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PowerSmart 24" 212cc Two-Stage Snow Blower vs Toro Power Max 826 OHAE Snow Blower

The Toro Power Max 826 OHAE is the better-built machine and the one to buy if you clear heavy, wet snow or a long driveway and want it to last. The PowerSmart 24-inch is lighter and simpler, and it suits a homeowner with a shorter, flatter driveway who wants two-stage power without the bulk. Owners of the PowerSmart praise its throwing distance and easy assembly, but a notable share report units arriving damaged or never running, and returns took effort. Toro's steel chute, hardened gearbox gears, shear-pin-free auger drive and Quick Stick control are the real differences; the PowerSmart counters with a plastic chute and a lighter frame.

  • Choose the PowerSmart 24-inch if you have a modest driveway, want a lighter machine to push and store, and are willing to inspect it carefully on arrival.
  • Choose the Toro Power Max 826 OHAE if you face heavy or wet snow, want steel construction and single-hand chute control, and value long-term durability over a lighter frame.

Prices

  • PowerSmart 24" 212cc Two-Stage Snow Blower: $729.99 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Toro Power Max 826 OHAE Snow Blower: $1,449.00 at Arco Lawn Equipment (checked today)
  • Difference: the PowerSmart 24" 212cc Two-Stage Snow Blower is $719.01 cheaper than the Toro Power Max 826 OHAE Snow Blower today
2
24'' 212cc Two Stage Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower w/ Electric Start

PowerSmart 24" 212cc Two-Stage Snow Blower

24'' 212cc Two Stage Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower w/ Electric Start

4.3(167 ratings)
$729.99at AmazonChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

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Pros
  • Two-stage clearing at 24 in. wide and 20 in. deep
  • Electric start plus LED light
  • Lighter at 143 lb, easier to handle and store
  • Self-propelled with 4 forward and 2 reverse speeds
  • 13-inch pneumatic tires on a metal frame
Cons
  • Plastic discharge chute can crack in extreme cold
  • Shear pins can break and need replacing
  • Some buyers report damaged arrivals or units that never started
  • Return and refund process drew complaints
Toro
Toro Power Max 826 OHAE (826cc) Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

Toro Power Max 826 OHAE Snow Blower

Toro Power Max 826 OHAE (826cc) Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

$1,449.00at Arco Lawn EquipmentChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Arco Lawn Equipment
Pros
  • 252cc Toro OHV engine with strong torque for wet snow
  • Steel chute and heavy-duty handles
  • Quick Stick lets you aim chute and deflector with one hand
  • Triggerless steering is simple and has fewer parts to break
  • Anti-Clogging System and 11-inch auger keep snow moving
Cons
  • At 189 lb it is heavy to push and store
  • Larger footprint takes more garage space
  • More machine than a small, flat driveway needs

What separates them

PowerSmart 24" 212cc Two-Stage Snow BlowerToro Power Max 826 OHAE Snow Blower
Engine212cc gas engine252cc Toro premium OHV engine
Clearing width24 in.26 in.
Chute materialPlastic, 180° rotationSteel, 200° rotation with Quick Stick single-hand control
Auger drive protectionShear pins (spares included)No shear pins; system designed roughly twice as strong
GearboxAluminum gear case with metal gearsHardened gears in auger gearbox
Speeds4 forward, 2 reverse6 forward, 2 reverse
Weight143 lb, easier to maneuver and store189 lb, heavier and harder to move by hand
Owner-reported reliability4.3 of 5 from 167 ratings; some units arrived damaged or never ranLong-running Toro two-stage line with a strong durability reputation

Price history

$1,449.00$659.99
Nov 9Nov 10
  • PowerSmart 24" 212cc Two-Stage Snow Blower: lowest $659.99 on Nov 9 at Elitsac; $659.99 on Nov 10.
  • Toro Power Max 826 OHAE Snow Blower: lowest $1,449.00 on Nov 9 at Arco Lawn Equipment; $1,449.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

PowerSmart 24" 212cc Two-Stage Snow Blower

  • PowerSmartNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $749.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit PowerSmart
  • DK HardwareNew

