Electric Start •Plug it in, push a button and go •Provides smooth operation with dependable cold weather starts
Quick Shoot Control System •Squeeze the trigger and slide the handle-mounted grip •Lets you easily change throw direction
Zip Deflector •Adjust and lock chute angle with a touch of your hand •Allows you to throw snow low or let it fly
Power Propel Drive System •Increases speed and cleans clear to the surface •Pulls the machine through tough conditions
Power Curve System •Curved rotor and inverted funnel housing •Moves more snow in less time & virtually eliminates clogging
2 Year Full Warranty
Model
Model Number:
38589
Manufacturer:
Toro
Engine
Brand:
Toro
Type:
4-Cycle OHV
Power:
163 cc
Starting System:
120-Volt Electric /w Recoil
Fuel Tank:
1.1 quarts (1.04 liters)
Auger
Material:
Rubber
Chute
Material:
Plastic
Chute Rotation:
Quick Shoot
Turning Radius:
180°
Max Throwing Distance:
35 feet (10.67 meters)
Drive System
Drive:
Power Propel Self-Propel
Tire Type:
Alternate Bar Tread
Tire Size:
7" x 1.5" (17.78 cm x 3.81 cm)
Options
Remote Deflector Contols:
No
Drift Cutters:
Not Applicable
Front Weights:
Not Applicable
Interlocking Controls:
No
Hand Warmers:
No
Skid Shoes:
Not Applicable
Overview
Weight:
89 Lbs. (40.37 kilograms)
Consumer Warranty:
2 Years
Commercial Warranty:
Not Available
Download Documents
No documents available at this time
Questions before buying? Ask Kriss about this item. Sorry, do not submit repair related questions.
Overall Rating
4.1
(Based on 22 Reviews)
Sort By
December 27, 2011
Bill Oak Brook, IL
How much gas used
I had a old 2 stage Jacobson 8 horse power engine. Great when snow was waist deep, but spent a lot of money on gas. Bought my Toro, and did not even use 2 gallons last year, and i live right outside of Chicago.
October 28, 2011
Leo Nyc, NY
Very dangerous
Leaks gas a known problem with this model Toro should have this recalled already guess they're waiting for a person to die before they do something. DO NOT BUY!!!
SBD RESPONDS: Toro has recognized this problem and a recall was issued on 4/26/2011.
March 16, 2011
Michael Trotto Port Huron, MI
Unbelievable performance by everyone
I loved the site because it is informative and provided the best price.
When I added the free shipping and no tax, it was a no brainer.
Then my snowblower was delivered to my door, from another state, in 28 hours.
The unit went together easily per the instructions and started on the first pull as advertised.
The blower works great and is just what I needed for a Michigan winter.
I stuck with Toro because my last one is still around after 30 years. The handle finally broke so I past it on to my son who will probaby get a few more years out of it.
I don't know who performed better, Snowblowers Direct, Toro or FedEx, but it was a winning combination, and I came out the winner.
I loved the site because it is informative and provided the best price.
When I added the free shipping and no tax, it was a no brainer.
Then my snowblower was delivered to my door, from another state, in 28 hours.
The unit went together easily per the instructions and started on the first pull as advertised.
The blower works great and is just what I needed for a Michigan winter.
I stuck with Toro because my last one is still around after 30 years. The handle finally broke so I past it on to my son who will probaby get ... more
February 20, 2011
Cap Mount Laurel, NJ
Great Company to buy from
Although it has not snowed since I purchased this machine, this seller is truly outstanding in service, quality and price. The blower arrived and the only assembly was the 3 screws to attach the chute, add oil, add gas, unfold the handle and you are done.
Everything arrived extremely well-packed and areas that may get scratched in transit were covered with protective plastic. At first I was concerned about purchasing a large item via the internet but this company is great!
