Toro Power Clear 721 R Review

Introduction: Why I Chose the Toro Power Clear 721 R

After years of wrestling with a heavy, gas-powered two-stage snow blower that felt like piloting a boat through my driveway, I decided it was time for a change. My property has a significant slope, uneven flagstone paths, and a gravel walkway that always gummed up the auger on my old machine. I needed something lighter, more maneuverable, and less maintenance-intensive. The Toro Power Clear 721 R caught my eye because it promised the power of a cordless electric unit with the handling of a much smaller machine. I was skeptical about battery-powered snow removal, but after two major storms and several nuisance dustings, I have a clear picture of what this machine can and cannot do.

Let me be upfront: I purchased this unit myself. I am not a sponsored reviewer, and I have no affiliation with Toro. My goal is to give you a real-world account of what it is like to live with the Power Clear 721 R, especially if you are considering ditching gas or dealing with tricky terrain.

How I Tested It

I live in the northeastern United States, where we get a mix of wet, heavy snow and dry, powdery stuff. Over the course of two months, I used the Toro Power Clear 721 R on my 60-foot driveway (which has a 10-degree slope), a 40-foot front walk, and a small patio. I tested it in the following conditions:

• Light dusting (1-2 inches): Dry, fluffy snow.
• Moderate storm (6-8 inches): Wet, heavy snow with a layer of ice underneath.
• Heavy storm (12+ inches): A classic nor’easter with deep, wind-packed snow.
• Slush and melt: The messy, half-frozen slush that appears after a thaw.
• Gravel and uneven ground: My flagstone walkway and a gravel parking pad.

I used two different battery setups: a set of two 7.5 Ah batteries and a set of two 6.0 Ah batteries. I timed each run, noted the snow type, and paid close attention to how the machine handled slopes, clogs, and the dreaded end-of-driveway pile left by the plow.

Performance: Where It Shines and Where It Struggles

Excellent on Slopes and Uneven Terrain

This is the reason I bought the 721 R, and it delivered. At just 35 pounds, the machine is incredibly light. On my sloped driveway, I can easily pivot the machine with one hand while walking alongside it. The wheels grip well on packed snow and ice, and the lightweight frame means I never feel like I am fighting the machine to keep it from sliding downhill. On my flagstone path, which has uneven joints and slight elevation changes, the 721 R glides over the bumps without digging in or getting stuck. The plastic chassis and rubberized wheels do not damage the stone surfaces, which was a constant worry with my old metal auger machine.

For anyone with a sloped driveway or irregular surfaces, this is a game changer. The balance is excellent. The weight is low and centered, so even on a 15-degree incline, the machine stays planted. I never once felt it was going to tip over or slide sideways.

The Anti-Clog Design Is Genuinely Effective

Toro’s marketing calls this the “Anti-Clog System,” and I was skeptical. I have had every snow blower I have ever owned clog up with wet, sticky snow. The 721 R uses a curved, steel auger that is designed to shear through snow and eject it without packing up. In my testing, it worked. During the wet, heavy snow test (6-8 inches with a slushy base), the machine never once clogged. The chute stayed clear, and the snow shot out in a steady stream. I deliberately tried to clog it by feeding it wet snow at a fast walking pace. Nothing. The auger chewed through it and threw it 20-25 feet.

This is a huge deal. With my old gas machine, I would have to stop every 5 minutes to clear the chute with a stick. The 721 R saved me that frustration entirely. The only time I saw any buildup was when I tried to clear the end-of-driveway slush pile that had been sitting for 12 hours. Even then, a quick shake of the machine cleared it. The anti-clog feature is not a gimmick; it is a genuine time saver.

Lightweight at 35 Pounds

I cannot overstate how much I appreciate the weight. Lifting it into my shed is trivial. Maneuvering it around a car, a mailbox, or a landscaping bed is effortless. I can pick up the front end to clear a stubborn patch of ice. The trade off, of course, is that it does not have the heft of a self-propelled machine. You have to push it. But because it is so light, pushing it through 8 inches of snow is not a chore. It feels more like pushing a well-balanced wheelbarrow than a heavy machine. For a person of average strength (I am 5’10”, 175 lbs), this is very manageable.

Not Self-Propelled: The Biggest Trade Off

Here is the honest truth: the 721 R is not self-propelled. You have to push it. For flat, short driveways, this is a non-issue. For my sloped driveway, it is actually an advantage because I can control the speed. But if you have a long, flat driveway (over 100 feet) or if you have mobility issues, the lack of self-propulsion will be a dealbreaker. On flat ground, you are pushing the full weight of the machine plus the snow load. It is not heavy, but it is not effortless either. I found myself taking a short break after clearing the full driveway because my arms got a bit tired. It is not exhausting, but it is not the “push a button and walk” experience of a self-propelled gas unit.

