Toro Power Clear 418ZR (18") 87cc 4-Cycle Single-Stage Snow Blower

I recieved my snow blower about 2 days earlier than expected. It was in good condition except for a small dent on the left side which is the drive belt cover. Assembly was very easy took about 15 to 20 minutes. Filled with gas and added included oil. The first start up took about 50 pulls and much priming. The next startup took about 15 pulls so I decided to check the spark plug and I found the gap was way off .035 not .030 so set gap and reinstalled. Since then it has started on 1st or 2nd. pull. Went out today it is 17 deg. outside and it started on first pull. We have about 2.5 inches of snow on the ground so I thought I would finally try it out. It performed very well. The snow was a mixture of light, wet and compressed snow from tire tracks and the blower had no problem going through it. It self propels itself pretty well. Downhill very well, uphill had to push slightly to keep going but not much force needed. It threw the snow a good 15 feet, well out of the way. Looking forward to seeing how well it does in a little more snow. But from what I have seen I am sure it will do well. Very happy with this snowblower fits my needs very well. Would recommend to anyone who doesn't have a huge area to do. I have a 40 foot duel car driveway and sidewalks and it easily exceeds my needs. Very happy with purchase and buying from snowblowersdirect the price can't be beat. Add the free shipping and no tax = very happy customer.

I recieved my snow blower about 2 days earlier than expected. It was in good condition except for a small dent on the left side which is the drive belt cover. Assembly was very easy took about 15 to 20 minutes. Filled with gas and added included oil. The first start up took about 50 pulls and much priming. The next startup took about 15 pulls so I decided to check the spark plug and I found the gap was way off .035 not .030 so set gap and reinstalled. Since then it has started on 1st or 2nd. pull. Went out today it is 17 deg. outside and it started on first pull. We have about 2.5 inches of sn... more

My wife bought this snowblower for me a week before the worst snow storm in Southeastern VA in 30 years. Snow Blowers Direct drop-shipped (free shipping) to me in 4 days (a week before Xmas). Took 30 minutes to put together and it was a breeze. I know some of the reviews complained about the oil fill was hard to get to. Well it is unless you tip your snowblower up about 30 degrees so you can add the oil like filling a glass of water!! Tip the blower up and filling the oil is a breeze

My driveway is double wide concrete and approx 80 feet from street to privacy gates. From the gates to the detached garage another 35. I knocked this out in about 2 hours edge to edge front to back. My neighbors were still shoveling 3 hours later. I could have probably got the job completed a bit sooner but you guys know you got to play with a new toy so I had to play in the snow for a while before I started the actual work. :)

The snowblower started perfectly and I ran it for approx 10 minutes before taking into the snow. The snow was 8 to 10 inches deep when I started and the first pass was a bit slow because I was taking a full 18" bite. After the first pass I was taking 3 quarter bites and the blower moved along about as fast as I could walk behind. The blower cleaned right down to the concrete. As far as how far the snowblower will throw the snow depends on a few factors, wet or dry snow, angle of chute, direction of chute, amount of snow entering the blades. For the most part it kicked it out about 15 to 20 feet with dry snow.

After the work out I used the blower two more times to finish the remainder of the snow which fell later. It worked great. Owning a bunch of small engine equipment I prefer to use Ethanol free gas and always drain the tank and run the gas out of carburator when done. I changed the oil after the recommended 2 hours and this was a breeze. Overall I would have to give this little clear 180 snow blower a A+ for performance and ease of operation. Being a typical guy who likes power I would prefer the 121 cc motor over the 87cc four stroke but to be completely honest this little 87cc four stroke worked flawlessly.

My wife bought this snowblower for me a week before the worst snow storm in Southeastern VA in 30 years. Snow Blowers Direct drop-shipped (free shipping) to me in 4 days (a week before Xmas). Took 30 minutes to put together and it was a breeze. I know some of the reviews complained about the oil fill was hard to get to. Well it is unless you tip your snowblower up about 30 degrees so you can add the oil like filling a glass of water!! Tip the blower up and filling the oil is a breeze

My driveway is double wide concrete and approx 80 feet from street to privacy gates. From the g... more

I just came in the house after clearing a fresh 6 inches of lake-effect snow.

I changed the oil on my new Toro 180 and am giving it a rest. I'll probably go back out in an hour or so when this latest squall ends and before the Bears game starts and clean it up again.

I'm really enjoying my new man-toy. I'm even doing the neighbors house since they're elderly and now it's easy and fun.

