Toro Power Max HD 1028 OHXE (28") 302cc Two-Stage Snow Blower

My 10HP 27" Noma performed admirably (in NJ) for 18 years even though I really didn't maintain it at all. Then last year I took the plunge with Toro Power Max HD 1028 OHXE (28") 302cc Two-Stage Snow Blower, so only one winter so far, but we have a few deeps ones.

This thing is very solid. Transmission control has a thick metal slotted plate, so you can change gears with vigor and not worry about wearing out the plate. Auger housing has very solid construction supports can't deform the housing. It is a heavy machine but has a good center of gravity for tilting/pushing (I'm about 5'10). At first the handles felt a little low, but I stopped noticing it after a while, so I guess I adapted.

Hardly any physical stress to operate it, even with large dunes (as long as let it do the work and not brute force it). No stress on the engine regardless of load. I don't recall having to tilt it up for 1st pass and then do a 2nd mop-up pass. Anti-clog system works perfectly. It even ate right through the compacted 3' berm across my wide driveway apron left by the street plow. I was surprised how well the pivoting scraper worked.

The joystick chute control is actually very nice once you get used to it (within a couple of hours of normal snow work). The control is very responsive and doesn't require ramming a control bar, so be gentle yet firm when operating it and it will be a pleasure to operate. It's equipped with hand warmers, but I haven't switched them on yet (other than to confirm they worked).

The individual left and right transmission triggers on the handles make turns amazingly effortless. The features on this model put it significantly ahead of the others of that genre. Toro doesn't distinguish between consumer and pro the company claims that these models serve both (residential) domains. I think they're right. It is worthy of being at the top of the list.

My 10HP 27" Noma performed admirably (in NJ) for 18 years even though I really didn't maintain it at all. Then last year I took the plunge with Toro Power Max HD 1028 OHXE (28") 302cc Two-Stage Snow Blower, so only one winter so far, but we have a few deeps ones.

This thing is very solid. Transmission control has a thick metal slotted plate, so you can change gears with vigor and not worry about wearing out the plate. Auger housing has very solid construction supports can't deform... more

We have owned an 8 hp, 26" track mounted, MTD snowblower for 20 years, but age and use caught up with it during this heavy snow year, so we bought the Toro 1028 wheel driven machine. I really liked the tracks since it allowed the auger to be lifted up an inch or 2 for transport as well as improved traction for some gently inclined areas I need to clear. The ability to lift the front end was really handy for our gravel driveway and trails across our lawn.

We just purchased the Toro and have only used it once on a light 3-4" snowfall. Here's my first impressions. The instructions were very clear except for one small part and only simple tools were required. Even the large delivery box had instructions for removing the Toro from the box which was very handy.

Setup was easy, taking about 90 minutes, maybe less. There was oil in the crankcase as stated, I added gasoline, put on the choke, gave it full throttle, primed it by pushing the little bulb 2-3 times plugged it in to 110 power and it started right up. The handles heated up nicely and headlight worked.

It is located to the right side of the machine which minimizes blockage by the chute. Being used to the old hand crank chute control, I was delighted to find how easily the console mounted chute control worked for both direction and angle of the deflector. It is very quick and nearly effortless as long as you press the release button on top of the handle which locks the chute in place.

The auger lock feature that keeps the auger turning while the drive clutch is engaged also worked well. This allows you to free up your right hand to adjust the chute while continuing to move and throw snow. Also, the trigger control clutches for steering work very nicely.

I was concerned about lack of traction but have found that to be of no concern. The machine is very well balanced over the wheels, very little effort is required to lift the auger which means nearly all 300 lb is resting on the drive wheels.

The transmission seems to be well designed also. R1 is great for close work and short backups, R2 is plenty fast for longer backing, but you need to be ready to move or it will run over you. The 6 forward speeds offer a good range of speeds. 6 is a brisk walk and probably best for transporting rather than snow removal. I found 3 to be a comfortable working speed (69 year old man), and it was able to maintain this speed uphill through the additional snow thrown in our driveway by the county snowplow. My old snowblower threw snow about 20', this one easily reaches 30-40' depending on conditions.

It appears to be sturdily made. My one complaint is the drive and auger clutch springs seem pretty heavy and got tiresome for my hands - sigh, must need to exercise my hands. Overall, it seems like a really good machine.

We have owned an 8 hp, 26" track mounted, MTD snowblower for 20 years, but age and use caught up with it during this heavy snow year, so we bought the Toro 1028 wheel driven machine. I really liked the tracks since it allowed the auger to be lifted up an inch or 2 for transport as well as improved traction for some gently inclined areas I need to clear. The ability to lift the front end was really handy for our gravel driveway and trails across our lawn.

We just purchased the Toro and... more

I bought this snowblower to replace a twenty two year old Toro that I ruined after tilting it back on its handles while running to clear ice from the machine. I looked at a lot of other machines but decided to stay with Toro since my other one lasted so long. After the winter we had two years ago I wanted a machine that would handle anything that mother nature could throw at us and blow over a five foot snow bank. I just had a chance to use this on a twelve inch snowstorm with drifts up to eighteen inches and it worked great. I had no problem clearing paths in the yard for the dog, clearing the driveway and the packed snow and ice at the end of the driveway.

I don't know when I would use the third and fourth gear when blowing snow since when in second gear it started to ride up on the snow but worked fine in first gear. I can say that I have not mastered the steering or the chute yet after one snowstorm. I found myself still turning the machine without using the power steering but when I remembered to use it, it worked fine. I was amazed at how far it blows the snow and had to make sure I was not blowing snow into my neighbors driveway or into the street, something I did not have to worry about with my old machine. I look forward to the next storm to master the steering and chute control. I only wish that the handles were a little taller.