Also, the wheels are not pneumatic. They are hard plastic with a rubber tread. On packed snow and ice, they grip fine. On loose gravel, they can slip a little if you try to push too fast. But for most surfaces, the grip is adequate.

Battery and Charger Sold Separately

This is a major point of frustration. The Toro Power Clear 721 R is sold as a “tool only.” You must buy the batteries and charger separately. Toro uses a proprietary battery system (the 60V platform). If you do not already own Toro 60V batteries, you are looking at a significant additional cost. A two-pack of 7.5 Ah batteries and a charger can cost around $400-$500. That essentially doubles the price of the machine. I already had batteries from other Toro tools, so this was not an issue for me. But if you are new to the platform, factor that into your budget. It is a huge con for first-time cordless tool buyers.

Battery life is decent but not spectacular. With two 7.5 Ah batteries, I can clear about 1,500 square feet of 6-inch snow on a single charge. That is my driveway, walk, and patio. For deeper snow (12 inches), I got about 800 square feet before the batteries started to slow down. The machine has a “power boost” mode for tough conditions, which drains the batteries faster. I used power boost for the heavy snow and slush, and it cut my runtime by about 30%. Plan accordingly. You will likely need a second set of batteries for a large property.

Build and Value

Build Quality

The 721 R feels well-made for a plastic-bodied machine. The auger is steel and looks robust. The chute control is a simple twist handle that works smoothly. The handlebars are comfortable and have a soft grip. The battery compartment is weather-sealed, and I had no issues with snow or moisture getting into the contacts. The only thing that feels a bit cheap is the chute deflector (the part that controls the height of the snow stream). It is plastic and feels like it could snap if you crank it too hard in freezing conditions. But so far, it has held up.

The machine is very quiet compared to gas. I can clear snow at 7 AM without waking up my neighbors. There is no smell, no oil changes, no spark plugs. Maintenance is essentially zero: wipe it down, store it, charge the batteries.

Value

This is where things get tricky. The machine itself (without batteries) retails for around $500-$600. With two 7.5 Ah batteries and a charger, you are looking at $900-$1,100. For that price, you can buy a very good gas two-stage snow blower that is self-propelled and can handle deeper snow. So why buy the Toro? Because of the weight, the anti-clog, and the terrain handling. If you have a short, sloped, uneven driveway, the 721 R is worth the premium. If you have a long, flat, straight driveway, a gas self-propelled machine will give you more bang for your buck.

I also consider the battery investment. If you already own Toro 60V tools (like their string trimmer or leaf blower), the 721 R is a no-brainer. You already have the batteries, and the machine is excellent. If you are starting from scratch, you have to decide if you want to commit to the Toro ecosystem.

Who Should Buy It

This snow blower is for a specific type of homeowner. You should buy the Toro Power Clear 721 R if:

• You have a sloped driveway or uneven terrain. The lightweight design and balance make it the best machine I have used on hills.
• You deal with wet, heavy snow. The anti-clog system is a lifesaver.
• You have a small to medium driveway (under 1,500 sq ft). Battery life is sufficient for this size.
• You dislike gas engine maintenance. No oil, no gas, no carburetor issues.
• You already own Toro 60V batteries. This is the perfect tool to add to your collection.
• You need a machine that is easy to lift and store. At 35 lbs, it is very portable.

You should NOT buy it if:

• You have a long, flat driveway (over 2,000 sq ft). The lack of self-propulsion and limited battery life will frustrate you.
• You cannot or will not invest in the batteries. The total cost is high for a single-stage unit.
• You expect to clear heavy, deep snow regularly (over 12 inches). It can do it, but it struggles and drains batteries fast.
• You have mobility issues or back problems. Pushing a 35 lb machine is easy, but it is still pushing.
• You need to clear a gravel driveway often. The hard plastic wheels can slip, and the auger can pick up stones.

My Verdict

After two months of heavy use, the Toro Power Clear 721 R has earned a permanent spot in my shed. It is not perfect. The lack of self-propulsion and the separate battery cost are real drawbacks. But for my specific situation (sloped driveway, wet snow, flagstone paths), it is the best snow blower I have ever owned. It handles the hill better than any gas machine I have used, it never clogs, and it is so light that I actually look forward to clearing snow instead of dreading it.

I would give it a strong recommendation with caveats. If your driveway matches the profile I described, buy it. You will love it. If you have a long, flat driveway or a tight budget, look elsewhere. For me, the pros (terrain handling, anti-clog, weight) far outweigh the cons (no self-propulsion, battery cost). It is a specialized tool that excels at its intended job. I have no regrets about my purchase, and I expect to use it for many winters to come.

Just remember to budget for the batteries. And if you can, buy the 7.5 Ah ones. The extra runtime makes a real difference in deep snow.