and I do a path for them around the back yard, over a hill. That’s why I’m leaning towards tracks instead of wheels. What one would be suit me better? I don’t like the fact that the Toro does not have shear pins, but I like the trigger turn because 50’ of the driveway is along the house. Currently running an undersized craftsman wheeled unit. Wheels just spin and spin and the front lifts straight up where the plow berm is. I might be heading the total Wrong direction. Any help would be appreciated, as the last local dealer is a prick and can’t seem to be bothered to spend 30 minutes with me. Always has something better to do on the phone.

[@buckybarnes3803]

Great demo! Took me a long time with my old MTD to get through the heavy slush

[@shawngixxer]

Hi Paul, I would have love to see you take a right hand turn and go directly into the snowbank that the plow put there, give that Toro real hard test! Love the videos keep them coming

[@PaulSikkema]

I did that off camera and the tracks stalled out. The snowblower has more traction than the hydro can supply to spin the tracks. I talk about it at the very end of the video.

[@billz410]

Enjoy all your videos, Paul, but particularly enjoy the 'narrated' style like you did here.

[@Boyo1956]

I have a Toro 8/24 with Personal Pace. I cleared slushy snow over 20 inched with few issues. I just had to slow it down every so often. No clogging!

[@mct8888]

Pretty awesome machine, but looks like a bear to maneuver. Glad I settled on a wheeled unit with the 928. It handles my driveway slope like a dream.

[@jerryd1434]

Thanks Paul nice video .. how do you think this compares with the Ariens Professional Hydro snow blower?

[@PaulSikkema]

The Ariens RapidTrak Pro clearing this same snow is the next video!

[@Peter-.H]

Interesting. I’ve been using a Honda HS928ct for the past 7 years and never experienced that kind of problem with the tracks. In fact if the snowblower stops moving for any reason, the tracks will continue to spin under, the hydro transmission is so powerful. I wonder why the toro does that. Maybe a bad adjustment. Thanks for the very informative video Paul. 👍👍👍

[@PaulSikkema]

When the Honda HS928 first came out they also had issues with the integral hydro. Almost immediately they stopped selling them, figured out a fix, and then replaced all the transmissions on all the units. The Honda HS928 now has two separate transmissions. One thing that helps the Honda spin the tracks is the tracks are much shorter - there is less of a footprint on the ground than the Toro. Toro's long, narrow tracks have the potential to be able to give it the best traction of any snowblower.

[@NikolaiSmestad]

Great video Paul! This thing looks great. I do my turf two our three times during winter. Im not to bothered with getting all the way down to the turf as i dont want to damage it. Would I be able to put the TRX in transport mode and use the machine like that on my turf?

[@PaulSikkema]

In transport mode the front is up about 2 inches. If the snow is soft the tracks will sink through that 2 inches and it works ok. If the snow is hard the tracks will keep riding up on the snow and the snowblower will just walk itself up to the top of the snow. So, if you are clearing new fallen snow it will work most of the time. But if you are clearing only 2-3 times a winter the snowblower will keep working itself up out of the snow. So, every 10 feet or so you'll have to stop. back up and go forward again. If you know this - you can deal with it. Take a look at the video I just posted. The Ariens RapidTrak front end will float so it doesn't damage the turf.

[@ludblight]

Another great video! What's the Cub Cadet at the end of the video? Did you happen to test that in the same snow?

[@PaulSikkema]

That Cub Cadet is the 2X 30 MAX. I got some video footage of it but I didn't realize I broke a shear pin almost right away. So the video I have shows me struggling with the unit until I gave up. It wasn't the snowblowers fault so I may not publish that footage.

[@ludblight]

@@PaulSikkema thanks Paul! Keep up the good work!

[@stevekerns4257]

Paul did you try the Ariens in the same conditions or have you tested the Ariens in similar conditions? We get snow like that a couple times a year. Thanks for your reviews!

[@PaulSikkema]

The next video is the Ariens RapidTrak in the same snow!

