The Hybrid Beast: Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE Review
When it comes to winter, there are usually two camps: the “Single-Stage” crowd (who love speed and a clean scrape) and the “Two-Stage” crowd (who need to move massive piles). The Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE (36003) effectively deletes the line between them.
It’s a hybrid that handles like a nimble single-stage but packs the punch of a 252cc engine. In our latest video, we put it to the test against the “frozen wall” left by the city plow to see if this “In-Line 2-Stage” system is the real deal.
What Makes the SnowMaster Different?
The SnowMaster isn’t a traditional two-stage blower. It uses an In-Line 2-Stage system. Instead of a slow-moving auger feeding a separate high-speed impeller, the SnowMaster features a single, high-speed helical auger that spins 10 times faster than a standard two-stage.
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Engine: 252cc Toro Premium 4-cycle (No mixing gas/oil).
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Speed: 30% faster clearing than a traditional two-stage.
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Personal Pace®: This is the same tech found on Toro mowers—the machine automatically speeds up or slows down based on your walking pace.
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Automatic Steering: No triggers or levers needed to turn; the machine senses your direction and adjusts power to the wheels for hairpin turns.
The Stats: Performance at a Glance
| Feature | Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE Specs |
| Clearing Width | 24 inches |
| Intake Height | 18 inches |
| Throw Distance | Up to 45 feet |
| Weight | 131 lbs (Lighter than most two-stage units) |
| Chute Control | Quick Stick® (Joystick control) |
Real-World Testing: Wet Snow & Ice
The 824 QXE is rated to handle snow up to 12 inches deep, but we pushed it into 18-inch drifts.
The helical auger design is the star here. Because it’s open and tall, it doesn’t clog as easily in wet, “mashed potato” snow. While a standard single-stage would stall and a traditional two-stage might be too slow, the SnowMaster “chews” through the pile at a jogging pace.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your poly skid shoes. The SnowMaster is designed to glide over obstacles and garage floors without leaving scuff marks, but they will wear down over time. Replacing them annually ensures you keep that “clean scrape” down to the pavement.
The Verdict: Is it right for you?
The Toro 824 QXE is perfect for you if: You have a large paved driveway (up to 12 cars), you value speed over raw “bulldozing” power, and you want something that anyone in the family can maneuver without fighting heavy metal handles.
Give it a miss if:
You have a gravel driveway (the auger hits the ground) or if you live in an area where 2-foot blizzards are the weekly norm. In those cases, the Toro Power Max HD series is your better bet.
Watch the SnowMaster in Action
Want to see the Quick Stick® in a “Joystick Battle” against a snow drift? Check out the full video review here: [https://youtu.be/hhMfb8BMAVE]