February 12, 2011
Tom Farmingdale, NY
Snowblower to the rescue
My 10 year old Toro broke down as I was helping neighbors who were digging out their cars on their way to work. Unfortunately for me, it did so before I was able to finish my own house. I packed it up, brought it to our local repair shop only to be told he could not even look at it for 2 1/2 weeks.
Tired from shoveling and with another major Noreaster snowstorm heading our way in a few days, I decided to buy a replacement. All the stores I checked were out of stock. After conducting extensive research on the web, I found Snow Blowers Direct and selected the Toro 421QE. I ordered the machine on Friday afternoon, it arrived Tuesday morning direct from Toro's manufacturing facility in Illinois.
The predicted Noreaster had already deposited 6 inches of snow. In 15 minutes I assembled the machine and with one pull of the cord, was clearing my driveway. It handled the 18 inch snowstorm flawlessly.......
Powerful yet quiet compared to the older Toro I had. The Quick Chute also makes a significant difference. Not only am I pleased with the machine but Snow Blowers Direct provided me with good information to make a sound decision and timely delivery.
My 10 year old Toro broke down as I was helping neighbors who were digging out their cars on their way to work. Unfortunately for me, it did so before I was able to finish my own house. I packed it up, brought it to our local repair shop only to be told he could not even look at it for 2 1/2 weeks.
Tired from shoveling and with another major Noreaster snowstorm heading our way in a few days, I decided to buy a replacement. All the stores I checked were out of stock. After conducting extensive research on the web, I found Snow Blowers Direct and selected the Toro 421QE. I... more
February 03, 2011
Jim Columbia, MO
Worked great twice, now has significant gas leak
I purchased a 421QE in January 2011 (serial number 311xxxxxx) and it worked great during the past two snow storms. Today I opened the garage door and found a significant puddle of gas underneath the unit.
I cleaned up the gas puddle and placed a newspaper under the unit approximately 30 minutes later there were five separate "soak points", each of which was about 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. I'm going to drain the unit of gas tonight and leave the garage door open a crack to reduce the buildup of gasoline fumes and, consequentially, the risk of explosion (the home's gas-powered furnace is located in a mechanical room in the garage).
From what I've read online (search: "toro 421Q gas leak"), gasoline leaks seem to be a common problem with the engine in this model. A likely culprit is aluminum parts in the unit's carburetor that corrode and fail when exposed to Ethanol-containing gas which is common and often unavoidable here in the U.S.
If anyone else in the U.S. has this model snow blower and it leaks gas (clearly an unsafe condition), you can report this issue to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at: http:www.cpsc.govtalk.html
I purchased a 421QE in January 2011 (serial number 311xxxxxx) and it worked great during the past two snow storms. Today I opened the garage door and found a significant puddle of gas underneath the unit.
I cleaned up the gas puddle and placed a newspaper under the unit approximately 30 minutes later there were five separate "soak points", each of which was about 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. I'm going to drain the unit of gas tonight and leave the garage door open a crack to reduce the buildup of gasoline fumes and, consequentially, the risk of explosion (the home's ... more
January 31, 2011
Gerald Bronx, NY
My first snowthrower
Worth every penny. Should have bought one earlier but thought I could handle the load.
Not! Storm in December had me sucking wind and downing aspirin. Does a great job of throwing the snow. Only problem comes when the snow is higher than machine. Other than that, it is a great machine.
January 27, 2011
Angela Totowa, NJ
Excellent Choice
Due to health issues my husband could no longer use our 9.5 hp Yardman snowblower and the machine was too big, powerful and complicated for me to use. After doing some research we settled on the Toro 421QE because we generally receive average size snowfalls here in NJ and figured this one would do the job for us.
We received it a few days after we ordered it and it was very easy to set up. We were all set for our first snowfall. As luck would have it, our first snowfall was over 20 inches and I was not able to use the machine. However since then we have had several more snowstorms ranging from a few inches up to 12 inches and it has worked great. While my neighbors were having difficulty with wet snow my Toro went right through it all.
The only con I have with the machine are the wheels. When the snow is on the wet side it builds up on the wheels making it hard to push the machine. They should somehow design a wheel that doesn't do this.
