PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage
#5 in Two-stageFull review
The value pick for a wide driveway on a budget. It clears a 26 in path for less than most 24 in machines, with fewer refinements.
Amazon $849.99 PowerSmart $739.99$739.99
The PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage is the better snow blower overall, rated 3.5 to 3.3. The PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage leads on value. The Toro Power Max 826 OAE wins on warranty and throw. The PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage costs $759.01 less ($739.99 vs $1,499).
Toro Power Max 826 OAE
#12 in Two-stageFull review
A well rounded two stage for a two or three car driveway, with automatic steering that makes a 189 lb machine easy to turn. Worth the step up from the 824 OE for the wider path and light.
Russo Power Equipment $1,499$1,499
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage for value ($28.46 per inch of width ($739.99, 26 in) vs $57.65 per inch of width ($1,499, 26 in)).
- Choose the Toro Power Max 826 OAE for warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and throw (throws snow up to 45 ft vs throws snow up to 40 ft).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every two-stage snow blower; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage | Toro Power Max 826 OAE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $28.46 per inch of width ($739.99, 26 in) | 47 $57.65 per inch of width ($1,499, 26 in) |
| Width 20% | 50 26 in clearing width | 50 26 in clearing width |
| Throw 15% | 50 throws snow up to 40 ft | 75 throws snow up to 45 ft |
| Intake 15% | 40 20 in intake height | 40 20 in intake height |
| Warranty 20% | 25 2-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| PowerSmart 26 in 252cc Two-Stage | Toro Power Max 826 OAE | |
|---|---|---|
| Clearing | ||
| Stage | Two-stage | Two-stage |
| Clearing width | 26 in | 26 in |
| Intake height | 20 in | 20 in |
| Throw distance | 40 ft | 45 ft |
| Chute control | - | Crank or lever at the handle |
| Power | ||
| Power | Gas | Gas |
| Engine or battery | 252 cc (PowerSmart 252cc OHV) | 252 cc (Toro Premium 252cc OHV 4-cycle) |
| Electric start | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Drive | Self-propelled | Self-propelled |
| Headlight | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 142 lb | 189 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |