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205 of 210 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
I have used one for 8 years, December 14, 2004
This review is from: Toro Power Shovel 7.5 Amp Snow Thrower/Electric Broom #38360 (Lawn & Patio)
This little devil has saved my back many times. It is small enough to hang on a hook on the wall. I had gotten it second hand from relatives that were moving to Florida at least 8 years ago. I use it to clear my driveway at home, and then throw it in the back seat of my car to take it to do the sidewalk at my business. Usually, I use it one hand as if using a vacuum cleaner. When the snow is deep...as being plowed in at the end of my driveway, it is light enough to hold like a shovel and scoop out layers from the top down. So it has gotten some heavy use over the years. Last year during one storm I used it to clear a 12'x80' sidewalk with a 2' packed drift made by the snow plow so I could have trucks deliver to my store. I might add that this is a task that a sane person would not have attempted with this, but if I let it freeze up I would have been in trouble.
While this is a big leap over using a regular shovel as far as time and effort it does have it short comings. My two gripes about it are that the extension plug would often be pulled out of it. I solved that by making a knot as if I was first tying a shoelace and then plugging them together.
The second and the reason that I gave it 3 stars is that it directs the snow directly in front. Because of this I start in the middle of the driveway and shoot it to one side and then do the same on the other. I do the same when doing a sidewalk. This is a lot more work then using a blower that directs the snow to the side, and alot messier. Don't expect a clean manicured edge.
I have a corner house and the 180 feet of sidewalk were a real pain. Because if this I recently bought the Toro 38025 1800 Power Curve Snow Thrower that has a wider path and directs the snow. It is still light enough to be thrown in the car, and I won't have to deal with gasoline and starting. I would expect that it will take me half the time and effort over this model.
While $200 more, it is worth it. Amazon also has the YardMachines 31A-040-800 Snow Fox for around $160 that has a 12' path and directs the snow removal.
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88 of 89 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Dig It, November 24, 2005
This review is from: Toro Power Shovel 7.5 Amp Snow Thrower/Electric Broom #38360 (Lawn & Patio)
If you go to Target, Home Depot or any of the other big chains that sell the Toro Electric Shovel you will probably find the same thing that I did...that it is SOLD OUT. Why? Because this is one of the most helpful tools to have ever been placed on the market.
It works fairly well on small driveways; don't forget to pick up a nice long outdoor-use electric extension cord. And use this only on paved surfaces...no loose gravel!
But the real benefit of this tool comes with walkways and DECKS.
If you've got a large driveway, pass on this and go for something with a little more power. If you've got a decent size walkway, you'll love this. It clears the snow with ease and it will last forever; my father-in-law has had his since the early 90s.
If you have a deck with a railing, and your deck isn't covered so it builds up with snow, the Toro Electric Shovel will become your best winter friend. The snow is propelled a good 25 feet and easily clears deck railings. Just don't shoot the snow into the wind (duh). No more throwing out your back from lifting heavy snow over railings with this baby.
No matter where you use this...a word of advice: Try not to let the snow get deeper than about 6". Yes, that means you might have to go out a couple of times. But c'mon...it's fun! The Toro still works in deep snow, but it really isn't designed for it. Any deeper than about 6" and you'll need to "shave the top of the snow accumulation," and you might as well not have the electric shovel for the effort that takes.
Happy snow season!
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63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great backsaver!, March 9, 2003
Up here in Wisconsin we're pretty much guaranteed to get snow during the winter months, however, we don't always get a lot at one time. For snowfalls with a depth of 8" and on up I use a larger snowblower. The powershovel works great for less snow, although, if you're not clearing a large area it'll work great for most any depth. It also works well with both heavy wet and light dusty snowfalls. It really throws the snow, the distance varies depending on the consistency of the snow and the angle that you hold the shovel, but overall I'd say 15 feet. It works perfectly on concrete and asphalt surfaces and with a little technique it'll work well in rough areas. The point is it saves your back, it saves time, and it might even save your life if you have a bad heart. And, if you don't mind clearing snow it is fun to use. It is similar in weight and function to using a weed whip, it can be a workout but nothing near the back breaking workout that you get using an ordinary shovel. It's powered by electricity so you obviously need a cord. It is very important to purchase a cord that will remain flexible in low temperatures and don't skimp on the length. The cord can come unplugged. Some cords come with a locking feature to prevent this or you can be creative and use a plastic zip tie. Hope this helps.
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