THIS MODEL IS NOT CURRENTLY BEING MADE BY TORO THIS YEAR. A SUITABLE REPLACEMENT FOR THIS IS THE TORO POWER CLEAR 721 E. It is a cheaper unit with a bit more plastic and worse chute controls. But it’s a really good single stage snow thrower.
The Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE (36002) is a perfect mix of speed, performance, and value. It’s the ideal single-stage gas snow blower for medium sized driveways. While the 24-inch SnowMaster is a single-stage snowblower, it utilizes a hybrid style that give it elements of more powerful two-stage models. This allows for more efficient snow removal while also being lightweight enough to maneuver with ease.
212cc OHV 4-Cycle Engine
Powering the SnowMaster 724 QXE is a 212cc OHV 4-cycle engine. This is a quality engine built by Loncin who are based in China. A quiet design that doesn’t have a throttle control. The OHV engines are a significant upgrade from older flat head engines.
If you are looking for more power from a single-stage, the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE is identical in every way except for the engine. That model has a more powerful 254cc Premium OHV engine.
10-inch Steel Auger Spins 10 Times Faster
Snow is lifted by a steel metal auger that uses their patented helical design. The auger will spin at 10 times the speed of traditional 2-stage snow blowers. The outer edge of the auger is built to push the snow inward while the rest sends it out. Despite the auger’s steel composition, it is a bit on the thin side.
The 724 QXE does a great job of clearing to the surface despite having a plastic scraper. The scraper is compression loaded and makes contact with the ground as it runs. This works best on flat surfaces although does an adequate job on sloped driveways.
Removes Over 2,500 Pounds of Snow a Minute
The SnowMaster 724 QXE has impressive plowing capacity. It will remove 2,500 lbs/min which is wildly impressive for such a small blower. For comparison, the two-stage Toro Power Max 826 OXE has a plowing capacity of only 2,000 pounds per minute. For a single stage, this is a monster.
This model has a 24-inch width and 16-inch depth. It can efficiently handle a foot of snow (and then some). Clearing the neighborhood sidewalks is a dream. Perhaps the only hiccup was with heavy wet snow (or ice) that accumulates at the end of the driveway. Occasionally the 724 would sputter a bit. If you typically end up with large piles from the local snow plows, the 824 QXE might be a better choice.
Throwing Distance of 30-35 Feet
Toro claims these SnowMaster models have a 40 foot maximum throwing distance. That’s close to the truth. Heavier snow cuts that a bit and where the single-stage aspect shows its limitations.
Personal Pace System
Perhaps the most notable feature is their “Personal Pace” system that can be found in their lawnmowers. It works a bit like an automatic transmission to adjust the pace of the snowblower based on your walking speed. This is done by judging the amount of pressure you place on the handlebar. The harder you press (which happens when walking faster), the faster it will go. No need to constantly shift gears to reach your desired speed. It can be jerky at first and take some time to get used to, but once you do it’s great.
While the Personal Pace transmission works well, it does have one drawback. It can be frustrating to use on steep driveways. When going down it will go faster than you’d like. Going up the slope has the opposite effect. Traction can be tough too because of its weight. Again, this is only an issue for really steep driveways.
Automatic Steering
Turning this Toro is easy despite the lack of power steering (it has what they call automatic steering instead). This is because of its lightweight design and wheel locking system. When the snowblower senses a turn, it will lock the inside wheels allowing for a smoother rotation. You will barely notice this taking place but it functions well. Whether this is better than traditional freewheel steering controlled by a lever is up for debate.
Joystick Chute Controls
Toro has been known for their terrific joystick design and this model doesn’t disappoint. You can manually control both the direction (210° radius) and the angle with one hand. Its placement makes it easy to use while simultaneously operating the machine. No single-stage snow blower I’ve come across has controls as nice as this. If you can find a model on display at a store, you should really try it out to see what I mean.
The actual discharge chute is made of a heavy-duty plastic. With normal snow, there is no clogging. Occasionally it backs up at the end of the driveway. Coating it with some non-stick spray alleviates that.
Electric Start
A popular add-on feature is the electric start. This is for the coldest days when the recoil might not work. Or if you just don’t want to contend with throwing your shoulder out in sub-zero temperatures. The feature works by plugging the 724 in and hitting a button.
Besides the electric start, there are no other bells and whistles here. The lack of a headlight is a little disappointing considering other snow blowers at this price have them. The same can be said for heated handlebars.
What is the SnowMaster 724 QXE best for?
The SnowMaster 724 QXE should only be used on paved surfaces. Because they have an auger that touches the ground, it can cause damage to a lawn or turn gravel stones into projectiles. This is especially a concern with this model because of the speed of its auger.
Your standard 2-car driveway is perfect for this machine. Same goes for flat, sloped, and uneven surfaces. It should be noted that the personal pace system becomes more difficult to use the bigger the slope. If you have a steep driveway, you are probably better off with a self-propelled snow blower with variable speeds you can control.
Both models are built for climates that get light to moderate annual snowfalls. An average of around 35-45 inches. Ideal for Midwest cities like Chicago. If you’re out East and deal with heavier snow, you might want to look at a two-stage snow blower.
Warranty
Toro offers a 3-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects on this model.
Conclusion
The SnowMaster 724 QXE is a high-performance single-stage gas snow blower at a terrific price. It’s currently my top pick in the field. The 724QXE should handle most moderate winters of around 35-45 inches.
The engine upgrade on the Toro SnowMaster 824QXE is considerable if you’re concerned with this not having enough. It can handle more snow as well as the heavier stuff. My only problem with the 824 is that if you need a 254cc engine, you may be better off spending a little more for a two-stage snowblower. Something like the 24-inch Ariens Deluxe. That will clear more snow, be easier to handle, and comes with a headlight.
Overall, this tops our single stage snow blower ratings at the moment. Toro makes this feel like a two-stage snowblower at a single-stage price. It provides good power and speed. The lightweight design with “Personal Pace” transmission is easy for anyone to operate. You can’t go wrong with this one.
Specs:
Brand: Toro
Model: 36002
Stage Type: Hybrid Single-Stage Gas
Engine: 212cc OHV 4-cycle
Fuel Capacity: 0.575 gallons
Plowing Capacity: 2500 lbs/min
Clearing Width: 24 inch
Intake height: 18 inch
Throw Distance: 40 feet
Tires: 11 inch (4 inch width)
Weight: 125 pounds
Warranty: 3-year Limited
Features:
Starting Method: Recoil and Electric
Speed/s: Variable Self-Propel (moves at your pace)
Steering System: Automatic Steering (different from power steering)
Chute adjustment: Remote Joystick (210° turning radius)
Headlight: No
Heated handlebars: No
