Ariens Path-Pro SS21E vs Toro Power Clear 721 E
Quick take: The Ariens Path-Pro SS21E costs $50 less.
| Spec | Ariens Path-Pro SS21E | Toro Power Clear 721 E |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $749 | $799 |
| Rating | 5★ (1) | 4.5★ (1,806) |
| Type | Single-Stage Gas | Single-Stage Gas |
| Power | 208cc Ariens AX | 212cc Toro Premium OHV |
| Clearing Width | 21" | 21" |
| Intake Height | 12.2" | 12.5" |
| Throw Distance | up to 35 ft | up to 35 ft |
| Weight | 95 lb | 84 lb |
| Starting | 120V electric + recoil | 120V electric + recoil |
| Heated Grips | No | No |
| Drive & Handling | Auger-propelled single speed — the reinforced rubber paddles grab pavement and pull the 95 lb machine forward, so you steer more than push. Manual 210-degree chute rotation with a handle-mounted deflector; remote chute control is a dealer-installed option. Folding handlebars for offseason storage. | Power Propel paddle drive: the rubber paddles bite the pavement and pull the blower forward at whatever pace you set with handle pressure - ease up and it slows, lean in and it hustles. The Quick Chute lever spins the chute through 210 degrees without stopping, and at 84 lbs it flicks around corners like a self-propelled mower. |
| Warranty | 3-year residential | 2-year full |
Pros & cons
Ariens Path-Pro SS21E
- ✓208cc engine out-muscles the 99-163cc engines in most competing single-stages — wet snow doesn't stall it
- ✓Throws a real 30-35 ft, far enough to clear a two-pass driveway without re-throwing
- ✓Auger propulsion pulls it forward and scrapes pavement clean to the concrete
- ✓Steel housing, ball bearings, and replaceable scraper bar vs the plastic tubs of rivals
- ✓120V push-button electric start plus recoil backup
- ✓Folding handlebars and 95 lb footprint store in half a garage bay
- ✗Chute rotation is a manual 210-degree handle — remote control costs extra as a kit
- ✗95 lb is heavy for a single-stage; Toro's 721 E is ~6 lb lighter and feels nimbler
- ✗12.2-in intake means anything over a foot or a refrozen plow berm overwhelms it
- ✗No headlight or heated grips at a price where Toro includes lighting
- ✗Rubber paddles and scraper bar are wear items that need periodic replacement
Toro Power Clear 721 E
- ✓Push-button electric start plus reliable recoil backup
- ✓Power Propel paddles adjust ground speed to your push pressure
- ✓Quick Chute 210-degree rotation without leaving the handle
- ✓Scrapes down to bare pavement better than most two-stages
- ✓84 lbs is light enough to maneuver in tight walkways and garages
- ✓Four-cycle engine - no fuel mixing, quieter than old two-strokes
- ✗Short chute-control lever draws consistent ergonomic complaints
- ✗12.5-inch intake overwhelmed by storms over 9-10 inches
- ✗Cannot be used on gravel surfaces
- ✗No headlight or hand warmers at any price on this trim
- ✗Paddles and scraper bar are wear items needing periodic replacement