Toro 38753 Power Clear 721 E
The Toro 38753 Power Clear 721 E is a high-performing single-stage gas snow blower built for homeowners who want quick, powerful, and efficient snow removal from medium to large, paved driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Equipped with a 212cc Toro Premium 4-cycle OHV engine, it offers dependable cold-weather starting and strong power without the need to mix gas and oil, making it both easy to maintain and reliable in sub-freezing temperatures. Featuring a 21-inch clearing width and a 12.5-inch intake height, it’s capable of tackling snowfalls up to about 9–12 inches deep and can throw snow up to 35 feet, making it ideal for driveways that fit up to nine cars or similarly sized paved areas. The Power Curve® rotor system and streamlined housing design efficiently move snow while minimizing clogging and clearing right down to the pavement, which helps save time and energy during snow removal. For the best efficiency, start snow clearing early preferably before snow reaches more than 8 inches deep since lighter, fresher snow allows for faster clearing and reduces strain on the engine. Work in consistent, slightly overlapping passes to ensure complete coverage, and use the chute’s 210-degree adjustable control to direct snow away from areas you’ve already cleared to avoid double work. In heavier or wetter snow conditions, slow your forward pace slightly or make shallower passes to prevent clogging and keep throw distance consistent. The electric start feature simplifies operation just plug in and press the button for reliable ignition, even on the coldest mornings. For troubleshooting, if the engine won’t start, check for fresh gasoline (avoid ethanol-heavy fuel), confirm the oil level is correct (5W-30 for cold weather), and inspect the spark plug for fouling or loose connections. If snow isn’t being thrown far enough, shut off the engine and check the chute and auger housing for compacted snow or ice buildup. Also, regularly inspect the rubber paddles and scraper bar worn components can reduce efficiency and leave thin layers of snow behind. After each use, allow the engine to cool, brush off any snow or slush, and store the unit in a dry area to prevent corrosion or ice buildup. Perform basic seasonal maintenance, such as checking the oil, belts, paddles, and scraper before winter begins, and always drain or stabilize the fuel before long-term storage. Lightweight yet powerful, the Toro 721 E’s compact design and fold-down handle make it easy to maneuver and store, while its strong engine and efficient rotor system provide fast, clean results for most residential snow conditions. Overall, this model delivers a balance of power, simplicity, and durability perfect for homeowners who need dependable, hassle-free snow removal all winter long.
Driveway Size Capabilities
- Clearing width: 21 inches (≈ 53 cm).
- Intake (snow height) capability: 12.5 inches (≈ 31 cm).
- Ideal snow depth: about 9 inches (≈ 22 cm) under typical residential conditions.
- Throw distance: Up to ~35 feet (≈10.7 m) in favorable conditions.
- Driveway size spec: Suitable for a driveway that fits up to ~9 cars (on paved surfaces).
- Surface: Designed for paved surfaces (concrete/asphalt), not recommended for gravel or very uneven surfaces.
This is a robust single-stage snow blower with its 21-inch width, 12.5-inch intake height, and strong throw capability, it’s well suited for medium to large, paved driveways and sidewalks. If your property has a standard suburban driveway and you get typical winter snowfalls, this machine should handle most jobs well. If you frequently deal with extremely deep snow (well over a foot) or very wide/long driveways (many car-lengths), you may still find you’ll make extra passes, but for many residential uses this model is a very good fit.
Easy Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some common issues you may run into with the 721 E model, and ways to address them:
- Engine won’t start / hard to start
- Use fresh gasoline, preferably non-ethanol or minimal ethanol, with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Many users report easier starts when fuel is less than 30 days old.
- Check the oil level and ensure you’re using the recommended oil type for the temperature conditions (check the manual).
- Make sure the electric-start system (push-button) is functioning, battery (if applicable) is charged/connected, and spark plug and choke/primer are in good condition.
- Poor throw distance / machine bogs down
- If snow is very deep, heavy, wet or packed (i.e., beyond the ~9″ ideal depth), performance will drop. Take lighter passes or clear earlier.
- Clear any ice or slush buildup in the auger/rotor area or in the discharge chute blockages reduce throw and efficiency.
- Inspect the scraper bar/paddles for wear; if worn they may not clear to pavement effectively and can reduce performance.
- Snow not being directed properly / throw mis-directed
- Use the 210° chute rotation and the deflector handle to aim the discharged snow away from your cleared areas, garage doors, house walls, etc. The model features a chute-mounted handle for quick direction control.
- Storage / seasonal issues
- After use, clear out snow/ice from the machine, dry it off, and store in a sheltered area to avoid corrosion or moisture damage.
- Before the next season, inspect the engine, blades/paddles, scraper, and replace any worn components; ensure the fuel is fresh.
How to Use for Best Efficiency
To get the most out of the 721 E model and clean your driveway or walkway effectively, follow these best-practice tips:
- Start early & clear in manageable amounts: Rather than waiting for deep snow to accumulate, if you can clear when snow is in the moderate range (for example ~4–8 inches) you’ll reduce strain on the machine and finish faster.
- Use a methodical clearing pattern: With a 21-inch width, you’ll cover more ground fairly quickly, but you still want to overlap slightly on passes so you don’t leave narrow strips. Start one side of your driveway or path, move steadily across, and finish the edges.
- Direct snow smartly: Use the chute and deflector to throw snow out of your cleared pathway ideally into a bank or area where it won’t need to be cleared again. A strong throw (~35 ft) helps when you have adequate open area to throw into.
- Match the surface & conditions: On paved surfaces (as specified) it performs best. If your surface is gravel or poorly paved, you’ll reduce efficiency and risk machine wear. Also, when snow is heavier, wetter or more compacted, slow down your passes or consider doing two passes rather than one heavy pass.
- Keep the machine moving steadily: Rather than stop/start or back-track excessively, maintain a consistent pace. This helps the Power Curve® rotor system (with curved paddles and funnel housing) work effectively with minimal clogging.
- Pre-season & post-season care: Start each winter by checking engine oil, spark plug, fuel, paddles/scraper wear, and make sure moving parts are free of obstructions. After the season, clean the machine, drain or stabilize fuel, store in a dry location.
- Storage friendly design: The 721 E model features fold-down handle and chute for compact storage; it stores at about 33″ x 21″ x 34″ (84 × 54 × 87 cm) dimensions.
In summary: The Toro Power Clear 721 E (model 38753) is a very capable residential snow blower for paved driveways and sidewalks. With its 21-inch clearing width, strong throw distance, electric start convenience, and self-propelled drive system, it strikes a good balance of power and usability for moderate to heavier winter conditions. To get the best results, use it at the right time (don’t wait for extreme depth), maintain it properly, direct throw wisely, and keep your clearing pattern efficient