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HomeOutdoor & PatioSnow EquipmentSnow ThrowersYard Machines 21-Inch 3.5 HP Single-Stage Snow Thrower 31A240-800 |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 22 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 28 found the following review helpful:
 Good small thrower Dec 09, 2005
By L. Milano
"Leo"
I gave this machine 4 stars in terms of value: there are much better machines at twice or three times the cost of this one. Whether or not it is worthwhile to spend more money on a better machine is very relative and is up to you. My recommendation is: buy this machine if you live in an area with occasional snow. If you regularly get heavy snow, buy a bigger machine. By the way, this is what the manufacturer recommends.
I bought one a few days ago and used it to clear the first two snows of the season. I am happy with the purchase. I cleared all my snow in 15 minutes with very little effort. Compare this with over an hour of suffering with the shovel. But I would do better and faster with a better (more expensive, and certainly two-stage) machine. Here are some tips:
(1) Always try to clear the snow right after it stopped snowing. It is much easier. In particular, this machine does not handle well thawing snow, or snow mixed with ice.
(2) I had to adjust the "Control Cable" (see the manual) to the top hole, the one that makes the cable more tense and improves the traction of the auger.
(3) Do not go straight into heavy snow. It will clog with snow and the engine will stop. Instead, I use this technique: if the snow is fresh and light, I just go ahead and clear it. If it is a bit heavy but not too deep, I advance one step, let it throw the snow, and I back up one step to let it get back to full power. Then I advanve another step and so on. Finally, if the snow is pretty deep, I go in steps. First I "shave" the surface, and in a second pass I go deeper.
Despite all these precautions, every once in a while I need to stop the machine and clear the snow from the auger. It takes a few seconds, no big deal.
One big plus of this machine is that it is light and compact. It fits in a corner in my garage right close to the door, so I can get it out very easily. A bigger machine would have to stay in another place.
In summary, it is pretty good for what it costs. It works as advertised, it is simple to assemble, light and just ok clearing snow. Works for me.
20 of 23 found the following review helpful:
 Not for Minnesota Mar 14, 2006
By Santo Spirito
"Spiritos"
Would not clear a foot of snow. Took 5.5 hours to clear driveway.
Neighbor used competing Toro model and walked thru his driveway and
sidewalk with ease.......he was finished in 20min......and his drive and walk
were clean down to the pavement.
Toro runs better, sounds better, works better, looks better
and IS BETTER.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Way over-priced. Jan 08, 2008
By Randolph H. Rutowski
In my estimation the machine is over-priced by $200. Also, I have to use starting fluid before it fires; I'm talking 25 degree weather!
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Trusted Name Feb 21, 2007
By M. HILTON
This is my second MTD. I bought my first one about 5 years ago used. It was a 97 model. I decided to get this one for the great price of $199.99 plus the 10% off as the 97 model will probably kick the bucket at some point. I was impressed with the changes from the 97 model. The chute is easier to adjust and this model has 3.5 hp versus the 3.0 hp of the 97. It looks nicer and had knobby wheels instead of the line wheels, which helps with your manuvering. I had no problem plowing through 7 inches of snow and it shot the snow to the side of my neighbors house, oops! I fired it up with a little effort as I had the choke set in the wrong place. The 97 is the opposite way than the newer models. The 4.5 HP just dropped another $50.00 in price, so I am kicking myself. One other con is the snow tends to kick back underneath the machine. Not sure if this is just do to a unlevel surface. 2-24-07 (Found the plate underneath can be adjusted, so this took care of the snow kicking problem). Anyway, I will try it again during our next snow storm. for the price this is a nice little machine that is easy to push around, especially in tight areas. Beats using a shovel! Snow storm of St. Patricks Day 3-17-07. Worked like a charm through about 12" on snow.. Great lille machine :) 12-07 Year 2 !!! Still running strong. Cleaned up the December 13th storm without a problem.
15 of 18 found the following review helpful:
 Disappointed Dec 31, 2000
By rdchaney@aol.com
I bought the Yard Machine 140 model on December 8th. From day one I had problems with the machine throwing snow. Today December 30th I attempted to throw 3 inches of snow that arrived in the Detroit area and it failed miserablely. I took it back to the Meijer Store where I obtain a refund and I am shopping for another brand.
See all 22 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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