Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Toro 724 QXE Personal Pace Drive
- Quick Stick Chute Control
- How It Handled Packed, Crusty Snow
- Plastic Scraper and Adjustable Shoes
- Starting and Electric Start
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
Introduction
When our editors first unboxed the Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE, part of Toro’s 1000 Series, it looked like the strangest snowblower they had ever seen. With its tall housing and small wheels, both hosts assumed it was a two-stage machine. It turned out to be a single stage, and it ended up being one of the best snow blowers ever tested at Tools In Action.
It’s gas powered, and the hosts called it the best snowblower they tested all year. Here’s what stood out, plus the one quirk to watch for. If you’re still deciding which type of machine you need, see the guide on snow blower vs. snow thrower.
Toro 724 QXE Personal Pace Drive
The headline feature is Toro’s Personal Pace system, the same concept found on Toro lawn mowers. The harder you push on the handlebar, the faster it goes. Since you naturally push harder when you walk faster, the machine simply keeps up with your pace. You barely notice you’re doing it.
Our editors called it the most ergonomic, comfortable drive setup they had seen, because there are no big levers to hold down. The bail tucks into a small indent in the handle, so it feels like you’re just holding a regular handlebar.
Quick Stick Chute Control
The Quick Stick chute control impressed both hosts with how smooth it is. Forward and back raises or lowers how far the snow is thrown, and left or right turns the chute. You can work it with one hand while you keep pushing, rather than stopping to adjust like you do on conventional chutes.
How It Handled Packed, Crusty Snow
There was no fresh snowfall for the test. Instead, our editors ran it on a neighbor’s driveway that had a big snowfall, cars driving over it, a freeze, and a little rain on top, leaving a crusty pack. Where cars had driven, it wasn’t going to scrape down to the pavement. On the snow nobody had walked or driven on, it went right through with no problem.
Like any snow blower, keeping it tuned up helps it perform. See the snow blower maintenance tips for more.
Plastic Scraper and Adjustable Shoes
The scraper at the bottom is plastic and replaceable. Our editors liked that because it won’t tear up stamped concrete or catch on uneven surfaces. One of the hosts said his first snowblower took a big chunk out of his stamped concrete. The shoes are adjustable and plastic too.
Starting and Electric Start
In testing it started right up with a pull. If you prefer, you can also plug it in and use the electric starter: plug in the side, push the button, and you’re ready to go.
Final Thoughts
Our editors summed it up as the best snowblower they tested that year. People will compare it to electric machines like the EGO, but they’re in different categories. This is a gas single stage, and with Personal Pace you don’t push as hard. The only negative: when you get stuck on something, you tend to push harder on the Personal Pace bail, and it can jump forward on you. Toro wasn’t a sponsor; it was simply a product both hosts liked. For more options, browse the snowblower reviews or check out the EGO 2-Stage Snow Blower review. Learn more on Toro’s official snow blower page.
FAQ
Is the Toro 724 QXE a single stage or two-stage snowblower?
It’s a single stage. Our editors first assumed it was a two-stage because of how it looks.
What is Toro Personal Pace?
The harder you push on the handlebar, the faster the machine goes, so it matches your walking pace without big levers.
Does the Toro 724 QXE have electric start?
Yes. You can plug it in and push the button to start it, or pull start it.
Will it damage stamped concrete?
The scraper and shoes are plastic and replaceable, which our editors liked for stamped concrete.
Any downsides?
When you get stuck and push harder, the Personal Pace drive can make it jump forward.