Toro Power Curve 1800 38381 information from Consumer Reports

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Toro Power Curve 1800 38381

Price range:

$275.99 - $299.99

Summary: This electric -powered Toro is 18 inches wide with electric start.

1 person has reviewed this model.

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Type: Single-stage electric snow blowers

About - Toro Power Curve 1800 38381
The Toro Power Curve 1800 38381 is part of the snow blower test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, snow blower models like the Power Curve 1800 38381 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below. Width (in.): The clearing width, or swath, in inches. Removal speed: Removal speed is how quickly models could remove snow without laboring; single-stage machines were pushed as quickly as possible before the machine labored. Plow pile removal: How fast the snow thrower can remove a simulated pile of snow left by a municipal plow at the end of a driveway.

About - Toro Power Curve 1800 38381

The Toro Power Curve 1800 38381 is part of the snow blower test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, snow blower models like the Power Curve 1800 38381 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Width (in.):: The clearing width, or swath, in inches.
Removal speed:: Removal speed is how quickly models could remove snow without laboring; single-stage machines were pushed as quickly as possible before the machine labored.
Plow pile removal:: How fast the snow thrower can remove a simulated pile of snow left by a municipal plow at the end of a driveway.

About This Brand
One of the market leaders in snow-blower sales, Toro sells a variety of electric models in addition to single- and two-stage gas models at outdoor power equipment dealers and Home Depot. It markets the electric models under the Power Curve and Power Shovel line names and the gas models under the Power Shift and Power Max line names. Electric modelshave snow clearing widths of 12 to 18 inches. Gas models have snow clearing widths of 16 to 28 inches and available electric start.

About This Brand

One of the market leaders in snow-blower sales, Toro sells a variety of electric models in addition to single- and two-stage gas models at outdoor power equipment dealers and Home Depot. It markets the electric models under the Power Curve and Power Shovel line names and the gas models under the Power Shift and Power Max line names. Electric modelshave snow clearing widths of 12 to 18 inches. Gas models have snow clearing widths of 16 to 28 inches and available electric start.

Features & Specs - Toro Power Curve 1800 38381
Engine size Engine Size is the engine displacement measured in cubic centimeters for gasoline powered engines. Most manufacturers not longer give a horsepower rating. Engine displacement is now the only universal way to compare relative engine size. Electric motors are stated in amps. Engine size	15amp
Electric start Most models offer a plug-in startng device that saves you the hassle of pull-starting the engine, but you need to be near an outlet. Electric start	Yes
Multiple speeds For two-stage models, most come with multiple forward speeds and two reverse speeds. The ability to vary ground speed according to snow conditions gets the job done faster. Some of the least expensive two-stage models have only one forward speed. Multiple speeds	No
Single hand controls Most two-stage models have individual lever controls on each side of the handlebar, one engaging the wheel traction and the other for engaging the auger/impeller. This feature allows both control levers to be held down with one hand, leaving the other hand free to adjust the chute controls. Single hand controls	No
Freewheel steering For two-stage models, this feature, which usually consists of triggers under each handlebar, disengages either or both the left and right drive wheels for easy, sharp turning. Freewheel steering	No
Single lever chute adjustment Only on two-stage models, a single lever or "joystick" on the control panel allows for quick changes to the horizontal discharge direction (the alternative is a hand crank) and to the vertical discharge height (the alternative is leaving the operator position and manual adjustment) all with a single lever. Single lever chute adjustment	No
Headlight This eases snow throwing at night or in low-light situations. Headlight	No
Heated handgrips Heated handgrips are a nicety, though they don't replace a good pair of gloves. Heated handgrips	No
Warranty (yrs.) Manufacturer's stated warranty in years of coverage. In most cases it applies only to consumer use and not commercial use. Warranty (yrs.)	2
More features and specs

User Reviews - Toro Power Curve 1800 38381

Consumer Reports User Reviews

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Lazy Jon

from

Suburban Chicago, IL

(11 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

3.0

Good for small areas but not very rugged

4/22/2012

Pros

Clears to the Pavement

Lightweight

Maneuverable

No Carburetor to Maintain

No Exhaust to Breathe

Cons

Bogs Down in Deep Snow

Easy to Damage

Best Uses

Narrow Driveway

Sidewalks

Small Lots

Comment:

I bought this unit because I don't like maintaining gasoline-powered equipment and especially dislike breathing 2-cycle engine exhaust. Works well in light to moderate snow. Heavy, wet snow should be taken slowly to avoid overheating its motor, although it did clear a 10 inch snow acceptably if slowly. I cracked the plastic final drive pulley after pushing its blade into a protruding edge of a concrete slab. The all-plastic construction is not built to handle hard use. I'm going to click on the recommend to a friend button, but would only do so after stating the above reservations. Also remember that you'll need to wrestle with a heavy 14ga extension cord.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

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