Customer Reviews

Yard Machines 31A-2M1A700 21-Inch 123cc OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Single Stage Snow Thrower

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I bought this snow thrower about a month ago. The first day I got it, I opened the box and put it together in a snap. Actually, there wasnt much to it, just pull the handle up and lock it into place, put oil and gas in it and start it up. I think I had about 4" of snow on the ground that day. I started it up and went at it. Immediately I was surprised at how much snow it left behind! It was actually going right OVER about an inch of snow, almost like the blade was not touching the ground, but in fact it was. Not only that but when doing a row of snow when you turn around and stat to head back down the row again, it "spits" snow on the freshly cleaned area blowing it back on the area you just did. It does not handle wet snow at all! Trust me, not even slightly wet snow. And it is not light either, when pushing this thing through some heavy snow, it gets to be a real task after a while. This is a snow thrower for someone looking to use it on 3" or less of non wet snow. On the plus side, it runs good and starts right up on the second pull. Just like a new snow thrower should.... I guess....

I would spend a little more money and get a more heavy duty unit. You will thank me later !!

I went out this morning in 5°F weather, and started the machine on the second pull. I then proceeded to clear 6 inches of snow from the sidewalk around my corner home and two driveways. It accomplished the task in about 30 minutes and didn't bog down. The trick is to use full choke on starting, along with 3-4 primes from the priming pump, then keep the choke on half to full to run it (more cold, more choke). When I first tried running it with no choke at about 30°F it would bog down. A quite large unit I operated did the same thing. With dry snow it goes as quickly as you can. With wet snow you have to slow down and frequently clear the chute. Again, a large machine I used required frequent clearing as well. Oh, you don't mix gas and oil with this model. It's a 4 stroke. Simple. It stores in a small space and does the job. I'm glad I didn't buy a bigger one. I payed $297 near the end of last winter.

After reading some of the negative reviews below on this snow thrower, I decided to add my own review of this product. I have had it for two weeks now and I am very happy with it. I just removed between 6-8 inches of hard-packed wet snow from my backyard brick patio (It snowed about 4 days ago and I just got a chance to clean up the yard). This snow thrower was awesome. It shot that snow about 15 feet away (good considering how heavy the snow was). It never bogged down once I had the engine warmed up and the choke in the proper position so the engine ran really smooth.
The engine started with the second pull and about 7 pushes of the prime button on full choke. I decided to put in Mobil 1 5W30 synthetic in it to offer the best protection from cold weather starts. Although the engine is small, it is well suited to this machine. I am not concerned with straining it because it went through really heavy snow today without a problem.
You must know how to use a snow thrower of this size in order to get the full benefits of it. Another reviewer said that it left about an inch of snow behind when he used the machine. The only way this would happen is if the user presses down on the push bar which lifts the front of the blower. When using this machine, make sure to push forward, not down on the push bar. The auger will keep in contact with the pavement and clean up all of the snow straight to the ground.
Another reviewer said that the wheels get snow stuck on them making the snow thrower impossible to push. I don't see how this could happen unless you dumped the snow throwner onto a pile of snow and expected the wheels not to get snow on them.
Out of curiousity, I opened up the side of the machine which contains the belt drive system for the auger. I must say that it is a very simple belt driven system that is completely based on a steel platform. I expect a lot of use from this snow thrower because it is designed simply and well made.
Look around when purchasing this item. MTD has many brands under its marketing belt. This same 2M1 model is branded as a Cub Cadet, Yard Machine, Craftsman and another that I can't recall at this moment. Get the cheapest one as they are all made by MTD and are the same product.
Take care and good luck with yours.

the snowthrower starts well runs wll removes snow well.the probalem is when the snow builds up on the wheel on the side where the belt guard is the wheel locks!!! makes it allmost imposiable too use

We had our first snow last night and it was a good one. I could feel my back protesting even before getting out of bed. I've never owned a snowblower before but I've used some big 2 stage blowers. I had no idea what to expect from this little guy. Situation: fresh snowfall, fairly dry snow but packed by the wind. My driveway blows in pretty good so the average depth was 4-6 inches with a couple of packed drifts up to about 18 inches. Some areas got packed down with the car before I could get the snowblower..

Result: awesome. It started just fine (choke and 6 primes). Really easy cord pull. I expected it to be under powered but it's really not bad at all. You can't plow fully through deep snow. I took a 1/2 to 3/4 swath and it worked fine. It did have some problem with the tire packed areas, but all I did was loosen it with a shovel then ran it again. No problem. It gets down to the cement just fine, if you keep the handle pushed up (front down). In fact it rained a bit before snowing so there was some ice underneath. It even got most of the ice. The rubber blades pull it through the drift just fine so it's no problem pushing it through. It's really easy to maneuver, especially compared to the big blowers. I didn't have a lot of room beside our 2nd car that I hadn't moved off the driveway before the snow. I had lots of control over the blower so I managed to really close to the car with no fear. It never jammed or plugged up once. I suppose it might if the snow was really wet, but I really can't see that being a major problem based on what I've seen so far. Speaking of the rubber blades, I have a water shutoff valve that protrudes a bit through the cement in winter. I'd forgotten where it was. The rubber blades handled it perfectly. No damage to either the blades or the valve. Perfect. I'd highly recommend this to anyone for residential use in moderate to light snowfall. It's an expensive 'shovel' if you don't have a huge driveway, but the savings in chiropractor bills and avoidance of personal discomfort makes it way more than worth it.

