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Average Rating: 3.6 of 5.0
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Written December 11, 2009 |
| Love this machine, but... |
| By Mac (Satratoga Springs, NY) |
I've owned my little MTD snow thrower for 9 years. I bought it new and chose it because it doesn't take up a lot of room in the garage.
The first winter we had a 31" snowfall. I did the drive way three times and it worked great.
I have had no problems until this year. It won't throw the snow. I think I'll take a look at the paddles, or belt if there is one.
But all-in-all, I'd buy one again in a minute.
SBD RESPONDS: You may find it helpful to contact MTD Technical Support at 800-800-7310. They will also be able to refer you to the service center near you. |
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Written January 14, 2009 |
| OK for light snow |
| By Mark (Hoffman Estates, IL) |
I tested this out through a couple of Chicago winters. It does fine for light powder about 3-4", but more than that or wet snow it will get clogged very easily.
Spraying cooking spray or silicone into the chute helps a little to keep the snow from sticking, but overall I would recommend a more powerful machine.
You never know if you will have a light winter or heavy one here in Chicago, but I'd rather have too much power than too little.
This past weekend it was snowing all day. Rather than waiting till it stopped, I had to start clearing my 3-car driveway before it got too thick. I then had to clear it again as more snow came.
I would have rather a more powerful machine in which I could've just waited till the snow stopped and did the whole job in 1 shot. |
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Written February 16, 2008 |
| Honest little machine |
| By Paul Hendrickson (Anchorage, AK) |
I had this machine for a year. It has performed well each time I have used it.
I think that if you live in an area that gets a lot of wet, heavy, deep snow, then you would be better off with a 2-stage large machine.
In Alaska, we tend to get snow falls that are around a foot deep and this machine chugs right through it.
Its throwing distance is fair, which can require some planning if you have a large drive like we do. However, the light weight of the machine makes it a breeze on steep driveways (which ours is, as well as long) and allows for easy storage and movement around the garage when not in use.
The two stroke engine fires right up and runs fairly quietly, for a two stroke. Again, I will caution, if you have allot of wet, heavy, deep snow get a bigger machine and save yourself some fustration. |
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Written February 09, 2008 |
| MTD Yard Machines Single-Stage (21") 3.5-HP Snow Blower Review |
| By norm doc (Madison, WI) |
I bought this machine from a Big Box store a year ago and didn't get much use last year with the little snow we had.
This year, I put it to the test. It stunk big time.
In the wet snow, it plugs up into the shut and has to be cleaned every few minutes.
Try to pull it back and it drags the snow back with it. Could have used bigger wheels.
I WANT TO TAKE IT BACK . I HAVE TO DO MY HOME, MY SISTERS HOUSE AND MY MOM'S HOUSE. SOME TIMES MY KIDS HOMES. TO MUCH WORK FOR ME TO DEPEND ON THIS MACHINE TO HELP ME.
SHOULD HAVE BEEN TESTED BETTER BEFORE THEY SOLD IT TO THE PUBLIC.
SBD RECOMMENDS: This is why we recommend getting a single-stage with at least 5-hp of power. The small stuff will work for small areas, but not large ones. |
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Written January 25, 2008 |
| Why Postponing Your Purchase Can Backfire |
| By Jon Hoch, Founder (Bolingbrook, IL) |
Some shoppers purposely wait until Spring to purchase their snow thrower, hoping to find a great deal.
Unfortunately, this strategy rarely works for snow blowers.
How do we know? We already tried it.
Last March, we toured all of the local retailers, looking to snag some bargains. In reality, we just found of a bunch of junk.
The big box stores are very savvy buyers. They don't want to get stuck with excess inventory, so they keep their inventories strategically small.
That's why it's extremely difficult to even find snow blowers in-stock at the end of the season. All of the good stuff is gone in January.
Yes, you can find a snow blower in-stock in February (unless it's a snowy winter). However, you won't find anything worth buying.
Think about. If it hasn't already been bought, nobody wants it -- including us!
SnowBlowersDirect.com isn't your ordinary retailer. If we don't currently have it in stock, we can still get it for you -- even in the middle of Summer! |
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Written January 08, 2008 |
| MTD Yard Machines Single-Stage (21") 3.5-HP Snow Blower Review |
| By Grady Howell (Littleton, CO) |
I have several 2 stroke Snow blowers. I have 2 Toro Powerlite 3 and 4 MTD 21's. 2 rope and 2 rope/electric start.
The Toro and MTD have the same hp around 3. Since they are 2 strokes, they make good power and are light weight.
The MTD has a much wider swath than the Toro's. The Toro's do not have a clutch so you can not let them idle. The MTD does have a clutch and is better.
With good paddles, the MTD and the Toros will thow snow a long way and will clear any driveway for sure. Power is good enough, and I am at 9000 feet. If the snow is too wet, you will have to take 1/2 or 1/4 bites.
The MTD and Toro Power lite are single stage paddle type and will take care of anyones needs unless they want to do a parking lot, then you will need to move up to the 2 stage throwers and learn how to handle them.
But.. For most every residential purpose, the MTD and Toro Power lite is the way to go. They too are self propelled with the paddle action, are very easy to use, and throw snow up and away sometimes 50 feet or so. No kidding. The MTD is the less expensive than the Toro and better over all.
3 reasons the MTD 21 comes out tops, It is wider, Has a clutch, and is metal Auger section which is much stronger than the plastic of the Toro. Overall, the MTD is the way to go. |
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Written December 28, 2007 |
| MTD Yard Machines Single-Stage (21") 3.5-HP Snow Blower Review |
| By RA GH (Denver, CO) |
Living in Colorado, we get a lot of snow. I have used this thrower many times. I have had great luck with it.
It has been a blessing to have as we have had several snow storms this past week.
One of our driveways is surrounded by a 3-foot retaining wall, and this thrower throws it accross the driveway and into the yard above that retaining wall. |
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Written December 19, 2007 |
| MTD Yard Machines Single-Stage (21") 3.5-HP Snow Blower Review |
| By Robin Mueller (Lemont, IL) |
I bought this item at the end of November. We have had a lot of snow, and I am not at all happy with this machine.
I used it at least 3 times. It does not blow snow that far at all. I have to push the snow into a pile then drap the snow blower back and then go forward again in order for it to blow the snow out of the driveway.
SBD RESPONSE: This is the weakest (and cheapest) single-stage snow blower that we carry. We strongly recommend getting something at least 5-hp to seriously throw the snow. |
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Written November 15, 2007 |
| MTD Yard Machines Single-Stage (21") 3.5-HP Snow Blower Review |
| By Tim Franklin (Newark, NJ) |
Entry-level snow blower. Ideal for your average residential situation.
Capable of removing snow a whole lot faster than the old fashioned shovel. The price won't break your back either.
If you are considering a very affordable snow blower -- and don't want to be tethered to a power cord -- this Yard Machine snow thrower will serve you well.
It's very affordable because it isn't electric start. |
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Written November 15, 2007 |
| MTD Yard Machines Single-Stage (21") 3.5-HP Snow Blower Review |
| By Peter Vaugh (Binghamton, NY) |
Gone through 2 winters with this models. Overall, it works. Blows the snow and clears my sidewalk quickly.
Only one challenge. If the snow gets too deep, it doesn't have the muscle to toss it over big drifts. Just a 3.5-HP engine.
If Santa Claus is listening, it would be really nice to have the Ariens 7-HP unit instead. Wink. Wink.
Happy Holidays. |