Troy-Bilt Storm 2620 vs Toro Power Max 826 OHAE
Quick take: The Troy-Bilt Storm 2620 costs $150 less; 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 | Troy-Bilt Storm 2620 | Toro Power Max 826 OHAE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,349 | $1,499 |
| Rating | 4.3★ (19) | — |
| Type | Two-Stage Gas | Two-Stage Gas |
| Power | 243cc Troy-Bilt OHV | 252cc Toro Premium OHV |
| Clearing Width | 26" | 26" |
| Intake Height | 20" | 20" |
| Throw Distance | up to 40 ft | up to 45 ft |
| Weight | 238 lb | 194 lb |
| Starting | 120V electric + recoil | 120V electric + recoil |
| Heated Grips | No | Yes |
| Drive & Handling | 6 forward / 2 reverse friction-disc drive with Just One Hand operation. The overhead crank swings the chute 200 degrees while a dashboard lever handles pitch, and an in-dash LED headlight points where the bucket does. No trigger steering — plan on muscling the turns. | 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. |
| Warranty | 3-year residential, lifetime chute | 3-year limited |
Pros & cons
Troy-Bilt Storm 2620
- ✓Best-in-class width per dollar among name-brand two-stages
- ✓243cc engine handles 12-inch storms at full width in dry snow
- ✓In-dash LED headlight is standard, unlike the Storm 2425
- ✓Just One Hand layout lets you steer and adjust the chute together
- ✓Lifetime chute warranty plus 3-year machine coverage
- ✓Simple carbureted design is easy to service at home
- ✗No trigger power steering — tiring to turn compared with a Cub 2X
- ✗20-inch intake sits an inch shorter than Cub Cadet rivals
- ✗Bogs at full width in deep wet cement-snow
- ✗Heated grips are a paid accessory, not standard
- ✗Carburetor gums up if fuel sits without stabilizer
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