    In stock

    $719.70+ $290.00 shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit DK Hardware
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $729.99Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • MyHackerTechNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,037.00Checked 6 h ago
    Visit MyHackerTech
All 9 stores and price history →

Toro Power Max 826 OHAE Snow Blower

  • Acme ToolsNew

    In stock

    $1,499.00Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Acme Tools
  • Arco Lawn EquipmentNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,449.00Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Arco Lawn Equipment
  • Valley Power OmnitizedNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,449.00Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Valley Power Omnitized
  • Arlington Power EquipmentNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,499.00Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Arlington Power Equipment
All 13 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecPowerSmart 24" 212cc Two-Stage Snow BlowerToro Power Max 826 OHAE Snow Blower
Power TypeGasGas
Clearing Width24 in.66 cm
Intake Height20 in.50 cm
CategorySnow BlowerSnow Blower
UseResidentialResidential
Engine Power TypeGasGas
Engine Stage Type2-StageTwo-Stage
Electric StartYesYes
Engine Displacement212cc252 cc
Weight143189 lbs, 85.7 kg
Width24.5 (Package Width)27.8 in (storage), 70.6 cm (storage)
DurabilityRust ResistantHardened Gears (in auger gearbox)
Show all 17 specsShow fewer specs
SpecPowerSmart 24" 212cc Two-Stage Snow BlowerToro Power Max 826 OHAE Snow Blower
MaterialPlastic (chute), Aluminum (gear case), Metal (g…Steel (chute)
Usage LocationYards and outdoor spacesResidential
Typical UsersHomeownersHomeowners
Blade MaterialSteel (auger)—
Handle Material—Steel

What reviewers say

PowerSmart 24" 212cc Two-Stage Snow Blower

  • 4.3 / 5167 ratings

Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 167 ratings. Owners mostly praise its power, easy assembly and how far it throws snow, and several say it handles multiple driveways.

What people mention
  • PowerPraisedOwners say the 212cc two-stage engine throws snow far and handles heavy accumulation.
  • AssemblyPraisedBuyers describe setup as straightforward and quick out of the box.
  • Build qualityMixedThe metal frame and gear case hold up, but the plastic chute and controls feel less sturdy.
  • ReliabilityCriticisedSome buyers received units that arrived damaged or never started.

Toro Power Max 826 OHAE Snow Blower

Owners generally rate the Power Max 826 OHAE highly for its engine power, easy steering and ability to move wet, heavy snow. Complaints tend to focus on its weight and the cost of the no-shear-pin design.

What people mention
  • Engine powerPraisedOwners say the 252cc Toro engine throws snow far and handles deep, wet drifts.
  • SteeringPraisedTriggerless steering is described as easier on the hands than trigger systems.
  • WeightCriticisedAt around 189 lbs, owners find it hard to move and store by hand.
  • Chute controlPraisedThe Quick Stick lets you aim the chute and deflector with one hand.

Questions and answers

Which handles heavy, wet snow better?
The Toro. Its larger 252cc engine, 11-inch auger and Anti-Clogging System move wet snow without constant clogging. The PowerSmart can handle wet snow but is more prone to clogging and bogging down.
Which is easier to store and move around?
The PowerSmart. At 143 lb it is about 46 lb lighter than the Toro, and its 24-inch width fits tighter spaces. The Toro is heavier and wider, so plan for more garage room.
Is the Toro worth stepping up to?
Yes if you get heavy snow, have a long or gravel driveway, or want a machine that lasts many seasons. The steel chute, hardened gears and shear-pin-free drive are the main reasons. For light snow on a short driveway, the PowerSmart is enough.
Which is more reliable?
Toro's two-stage line has a long durability record, and the Power Max uses hardened gears and no shear pins. The PowerSmart's ratings are decent, but a share of buyers report damaged units or no-start problems, so inspect it on delivery.
Do both have electric start?
Yes. Both offer electric start alongside pull start, so cold-morning starts are easier on both machines.
Which steers better?
The Toro. Its triggerless steering needs no levers or triggers, and 6 forward speeds give finer control. The PowerSmart uses conventional self-propelled drive with 4 forward speeds.

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