Customer Reviews

Yard Machines 21-Inch 3.5 HP Single-Stage Snow Thrower 31A240-800

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

If you have three inches of powder this one will do the job, anything more you're just wasting your money. Used mine a half dozen times and had to replace the belt. Doesn't throw snow like my Craftsman that is the same size and nine years (which still has the original belt). Doesn't start that easy either.

I received this machine last week and it was very easy to put together and get started. In searching for a snowthrower, I wanted one that was not too big and heavy, for a woman to operate. This was just what I needed. So far, I've thrown about 7-8 inches of snow in two sessions and it works great.

Oh, well I won't give anyone recommand to get this machine at all. After I using it for 2 time. I need to bring it back for refund. The reason gasline leaking. The engine stop after 5 mins run. I still have 11 inches tall snow need to be throw. Next time I will look for a better one.

This is total junk. The few good reviews on here must be from employees of the manufacturer mtd. This thing eats belts, cant even do 3" of snow. I live by a lake and I don't even bother pulling it out if the snow is the least bit wet. It should be illegal to sell something that they know doesn't work. Spend money for something better! I have a very small yard and thought a single stage would do it but I was wrong. I wont even go into pricing since it doesn't work. The only fair price would be if they paid you to haul it to the junk heap. And get this, their owners manual had the wrong belt listed! Guess how much of my life was wasted figuring that one out!!! Gee, do I sound bitter? :(

I COULDN'T CLEAR 4" OF SNOW,IT DOSEN'T THROW SNOW AT ALL IF IT IS MIX WITH SOME WET SNOW.
YOU HAVE KEEP CLEARING THE SNOW FROM THE AUGER.
I TRIED TO RETURN IT,BUT BECAUSE I USED IT AND IT HAS SOME GAS AND OIL IN LINES AND TANK,NEED SPECAIL PICK UP.