Toro Power Max 826 OHAE vs Husqvarna ST 227
Quick take: The Husqvarna ST 227 costs $200 less; the Husqvarna ST 227 clears a wider 27" path per pass; the Toro Power Max 826 OHAE throws snow farther (up to 45 ft); the Toro Power Max 826 OHAE has heated grips for the January mornings this all exists for.
| Spec | Toro Power Max 826 OHAE | Husqvarna ST 227 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 | $1,299 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Two-Stage Gas | Two-Stage Gas |
| Power | 252cc Toro Premium OHV | 254cc Husqvarna OHV |
| Clearing Width | 26" | 27" |
| Intake Height | 20" | 23" |
| Throw Distance | up to 45 ft | up to 40 ft |
| Weight | 194 lb | 212 lb |
| Starting | 120V electric + recoil | Push-button electric (120V plug-in) + recoil |
| Heated Grips | Yes | No |
| Drive & Handling | Adds Toro's triggerless Auto Steer to the 6F/2R friction-disc drive - the differential unlocks as you tip into a turn, so a 194-lb machine pivots at the end of a pass with no levers. Quick Stick handles chute and deflector one-handed, hand warmers run whenever the engine does, and the Anti-Clogging System meters snow so the chute never packs up. | Friction-disc transmission with six forward speeds, one reverse, and trigger power steering — squeeze either grip trigger and the inside wheel freewheels so the 212-lb machine pirouettes at row ends. Dash-mounted remote chute rotator and deflector; the adjustable handle suits tall and short operators alike. |
| Warranty | 3-year limited | 3-year limited; 10-year gearbox/impeller |
Pros & cons
Toro Power Max 826 OHAE
- ✓Auto Steer makes end-of-pass turns effortless despite the weight
- ✓Standard hand warmers and LED light for pre-dawn clearing
- ✓252cc engine throws heavy snow a genuine 45 feet
- ✓Quick Stick chute control is best-in-class one-handed
- ✓No shear pins - hardened gears and engine-stall protection instead
- ✓26-inch width clears a 2-car driveway in a handful of passes
- ✗Only about $100 cheaper trims away auto-steer buyers actually want
- ✗Friction-disc drive needs periodic cable and disc adjustment
- ✗Poly upper chute feels ordinary next to all-steel rivals
- ✗194 lbs is heavy to move with the engine off
- ✗Same 252cc as the cheaper 824 OE - you pay for comfort, not power
Husqvarna ST 227
- ✓Nearly Ariens Deluxe 28 capability for roughly $700 less
- ✓254cc engine keeps the 27-inch bucket moving through dense snow
- ✓Trigger power steering standard on both grips
- ✓23-inch intake eats end-of-driveway berms
- ✓Remarkably light for its width — easier on ice than heavier rivals
- ✓10-year cast-iron gearbox and impeller warranty
- ✗Heated grips were deleted from the current generation (the old ST 227P had them)
- ✗Friction-disc drive is the known wear point — the rubber ring degrades with age
- ✗Owner ratings across Husqvarna 200-series trend mid-3-stars
- ✗Plug-in 120V electric start instead of an onboard battery
- ✗Chute rotation can stiffen in icing conditions without regular lubrication