Expert Review
Toro 1800 Power Curve

Enlarge Image

CG Award:  (what's this?)





Expert Rating:  5  (what's this?)

Expert Review

Toro 1800 Power Curve

Date Published: 10/1/07

With this little electric snow blower, we got far more than we bargained for -- so much more, in fact, that Toro's 1800 Power Curve is likely to steal business from the large snow blower industry again this winter.

While this machine is designed for clearing small driveways, sidewalks and decks, it can handle much more. We used it as recommended for clearing snow up to 10 inches in depth and found that it can even handle deeper snow. The catch is that the deeper the snow, the more passes will be required and the longer it will take. But unless you buy a big, hulking expensive machine, increased snow will always add time to the job.

With the ability to clear only an 18-inch path at one time, this handy little blower isn't the fastest machine you can find, but for its price, it's an excellent value. The only time you are likely to run into a problem with the Power Curve is in very heavy wet snow. In this extreme situation, occasional clogging is a possibility, but it is much more rare than we anticipated.

We also can't help but like the maintenance-free ease of using the Power Curve. There's no oil to add, no fuel to refill, no choke to contend with and no annual maintenance at all. The Power Curve does, however, require some assembly; the handle must be connected to the body of the machine, the crank must be attached and the chute must be added. For some users, assembling this machine proved frustrating. Basic tools, including a socket wrench set, are required. The plastic construction also made it difficult for some users to thread the components together.

Toro's Power Curve will require access to an electric outlet. Since the machine is likely to be used in wet areas, the outlet should be one that it grounded for outdoor use.

An extension cord is also required. Like the outlet, the cord you choose should be one that is appropriate for outdoor use in the cold. You'll need to pay particular attention to the cord so you don't become entangled in it or get it tangled in the snow blower. Planning how to manage the cord while tackling the area you're clearing is recommended. For very long walks and drives, this corded model may not be the best choice; in that case, a gasoline-powered model may warrant consideration.

The Toro 1800 Power Curve is lightweight, easy to use and inexpensive -- a winner in our book.


Pros: Hangs on hook for storage, excellent snow blowing value, maintenance-free
Cons: Requires assembly, grounded outlet and managing of cord

Warranty
2 years



Expert Rating Scale

 
   Value
   Is it appropriately priced?
   Performance
   How well does it work?
   Ease of Use
   How easy is it to operate?
   Features
   What's included?
   Overall
   What does Consumer Guide® think?




Compare Prices on Single-Stage Snow Blowers
Toro Ultra 12 Amp Electric Blower/Vacuum photo
You can't buy a more powerful handheld blower, gas or electric. The all new Toro Ultra 225 delivers all the power and all the versatility you need to tackle your every clean-up chore. It is the only electric blower vac to offer a rugged metal impeller and an infinitely variable speed motor! With a soft-grip handle for ergonomic comfort, you can blow, mulch (16:1 ratio) or vacuum - all with easy no-tool conversion. Backed by a full 2-year warranty, this is the ultimate blower/vac for the ultimate homeowner.

Stores Selling: 2
$65.00 -
$70.00
Toro 13
Create the ultimate in enviable manicured lawns with this 13" corded electric trimmer from Toro. The trimmer's powerful 3.9-amp motor, instant flip-over edging, cord lock system and fully...

Stores Selling: 3
$37.00 -
$45.00
Toro Co M/R Blwr/Trmmr 11
Toro, 11" Electric Line Trimmer, 3.5A Motor, 30' Of Line, Comfort Grip Handle With Adjustable Assist Handle, Bump Feed Line Advance, 2 Year Warranty, Replacement Spool #88175.

Stores Selling: 2
$35.00 -
$40.00



  Looking for More?


Explanations

Expert Reviews
Toro CCR Powerlite 325E 38182
Troy-Bilt Squall 521
Lawn-Boy Insight 33005 single-stage snow thrower
Lawn-Boy Insight 33006 single-stage snow thrower
Toro Power Shovel Plus 38361

Prices
14 in. Single Line 2-in1 Trimmer & Edger
Black & Decker Cordless Blower (Ns118)
Flowtron Le - 900 the Ultimate Mulcher
Rat & Mouse Pellet Place Pack
14" Grass Hog Xp Trimmer/Edger



Price Range


Garden Tool Type


Store


Brand


Potting and Planting Supply Type




Narrow Your Search


Price Range
Below $10 (2700)
$10 - $20 (4050)
$20 - $30 (3082)
$30 - $100 (3720)
Above $100 (3691)

Garden Tool Type
Leaf Blowers (1381)
Pruners (1134)
Shovels and Scoops (817)
Hedge Trimmers (489)
Tillers (430)

Store
Amazon Marketplace (12291)
Sears (1124)
UnbeatableSale, Inc. (1076)
Amazon (5559)
Target (247)

Brand
Mowtownusa (1259)
Mtd (911)
Oregon Scientific (820)
Black & Decker (278)
Toro (440)

Potting and Planting Supply Type
Mulch and Mulching Kits (28)
Planters (17)
Plant Tags (2)

Back to Personal Shopper







ATTENTION! We recently updated our privacy policy. The changes are effective as of Thursday, October 30, 2008.

To see the new policy, click [here]. Questions? See the policy for the contact information.

Magic Debugger

release: 8.4.3-qa1
content_id: 266152
type: review
category: l4-cp-single-stage-snow-blowers

brws title: Toro 1800 Power Curve Review: Powered by ConsumerGuide and HowStuffWorks

meta d: Clear your drive or walk with Toro's affordable, effective 1800 Power Curve snow blower. Learn more by reading the full review.

url: http://shopproducts.howstuffworks.com/14-Grass-Hog-Xp-Trimmer-Edger/productId=31991018