The Toro Power Max 828LXE snow blower is an industry favorite that's been around long enough to develop a track record for reliable performance.

Categorized as an intermediate model, this two-stage snow blower is designed for fast and easy pick-up of light to moderate snowfalls. Average-size driveways in suburbia can be cleared with the 828LXE. Long-term satisfaction with this model ranks high -- much more so than with the smaller and sometimes quirky one-stage models.

With an 8-hp Tecumseh Snow King engine, Toro's Power Max has much more power and is far more versatile and easy to use than a smaller machine. In contrast to what many snow-blowing neophytes believe, this machine is actually easier to maneuver than a 5-hp model.

We like this model for its wide clearing path of 28 inches, its 14-inch auger and its handy electric start. Our testers were also impressed with the novel joystick control for adjusting the chute.

The 828LXE makes a good choice for tight driveways and areas with many obstacles. The model's freewheel steering allows one wheel to turn freely while the other is powered; this makes it easier to turn frequently, work around obstacles and steer around the curves of a circular drive. On the straightaway or in deep heavy snow, the 828LXE can be alternately used with power to both wheels.

This machine is a good choice for a gravel driveway, and like all two-stage models, has an auger that never touches the driveway. This means stones will not be picked up and thrown about.

We find that this model is a bit expensive for what it offers. When it is on sale, however, Toro Power Max 828LXE can be a particularly good buy.

If you live in an area where snowfall is heavy, wet and frequent, or if you have a particularly large area that you wish to clear, you may want to consider a larger machine, perhaps even a heavier one with an all-steel build. If this does not describe you, however, the Toro Power Max 828LXE is likely all the snow blower you'll ever need.


Pros: Throw distance of up to 45 feet, wide clearing path of 28 inches, joystick chute control, freewheel trigger control, non-stick coating for chute
Cons: Expensive for size and features

Warranty
2 years