Other than that we're really happy with this purchase. Hopefully it works just as good in years to come.
Due to health issues my husband could no longer use our 9.5 hp Yardman snowblower and the machine was too big, powerful and complicated for me to use. After doing some research we settled on the Toro 421QE because we generally receive average size snowfalls here in NJ and figured this one would do the job for us.
We received it a few days after we ordered it and it was very easy to set up. We were all set for our first snowfall. As luck would have it, our first snowfall was over 20 inches and I was not able to use the machine. However since then we have had several more snowsto... more
January 20, 2011
Garrett Beach Haven, NJ
Great little machine
Compact, reliable and easy to use. Have had 2 storms since receiving it, and it performed well. Works best in light, fluffy snow, but does a good job in heavy wet stuff as well. Just don't try to break through the ice wall that the snow plows deposit at the end of your driveway.
January 14, 2011
LOST MONEY Chicago, IL
Carb Issues (not our customer)
New snowblower in for service after second attempt to start it. Bad carb part. Still waiting for parts. SKIP this one. Turns out the engine is not what it used to be.
Tired of shoveling when I have an expensive block of iron. Hard to call it a snow blower when it does not run.
January 13, 2011
Bob St. Louis, MO
Not happy
I purchased my 421QE in December 2009. It worked great for the season. However, this year it was very difficult to start. It finally started and I used it briefly. The second time I tried to start it this season it would not crank at all.
When I removed the oil check plug, gasoline rushed out of the crankcase. It has been at the dealer for about 3 weeks now awaiting parts from Toro. Based on all the comments I have read regarding this problem I am surprised that this machine has not been recalled by Toro.
Enjoy your first season with this machine as your second one find it in the shop waiting for parts. Gasoline leaks seem to be a rather common problem with this machine. I wold not recommend it based on its performance and Toros' support.
I purchased my 421QE in December 2009. It worked great for the season. However, this year it was very difficult to start. It finally started and I used it briefly. The second time I tried to start it this season it would not crank at all.
When I removed the oil check plug, gasoline rushed out of the crankcase. It has been at the dealer for about 3 weeks now awaiting parts from Toro. Based on all the comments I have read regarding this problem I am surprised that this machine has not been recalled by Toro.
Enjoy your first season with this machine as your ... more
January 12, 2011
Denis Wantagh, NY
Ordered on sunday- using on wednesday!
I ordered the Toro 421QE on Sunday 1-09-11 while staring at the snow still left over from the last storm. It was on my doorstep at 1PM on Wednesday, 1-12-11! That was with the normal shipping only.
I used it just in time for this latest storm to hit NY. Amazing. We had about 9 or so inches and it went through it with ease. Started right up and runs quieter than other snow blowers I have used . Very happy with my choice.
The Web site was an excellent resource to do my research. Super easy set up right out of the box. The only thing you may want is a little funnel when you add the oil. Kind of in an awkward spot. Not a big deal though.
I ordered the Toro 421QE on Sunday 1-09-11 while staring at the snow still left over from the last storm. It was on my doorstep at 1PM on Wednesday, 1-12-11! That was with the normal shipping only.
I used it just in time for this latest storm to hit NY. Amazing. We had about 9 or so inches and it went through it with ease. Started right up and runs quieter than other snow blowers I have used . Very happy with my choice.
The Web site was an excellent resource to do my research. Super easy set up right out of the box. The only thing you may want is a little ... more
January 12, 2011
Leonardo Bronx, NY
Just In Time
Received snow blower two days before Northeast blizzard. Worked great in 18 inches of snow. Used it today in 12 inches of snow, once again no problem. I would recommend to friends and family.
January 12, 2011
Laura Strongsville, OH
happy with new snow blower
We are very pleased with our purchase. The prompt delivery, and the taking care of the minor problem that we had all went very smoothly! I would highly recommend the Toro & Snow Blowers Direct!
