Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

This seems to be a feature unique to this model. It looks interesting:

Pivoting Scraper Available exclusively on the Toro Power Max 1128 OXE, this innovative design allows the scraper to pivot front to back, clearing down to the pavement and preventing sudden stops from cracks or contours

This is expensive for a 28" unit. The pivoting scraper, unusual impeller (below), and left and right wheel unlocks seem to be its main features. It lacks heated hand grips, common in its price range.

Power Max® Auger System A breakthrough in snowthrowing technology, the Power Max® auger system handles more snow in less time to get the job done fast! This revolutionary system meters snow intake. Snow not immediately thrown is returned back into the auger, providing maximum impeller speed and snowthrowing velocity. The expanded chute base with its inverted, funnel shaped design has a larger opening and a non-stick surface to minimize snow build up.

I'm still torn between the Toro and Ariens. The Toro and Platinum Ariens have the same Briggs 342cc engine, the 2009 Ariens Deluxe has a smaller 287cc Subaru which may be better. The Platinum has an overrunning clutch differential, the inside wheel is always powered, the Toro has left and right free wheels while the disconnect is held letting the operator choose the outside or inside wheel to power (light pressure required), the Deluxe has a toggle on/off left wheel free wheel (the right wheel is always powered). All have 14" augers; the two Ariens have 14" impellers. The Toro and Platinum have one lever direction/deflection; the Deluxe has a lever for deflection and a very fast 2.5 turn high mounted crank for direction. The Toro has the pivoting scraper and impeller overflow return, but no definitive back to back comparisons to determine if it is better. The Platinum is alone in the group with hand warmers. The Ariens, possibly as the result of its larger impeller, possibly because of the metal chute, are more nose heavy and have a nose weight option; the Toros seem balanced close to the wheels and have no weight option.

Not an easy decision. I would take the Subaru motor, hand warmers, left/right free wheels, the big auger/impeller with maybe the Toro impeller overflow return and the pivoting scraper with a lockout. Alas, no one is selling that.