Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Battery Single Stage Snow Blowers
- Toro Power Clear 518 ZR
- Home Depot Two-Stage Snow Blowers
- Toro Quick Stick and Battery Models
- Fuel Tip
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Introduction
Our editors headed to their local Home Depot to walk through the snow blowers on offer for 2020. They started with the battery single stage machines and worked up to the big two and three stage units for bigger properties and bigger snow.
Battery Single Stage Snow Blowers
The first battery single stage they looked at had an LED light, a folding handle, and build quality that impressed them. It’s 40 volt, and if you already own a 40V battery platform, that may influence your choice.
Next came an even cheaper entry level 40V brushless machine at $299. If you’re already on that 40V platform, our editors called it a no-brainer.
Then EGO and its 56V platform. One host loves EGO. You pay a little more, but in our editors’ opinion, you get EGO technology and quality that very few brands can match. See the EGO 2-Stage Snow Blower review. For help with power types, read electric vs. gas snow blowers.
Toro Power Clear 518 ZR
The Toro Power Clear 518 ZR is a small gas single stage with an 18-inch width, priced at $349 in the store. If you have a lot of sidewalks, our editors noted it may give you more run time than battery equipment.
Home Depot Two-Stage Snow Blowers
Troy-Bilt two-stage machines were next. Our editors explained that single stage machines basically shoot snow up and out. Two stage units take in the snow, meter it, and throw it further, so you can do deeper snow. One host also found two-stage machines handle wet, slushy snow better without clogging.
If you only get a couple inches here and there, there’s no reason to get a two-stage. Stick with a single stage. Troy-Bilt used to be a Lowe’s brand and was now at Home Depot too.
Cub Cadet is another favorite. It sometimes sponsors the channel, and our editors noted Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet are made under the same MTD umbrella. They feel Cub Cadet is pushing more innovation, like its fuel-injected models, and called it the Cadillac version of the Troy-Bilt, with extras like dual headlights. Between the 2X and 3X, one host recommends the 2X for most people. The 3X is good for certain snow situations.
Toro Quick Stick and Battery Models
Toro’s Quick Stick chute control is, to one host, the best in the industry. It works like a smooth joystick. Toro also had a machine that looks like a two-stage but is still a single stage, which our editors said rips. Plus there was a 60V cordless Toro they had coming up for review.
One host liked the simplicity of the Toro battery machine’s handle, a nice metal handle that’s comfortable to hold. On electrics, though, he’d lean toward EGO since Toro was newer to lithium-ion, while admitting he hadn’t used the Toro yet. They’re both great. It comes down to what’s better for you.
Fuel Tip
Before leaving, our editors recommended canned premixed fuel such as TruFuel. Unless you go through a ton of gas, a can can last all season in your snow blower and string trimmer, and you won’t have to worry about the carburetor. They noted other brands, such as Briggs, make similar fuel. It wasn’t an ad. For more upkeep tips, see the snow blower maintenance tips.
Final Thoughts
From $299 battery single stages to fuel-injected two-stage machines, Home Depot’s 2020 snow blower lineup covered a lot of ground. Small property and light snow: go single stage, battery or gas. Bigger driveways and heavy snow: step up to a two-stage. Browse all snowblower reviews for full reviews.
FAQ
Should I get a single stage or two-stage snow blower?
If you only get a couple inches here and there, our editors say stick with a single stage. For deeper or wet snow, go two-stage.
How much was the Toro Power Clear 518 ZR?
It was $349 in the store when our editors filmed. Check current pricing.
Are Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet related?
Our editors noted both are made under MTD.
Which Cub Cadet should I choose, 2X or 3X?
One host recommends the 2X for most people. The 3X is good for certain snow situations.
Does battery platform matter?
Yes. If you already own a 40V or 56V platform, that can influence your choice.