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This is a hard item to review, because whether you like it or not depends a great deal upon what you expect from it.
Since I've lived in western NY for many years, I'm not exactly a stranger to snowstorms. I bought this Toro last winter only because it was on sale here at Amazon at an amazingly low price which they'll probably delete if I include it. Since then I've used it to clear my 60 foot double wide driveway perhaps seven or eight times. I also have a large two-stage snowblower which naturally is in a different league.
Everything good and bad about the Toro has already been discussed in these reviews. What I feel comfortable adding is the following.
Do not underestimate how hard it will be pushing this machine through deep, wet snow. It can definitely be nearly as fatiguing as shoveling.
Do not underestimate the problems you'll have maneuvering around the cord, especially if it's long. As a matter of fact, in my opinion if you need a cord longer than 50 feet I would not buy this, or any other, electric snowblower.
This machine is too heavy and cumbersome for a porch or steps. I've tried and it's just not worth the necessary effort dragging it near corners, up/down steps, etc. Get an electric shovel instead for this purpose.
What this machine is good for is driveways no more than 50-60 feet long, and preferably for light fluffy snow up to 6-8 inches. Which frankly isn't bad. Even though the machine is quite capable of plowing through and throwing deep snow in one pass, you'll have to push mighty hard. In my experience it does not throw heavy snow effectively more than ten or fifteen feet. Of course even moderate wind will drastically cut down on the distance and worst of all, soak your face and neck.
Would I recommend it? For lighter snow falls of say 6-8 inches and for "normal" driveways? Yes, so long as the snow is not too wet or icy, and in calm winds.
The machine is pretty durable, with good quality plastic. It doesn't bog down very often and requires no upkeep. The small wheels are not really an issue because as others have mentioned, if handled properly the machine won't ride on the wheels all that much. I definitely would not pay more than $200 for this machine, however. Good used gas snowblowers can be found for not much more than that.Get more detail about Toro 1800 18-Inch 12 Amp Electric Curve Snow Thrower #38025.
