Jessica ZanderThere are many factors to consider when considering between Craftsman vs Toro snowblower. These two snowblowers appear comparable at first glance. Both of these options are efficient ways to clear snow from your walkways and porch.
However, other factors besides the ability to remove snow should be considered. Another thing to think about is how simple it is to operate the blower. This article helps you learn about the pros and cons of both snowblowers, along with factors to consider while shopping for a snow blower.
So, let’s get started to pick the best snow blower for you!
Contents
Which Is Better: Craftsman Vs. Toro Snowblower?
Among single-stage snow blowers, the Toro Single Stage Gas Snow blower is the most significant piece of equipment currently available. Its 252cc OHV 4-cycle engine makes short work of even the deepest single-stage snowbanks.
However, if you’re looking for a single-stage Snow blower that’s trustworthy, moderate, and effective, Craftsman has you covered.
Models from both manufacturers are available that can quickly and affordably clear your driveway for under $900. However, one model in this comparison of Craftsman and Toro snow blowers stands out from the rest because of a few useful features. Read on to find out which one it is.
Craftsman 21” Snow Blower
With just the push of a button, the operator of this snow thrower with a single stage may get the gas engine going and throw snow effectively.
You won’t have to battle the elements in order to start your machine, in contrast to when you used a conventional blower that required you to pull the starter cord. One simple tap of the button is all that is required to get you moving in the right direction.
This snow blower from Craftsman features a funnel that can revolve through a total of 200 degrees and has six forward speeds in addition to two backward speeds, making it very simple to operate.
In addition, the fact that it has a steel casing and a full metal chute ensures that it will last for a considerable amount of time.
Toro Power Clear
With just the push of a button, this single-stage snow blower‘s gas engine can be kicked into gear and ready to go. You won’t have to battle the elements in order to start your machine, in contrast to when you used a conventional blower that required you to pull the starter cord.
One simple tap of the button is all that is required to get you moving in the right direction.
Snow Blower Feature Comparison: Craftsman vs Toro Snowblower
Down below, we’ll provide a side-by-side analysis of Toro and Craftsman snow throwers. While both manufacturers have a wide variety of single-stage snow blowers, we’ll be discussing the 21-inch models specifically.
You may also find larger alternatives (26 and 28-inch models) if you need them, but they’re overkill for most driveways and residential situations.
Craftsman 21-Inch | Toro Power Clear 21-Inch | |
Photo: |  |  |
Power Type: | Gas | Gas |
Engine Size: | 252cc OHV 4-cycle | 208cc OHV 4-cycle |
Fuel Capacity: | 5 gallons | 5 gallons |
Clearing Width: | 24" | 24" |
Clearing Height: | 18" | 21" |
Throwing Distance: | 40" | 40" |
Warranty: | 3-year limited | 3-year limited |
Rating: | ||
Price: |
When you compare the characteristics side by side, you’ll see that they’re comparable. This is something that you should keep in mind. Both models have the same clearing width and height, can clear a distance of forty feet in a single pass, and consume fifty per cent of a gallon of fuel. On the other hand, Craftsman stands out from the competition due to its more powerful engine and relatively affordable price.
Who Makes The Engines For Toro And Craftsman?
In a similar manner, engines for both Toro and Craftsman are built in China but by separate manufacturers for each brand.
Craftsman Engine Snowblower
Powermore, a Chinese manufacturer, produces the engines for Craftsman along with Cub Cadet, Troy Built, and Yard Machine. They have a solid reputation and produce snow blower motors that meet or exceed Craftsman’s standards.
Chassis Build Quality
Craftsman uses a casing made of strengthened steel like that of a cub cadet to ensure their snow blower is durable and weatherproof year after year.
Warranty
Additionally, Craftsman provides a 3-year limited guarantee on their products. Through toolservicenet.com, they claim to repair any broken parts and make fixing them reasonably simple.
Customer Support
Craftsman’s customer support service is well above average. They respond promptly and on time to their customer queries.
Is Craftsman Customer Support Good?
The quality of Craftsman’s assistance to its clients is high. Toolservicenet.com, which partners with other prominent companies, including DeWalt, is an official partner.
You can use the website to get hold of manuals, get new components, and track down service locations all around the country. Consequently, you will be able to fix your snow thrower if something goes wrong swiftly.
