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

First off, this is a great forum. I've done lots of reading in archvies on older snowblower topics. I'm a wristwatch collector, and I'm a long time member on various watch forums on the internet, but brand new here.

Quick background:

I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and we get a moderate amount of snow during the winter.

I have had 3 back surgeries over the past 4 years to correct a herniated disc. This is the reason I'm looking at single stage units, as they are smaller, lighter and tend to remove the snow right down to the concrete as I don't want to have to touch a shovel.

All I have to "blow" is a 2 car driveway. No sidewalks etc.

Last year,  I bough a Toro 1800 Power Curve Electric snowblower. It worked well, but the cord was a hassle to deal with in -30*, and the motor burned out on the last snowfall of the year (Which was lucky!!) .  Toro gave a full cash refund, which was great customer service. I found there were only a few snowfalls that were too much for this machine where I had to make multiple passes.

Now I need to buy another blower for this winter.

I was all set to buy new Toro 621 models. Last night I went to Home Depot to pick one up,  and was quite surprised at the physical size of the 621. It's quite big, and I'm not sure how I will store it in the garage with the cars.

So here is my question:

Does anyone have experience with the smaller Toro 418 model?  Will a small 87 cc motor be able to handle snowfalls?  Would the 87cc motor be on par with the power of the little Toro electric 1800 that I had?

I've also started to look at some of the Sears Craftsman single stage units. They have 2 available in Canada. 

One is a big 205cc Briggs and Stratton unit (I haven't gone to see it yet, but I suspect it's gong to be a big unit like the Toro 621).

They also have this 123cc unit at Sears which I am now comparing to the Toro 418 model.

The price on the Sears unit (on sale, it's regular price is $600) is similar to the price of the Toro 418

http://www.sears.ca/product/craftsman-md-21-123cc-single-stage-snow-blower/671-000749275-31A-2M5E599

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/power-clear-418-ze-single-stage-snow-blower-21-inch/959624

Any thoughts on how this smaller Toro would compare to the Sears unit?

Any other input would be appreciated.  I had done my research all summer and was basically ready to buy the 621 Toro until I realized how big it was. Now I'm in a panic to buy something as I want it ready to go before the first snowfall (which could be as early as late October).

Thanks
James Dixon

Toro SS machines cannot be beat.  You will serve yourself well by choosing to buy one.  Shop around of a used machine.  Not certain about the 87cc machine but is it physically that much smaller than a 221?   I have a 221QE and it's a serious snow mover.  I have an old Craftsman machine that I've modified to make a lot more power and it move snow quite well when I put the revs to it.  However, in stock form it's rather lame.  Can't say anything regarding new Craftsman machines.  I'm sure they'll get the job done but I doubt that their size will be that much smaller than an equivalent Toro.

I also recommend Toro single stage snowblower too.  I have last year's Toro 421QE model and it has been an impressive performer.  There's no denying it, the Toro 621 and 421 is the most bloated looking snowblower of all 21" snowblower.  There's enough room in the cowl to fit a 250cc engine, or stock engine with a turbo charger.  :)

There are other Briggs & Stratton designed snowblower under various brand labels (Snapper, Simplicity, Ariens) that has been updated with features and larger engine, with very competitive price.  However, considering how thoughtfully the Toro is designed and the established dealer network, I'd go with Toro.

I'm from Canada too.  Last year I bought the Toro 418 and did not like it.  Nice machine but it has no power and without the power propel system you see on the 221 and 421 (now 621), you were pushing all the way.   I was at Lowes today and saw a Noma/Canadiana single stage snow blower with the 205 cc Briggs engine on sale for $448.  This one looked identical to the offerings from Simplicity, Snapper etc.  I'm not sure if this model is any good but it is similarily priced to the Toro 418.