I bought this snowblower to replace a twenty two year old Toro that I ruined after tilting it back on its handles while running to clear ice from the machine. I looked at a lot of other machines but decided to stay with Toro since my other one lasted so long. After the winter we had two years ago I wanted a machine that would handle anything that mother nature could throw at us and blow over a five foot snow bank. I just had a chance to use this on a twelve inch snowstorm with drifts up to... more

Great snow blower. Easy setup with clear instructions. Hit prime bulb three times, set choke on, throttle half way and half a pull to start really easy starting.

Eats snow and throws a long way. Super easy turning with lever to disengage wheel (one hand operation). Comes with oil - add gas and go! Colorado Springs snow is no problem for this Toro. Highly recommended.

Although this machine was a bit more expensive than other blowers in its size, I am so happy with this purchase.

It makes no difference if it is a dry powdery snow, a wet heavy snow, or even slush. This machine throws it and never seems to bog the motor down.

Expensive, but well worth it.

Replaced a 16 year old Craftsman blower that was completely shot. Read other reviews of this and struggled between this one and the Cub Cadet 3-stage. But, I have other Toro equipment, and have always known if you buy a Toro, you're making a good choice.

I'm from NJ, last winter was pretty rough. This winter has not been. We had one inch of snow the other day, followed by 1/2 inch of rain. The temperature was over 32 degrees, so we had nothing but slush. Walking the dog is my first chore of the day, and while doing so, I just kept telling myself there is no way that new blower will go through this slush. But, I had to try.

I was so excited at the results on my first pass up our big driveway, I ran inside to call my wife who had gone over to the church to start cleaning up there, to tell her, "If anybody is shoveling the walks or driveway there, tell them to stop. I'll be over with my blower shortly, this thing will go through it like a hot knife through butter."

I quickly did most of mine, loaded it up in the truck and went and did all of the church walks and driveway. Absolutely amazing that it just threw the slush like it was light snow. Even at the driveway aprons, where there is several inches of water and big clumps of slush. Right through it.

I ran the blower for over an hour at the church, and another 1/2 hour at home. It NEVER clogged once. I did have to tap off the slush on the machine that would build up as it threw it, but just one kick with my foot and that's done.

Replaced a 16 year old Craftsman blower that was completely shot. Read other reviews of this and struggled between this one and the Cub Cadet 3-stage. But, I have other Toro equipment, and have always known if you buy a Toro, you're making a good choice.

I'm from NJ, last winter was pretty rough. This winter has not been. We had one inch of snow the other day, followed by 1/2 inch of rain. The temperature was over 32 degrees, so we had nothing but slush. Walking the dog is my first... more

we were hit is a record snowfall and our equipment was challenged to clear the sidewalks and keep up with the City plows that piled on our walks. I found this product on line on a Sunday night and it was delivered by Wednesday morning.

This blower eats through the snow and piles as if they were powder. We were so impressed at how it handled the challenges and would have ordered a 2nd unit, but they were sold out. I HIGHLY recommend this snow blower

Live at 7200 feet - foothills outside Denver. I can fit about 14 cars in my driveway and have a mild up slope coming off the garage. This thing rocks. I literally just walked in from snowblowing and it cut through 2.5ft drifts left by the plows no problem. Great machine, brand I trust, worth every penny.

I have the 10 year old version of this machine. And it is outstanding !! The trigger grips for steering make it MUCH easier to handle, I can't imagine a day on this machine without them. It's a heavy unit at about 225# so manhandling this BEAST without steering would not be fun.

It is VERY reliable and starts right up. First start of the season usually requires a little help from the 110 VAC electric starter. I have had very little maintenance on it. One cable broke for the auger control a few years ago. Now it needs a belt.

I still remember how elated I was to see it coming up the street on the flatbed truck when it was delivered in Jan 2005. It has served me well through several BIG NJ storms.

NO BUYERS REMORSE HERE !!! Get yourself one of these units and you will NOT be disappointed.

I have the 10 year old version of this machine. And it is outstanding !! The trigger grips for steering make it MUCH easier to handle, I can't imagine a day on this machine without them. It's a heavy unit at about 225# so manhandling this BEAST without steering would not be fun.

It is VERY reliable and starts right up. First start of the season usually requires a little help from the 110 VAC electric starter. I have had very little maintenance on it. One cable broke for the auger... more

I have a 29 year old Toro that never gives me problems. I needed a larger snow thrower for this brutal N.E. winter. This does a fantastic job at a reasonable price. My only disappointment is the engine is made in China.

I would be willing to pay a little more to employ people here, but even the Briggs are made overseas. I'm not sure it will last like my old 520 with the USA made Tecumseh engine. Time will tell.

Finally had some snow today, put this baby together last night. Very straight forward, seems like a nice unit.
Only problem was the screw to the deflector chute was not to be found (98-1375 screw-hwh). Do not think that I lost it, should have been pre-assembled from what I gather.

Needless to say, my old clunker gets one more swan song while I wait for a $1.22 screw to come in ups red for $25 and some change. Better than spending 2 hours trying to get a free screw.

Will update when i give it a shot. This is not a reflection on Snowblowers Direct. The purchase and delivery was otherwise flawless.

Finally had some snow today, put this baby together last night. Very straight forward, seems like a nice unit.
Only problem was the screw to the deflector chute was not to be found (98-1375 screw-hwh). Do not think that I lost it, should have been pre-assembled from what I gather.

Needless to say, my old clunker gets one more swan song while I wait for a $1.22 screw to come in ups red for $25 and some change. Better than spending 2 hours trying to get a free screw.

Will update when i... more