[@Drewg351]

Yea. Please do similar snow with the RapidTrak.

[@2jzfrank]

Yes I would love to see that because that’s the one I have my eyes on right now thank you

[@PaulSikkema]

Check out my channel. There is a video of the rapidtrak in the same spot clearing the same snow.

[@rhythmoflove2]

Another informative video, thank you. I wish my Toro 518 wasn’t so loud and it doesn’t remove the snow all the way to the pavement. Also, it appears that all the snow ends up in my face. Do you think I should upgrade to a 2 stage? I’m in the Windy City and we get decent amounts of snow. Our driveway is a tad bit wider than average.

[@PaulSikkema]

Toro 828 or Ariens Deluxe 28 are good choices for Chicago

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

I'm waiting to see how the Ariens does in the video after this, but on the slush and plow berm handling alone, I'm sold ( especially after the snows we've been doing in Pa this season 😂)

[@andyslawncareandoutdooradv]

I don't think my Toro single stage would've been able to clear that😂 Excellent unbiased review! I enjoyed seeing how the snowblower clears snow. If it can handle 4-8" of pure slush no doubt in my mind it can chew down 15-18" of powder with no strain on the engine. This machine would be wayyy overkill for my 4 car driveway (Northwest suburbs of Chicago) however i am very interested in seeing a video with the Toro 828. Considering upgrading to a 2 stage and love Toro. Would the 828 work well for me?

[@PaulSikkema]

The 828 is the perfect choice for your area. It will handle the wet stuff and if you get any drifting power right through those drifts. The 254cc engine is plenty of power for the snow you get.

[@andyslawncareandoutdooradv]

That's really why I'm considering upgrading is because of all the wet snow we've been getting lately. The single stage has held up well but I'm running its limits with slush. It works well on 6-8" of normal snow but throws slush 10 feet (which isnt too bad to be honest)I'll see your review on the 828 and others on the 828 and I'll decide next fall of course.

[@PaulSikkema]

Keep the single stage for those "light snow days" :)

[@andyslawncareandoutdooradv]

You read my mind! That is my plan if I do decide to upgrade

[@shanew7361]

Love the honest reviews. 👌 Money no object in my dreams lol what 2 stage snowblower is the best of the best?

[@PaulSikkema]

That depends. Tell me what you want to clear and where you live.

[@shanew7361]

@@PaulSikkema Southeast MI, 150 ft long by 15ft wide concrete driveway. Slush, snow pack, wind drifts ice chunks from plows.

[@PaulSikkema]

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO, Ariens Platinum 30, Toro 928. Toro 1030 are all good choices.

[@Drewg351]

I have to say, moving and turning the Ariens RapidTrak Pro looks to be much easier and "intuitive". I have to make ALOT of turns on my property and that Toro looks like it would wear me out and take significantly longer. I absolutely love the Ariens "auto steer". Having to use levers means my hands aren't free to do other things, such as turn my chute or raise and lower it. Just my observation.

[@cardo1111]

That's a beast of a snowblower, my Ariens Platinum 24 SHO was barely spitting out the last slush-like storm we had here. Out of curiosity who makes the Hydro auto transmission: Hydro-Gear?

[@PaulSikkema]

Yes

[@PopPop017]

That’s a really nice unit Paul, would say that unit throws wet slush like your in farther than a Honda that seem to clog more

[@Frank-sy3li]

Thank you Paul for the great video.

[@tjordan8146]

Paul, you mentioned that the TRX hydro struggled to get traction when attacking the heavy drifts, stopping the tracks. Does the Ariens Rapidtrack Hydro behave the same, or will it continue to drive the tracks into a heavy drift?

[@PaulSikkema]

Yes, the Ariens RapidTrak has plenty of hydro power to spin the tracks. When you do get it stuck and the tracks spin it doesn't jump up and down and jerk like some of the other brands will. To be fair to the Toro I have one of the first production models. Toro has told me that this years hydro have more power. (There is an update kit headed my way to fix the snowblower I have)

[@tjordan8146]

@@PaulSikkema Thank you Paul. When you do the update, I would be interested in hearing about it.

