That Husky is going to be tough to beat for that price not to mention it has all the same controls as the Toro. The actual difference is that the Toro control features are much easier to manipulate than any other snowblower made today. If you haven't actually gone to look at one, please do so before you make any final decisions.
I bought a 1028LXE yesterday at my local dealer. I originally went in to go with the Husky and walked out buying the Toro. Here's why: 1. The joystick control on the Toro for the chute is an absolute pleasure to operate. 2. The gear transfer case is a monster compared to the Husky's. 3. The chute and impeller opening on the Toro is MUCH wider and bigger. There's no "clearing stick" needed or provided w/it. 4. The toro uses high-impact plastic which is a non-stick surface for snow. With metal, it's eventually gonna stick when it wears down. 5. You can hold down both levers in tandem with only one engaged (on handlebars), and use your other hand to direct the chute. 6. The Toro was lighter to manuver and was much more center-weighted compared to the weight distribution on the Husky. 7. The Husky is a re-branded machine made by another company. The Husky definitely looks a little cooler with it's orange colors and prestigious brand name, but.... The Toro name (in our heads) was in the past associated with subpar equipment but I think this snowblower is really the way to go if you need to buy one... -Ed