Toro Engine Snowblower
Chinese motorbike maker Loncin makes the engines for Toro. Loncin is well-known for producing high-quality components, and the company also constructs engines for BMW Motorrad and other leading brands.
Chassis Build Quality
When it comes to the construction of their wet snow throwers, Toro opts for an all-steel frame. Toro’s unibody frame is constructed entirely of steel, making it impervious to the effects of even the worst winter weather.
Warranty
The Toro one-stage gas snow blower is covered by a three-year limited guarantee. A lifetime warranty is offered on the chute and deflector as well.
Customer Support
In terms of customer support, Toro falls below the average category, despite the fact that this does not in any way imply that Toro’s support is lacking in any way. You can still get significant support from them.
Is Toro Customer Support Good?
The accessibility of Toro’s customer service is lower. However, when it comes to their website it is difficult to navigate. If you need help with your equipment, you can check the online manual or email customer service email, but you won’t find any service locations in your area, and finding replacement components may be difficult.
Toro Power Max HD 30 in. 302 cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start
An extended clearing width on your wet snow blower will allow you to clear more of a long driveway in a single pass. Self-propulsion is preferable so that you are not burdened with constantly pushing a piece of heavy equipment.
Both of these requirements are met by the Toro Power Max HD Two-Stage Snow Blowers, which also includes a number of other helpful features.
This gas-powered snow blower features a 302cc (20 hp) engine, 14-inch-diameter augers, and a 30-inch clearing path, and it can plow through snow up to 21 inches deep on paved or gravel surfaces, slopes, or uneven ground.
The CARB-compliant vehicle features a convenient electric start and six engine speeds. You may instantly change the chute’s direction by up to 200 degrees and throw snow up to 49 feet away from you by using the remote control.
This Toro snow thrower has an LED light and hand warmers, standard features on their machines.
Toro Power Clear 18 in. 99 cc Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower
The Toro Power Clear Gas Snow Blower is an excellent choice if you need to clear a small area on the cheap. This single-stage gas-powered snow thrower has an auger diameter of 7 inches, a clearing width of 18 inches, and a power output of 99cc, making it suitable for removing accumulations of snow between 2 and 9 inches deep.
The maker of this equipment claims it is perfect for use on modestly sized driveways. The attached chute lever features a locking deflector that lets you direct the snowfall in any direction and up to 25 feet in distance.
This makes cleaning up narrow spaces like sidewalks and paths simple and fast. Furthermore, we like that it has an electric starter, so we don’t have to waste time pulling a cord multiple times to get it going. In contrast to many other gas-powered snow blowers, this one does not require the addition of oil when fueling.
Craftsman SB470 28-in Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
In order to evaluate the performance of our other models, we used our trusted Craftsman SB470 two-stage snow blower as a reference. Although my model is now 2 years old, it has performed admirably through every storm so far.
Craftsman has indeed upgraded the two-stage models since we bought it by including heated handles (we really could have used those), but other than that, it looks identical, and we wouldn’t think twice about buying it again if we needed to.
Because of its 28-inch chute and 243-cc engine, we felt it could handle the snow we typically encounter when deciding on this model. Large, knobby tires easily plow through snow, and the two-stage snow-removal mechanism tosses snow far enough to clear pathways and driveways.
In the end, we based our evaluation on our prior knowledge of this machine’s self-propulsion technology, two-stage snow removal, and overall dependability.
Craftsman Quiet 208cc Dual-Stage Zero-Turn Snow blower (88694)
For quick and easy snow removal without disturbing the neighbors, consider the Craftsman 88694 26″ 208cc dual-stage zero-turn snow blower. Its 4-cycle OHV quiet engine is built for more power, longer life, and better fuel economy, and it features a push-button electric start for easy and sure starts in cold weather.
What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Snow Blower
There are more options to think about than just choosing between single-stage models, two-stage, or three-stage snow blowers. The quantity of snowfall, storage space requirements, power steering, and whether a gas-powered or electric model would be more appropriate for the property can all help narrow down the options.
Size and Weight
Cordless snow throwers range in weight from 50 to 75 pounds, with electric models being the lowest at 30 to 65 pounds (though in some cases, much more). Best snow blowers that run on gasoline are the heaviest option, weighing anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds or more.
Terrain Type
While most snow blowers quickly clear snow from level surfaces like sidewalks and driveways, even the fittest of people may tire from the effort required to haul a heavy snow blower up a hill, similar to a cub cadet.
A self-propelled snow blower is a good investment if you need to clear snow from a slope. The wheels on this snow blower model propel it forward, so you just have to follow its path. Make sure you’re using a two- or three-stage snow blower if you need to clear snow from a gravel driveway so you don’t end up throwing rocks.
Fuel
Like other outdoor maintenance tools, snow blowers could run on electricity, gas, or battery. In any case, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Electric-powered snow blowers
These snow blowers are typically compact, single-stage machines that are quite inexpensive and designed to clear light snow up to a depth of around 8 inches. It is necessary to use an extension cord in order to plug them into a wall outlet.
Because of this, their performance and range are limited, and as a result, they are best suited for areas that receive little snowfall and have sidewalks and driveways that are relatively short.
Best snow blowers that are powered by electricity can also be useful for removing snow from decks and steps due to the fact that they are light enough to be easily lifted and moved.
An additional advantage is that these machines do not produce any odours and do not cause any concerns regarding the location of fuel storage.
Gas- and diesel-powered snow blowers
The power of this snow blower is significantly higher than that of electric blowers, and the length of an extension cord does not limit its operators as they work. With a blower like this one, it is possible to clear deep and heavy snow from all along a driveway and then continue down the sidewalk to clear the snow from a neighbour’s driveway as well.
Battery-operated cordless snow blowers
These are fairly recent additions to the snow removal market, and they show a lot of promise. They operate without producing any fumes, much like an electric blower would, but there is no need for an extension chord with them.
Having said that, the amount of time an item may be used before the high-capacity battery needs to be recharged is typically capped at about 30 minutes. However, by using a backup battery, they can extend their run time well beyond thirty minutes in many circumstances.
Clearing Width and Depth (single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage snow blowers)
Single-stage snow blowers, commonly referred to as “snow throwers,” are built to clear snow in swath widths ranging from around 11 to 22 inches. A single pass with a two-stage snow blower can clear a path up to 30 inches wide, while a single pass with a three-stage snow blower can clear a path up to 40 inches wide.
However, only single-stage and two-stage models are suitable for domestic use. Blowers with power steering and three stages are commonly used in commercial applications and cub cadet blowers.
Wheels vs. Tracks
Snow can be dangerously slick, particularly after it has been allowed to become partially melted and then refrozen. This makes it difficult for even self-propelled snow blowers to power through, but track-drive snow blowers excel in this kind of terrain.
When navigating through deep or slick snow, a track-drive model’s tracks dig in and help pull the machine along, rather than the wheels, which might lose traction and make the situation more difficult.
Another difference between the two types of single-stage and two-stage snow blowers is the price and power steering. A gas-powered snow blower typically costs between $450 and $1,000, while a track-drive snow blower can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $4,200 or more.
Verdict: Craftsman Vs. Toro Snow Blower
You can get your driveway cleared quickly with either a Craftsman or Toro snow blower.
Best Snowblower: Craftsman 21-Inch Snowblower
In spite of the fact that the competition is so stiff, the snow blowers manufactured by Craftsman come out on top thanks to their more potent snowblower engines. It would be beneficial for this kind of machine to include power steering and an additional power source that is at least 50 cc in size.
In addition, the Craftsman comes in a slightly more affordable price range and offers features that are easier to use.
Toro machines continue to be an excellent option, despite the fact that the brand comes at a premium price. Obviously, if you ever need machine repair, knowing that information will come in handy.
Choosing Toro is not a bad option because the company has repair centers located all over the country, and it is simple to acquire replacement components.
FAQ
What is the best brand of snowblower?
The Toro Single Stage Gas Snowblower is the most powerful single-stage snow blowers currently available. It has a powerful 252cc OHV 4-cycle engine that can plough through deep snow.
How to choose a good snow blower?
The type of snow blower you want to choose depends on your needs and the amount of snowfall you experience in your area. Snowfall depths of 6 to 12 inches are suitable for single-stage snow blowers. Likewise, to clear away up to two feet of moderate to heavy snow, two-stage snow blowers are your best bet.
What is the best Toro snow blower?
Based on our extensive testing, we have concluded that the Craftsman SB470 28-in Two-Stage Snow Blowers are the most effective model for clearing snow from driveways.
Who sells Craftsman snow blowers?