Oh, and my back thanks you too. My wife has been on my case for years to buy a snow blower but I always resisted. But after both of us hurt our backs last year I decided to make the big purchase.

Am I ever glad I did! My snow blower is now my friend. I take care of it and it will take care of me. So now I can spend more time getting ready for some Sunday football. The end.

I just came in the house after clearing a fresh 6 inches of lake-effect snow.

I changed the oil on my new Toro 180 and am giving it a rest. I'll probably go back out in an hour or so when this latest squall ends and before the Bears game starts and clean it up again.

I'm really enjoying my new man-toy. I'm even doing the neighbors house since they're elderly and now it's easy and fun.

Oh, and my back thanks you too. My wife has been on my case for years to buy a snow blower but I always resisted. But after both of us hurt our backs last year I d... more

Well I guess you don't want people to know the true story since you also sell these. My comment was never even posted!!! This site is a crock.

SBD RESPONDS: Thank you for posting your review to our website. As a matter of good business practice we check all of the reviews posted for validity, and follow up where needed.

Since you didn’t include your last name or email address on your first posting we checked to see if Snow Blowers Direct had shipped any units to Scottville, MI- we have not.

Without contact information or a customer file we could relate to, we held your review offline. There are many other reviews we have posted about the carb problem on the Toro 180, along with the service information, so folks will know the “true story” even without your review.

If you would like to contact Toro directly to see if they can expedite your repair their toll free number is (888) 384-9939.

Well I guess you don't want people to know the true story since you also sell these. My comment was never even posted!!! This site is a crock.

SBD RESPONDS: Thank you for posting your review to our website. As a matter of good business practice we check all of the reviews posted for validity, and follow up where needed.

Since you didn’t include your last name or email address on your first posting we checked to see if Snow Blowers Direct had shipped any units to Scottville, MI- we have not.

Without contact information or a customer file we could re... more

My snow blower was delivered within a few days of my order. I immediately assembled it and prepared for an upcoming snow storm.

I selected this size for several reasons--mostly because my property is a multi-level orientation with several tiers of decks--all of which need to be cleared.

The 18" width allowed me to start at the top and work my way downward until I reached the driveway. The narrow width and the moderate weight allowed me, once powered off, to lift the blower up stairs and to effectively navigate the various decks and narrow walkways on my property.

This size blower worked well on 6"-8" of fresh powdered snow. There were some deeper and larger snow banks which had to be broken up with a shovel.

The horsepower is sufficient with moderate snow however deeper snow banks or hard packed snow/ice will bog down the motor --at which point I simply back off and allow the RPMs to wind up before resuming my clearing.

Since this is Southern California, snow isn't really a big problem except once every few years. If it were a yearly snow storm, I think I would have purchased a beefier model with more horsepower.

Instructions are well written and easily followed. Assembly and operation are easy.

My snow blower was delivered within a few days of my order. I immediately assembled it and prepared for an upcoming snow storm.

I selected this size for several reasons--mostly because my property is a multi-level orientation with several tiers of decks--all of which need to be cleared.

The 18" width allowed me to start at the top and work my way downward until I reached the driveway. The narrow width and the moderate weight allowed me, once powered off, to lift the blower up stairs and to effectively navigate the various decks and narrow walkways on my pro... more

We ordered this snow blower during the huge snow storm to hit the DC area the end of January.

We ordered on a Saturday, the delivery shipped on Monday, and arrived in DC on Wednesday, scheduled for delivery by UPS for Thursday. Delivery to our home was delayed because it snowed again on Wednesday night and UPS rescheduled the delivery for Friday. It didn't arrive until Monday, President's Day.

When UPS arrived my husband immediately took it out of the box, assembled the handle with 2 screws and a few bolts, added the oil (included in the box), filled with gas, inserted key, pulled handle and ZZZOOOMMMM!!!

Within 20 minutes from opening the box, our large driveway with 20 inches of snow was clear. The neighbors came outside and gawked in amazement! Wishing they had one. We referred them to this site.

It is the perfect size to do a long driveway, sidewalks and deck. Very light and easy to handle. Does not take a lot of storage space in the garage.

If we only use it once a year it was well worth the cost. We are going to purchase one as a gift for other family members.

We ordered this snow blower during the huge snow storm to hit the DC area the end of January.

We ordered on a Saturday, the delivery shipped on Monday, and arrived in DC on Wednesday, scheduled for delivery by UPS for Thursday. Delivery to our home was delayed because it snowed again on Wednesday night and UPS rescheduled the delivery for Friday. It didn't arrive until Monday, President's Day.

