By the time you have heavy snow, it’s already too late to be thinking about a snowblower. To add insult to injury, while shoveling your driveway, you will probably be treated to one of your neighbors casually snow blowing theirs.
To help avoid this unfortunate circumstance, I’m going to compare the Ariens vs Toro snow blower to find out which one has the best function, features, and reliability.
Which Is Better, Ariens or Toro?
Comparing Ariens and Toro snow blowers can be a challenge. Both companies offer high-quality snow blowers that often have similar abilities. Deciding between the two brands requires you to question less obvious characteristics such as durability, reliability, and engine quality.
To make this comparison fairer, I’m comparing single and two-stage snow blowers separately.
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Ariens Best Single Stage Snow Blower
Ariens’ best single-stage snowblower is its SS 21. This snow blower has a large 21 inch by 12.2-inch intake. The large intake allows you to clear an area in fewer passes.
Some snow blowers have a large intake but don’t have the engine to back it up. This is not the case with the SS 21. It features an AX 208 cc engine that is more than capable of handling any winter storm.
Additionally, it has a single-stage operation with one forward speed for ease of use. It will make quick work of driveways, patios, and sidewalks.
The SS 21 has an 8.375 inch reinforced rubber auger that helps propel the SS 21 forward and clear snow quickly and easily.
The reinforced rubber auger and large engine allow the SS 21 to move 1900 lbs. of snow per minute. Additionally, it throws the snow 25 feet!
One of my favorite features is the effortless, keyless start sequence. It guarantees a successful start in any weather condition.
Toro’s Best Single Stage Snow Blower
Toro’s Power Clear 721 QZE is a comparable single-stage snowblower.
The 721 also features a 21-inch quick chute for quick clearing of large spaces. It also has an engine to back up this feature. The 721 has a slightly larger 212 cc 4-cycle OHV engine. The larger engine makes a difference. The 721 can throw snow at an incredible 35 feet!
Toro’s 721 features an easy aim feature that allows you to aim snow as you turn. You can quickly change the chute direction from behind the machine.
The 721 is designed to be a powerful snowblower in a compact package. Its sleek, compact design means that it is easy to store while not sacrificing any capability.
You do not have to be worried about starting the Toro 721 because it comes with a guaranteed-to-start promise. The engine will start in 1 or 2 pulls every time. This is the perfect high-powered machine for anyone requiring mobility. The self-propulsion makes it the best snowblower for the elderly where ease of control and movement is essential.
Snow Blower Feature Comparison
Ariens SS 21
- 208 cc Engine
- Push to Start
- 25 ft. blowing distance
- Size: 50.8 in x 41.7 in x 21.2 in
- 8.375 in Auger
- Less Expensive
Toro Power Clear 721
- 212 cc Engine
- Guaranteed quick start with 1 or 2 pulls
- 35 ft. blowing distance
- Size: 48 in x 42 in x 21 in
- 8.5 in Auger
- More Expensive
Who Makes the Engines for Toro and Ariens
There are distinct differences between the engines on the Toro and Ariens snow blowers.
Ariens Engines
Ariens snow blowers have either Briggs and Stratton Polar Force engines or the new Ariens AX series. The AX series is manufactured in China. The SS 21 has an AX series engine.
Toro Engines
Toro snow blowers feature Toro’s premium engine design. Toro contracts Loncin, one of China’s largest motorcycle manufacturers, to build the engines.
Which Is the Most Reliable Snow Blower Brand?
Both Toro and Ariens make high-quality snow blowers. However, I think a few notable features of the Ariens SS 21 tip the scales in its favor.
The Ariens SS 21 features a steel chute compared to the Toro 721’s plastic chute. Additionally, the push to start feature is far more appealing and reliable than the “1 to 2 pull start guarantee” that the 721 has.
Finally, the Ariens SS 21 has a three-year warranty compared to the Toro’s two years. The extra year is a strong indication of the quality of the Ariens snowblower.
Who Makes the Best 2 Stage Snowblower?
To compare the Ariens vs. Toro snowblower, we have to look at their two-stage snow blowers as well.
Ariens Two-Stage Snow Blower
Unlike a single-stage snowblower, two-stage snow blowers have a separate impeller that tosses snow through the chute.
The Ariens Deluxe 28 inch 2-stage snow blower is a powerful machine. Its 28-inch clearing width lets you clear large areas quickly, and its 254 cc AX snow engine will not disappoint you.
It’s a self-propelled snowblower. You are given maximum control with six different forward speeds and two reverse speeds.
Finally, its 120-volt electric push-to-start guarantees a quick and easy start even in the harshest of conditions.
Toro Two-Stage Snow Blower
Toro’s two-stage snowblower is a beast of a snowblower. The Power Max HD 1030 clears snow up to 30 inches wide and 21 inches deep with its 302 cc 4-cycle engine. Additionally, this powerful machine can throw snow a whopping 49 feet!
You can work day or night with its LED headlights and hand warmers. Like the Ariens two-stage, the Toro Power Max is self-propelled and has six speeds forward and two speeds in reverse.
The Power Max HD features Toro’s patented Anti-Clogging System, which minimizes clogging so you can keep working.
This powerful machine is built to last and features an all-steel construction. Finally, it also features push-to-start.
Verdict: Ariens vs Toro Snow Blower
Ariens and Toro both produce high-quality two-stage snow blowers. Both companies make powerful machines that will power through the most challenging conditions. However, there is a winner.
Just like the single-stage, the Ariens two-stage snow blower stands out. The excellent build quality and the three-year warranty stand out. Finally, Ariens’ excellent customer service pushes its snowblower past the finish line ahead of the Toro.