[@tjordan8146]

Quick follow up. Am I making a mistake not buying a rapid track model instead of the Great Lakes Edition wheeled version for my gravel driveway? (150 feet of compacted 3/4" limestone).

[@PaulSikkema]

1. The Great Lakes Edition is 24 inches and the RapidTrak Platinum is 28. They both have the same engine and transmission. With the extra width and more traction with the tracks I expect the RapidTrak to get done about 10% faster. 2. If you are looking at the RapidTrak Pro it has a much larger engine and with the hydro you don't have to stop to change gears. It will take you about 20% less time than the Great Lakes Edition.

[@tjordan8146]

@@PaulSikkema Thank you Paul!

[@rottiejakeluke]

Hello Paul, Let’s pretend you would be buying a snowblower for yourself. When you decided to make your purchase you wanted a large machine, 32” wide, with a matched motor. For whatever reason you have chosen to make the purchase of a Toro machine. Here’s my hypothetical question: would you buy their Power TRX or their Power Max? Next, which specific model would be your choice? Thank you.

[@PaulSikkema]

Hard surface like cement, blacktop, pavers and gravel - the PowerMax HD. Really deep snow, get a lot of ice under the snow, steep driveways, areas that get a lot of snow and you have to clear lawn areas - the Power TRX. I prefer the 28 inch machines because they are easier to use if you have a lot of turning to do. I'd get the 32 inch if I had a long driveway and/or I was a lot younger - I'm 70.

[@rottiejakeluke]

@@PaulSikkema Paul, you are one heck of a fellow, thanks so much.

[@FlamaFlanga]

were you able to adjust the TRX to tilt bucket down and dig in to snow? I cant get mine to do it.

[@PaulSikkema]

You have to lift way up on the handles. Push the track release handle down lift up the handles two-three inches and the see if the back of the tracks are dropping. If not push them down with your foot. Then release the handle.

[@Mike-tg8gl]

How does the track machine move without running? Just in case it breaks down or want to move it without starting it.

[@PaulSikkema]

Hydros like this one have a pressure relief for the hydrostatic transmission. With trigger steer you can pull both triggers and that will let you move the machine. They are not easy to move. In Storage I usually put them on a furniture cart to scoot them around the shop.

[@Mike-tg8gl]

@@PaulSikkema thank you for the quick reply. Long time watcher. Oh and been subscribed for a while also. Keep up the great reviews.

[@marcgallant5270]

I really wish Toro made a competitors vs Ariens platinum 24 sho(369cc). The Toro dealer locally is fantastic, Ariens Not so much. We get 100-150 inches of snow every winter so I need the power!

[@PaulSikkema]

Ariens installed the AutoTurn on the Compact series this year so that leaves Toro with the only "good" 24 inch snowblower that has the old style fixed axle. But the Toro is still a 10 inch impeller. What you really want is a 1024 OHAE Power Max HD - 302cc, Auto-Steering, Handwarmers, electric start.

[@marcgallant5270]

@@PaulSikkema that model isn't available in Canada unfortunately. The only Toro in 24" available is the powermax 824 OE. I don't have a big driveway, 3 car width, 1 card deep.(the width is an issues since my current blower doesn't throw far) current machine: 16 year old cub cadet 30" 358cc tecumseh motor We usually get three to four 15-25 inch storms a year, often mixed with rain. Half way through winter are snowbanks get around 6-10 feet high and I have a hard time getting the snow over them :( . Take a look at this video to get an idea of what i have to deal with lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/haTYlXh7abiGq6M not every winter gets this bad but this is a typically scenario every other winter.

