Hi!
I got the big beast for the heavy snow. But we still get allot of 1t o 2-3 inches of slush.  I don't want to look like a fool making a racket with a big red 2 stage SB for such a joke’y snow…

Nobody is coming out with a shovel, because it’s not heavy enough, and they let the children shovel it. But the fact is, the kids are not always shoveling, and if they do, they don’t clean it well, they sort of play with shovel.  I don’t have the time. I come home after a day of work; I want to see that snow “away” a.s.a.p. And after a day the remaining snow turn into sleet/ice/black ice.

Also, even when we do get an overnight snow with 10+ inches, I have these couple long steps, which makes hard to use the big 2 stage. My driveway and walk path till the steps is flat and paved and I can use the 2 stage with ease.

So I have two reasons why I started thinking of getting a SS.

1)      To clear the steps

2)      To clear the so called “joke” snow

If I decide to buy a SS, should I buy the 1800 Power Curve (38381)? Will that do a job enough compared to the Toro 418 gas?

or should  I get The Power Shovel (38361)?  is thet good enough and will do both task well?

Help me out guys…I need some suggestions.

We have a 6 car drive way and I have to walk 92 feet till the steps… extension cords should not be an issue.

Here is a picture of the long walk, and the steps.

The long steps and the normal house steps

I purchased a single stage Craftsman 52844 last March.   I was surprised how much work I could do with it.   (  See the Review section)    I call those small snowstorms nuisance snowstorms.   Not enough snow for my 2 stage Husqvarna, and too much work to shovel,. A single stage is the answer.

borat wrote:
I'm with Borat on this one.  It is a hassle dealing with electrical cords getting in the way and a pain to wind up and put away wet electric cords when you're done.  I rather shovel in this case.

I don't call any snow "joke" unless it's so light that the wind can blow it clean off the driveway.  If it can stick and pack when walked on, it should be cleared off any way possible.

In your situation, a small and lightweight SS that is easily to lift up and down on the steps would be ideal for that long walkway.  Maybe a Toro Powerlite, S620, CR20, or a 418.  The Toro 418 is probably the quietest of the bunch, but it is also the heaviest.  Also a good 18" shovel and/or 24" wide snow pusher when it is light snow 3 inches or less, and that doesn't disturb the neighbors.  You'll need a shovel anyways to clean up the steps and the stoop before the door way.

Since you mentioned that the driveway can hold six cars, I'd probably go up in size on the SS to the Toro 621 and try to carefully go up and down on the steps on the rear wheels.  It can be done.  This is such a capable snowblower that you won't need to bring out the big Toro until it's more than 8 inches.   Trust me on this one.  I rarely take the big 2 stage out unless it's really bad and I have to cut through the EOD.  If you got the room to store the 621, go with that.  There's only 3 steps to deal with so it's no big deal even if it's heavier.

Great Point about winding up 100 foot of wet wire, it is sure a pain in the neck.

if I get the 418, is it worth the extra $30.00 to get the electric start? or most of the time it starts with one pull any way?

also, isn't 87cc 4-Cycle Underpowered? if its only 87cc, let it be a 2-Cycle, so we get twice the power?

and about the Toro engines, Who makes it for toro? Briggs? China?

Thanks for your input.

I purchased the Toro Power Clear 418ZE last month for much the same reason, hauling out the big 2 stage for 2-3" of snow is a bit much.  Here's some info that might help if your planning to spend about $400 - if your concerned about noise the Power Shovel (38361) and 1800 Power Curve® (38381) are about as loud as a Circular Saw (approx. 100-105db) which is much quieter than the Power Clear 418Z (38272/38282) about as loud as the 2 stage (approx. 110-120 db).  Some of the videos I've seen on the Power Shovel are impressive, you might be able to get away with it just by itself, but the Power Curve might be better suited for your long walkway  - its basically the electric version of the Power Clear 418 so it should handle quite a bit of snow at half the weight.  I would start off with the Power Shovel first, you could always get the Power Curve later on and if they're sold out you still have the 2 stage to fall back on, but at least you would  have something to do a quick path for those late night/early morning arrivals.  Good Luck and keep us updated.

The Toro 418 has a chinese manufactured engine, maybe by Loncin.  Electric start isn't needed unless there's a medical or physical issue.   My 1 year old Toro 421QE with the Loncin engine starts on one pull, just like my 13 year old Honda HS621 with the GX160 engine.  I'm not impressed or enamored by the "one pull" bench mark.  If the machine is maintained well and not neglected, it should start easily within 3 pulls.  That would be fine by me.  I get frustrated if it doesn't start after the 7th pull. 

Anyways, I have engines from Echo, Stihl, B&S, Honda, and Loncin.  I don't have any reservations about the Chinese Loncin engine.

Total is: 2 stage for the big snow storm. Gas Single stage for light snow decorations. And a power shovel for the outside house stairs. Am I correct? Just want to Know if I need the electric start on the ss? After spending $1,700 for the 1028, I need to take it easy now...

Looks like you have complete shopping list.  I opted for the electric start, it was an additional $50 between models at Homedepot. Although, it starts easy enough there is almost no resistance on the recoil, but figured if my wife was courageous to use it she can use the electric start.  I don't think you can buy an electric starter for $50 and put it on after the fact, so it is $50 well spent.

I'll probably end up buying an electric for my wife to use on the front steps and that part of the sidewalk I can't get to with the tractor. The reason I'd go electric is that I'd never need more than 25' of cord, there's a GFCI outlet right at the front door. I agree that 100' of cord in the snow is crazy - 25' I can live with, but no longer than that. If I went gas, she wouldn't use it and I'd get stuck having to do it!

You don't need electric start on Toro's. My wife is tiny and she can start our 2 stage with 1 pull every time.

If you do use electric then by all means make certain you have one of those kitchen or bathroom breaker switches.

Electric start on a SS machine is about as necessary as an electric shoe lace tier.  Not required.  By the time you find the extension cord, plug it in, push the button, it would be running already by using the pull start.  Provided the engine isn't over-primed/flooded, it should start on the first pull.  All of mine do.

If your considering ease of use for your wife, you'd best buy an electric.  No offense to women but most are not quite as attracted to the smell of gasoline and tend to be intimidated by most things with gasoline engines.  The leap from vacuum cleaner to electric snow blower is much easier than to a gas operated machine.