Small but Mighty: Is the Toro Power Clear 518 ZR Your Next Winter Essential?
If you’re tired of breaking your back with a shovel but don’t want a massive, gas-guzzling beast taking up half your garage, you’re looking for a “Goldilocks” machine. In our latest video, we put the Toro Power Clear 518 ZR (38472) to the test to see if this compact single-stage unit can actually handle a real driveway.
Is it a “duster” or a “shredder”? Let’s dive into the details.
Key Specs: The Tale of the Tape
The 518 ZR is designed for maneuverability and ease of use, but don’t let the small footprint fool you. It’s packed with Toro’s signature clearing technology.
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Engine: Toro Premium 99cc 4-cycle OHV (No gas/oil mixing required).
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Clearing Width: 18 inches—perfect for sidewalks and 4–8 car driveways.
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Throw Distance: Up to 25 feet.
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Weight: A nimble 54 lbs.
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Drive System: Auger-Propelled (The rubber paddles pull you forward).
Why the “Power Curve” System Matters
The secret sauce of the 518 ZR is the Power Curve® Technology. Unlike many entry-level blowers that just “toss” snow, the curved rotor and inverted funnel housing are designed to shred through snow and clear all the way down to the pavement.
In our video, you can see how the rubber paddles maintain constant contact with the concrete. This doesn’t just clear the snow; it essentially “cleans” the ground, leaving behind much less slush than a heavy two-stage machine would.
Note: Because the paddles touch the ground, this machine is strictly for paved surfaces (concrete or asphalt). Using it on gravel will turn it into a rock-launcher!
Performance: Light Fluff vs. The Plow Pile
During our testing, we found the 518 ZR shines in 2–6 inches of snow. It’s incredibly fast and easy to whip around corners.
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Light & Dry: It eats this for breakfast. You can practically run behind it.
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Heavy & Wet: It holds its own, but you’ll need to take smaller “bites” (half-width passes) to prevent the chute from clogging.
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The End-of-Driveway Pile: This is the ultimate test. While it lacks the raw torque of its bigger brother (the Toro 721), it can get through plow piles if you work it slowly.
Toro 518 ZR vs. Battery Alternatives
With the rise of 60V and 80V battery blowers, why stick with gas?
| Feature | Toro 518 ZR (Gas) | 60V Battery Equivalents |
| Runtime | Unlimited (just add gas) | Limited (30–45 mins avg) |
| Startup | 1–2 Pulls (Guaranteed) | Push-Button |
| Storage | Folding handles | Folding handles |
| Power Consistency | High until tank is empty | Can fade as battery drains |
The Verdict: Who is the 518 ZR for?
If you have a standard suburban driveway, limited storage space, or simply want a machine that your spouse or teenager can easily handle, the Toro 518 ZR is a top-tier choice. It’s reliable, lightweight, and significantly more powerful than any corded electric model.
Watch the Video Review
See the 518 ZR in action and watch our “Cold Start” test to see if that Guaranteed-to-Start promise actually holds up! https://youtu.be/nkkvwUNa448