[@PaulSikkema]

I'm sorry, they don't make that snowblower yet. I just wishing they would though

[@marcgallant5270]

@@PaulSikkema is the Auto-Turn feature on the Ariens that difficult to deal with or is this issue exaggerated? I've seen your video on how to fix steering problems where you use a Toro in your example.(tire pressure, level handlebars etc) I absolutely love the trigger steering on my cubcadet, probably the best feature!

[@marcgallant5270]

@@PaulSikkema last question, how does the power on the Toro HD928 267cc VS Ariens deluxe 28 SHO 306cc compare? Currently my father has an older(mid 2000's) Ariens Deluxe 28 (254cc) and it does struggle a bit, especially when cleaning the end of driveway. I'm kind of flipping back and forth between the Toro HD928 / Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO and Platinum 24 SHO they all sell within $150 locally.

[@HarryBallsss]

Great detailed video with explanation! Much appreciated!

[@2jzfrank]

I’m debating witch one to get Ariens rapidtrak 28, or the toro power trx what do you guy think ?

[@PaulSikkema]

Right now, the RapidTrak 28. The Toro is having a few issues and they will have them sorted out for next season. In the meantime if you really want the Toro I strongly suggest you get it through your local dealer.

[@2jzfrank]

@@PaulSikkema ok Paul thank you very much! Order is placed on the Ariens RapidTrak 👍🏻 we are getting slammed with snow up here in Long Island ny February came in with a vengeance

[@jasonpaul8199]

Dang, that’s an awesome machine!! Really throws!

[@trusilverblue7145]

Another great vid

[@heresmytake2782]

remember to run that dry in between long storage times

[@PaulSikkema]

Good point! I always put SeaFoam in my fuel. When I'm done using a snowblower with a fuel shutoff I turn the shutoff valve off and then let the snowblower run out of fuel. That removes the fuel from the carb so the carb doesn't gum up and the SeaFoam coats the inside so the aluminum doesn't oxidize.

[@stepside2839]

@@PaulSikkema or you could fill the gas tank to very top. Thus, removing all air in the tank. Hence, no oxidation. I use Sta-Bil 360 marine & StarTron

[@gingereversole102]

Is the Toro TRX different than 2012 era Ariens pro tracks?

[@PaulSikkema]

I don't know. Without a model/serial number for the Ariens I can't tell what transmission is in it.

[@benjaminleslie3155]

Under powered hydro?! And this a commercial machine?

[@PaulSikkema]

Come to find out the drive belt wasn't tight enough.

[@YukonHawk1]

That thing is a monster👍

[@garym1550]

good idea pointing the chute toward windows, throws stones even better than slush. Blower users tend to ignore chute safety until they break something.

[@stepside2839]

But, can it climb stairs.?.. . . .. like a RapidTrak~😁 I think the town needs to give you a tax break for doing the whole block 🤔maybe you could sell one of your snowblowers .. . . .. to the 🤷🏻‍♂️ ‘clogged contractor’ 🧐

[@PaulSikkema]

- It may, the front bucket will raise up high enough. Getting the 3-point track onto the first step will be the problem though. - In this city, we are required to clean the sidewalk in front of our house. But, like Detroit, the economy here has tanked so there are a lot of abandoned houses. The city barely has enough money to maintain the infrastructure let alone take care of the vacant properties. So, the neighbors who can pitch in and keep the sidewalks clear, the lawns mowed, and try to keep the drug addicts out of the abandoned houses. It's working and people are starting to move back into the neighborhood. - Most of these snowblowers are given to me to test. When I'm done with them the manufacturer either picks them back up or I donate them to a local charity.

[@pasqualepapaleo662]

How much money do you have to have all the snow blowers to review I thought you’d like to Toro no none sorry ariens

[@PaulSikkema]

Please look down in the description below the video. I usually state if the snowblower was supplied by the company for me to review. Please understand - my goal here is to help you find the best snowblower for you. It may be a Toro, Ariens, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Honda or one of many brands. Yes, I have my preferences but what I like is not always the best choice for you.