There are only two improvements I could recommend. I'm 6'4" and the handle could be a bit longer. I'd like larger wheels to help get it from front to back of house easier through the snow covered grass. No problem on the cement, though, which surprised me a quite a bit (pleasantly).

I have used several single stage throwers over the years including toro, mtd, and ariens, along with several two stage thowers, and this one works as good if not the best of all that I have ran. I purchased this just earlier this year prior to our first 4 inches of snow. Since then I have used it on 4 inch, 8 inches, and just today (christmas) 10 inches of snow without any problems of stalling out, bogging down, or clogging. I clear a corner house sidewalk, two and a half stall garage driveway (30ft or so long) and much of the neigbors sidewalks. Starts when you follow the directions on first pull (full choke +6 primes) in 20 degree weather or less (don't know exactly, it's just cold). Cleans right down to the pavement. At 12 or more inches (like snow plow burms) you have to take it a bit slow and go through in passes, or half swaths, and it has no issues. Shoot hasn't clogged yet The best part is 4 cycle, so I don't have to keep a special "mixed" can of gas around. I'll leave that to my chainsaw. This is a good value usually around 290-330 at most places. Worth a look for a standard in town living.

Purchased this product from Lowes in March 09 and it broke down the first time I used it. The automatic drive which turns the wheels works via a small cheap spring that snapped off rendering the machine useless and a small plastic clip that holds the cables in pace cracked due to the cold weather. It was just repaired under warranty, but even the repair shop indicated that I should not expect very good or long term service from this machine. I thought I was getting good value at a reasonable cost. It has a solid chassis and a standard engine, but the other components are cheap. Buy something of better quality.

This machine is only for use with light feathery snow. Anything more and it constantly clogs which is very frustrating. This is my 3rd thrower; the first two were Toros and they NEVER clogged.

The first time we used it it started fine. The 2nd time we used it the pull cord busted because the thing wouldn't start!!!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!

Gentlemen, I received this 31A 2M1A700 single stage snowthrower, as a "Christmas" gift from my wife. Living in PA I have now used the thrower three times. I have found the following: Very easy to start if you choke it and prim it before pulling the cord. The First day of use(3" snow)told me this unit is great on level paved surfaces. However, part of my driveway is paved and sloping down hill. Going down the slope is okay, but comming up the hill is next to impossible. After the third day of use, I concluded it is impossible to do while blowing snow. (My slope is very steep). I also noticed after the second day of forcing (lifting up hard on the handle) the unit up the sloping driveway the rubber wipers edges showed excessive wear. After the second day (3-4" snow) of use the middle rubber was down to where the metal support was hitting the pavement. Conclusion, My driveway is too steep for this unit, perhaps I need a self propeller unit.

On the thrid day (6-7"), I think I have found a solution to the sloping driveway issue. First, I go down the slope, then toss salt on that path, then pull or push the unit to the top of the drive (not blowing snow) and come down again, etc. and etc. until it is all cleared. I think this will also reduce the wear on all rubber surfaces. Before starting the third day I flipped the center rubber pads to prevent the center metal support from hitting the pavement (this worked well). I may need to purchase all new rubbers ($18) for next year.

The third day I also gave the unit a real test. My neighbor is out of town and his driveway has not been cleared for all three snow falls. The depth of snow was up to the top edge of the blowers inlet. I proceeded to clear his entire driveway including the sloping down hill (not as steep as mine) but I did push the blower to the top of the slope each time (no salt needed). This test also included the local snow plow build-up at the entry of his drive (heavy stuff and deep).

Summary: I am having seconds thoughts, do I keep it or trade for a larger more expensive self-propelled two stage unit? The seller "ACE hardware" has offered me a full refund to be used for the purchase of a self-propelled two stage unit. The single stage unit I have is great for level or slighty sloped driveways. The deeper the snow the greater it will throw the snow (10'-20'). The only other problem area is the left wheel is too close the main housing and the snow build up on the wheel sometimes prevents it from turning. If I decide to keep this single stage unit I will install a scraper to clean the snow from this wheel surface and hopefully prevent the left wheel from locking up. Very difficult to push or pull and control when the wheel is locked.

I am trully thinking of keeping the unit and making the adjustments discussed above. I can not be sure the self-propelled two stage unit will be able to make it up my driveway with-out slipping or need a set of chains. If I must push or pull the heavier unit up the sloping driveway it will mean a sure heart attack.

I would recommend to a friend with the above input.

Follow-up: (1/15/2011)
I went to "ACE Hardware" to check-out the two stage blower. WOW! two stage blowers are much bigger, heavier and this one was difficult to move and turn on the showroom floor. Perhaps it would be easier if it were running. The unit would take up 50% more space in my garage and is 50% heavier. If this unit was not able to get up my driveway then I would need to add chains or get a heart attack while trying to assist by pushing.

Conclusion: I will keep the original 31A 2M1A700 single stage snowthrower that I got for Christmas. Sometimes the size and how you use it does count. I hope this is some help to others considering the purchase of a single of two stage snow blower.