We've researched the latest snow blowers, asked the experts, and sifted through thousands of specs, features and user reviews to find the best snow blowers around. Here's everything you need to know about the Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP Gas Snow Blower.
Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP: What you need to know
The Squall 208EX snow thrower is a well-constructed, lightweight, single-stage snow thrower best used for clearing snowfall up to six inches deep. It has LED headlights, so it’s safe to use when visibility is low. Despite its size, it’s powerful enough to cut through heavy snow with ease. Its ergonomic design means it’s comfortable to use and effortless to maneuver, while its design allows for easy and compact storage. It’s good for clearing driveways approximately two cars wide and three cars long. Built in America, since 1937, this is a machine that can really be relied upon.
Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP: Price?
This model retails for $599,99 at Home Depot, while over at Durham Power Equipment it’s for sale at $549.99, so there’s a difference in price worth shopping around for.
Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP: Features
Weight: 103lbs
Dimensions: 32 x 26 x 22-inches
Clearing Width: 21-inches
Clearing Depth: 6-inches
Intake Height: 13-inches
Clearing Surface Type: Paved, flat or slope
Maximum Throwing Distance: 20 feet
Forward speeds: 1
Reverse Speed: 0
Warranty: 2 Years
It’s a gas-powered engine so that does mean you’ll need to prime to begin with, but once you’ve set that up you can switch on the engine with its push-start button. This is handy if you’re on the petite side or, for one reason or another, don’t have the physical strength to keep pulling a start cord (which, let’s face it, can be exhausting, and who wants to be exhausted before they even start clearing snow?)
There’s no need to mix oil and gas with the 4-cycle 208cc electric start OHV Troy-Bilt engine, so that’s a great brain and time-saver.
The Deluxe Ergonomic Handle improves comfort and maneuverability while the E-Z Chute™ lets you adjust the direction of snow discharge up to 190 degrees. It has superb dual-LED headlights that provide added visibility in low-light conditions, so you can get out there at dawn or dusk without worrying about your neighbours running into you or you into them.
Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP: Design
If you’ve got a driveway big enough to warrant buying a snow blower, you’ve probably got the space to store it. Still, it’s always a bonus when a manufacturer designs a machine to take less space when it’s not in use. With the Squall 21-Inch 208 cc Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower the handles can be folded down in one easy move so it takes up less space in your garage.
The handles also have an ergonomic grip that allows you to find the most comfortable position depending on your height and strength. Its wide-fit mitten grip makes pull-starting easier, too.
Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP: Performance
This model’s 208cc engine makes it a powerful piece of machinery. Imagine six very excited horses dragging a plow and you’ll have some idea of how good a job this beast will do. The Squall’s 190 degree chute means you can chuck the snow out in any direction just by moving the chute handle, so there’s no need to plan where you want the snow to go, you can easily change direction as you go. With its 21-inch clearing width and nine-inch steel reinforced rubber auger paddle, it’ll help shift that snow right down to the pavement.
Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP: User Reviews
Users at Home Depot rated it 4.5 out of 5, and although there were only 13 reviews, 100% of buyers recommended the model. It scored highly in every respect, from performance to design and ease of use.
It took one user ‘less than 15 minutes’ to clear his two-car garage and long driveway. With a shovel it used to take him over two hours, so it saves a huge amount of time (and physical labour!)
Over at Tools In Action users report that the best feature of the Troy-Bilt Squall 21 in. 208 cc Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower is that its four-cycle motor doesn’t require users to mix gas with oil each time. Users like how simple the model is to use, citing the chute direction handle as being easily locked into position.
Should you buy the Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP gas snow blower?
If you’ve got a moderate-sized driveway, snowfall is hitting the six inches or less mark and you’re looking for an easy to move, powerful machine, yes.
