Toro Power Clear 518 ZE vs Toro Power Clear 721 E
Quick take: The Toro Power Clear 518 ZE costs $190 less; the Toro Power Clear 721 E clears a wider 21" path per pass; the Toro Power Clear 721 E throws snow farther (up to 35 ft).
| Spec | Toro Power Clear 518 ZE | Toro Power Clear 721 E |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $609 | $799 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (1,601) | 4.5★ (1,806) |
| Type | Single-Stage Gas | Single-Stage Gas |
| Power | 99cc Toro Premium OHV | 212cc Toro Premium OHV |
| Clearing Width | 18" | 21" |
| Intake Height | 12" | 12.5" |
| Throw Distance | up to 25 ft | up to 35 ft |
| Weight | 58 lb | 84 lb |
| Starting | 120V electric + recoil | 120V electric + recoil |
| Heated Grips | No | No |
| Drive & Handling | No drive wheels, and it doesn't need them: the Power Curve rotor scrapes to pavement and tugs the 58-lb machine forward on its own, so you mostly steer. The chute turns via a handle mounted on the chute itself with a Zip Deflector for throw height - a reach-down affair, but the machine is so light that repositioning it is effortless. | 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 | 2-year full | 2-year full |
Pros & cons
Toro Power Clear 518 ZE
- ✓Push-button electric start plus recoil backup fires in any temperature
- ✓58 lbs - one person can lift it into a trunk or onto a deck
- ✓Power Curve paddles self-propel the machine and scrape clean to pavement
- ✓Four-cycle engine means no gas-oil mixing
- ✓Compact fold-down handle stores in a 28-inch-deep footprint
- ✓2-year full warranty plus Toro's Guaranteed-to-Start promise
- ✗Chute-mounted handle forces you to reach down to redirect snow mid-pass
- ✗99cc engine bogs in heavy, wet end-of-driveway slush
- ✗12-inch intake height fills fast in storms over 9 inches
- ✗18-inch width means many passes on wider driveways
- ✗Not usable on gravel - paddles will throw stones
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