December 29, 2010
Michael Long Island, NY
Worth every penny...
I purchased this unit a few weeks ago (I received it within a few days - super fast delivery!) and wasn't expecting to use it so soon, but the NY area's first major snowfall of the season was a doozy with almost 2 feet, and this machine worked like a charm.
It took me 90 minutes to clear my fairly large driveway down to the blacktop while 3 guys with shovels were still working to dig out my neighbor's driveway (which is less than half the size of mine) after I was done.
When I first started, the snow was so high I had to take a few passes at the large drifts but it powered through quickly, like a champ. This machine is worth every penny. The ability to redirect the chute with one hand while the machine is moving is a HUGE time saver (AND the angle of the throw), particularly with high winds.
Not having to mix gas/oil was also a big factor for me. The only issue, and this is minor, is that the oil intake is in an awkward location so when you put in the oil it's hard not to tilt it upright and/or over fill it so when you tilt it back down some oil leaks out. Fortunately, I had the machine on a tarp when I was putting in the oil the first time and when it leaked, it didn't make a mess. The directions say not to overfill it and the oil bottle the machine came with was more than needed on the initial fill.
However, overall, this is a really good machine and I hope it lasts for years.
I purchased this unit a few weeks ago (I received it within a few days - super fast delivery!) and wasn't expecting to use it so soon, but the NY area's first major snowfall of the season was a doozy with almost 2 feet, and this machine worked like a charm.
It took me 90 minutes to clear my fairly large driveway down to the blacktop while 3 guys with shovels were still working to dig out my neighbor's driveway (which is less than half the size of mine) after I was done.
When I first started, the snow was so high I had to take a few passes at the large drifts bu... more
December 29, 2010
Tony Rink Cedar Falls, IA
Nice Toro
Nice machine, works better that I expected.
We had 12 in. of snow fall this past week and it cleaned the driveway down the pavement.
If I had to do it over, I would not get the electric start. Starts effortlessly and don’t know if I will use it.
December 24, 2010
Mike McFadin Bloomington, IL
Disappointed - Leaks Fuel
I bought this snow thrower in fall of 2009 and it worked well all last winter. I stored it over the summer per Toro instructions (drained of fuel).
When I used it the first time this year on Dec 4, 2010 it started leaking fuel from the carb. Very dangerous so I took it in for repair that day.
Was told I would get it back anyday. It has been in the shop nearly a month and parts from Toro are on back order until Jan 4. Smells like a similar problem they had last year with the Power Clear 180 and were forced to recall by CPSC over the summer.
I am very disappointed in this machine and it looks like I have to deal with the brunt of this years snow with my back. Toro customer support has been very vague and generally unhelpful. I recommend everyone consider other brands.
I bought this snow thrower in fall of 2009 and it worked well all last winter. I stored it over the summer per Toro instructions (drained of fuel).
When I used it the first time this year on Dec 4, 2010 it started leaking fuel from the carb. Very dangerous so I took it in for repair that day.
Was told I would get it back anyday. It has been in the shop nearly a month and parts from Toro are on back order until Jan 4. Smells like a similar problem they had last year with the Power Clear 180 and were forced to recall by CPSC over the summer.
No snow in Denver since we bought the snow blower. I'm sure it will work just fine.
I gave my smaller 28 year old Toro snow blower to the Denver rescue mission. It looked and ran like new.
I'm still waiting for snow to try the new one out.
December 14, 2010
Tom Gorner Vienna, VA
Awesome Snow Thrower - Toro 421QE
The Model 421QE is the perfect snow blower for the mid-Atlantic region.
Extremely reliable and dependable. Starts on the first pull, so I never had to use the electric start other than to try when I bought the machine.
October 03, 2010
Tom Gorner Vienna, VA
Toro Single Stage Blower
After the mid Atlantic blizzard of 2008-2009, I decided that a snow blower was a must this year. I looked at single stage, all types and brands and the same for dual stage heavy-duty blowers.
