It works but indeed will crack in winter if not drained
924246
I'm one of those that apparently did not drain the back flow correctly and the union ring split from freezing.  I'm going to pay a little more and go for a brass version from a different manufacturer.  Even though black plastic and probably UV resistant, it has always worried me that this is exposed to the sun year after year which typically cause UV inbrittlement.  After all the pvc pipe is not suppose to be exposed to the sun for long periods.
1654088
Pro: Light weight; no clog; decent power
Con: Plastic housing makes it hard to slice thru compact snow

I live in Washington DC area and tested it once on last month's snowstorm /thundersnow that paralized entire region.  I wanted to wait for another blizzard before writing a review but today temp is 70+ so what the heck.

The wintry mix left the snow compact.  Many reviews warned not to wait till the snow over but I didn't get home till 9 p.m. (still luckier than lots of folks who didn't make home past midnight) so I didn't pull the Toro out till next morning.  To be fair, this is not a type of snow this blower is designed for.  I had to break the snow with a garden shovel then plow the blower thru it.  The problem is the con I mentioned above.  The bottom half of both sidewalls is more than 1 inch thick.  The blower could not slice thru the snow so the paddles kept on spinning on air.  I leaned my weight on it but that didn't help.  Once I broke the snow with a shovel, the Toro could throw that sluggish, heavy stuff about 8 feet.  That was far enough to clear my driveway and sidewalk.  By listening to the noise, the machine didn't seem to slow down throwing that heavy snow.  That tells me it is powerful enough to handle the job if it can get to the snow.

Some complained about the cord.  I kept the cord on my right side and swiped the machine toward the left or vice versa.  The cord was always out of my way.  Don't judge it by its plasticky appearance.  It is adequate. Your snow shovels are made of plastic as well.  I got a 100 foot 12 gauge extension cord and that worked well.

It cleared my small driveway and corner-lot sidewalk in 3 hours.  It's about the same time with shoveling but my back is saved.  My next door got a compact gas powered Toro and it didn't fare much better.  However, it did his driveway and sidewalk in half the time without him breaking the snow first but he felt it couldn't handle it.

I've lived in this region for 20 years and this was the 3rd time we got a snowstorm/wintry mix like this so I think this Toro is a keeper for those who have short driveway and short sidewalk.  My extension cord can't get to the end of the sidewalk but some contractors advised against using a 150footer even with better gauge.

I'm tempting to sell it anyway.
2355095
decent scraper but be VERY  CAREFUL.  I used to hit the sides of the head on my tires to clear the snow from the brush part.  I didn't realize it had exposed metal pieces that scratch your vehicle while removing snow.  Scratched the heck out of my new truck (had to apply scratch paint).  Use with caution and it works good.
3951373
Simple to install, but probably will not stand the test of time and weather.
4208817
ripped at the seam when taking off pool in spring.  Worked fine during winter, but it is essentially a disposable cover.
4092215
CAREFUL!  this will tear if the ice/or snow is heavy. Did not last one full winter season...and I'm in the South!!
698594
It may be my fault, but I was under the impression that this product could withstand the normal expansion and contraction that a driveway undergoes during the year.  It appears that it can't. Applied last fall and after a mild VA winter, the same, small (1/8") cracks appeared.  That said, it's a pretty good, not great so far product. Certainly better than the liquid fillers you buy at Home Depot, etc. Yes it's a little messy, but you know that going into it, use throwaway gloves. Use a gas burner, never mind the water technique, you'll be out all day. Make an "outside" container from flashing to contain heat on the can. Use quickly ! It dries fast, but you just have to continually re-heat the container.  Forget plastic handle, it melts, kind of dumb to have a plastic handle when you heating on a gas burner!  Make a handle from some heavy wire or just crimp the edge and use pliers (that you will probably throw away. Use a metal scraper to spread it out. You will probably want to put a driveway sealer over it unless you want a bunch of "stripes" on your driveway.  I used Rustoluem's Epoxyshield. Looks great !
208761
I live in the DC area and had to use this item, just after purchase, to clear the results of the last two monster snowstorms we got this year (2010). With that much snow (in the 2 to 3 foot range, plus even bigger drifts and snow-plow created piles in front of the cars), don't expect this snow shovel to clear everything without a large amount of effort. Also, with snow at that level, you can expect to have to use a combination of a regular old shovel and the Toro shovel.

That said, this shovel works quite well if you persist at it, and is quite adequate by itself if the snow level is about 8 inches or less. As other reviewers have said, you have to be careful in which direction - and which angle - you point the thing, otherwise you will get a cloud of fine snow blowing back onto you. You should also make sure to get an electric cord that is rated for the amperage that this shovel requires, to be on the safe side.

Overall, this is a good buy if you have the typical townhouse unit space to clear (I have an end-unit TH with parking spaces for 2 cars - no garage). It won't work as effortlessly as a larger gas-powered snow blower, but then again, you won't have maintenance issues or have to shell out a lot of money for this handy little unit either.
2114761
It worked fine in the winter, but one 90-plus degree day and the gel ring on the suction cup melted and dripped down the windshield and onto the dash. The suction cup would not work without it and I still am trying various cleaning solutions to remove the residue.
1822333
I purchased this last year and it worked fine once I figured it out. At first it would shut off after the first of the two tanks emptied. I thought it was broke. However, the trick is that it needs to be leveled out just right such that second tank can kick in after the first tank is empty. This took some experimenting with shims under the left side front wheel. It's an interesting design. The two tanks are offset such that the right side tank always empties first. But, if the unit is not leveled correctly the second tank will never drain. Actually, even if this is the case it will still "work", you'll just find you are constantly filling the first tank.
2614908
It works as advertised.  Cheaper ones crack too easily.
4513175
I like this so far and it seems to be working.  We haven't had a very cold winter yet, but there was a day or two when I dumped the bowl out and the water froze on the ground.  I leave water outside because it's less mess than leaving a bowl in the house.  My dogs will stand by the door to let me know they want the water or to go out.
983236
I bought this for the porch steps at my house, as its small and light, BUT, there is no
way to direct the snow. it always goes straight, and if the wind is against you, you
will get a face full, also the habdle has a way of coming loose, and if your not careful
I can see it stripping quite easily. the unit does have good power for clearing snow,
but I like to direct the snow. I give it three stars, just for those two reasons.
3591900
It's working so far. Only time will tell if it will last the winter.
4289547
Does what I expect it to do. If there is a bit of snow/ice on it, it is practically useless but that's expected. Brush the snow off after each run and you'll be fine.
1179657
It worked pretty well but needs to be a little heavier to get through snow that has not been compacted.
1888730
Works well on powder snow.  Not so good on heavy crusty snow