Yeah, I was really disappointed in that Toro. It was a Consumer's Report best buy.
821QZE was the model number. I got it from Ace for $750. It worked great at first, having no problem with the first 8 inches that got dumped on us. I really liked that you could change the chute direction with that lever up on the handle. No need to keep bending over for that.
But two days later, another 6 inches came and I noticed it kept sputtering. And while the fuel was only a few weeks old, I went and got some fresh stuff. I didn't have to wait long for another 4 inches to come. This time, it kept sputtering and dying until finally, it would not start at all and I still had 1/2 my driveway left I had to finish with a shovel.
At least being so cold, it was pretty light and fluffy.
I was willing to exchange it for another of the same model, but of course, they sold out weeks ago. The manager even called all the other Ace stores in the area and none had any left.
My choices, if I wanted to stick with Toro were a huge 2-stage which would not fit in my garage next to my full size truck, or a tiny 18" with a little 99cc RC airplane engine in it that I feel could not handle the job.
My only other option was the Craftsman. It also has electric start (like the Toro). I didn't realize how much electric start is appreciated - but it sure is. But it has a smaller engine - 179cc compared to the Toro's 252cc. I hope that will not be an issue. My old Honda only had 160cc and it had no problem throwing the snow far enough.
The Craftsman has some nice features I like. One is a translucent window to see how much fuel remains in the tank without having to remove the cap. It came with two engine keys - in case you lose one. A nice touch. The plug for the electric start is easier to access (and see what you are doing) than with the Toro. But I have to bend over to change the chute direction.
The Craftsman was $200 cheaper too.
I've used Craftsman lawnmowers for as long as I can remember. I hope I have as good a service with this snow blower as I have with their mowers.
Now I just have to wait for the another snow storm to see how it works.
Oh, and for what its worth - the folks at our Westlake Ace Hardware were great. No hesitation or hassles about the return, helped me unload the Toro and load the Craftsman into my truck. They even had this little old lady who sounded like she smoked 3 packs a day for 40 years who knew knew all there is to know about the specs and features of each model snow blower they carry.