My purchase was decided on the normal winter in Virginia rather than the exception. I read other ratings on Toro and saw more satisfactory than unsatisfactory. I was also familiar with Toro lawnmowers and their great reputation and personal experience.
I am completely satisfied with my purchase of the Toro 38589 Snow Blower and am ready to take on another winter in Virginia.
Regards,
Tom
March 04, 2010
Ron Goldens Bridge, NY
Toro 421QE (Model 38589) "No Need To Mess With Mixing Gas & Oil"
I agree with every statement made by the previous REVIEW WRITER back in November 2009.
The Toro 421QE (Electric Start (21" Wide)) is my fourth Snow Thrower, and though smaller than my last two Snow Throwers (22" to 24" Wide and One was GAS OIL MIX) I purposely chose the Toro 421QE because of Toro's two FANTASTIC IMPROVEMENTS!
1) The ZIP DEFLECTOR (Positive-Locking Ratchet Deflector) - UpDown SNOW CHUTE (30 Feet Distance)
2) The QUICK SHOOT CONTROL SYSTEM (UpDown Sliding Handle Mounted Grip) - 180' Half Circle CHUTE
I have been patiently waiting-for-years for one of the Snow Thrower Manufacturers to INVENT exactly what Toro has INVENTED. Simple and Reliable SNOW CHUTES (without messing around with NUTS and WASHERS) and Simple and Reliable SNOW THROW 180' DIRECTIONS (without having to PHYSICALLY MOVE AWAY from the HANDLE BAR).
I do have one item that I don't like. And it also applies to Honda's Snow Throwers. It's when you ADD the OIL or CHANGE the OIL. Not only is the OIL's SPOUT in a VERY BAD LOCATION, it is also in a 45 DEGREE ANGLE POSITION. The combination of the above two makes it very, very cumbersome to OIL SERVICE the Snow Throwers, especially when you try to follow Toro's "exact directions".
The Snow Thrower must be on LEVEL GROUND and in the OPERATING POSITION and DO NOT OVERFILL (I guess it means DO NOT TIP-UP Snow Thrower to ADD OIL or CHANGE OIL).
I would still RATE the 421QE "5 Star" even though I gave up WIDTH and OIL CHANGE "inconvenience".
I agree with every statement made by the previous REVIEW WRITER back in November 2009.
The Toro 421QE (Electric Start (21" Wide)) is my fourth Snow Thrower, and though smaller than my last two Snow Throwers (22" to 24" Wide and One was GAS OIL MIX) I purposely chose the Toro 421QE because of Toro's two FANTASTIC IMPROVEMENTS!
1) The ZIP DEFLECTOR (Positive-Locking Ratchet Deflector) - UpDown SNOW CHUTE (30 Feet Distance)
2) The QUICK SHOOT CONTROL SYSTEM (UpDown Sliding Handle Mounted Grip) - 180' Half Circle CHUTE
I love that Toro makes a single stage snow blower that has a 4-cycle engine.
Mixing oil and gas can become tedious, especially if the mix is not correct. A minor worry, but it can happen! Not to mention that if you don't have the fuel and it does snow, you are left using the shovel that you retired when you purchased the snow blower.
Having a 4-cycle engine makes fueling easy and almost always available, unlike a 2 cycle engine.
Along with electric start, Toro has also thrown in the quick chute on this snow blower as well. It makes rotating the chute quick and simple, and I don't have to worry about killing the engine when I adjust the chute.
Overall this is a wonderful machine that should last me for years to come!
I love that Toro makes a single stage snow blower that has a 4-cycle engine.
Mixing oil and gas can become tedious, especially if the mix is not correct. A minor worry, but it can happen! Not to mention that if you don't have the fuel and it does snow, you are left using the shovel that you retired when you purchased the snow blower.
Having a 4-cycle engine makes fueling easy and almost always available, unlike a 2 cycle engine.
Along with electric start, Toro has also thrown in the quick chute on this snow blower as well. It makes rotating... more
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