Cheapest Toro 1800 18-Inch 12 Amp Electric Curve Snow Thrower #38025

Bought this last summer and used it the first time after this weekend's double snowstorm. This was my first time using a power-assisted shoveling device. I don't know why I waited so long. I live in the city and have a walkway, 2-car driveway and sidewalk to clear. It was light and easy to move. It scraped the snow down to bare sidewalk. I had to use multiple passes to break up the snow plow piles at the end of the driveway. I followed the manual's directions for snow banks: "Shave down large banks of snow by placing the snowthrower on the bank. ... Lift the snowthrower and let the weight of the snowthrower shave down the bank in a back-and-forth motion." I also have an electric lawnmower so I am experienced using a corded piece of equipment. I bought a 100 foot cold-weather rated extension cord (Coleman Cable 02469 14/3 100-Foot Hi-Visibility/Low-Temperature Outdoor Extension Cord). Overall great purchase!Get more detail about Toro 1800 18-Inch 12 Amp Electric Curve Snow Thrower #38025.

Cheap Toro 1800 18-Inch 12 Amp Electric Curve Snow Thrower #38025

Like many who have rated this item poorly, my experience has been that the product virtually never worked. After maybe a couple of pushes at a snowfall of 1-2 inches, the auger refused to turn (despite the motor moving). I've read the comments about a slipped belt, etc., but my problem seems to be that the auger/shaft connection is slipping (i.e., the belt is connecting to the shaft, but the auger is not turning. As a result, the product doesn't move any snow.Get more detail about Toro 1800 18-Inch 12 Amp Electric Curve Snow Thrower #38025.

Buying Toro 1800 18-Inch 12 Amp Electric Curve Snow Thrower #38025

The bottom line: perfect for average storms between 4-8". Compared to a shovel, this blower will cut your time in half and save your back - it can even handle the crud at the end of the driveway if it's not too deep and you go slower. The cord takes some getting used to, but the light weight is a big advantage.

My driveway is a two-wide (20'x50'), and last year I could barely keep one side clear using a shovel - and I'm in good shape! The Toro allows me to clear the entire driveway in the same amount of time (or less), and have enough energy left to help my neighbors shovel out. I'm sure it will need more than one pass for storms over 8-10" (we're supposed to get a foot or more today), but we only get a few of those each year. For average storms between 4-8", this unit seems perfect.

The light weight is really nice - my driveway has a significant slope, and I wouldn't really trust a heavy gasoline-powered unit on that angle. On the other hand, the Toro can be driven with one hand, sort of like a household vacuum. I haven't tried it on my front steps yet, but I'm tempted to - out of the question with a gas unit.

Minor gripes: the "locking" mechanism is a joke, and I wish there was a normal On/Off switch in addition to the handle. The cord takes some getting used to, but once you have a workable system, it's not bad. It also would be nice if the unit had a light on the front - days are short this time of year, and the unit is already wired for electricity.

For me, this is the perfect solution for most Maine storms and will allow me to keep my whole driveway clear without being exhausted afterward. For the big stuff, I'll just make an extra pass whenever it accumulates 7-8" and finish the rest when the storm is over.Get more detail about Toro 1800 18-Inch 12 Amp Electric Curve Snow Thrower #38025.

Buy Toro 1800 18-Inch 12 Amp Electric Curve Snow Thrower #38025

After two or three uses the belt slipped off. I opened it up and slid it back on. First storm of season two the drive belt broke. Very cheap, use the $300 on a down payment on a real snow blower. Wish I had... Get more detail about Toro 1800 18-Inch 12 Amp Electric Curve Snow Thrower #38025.