Snow Blowers

Troy-Bilt Storm 2625 snow blower

This two-stage gas-powered Troy-Bilt has a 26 inch clearing width and comes with electric start. It also has a headlight.

About

The Troy-Bilt Storm 2625 is part of the Snow Blower test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Snow Blower models like the Storm 2625 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Predicted reliability: Predicted brand reliability icons are based on estimated problem rates for newly purchased two-stage gas snow blowers, not under service contract, within the first five years of ownership.

Owner satisfaction: Owner satisfaction icons are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their two-stage gas snow blower brand to their friends and family.

Width: The snow blower's clearing width, or swath, in inches.

Results in the following chart are gathered from Consumer Reports’ 2018 and 2019 Spring Surveys of 16,843 two-stage gas snow blowers, owned by members who purchased a new machine between 2010 and 2019.

Our predicted brand reliability ratings are based on a statistical model that estimates problem rates within the first 5 years of ownership, for two-stage gas snow blowers that are not covered by an extended warranty or service contract. We also adjust for the number of hours of use during the winter of 2018/2019. The median in our survey was 8 hours. Higher ratings are indicative of better reliability. Brands receiving a red or orange rating cannot be recommended by CR at this time.

Our owner satisfaction ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their two-stage gas snow blower brand to friends and family.

Predicted Reliability

Ariens
Briggs & Stratton
Craftsman
Cub Cadet
Honda
Husqvarna
Power Smart
Toro
Troy-Bilt

Source: Consumer Reports' 2018 and 2019 Spring Surveys

Owner Satisfaction

Ariens
Briggs & Stratton
Craftsman
Cub Cadet
Honda
Husqvarna
Power Smart
Toro
Troy-Bilt

Source: Consumer Reports' 2018 and 2019 Spring Surveys

Specs

Engine size Engine size The engine displacement, measured in cubic centimeters for gasoline powered engines. Most manufacturers no longer give a horsepower rating, so engine displacement is now the only universal way to compare relative engine size. Electric motors are stated in amps.
243cc
Electric start Electric start Most models offer a plug-in starting device that saves you the hassle of pull-starting the engine, but you need to be near an outlet.
Yes
Multiple speeds 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.
Yes
Single hand controls 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 lets you hold down both control levers with one hand, leaving the other hand free to adjust the chute controls.
Yes
Freewheel steering 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.
No
Single lever chute adjustment Single lever chute adjustment 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 adjusting manually), all with a single lever.
No
Headlight Headlight Eases snow throwing at night or in low-light situations.
Yes
Heated handgrips Heated handgrips While they're inessential and don't replace a good pair of gloves, they're handy for keeping up blood circulation in your hands.
No
Warranty (yrs.) Warranty Manufacturer's stated warranty in years of coverage. In most cases it applies only to consumer use and not commercial use.
2
Engine type Engine type Either a gasoline-powered, four-cycle engine; a gasoline-powered, two-cycle engine (now rare), or an electric motor. All electric motors are 120V AC-powered.
Four cycle