I have a 4-year-old electric snow shovel (Murray) that really stinks. I often joke with my family that people probably take pictures of me trying to use this pitiful product. Snowfalls last winter (2007) reached record levels, but the Murray was simply unusable, so I shoveled everything by hand. I have been considering buying a real snow thrower for the last 3 years, but with only a small walkway (20ft) and small driveway (25ft), I couldn't justify it.
I did extensive research on Amazon/online and read rave reviews about the Toro 1800. I was VERY hesitant since my Murray was electric and that was a terrible purchase. In addition to this, all the local salesman I talked to laughed when I told them that I was considering an electric (especially in Wisconsin winters). All of them tried to talk me into a gas thrower with one gentleman actually suggesting the cheaper gas 1-stage throwers would even be too lightweight for my needs (he recommended an $800 2-stage at a minimum).
Finally with our third snowstorm (today) delivering about a foot of snow with more on the way, I couldn't take it any more and bought the Toro 1800. The electric really appealed to me because of the small area I needed to clear, the fact that I wasn't going to reek from gas/oil fumes and the low/no maintenance. A saw my Dad struggle for years trying to start his gas thrower starting with only his second season of ownership.
I was a little nervous because, stepping outside, I barely got out of the house with all the snow against the door. Some of the drifts and the plow piles where 18 inches high! I started getting a sick feeling that I had purchased the wrong tool, but this little thrower exceeded all my expectations - it just worked!
It handled the driveway and walkway with ease. The snow drifts and plow piles I needed to use a little patience with; I pushed the Toro into the snow and pulled it back letting the snow that was above the opening of the thrower fall down for the next pass. You can also pick up the Toro and shave layers of snow which I tried, but the first method worked better.
My comments on other people's review points. The Toro cleaned right down to the pavement and no part of the thrower clogged during its first use. I would imagine that if chute clogging (a typical snow thrower problem in general) ever did happen, I could use a little silicone spray to prevent it.
Cons: The only problem that I need to tackle is the bolt holding the output chute. As others have mentioned here, the force of the snow coming out of the chute tends to push the chute up resulting in snow shooting higher into the air for wind to blow it back. The bolts are supposed to be a little loose to allow you to change the show discharge angle. If you tighten the bolts with a couple wrenches, then you wouldn't be able to adjust the chute without loosing them. I don't see this as a problem.
So I ended up clearing out 12-14 inches of fairly wet snow without any problems. With a typical snowfall in my area being 3-5 inches, the Toro 1800 should be able to handle all of them with ease. If you are in the same position I was regarding purchasing this device, I can assure you that this Toro will be a great purchase! If your area gets more snow than mine, only then would I consider a traditional gas thrower.
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Toro 1800 18-Inch 12 Amp Electric Curve Snow Thrower #38025.
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