When UPS arrived my husband immediately took it out of the box, assembled the handle with 2 screws and a few bolts, added the oil (included in the box), filled with gas... more

The snow was so bad during this historic snow storm that the day UPS was scheduled to deliver my Toro, UPS had to reschedule the delivery from Friday due to adverse weather conditions to the following Monday. I waited all day for my Toro only to learn through the UPS tracking system that night they needed to reschedule delivery. That was disappointing.

It's important to read the manual to assemble it properly. It even came with the proper oil. After assembly, pouring in the oil and gas, it started right up according to the manual. I had snow that was 6 feet high due to to Bobcat's pushing snow from the street onto my property. The snow had been there a couple a days before the Toro arrived. So some of the snow was icing up underneath.

I shoveled the snow in my driveway first to knock down the height of the snow. The snow in my driveway was over 5 feet and I needed to widen the path of the driveway. I cranked up the Toro and it went right through the snow with no problem.

Next, I wanted to dig out my sidewalk in front of the house. That's where the Bobcat had dumped most of the snow from the street. So again, I used a shovel to loosen the snow and knock it down for the Toro. It went right through the snow with no problem after loosening the snow.

It's great on gas also. I was amazed at the power it has. It never came close to cutting off in snow that was 28 inches deep. This is my first snow thrower. I read the reviews on this website before purchasing this machine. I have to admit, I wanted to purchase a machine that was a little bigger, but they were all sold out, everywhere!

The reviews I read said this was a great machine and I do agree. Easy to assemble, operate and takes up little space for storage. I'm glad I bought it and I highly recommend this machine. Snowblowers Direct did a great job also. I would buy from them again.

If you don't want to spend a lot of money but want a good machine that still gets the job done, buy this model.

The snow is so high, my neighbor's Corvette Stingray is completely covered in snow. All that can be seen is his car antenna.

I'm 50 years old and this amount of snowfall told me it's time to get a machine.

The snow was so bad during this historic snow storm that the day UPS was scheduled to deliver my Toro, UPS had to reschedule the delivery from Friday due to adverse weather conditions to the following Monday. I waited all day for my Toro only to learn through the UPS tracking system that night they needed to reschedule delivery. That was disappointing.

It's important to read the manual to assemble it properly. It even came with the proper oil. After assembly, pouring in the oil and gas, it started right up according to the manual. I had snow that was 6 feet high due to to Bo... more

This is an update to my last review. Unlike then, I had only used this snowblower on light snow. But we just had the storm of the century in our area, about 30 inches in the first blast followed by about 14 in the second 4 days later.

While this little snow blower could not directly get rid of almost 2.5 feet of heavy snow in one pass, it made it a lot easier than shoveling. I just cut down one row with a shovel then removed it in a few passes with the blower.

I spent about 2.5 hours clearing my driveway. My neighbors without snowblowers spent an entire day. The Toro handled the second round, with few exceptions, in a single pass.

I am very impressed by the power of this engine. It is not going to go through everything, but it will handle foot deep snow. It saved my not so young any more back during these storms.

I have a couple of additional comments:

1) As I said in my earlier review, my spark plug cap came off on one of the first couple of uses. Well, if I get snow on the engine, it seems to sputter a bit. Perhaps the spark plug cap is not sealing out moisture as well as it should. It was OK if I just avoided getting it too wet, which was only a problem when trying to undercut 2.5 foot deep snow bank, which is really not the way to go, anyway.

2) The problem with these snowblowers leaking gas can be attributed to the coating coming off the float bowl needle, preventing it from shutting off the gas when the carburetor bowl is full. When that happens, the engine will flood and gas will leak out on to the floor.

It is a known problem, a little research on the web will lead you to "TORO SERVICE BULLETIN SNOW PRODUCTS # 81". It is supposedly a free fix and if the service shop has a kit it only takes minutes to repair. I just wish Toro was a little more forthcoming about which serial numbers of the unit are likely to exhibit the problem.

Still, I have had no problems, have used it at least 10 times this season, sometimes for more than an hour at a time, and it starts first pull every time.

It's a great little machine, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed on the float needle problem.

This is an update to my last review. Unlike then, I had only used this snowblower on light snow. But we just had the storm of the century in our area, about 30 inches in the first blast followed by about 14 in the second 4 days later.

While this little snow blower could not directly get rid of almost 2.5 feet of heavy snow in one pass, it made it a lot easier than shoveling. I just cut down one row with a shovel then removed it in a few passes with the blower.