You should know that there are only a few sellers when looking for a snow blower. The Craftsman, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt brands are all sold by MTD. Sellers of Husqvarna, Jonsered, and Poulan Pro products.
What is the best two-stage snowblower?
The Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE is our top pick because of its many excellent features. With its self-propelled action and 40-foot snow toss, this hybrid performs like a two-stage snow blowers. The Toro 1800 Power Curve, an electric lightweight with simple chute control, is our top pick.
What is the Best Residential snow blower?
The Craftsman 21″ single-stage Button Start Gas Snow Blower is our top pick because it is an extremely powerful and dependable gas-powered snow blower that can clear any type of snow.
What kind of oil does a Craftsman snow blower use?
Craftsman snow blowers use 4-cycle Engines 5w-30 Full Synthetic Engine Oil.
What is the best snow blower for heavy snow?
A Toro Single Stage Gas Snowblower is the best option if you live in an area with a lot of heavy snowfall and need a snow blower. It has a powerful 252cc OHV 4-cycle engine that can plow through deep snow.
How to start your Toro snowblower?
Step 1: Place the lever responsible for regulating the throttle in the “Fast” position. To the left of the pull-start cord is the throttle knob.
Step 2: To release pressure, open the fuel valve by rotating the knob clockwise. The engine will not receive gasoline if the fuel supply valve is closed.
Step 3: Set the choke to “Full” by twisting it clockwise. On most engines, the choke can be found above the spark plug.
Step 4: To start the engine, insert the key into the hole to the left of the pedal for the accelerator. The best snow blowers have a child-proof ignition lock to prevent accidental starts.
Step 5: Put in three presses on the primer bulb, located to the right of the throttle lever. When pressing the primer bulb, make sure the hole is covered. To get the engine going, you have to use the primer bulb to pump gas into the combustion chamber.
Step 6: Get a hold of the rope’s handle and yank it out quickly to activate the starter. In order to get the engine started, repeat this process.
Step 7: Turn the choke to the “3/4” position once the engine starts. Allow the engine to warm up, and slowly turn the choke to the “1/2” position and eventually to “Off.” You are now ready to use your Toro snow thrower.
Conclusion
Both of these brands make snow-blowing a breeze, but that doesn’t make picking a favorite any simpler. Both of them are absolutely brilliant.
Consider Craftsman if you don’t know the first thing about snow blowing because you’re a beginner. When searching for new tools, ensure they won’t harm you or anyone else. Buy Toro if your goal is to make clearing snow as stress-free and simple as possible and you’re into cool, innovative features that make things easier to use.
If you had to choose between Craftsman vs Toro snowblower, which would you get and why? If you found this article to be informative, we would greatly appreciate hearing from you!
I've been passionate about gardening since the early 1990s, and in 2022, I launched You Can Do It Gardening to empower individuals to feel more confident in their gardening endeavors.
Following a 30-year career in nonprofit finance and operations, I transitioned out of that field in mid-June of 2023 due to the growing demand for coaching services. Interestingly, my years of presenting financial statements to boards and finance committees proved to be valuable experience for teaching people about gardening! I enjoy sharing skills, providing guidance and suggestions, and collaborating efficiently with clients to make significant improvements to their outdoor spaces, both small and large. I also regularly teach at the Arlington Continuing Education and Cambridge Adult Education.
My approach is direct and practical, akin to Mary Poppins, but tailored to your garden. Clients find satisfaction in saving money and taking pride in their own gardening achievements.
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Hello! I’m Jessica Zander, a garden coach and consultant based in the Boston area (zone 6b), offering virtual consultations across the country and Canada.
I’ve been passionate about gardening since the early 1990s, and in 2022, I launched You Can Do It Gardening to empower individuals to feel more confident in their gardening endeavors.
Following a 30-year career in nonprofit finance and operations, I transitioned out of that field in mid-June of 2023 due to the growing demand for coaching services. Interestingly, my years of presenting financial statements to boards and finance committees proved to be valuable experience for teaching people about gardening! I enjoy sharing skills, providing guidance and suggestions, and collaborating efficiently with clients to make significant improvements to their outdoor spaces, both small and large. I also regularly teach at the Arlington Continuing Education and Cambridge Adult Education.
My approach is direct and practical, akin to Mary Poppins, but tailored to your garden. Clients find satisfaction in saving money and taking pride in their own gardening achievements.
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