26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good small thrower, December 9, 2005
This review is from: Yard Machines 21-Inch 3.5 HP Single-Stage Snow Thrower 31A240-800 (Lawn & Patio)
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.
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19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not for Minnesota, March 14, 2006
This review is from: Yard Machines 21-Inch 3.5 HP Single-Stage Snow Thrower 31A240-800 (Lawn & Patio)
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.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Way over-priced., January 7, 2008
This review is from: Yard Machines 21-Inch 3.5 HP Single-Stage Snow Thrower 31A240-800 (Lawn & Patio)
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!
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