I spent about 2.5 hours clearing my driveway. My neighbors without snowblowers spent an entire day... more

I used this snowblower for a total of 60 minutes over the last month. Now it won't start.

Well, it does start for about 5 seconds, then shuts off. Tried everything. Choke on/off. Not flooded, plug looks good. Gas is new and premium. Oil is fine. I hear that other people are having trouble with this machine after only a few uses. Buyer beware.

My local mower/machine shop where I bought it says bring it in - sometimes the carb is the problem. On a new machine!!? Stay away from this one. I too bought it because it was highly recommended, but now there are inches of snow in my driveway and I have to shovel to get my vehicle out so I can take this piece of junk back to the shop.

Do yourself a favor and read reviews from people who have used this thing for at least a couple of months. I would have written a glowing review a few weeks ago - glad I waited.

SBD RESPONDS: We have contacted Toro about the spate of problems with this unit, and asked for advice on how to get the unit working as quickly as possible. We'll post any info we get right away.

I used this snowblower for a total of 60 minutes over the last month. Now it won't start.

Well, it does start for about 5 seconds, then shuts off. Tried everything. Choke on/off. Not flooded, plug looks good. Gas is new and premium. Oil is fine. I hear that other people are having trouble with this machine after only a few uses. Buyer beware.

My local mower/machine shop where I bought it says bring it in - sometimes the carb is the problem. On a new machine!!? Stay away from this one. I too bought it because it was highly recommended, but now there are inches of... more

This is the first snow blower I've ever owned, so really didn't know what to expect. I went through the tutorials on this website and taking that and the reviews into consideration purchased this model.

I've only owned it a little over a month, but have already used it twice. The first time was on a 3" snow and the second on an 8" snow.

This model has met or exceeded all of my expectations. As a matter of fact, it seemed to perform better on the higher amounts.

I have a two car driveway about 60 feet long and it cleared the driveway and the snow plow deposits easily. It took what could normally be a two hour job to less than 30 minutes.

Some of the cons listed in the other reviews are true, but in my mind are only minimal inconveniences. I have yet to encounter anything to make me regret this purchase.

This is the first snow blower I've ever owned, so really didn't know what to expect. I went through the tutorials on this website and taking that and the reviews into consideration purchased this model.

I've only owned it a little over a month, but have already used it twice. The first time was on a 3" snow and the second on an 8" snow.

This model has met or exceeded all of my expectations. As a matter of fact, it seemed to perform better on the higher amounts.

I have a two car driveway about 60 feet long and it cleared the driveway... more

This snow blower is lightweight and easy to operate. We just had a 6 inch snowfall that was fairly powdery. This snow blower went through it like it didn't exist.

This was my second use of the blower, the first was more experimental than practical since it was just 2 inches of snow. This time, when I got to the roughly 12 inch pile at the street left by the snow plow it started chugging but had plenty of power if I held it back a bit to control the feed rate.

It took me 10 minutes to clear off a driveway that would have taken me an hour or more with a shovel.

I had only one minor glitch. While operating the blower, the spark plug cap came off, obviously killing the motor. It went back on easily and felt secure, and the motor started right back up, but when the weather warms I am going to inspect it to see if there is some kind of issue.

One other minor complaint, not enough to dock this a rating point, is that I wish you could change the direction of the chute from the handle bar. It is a bit obnoxious having to reach down to turn it. It does turn easily however.

I highly recommend this snow blower to people with concrete or asphalt driveways who live like I do in an area where snowfall is limited to a few events a year.

This snow blower is lightweight and easy to operate. We just had a 6 inch snowfall that was fairly powdery. This snow blower went through it like it didn't exist.

This was my second use of the blower, the first was more experimental than practical since it was just 2 inches of snow. This time, when I got to the roughly 12 inch pile at the street left by the snow plow it started chugging but had plenty of power if I held it back a bit to control the feed rate.

It took me 10 minutes to clear off a driveway that would have taken me an hour or more with a shove... more

I am a first time buyer of a snow blower, and after doing research online and reading reviews I chose a Toro Single Stage model #38272.

I placed my order online on a Monday and it arrived that Friday! I was very pleased with Snow Blowers Direct and just as thrilled with the Toro itself.

The snow blower is very lightweight and easy to move around. It's very well made and does an excellent job removing snow.

It throws the snow a good distance and does well in almost any kind of snowstorm, although it can be a bit challenging if it's a wet snow over 6 inches deep. It will snow blow it but it's a little more difficult to move the machine around and it has a harder time throwing it.

I have never had the machine jam with snow.... like my neighbor does. I usually finish clearing my driveway before my neighbor does and it appears that I use less gas than he does... lol. I think he wants a snow blower like mine.

