Forums Archive Index > Snowblowers-Reviews Only Please > Toro 3650 Snowblower Review
Date: 10 Sep 2005 6:20 am
I was looking for a single stage thrower because of the ease of use (in case my wife needed it), cleaning to the surface, as well as the needs for our area (a few snows per year, with most being 3-8 inches; and an occasional "big one"). After researching all that I could about it I decided to get the Toro 3650 with electric start and am extremely happy with the resultant.
My driveway is about 2200 square feet with a slight incline at the EOD (I can park about 14 cars in the drive and turnaround). My garage has 2 foot high walls on each side of the door and I had no trouble manuevering by the door or walls.
I have also used it on a long incline of about 1-3/4 inches per foot with an 8 inch snow and had no problems whatsoever. The auger touching the ground does pull the unit forward quite well. I know that the Snow Commander "prides itself" in its tilt-drive feature, but I think the auger on the 3650 does a fine job without the "extra parts", cost, or size.
The maximum depth it can go through is 12 inches which isn't a problem in light snow, although 12 inch EOD snow required taking smaller bites or tilting the head back to shave the top on the first pass and then cleaning with the second. 6-8 EOD is no problem.
To clean about 3-6 inches off the 2200 square feet takes about 10-15 minutes. In turn, I have to find other places to clean if I want more time in the snow.
Its two stroke engine requires gas/oil mix, which to some is a "problem"; although the ratio is the same as my weed whacker so I have it on hand anyway. The beauty being that my gas never gets stale.
If you are throwing directly to your left or right it has a tendancy to push the 3650 sideways a little (torque steer). This can be corrected/reduced by turning the chute and throwing further ahead of you.
I haven't used the electric start yet, as I got that feature in the event my wife needed to use it. I should at least try it so I know if it works.
The handle flips forward for storage, so storage space needed is a minimum (about the same as a walkbehind lawn mower). When I brought it home from the store it fit in the back seat of a Dodge Intrepid (still in the box). In turn, if I need to transport it for any reason it can be lifted and fit into the back an SUV without a problem (or for those times when you decide to take it to Moms house and get yourself written back into the will.)
All in all I love the thing, I just wish we got more snow, more often.
(My pros and cons were copied from another post, although I agree 100% with each of them. Either Sorry or Thank You EMMO)
Pros:
Easy start
Great throwing distance
Cleans to the surface
Plenty of power
Cons:
Torque steer.
Date Purchased: 10/2004
Price Paid: $700 (without electric start $600)
Recommend: Yes