The Toro 1800 Power Curve is a corded electric snow thrower that gets power from a 15-amp electric motor, which is plugged into an electrical outlet via an outdoor rated power cord. Thus, it needs neither fuel nor oil. Just press the button to throw some snow. This review of the Toro 1800 Power Curve provides an overview of its features and answers a few questions before ending with a conclusion.
Toro 1800 Power Curve: Overview
The Toro 1800 electric snow thrower, number 38381, can clear up to 700 pounds of snow under perfect conditions. Under normal conditions, it will clear less than that. It has a 15-amp electric motor and a belt drive system.
The Toro 1800 has a clearing width of 18 inches, in contrast to the Toro 1500 model, which only has a 15-inch wide clearing width. Its snow rotor is made as one piece with two curved rotor blades. The power curve rotor system and inverted funnel housing reduces clogging while throwing more snow.
The adjustable chute can be turned in a 160-degree arc with the chute lever from behind the controls. Under perfect snow conditions it can throw the snow up to 30-feet away, but in real life it will not throw it that far.
Its wheels are rather small at only 6 inches. The manufacturer gives it a 2-year warranty.
Can I use a 110V electrical outlet?
Yes, you can. It draws 100 volts and 15 amps of electric current. The outlet probably has a 15-amp breaker switch. Do not plug any other appliance into the outlet while using the snow blower. This might overload the 15-amp breaker and make it trip.
What type and length power cord?
The manufacturer recommends an AWG (American Wire Gauge) of 14 for 100-foot power cords. For 150-foot power cords, an AWG of 12 is recommended. Remember that the longer the cord, the more the amperage will drop. It is probably best to get a 100-foot, 12 AWG cold weather extension cord. That way, you can be sure to give the electric motor the 15 amps it requires to run.
Be sure to get an outdoor power cord that is made for use in cold weather. Get one that is blue or orange and therefore visible against white snow.
You may read my Snow Joe iON18SB review if you prefer to use an 18-inch cordless snow blower. You do not have to worry about cutting cords when using a cordless snow thrower, but the battery limits the amount of time you can spend throwing snow.
How much does the Toro 1800 Power Curve weigh?
It only weighs 25 pounds, and it has a convenient handle for lifting and carrying it from one spot to the next. It is therefore light enough to move around without hurting your back.
How far can it throw the snow?
It depends upon the condition of the snow. It will throw light snow about 15 to 20 feet away. Heavy, wet snow won’t get far: around 4 or 5 feet away. You can control the distance to some extent by changing the throwing angle of the discharge chute.
Is the Toro 1800 Power Curve difficult to use on a sloped driveway?
No, it does not weigh much, and is relatively easy to push up a slope. However, it has neither self-propelled wheels with multiple forward speeds, nor a track drive system. Nevertheless, if you take it slow, it won’t be a problem.
What snowfall depths can it clear?
The auger housing is 18 inches wide and 12 inches high, but it depends on how dry or wet the snow is and on how fast you are moving. When the snow is frozen and light, it will clear up to 8 inches at a reasonable pace. When the snow is wet, it might clear around 4 inches.
Conclusion
The Toro 1800 Power Curve electric snow thrower is easy to put together. Attach the handles and levers. Get the correct outdoor extension cord, and it is ready to run. No gasoline, oil or pull-start is needed. The electric motor does not need any maintenance. It does not make a lot of noise. It is much quieter than a gas snow blower.
You do have to keep an eye out for the electric cord. The length of the cord limits you to a maximum working distance of about 100 feet to 150 feet. You also need to keep the power cord out of the way and not run over it with the auger blades.
The Toro 1800 Power Curve is surprisingly light. It is made mostly out of plastic. The wheels are also plastic, which is somewhat disappointing. Rubber tires might have been better. The handlebar is metal, but it could have been made a bit thicker, since it does not feel so strong if you push hard on it.
The intake height of this electric snow thrower is 12 inches high, but that does not mean it will handle 12 inches of snow in one pass. You will need to do two passes of the same area to clean down to the pavement. It can probably handle up to 8 inches of snow without struggling too much, but it prefers light snowfalls and paved driveways.