I would recommend this machine for anyone who is a first time buyer, who has a medium size yard to clear and who wants something lightweight.

I would definitely buy this model again and I would most certainly buy it from Snow Blowers Direct. Thank You!

I am a first time buyer of a snow blower, and after doing research online and reading reviews I chose a Toro Single Stage model #38272.

I placed my order online on a Monday and it arrived that Friday! I was very pleased with Snow Blowers Direct and just as thrilled with the Toro itself.

The snow blower is very lightweight and easy to move around. It's very well made and does an excellent job removing snow.

It throws the snow a good distance and does well in almost any kind of snowstorm, although it can be a bit challenging if it's a wet snow... more

I purchased this snowblower for my wife because she had seen one of the older models being used by one of our daughters.

She liked it because it was small, light and easy to maneuver. When it came, I assembled it and had it all set to go in anticipation of the next snow storm.

In the meantime, I used it to clear off our patio which had not been cleared from a previous snow storm of 18 inches. I didn't have to wait to long as we got a new storm on the Martin Luther King holiday, January 18, 2010.

We got a total of about 10 inches, it came in increments of two or three inches, we would clear the driveway and the sidewalks, and then we would get more snow.

At any rate the Toro handled it just perfectly. The snow was wet and heavy and I had thought that it would be hard to clear with the new Toro because my large Ariens two-stage snow blower wouldn't have handled it without clogging up.

When the storm was all over and the town snowplow came and plowed the street, it left a deep heavy hedgerow of snow and water. I hesitated to use the new Toro on it because of the weight of the snow. But, in the end I used it and it handled it with ease.

I prefer it over my much more powerful and expensive Ariens. I highly recommend it and so does my wife. She loves it.

I tried to purchase one of these Toro snowblowers locally and was unable to locate one. They were all sold out. I contacted you and had it shipped almost immediately.

Thanks for the prompt and courteous service.

I purchased this snowblower for my wife because she had seen one of the older models being used by one of our daughters.

She liked it because it was small, light and easy to maneuver. When it came, I assembled it and had it all set to go in anticipation of the next snow storm.

In the meantime, I used it to clear off our patio which had not been cleared from a previous snow storm of 18 inches. I didn't have to wait to long as we got a new storm on the Martin Luther King holiday, January 18, 2010.

We got a total of about 10 inches, it came in incre... more

I purchased the small 18" Toro as a gift for my son. I have an ATV with a blade & a large 2-stage Toro. Most snows here don't warrant the use of the larger machines.

Before I gave it away we had about 8" of snow on the drive when I came home from work. I wanted to see if it was going to work out. My son has several rental homes & needed something portable.

I started the blower (1st pull!). I still had a coat & tie on and only wanted to make one pass down the drive to make sure it did the job .

I was so impressed that I finished my drive & sidewalk. I went inside changed clothes & went back out & did the neighbor's drive & walk. It was easy on the back.

I give it 5 stars.

I purchased the small 18" Toro as a gift for my son. I have an ATV with a blade & a large 2-stage Toro. Most snows here don't warrant the use of the larger machines.

Before I gave it away we had about 8" of snow on the drive when I came home from work. I wanted to see if it was going to work out. My son has several rental homes & needed something portable.

I started the blower (1st pull!). I still had a coat & tie on and only wanted to make one pass down the drive to make sure it did the job .

I was so impressed that I finish... more

Having used the Power Lite model I was worried that the 4 stroke engine on this blower would be weak in comparison, but I was pleasantly surprised by this snow blower.

This blower has worked well for me in up to 10 inches of snow. More than that tends to bog the machine down a bit, but with repeated attempts it will plow through large snow drifts and heavier snow.

Overall, I feel the performance of this machine exceeds the Power Lite models of equivalent cc.

I have a large 3 car driveway and can start in the middle and throw light Utah snow well over 30 feet. The unit has a smooth and quiet engine operation, and the pull start is a breeze- 2 pulls max.

For the price I am very pleased with this machine. I hope it lasts a long time.

Having used the Power Lite model I was worried that the 4 stroke engine on this blower would be weak in comparison, but I was pleasantly surprised by this snow blower.

This blower has worked well for me in up to 10 inches of snow. More than that tends to bog the machine down a bit, but with repeated attempts it will plow through large snow drifts and heavier snow.

Overall, I feel the performance of this machine exceeds the Power Lite models of equivalent cc.

I have a large 3 car driveway and can start in the middle and throw light Utah snow ... more