MTD Yard Machines (24") 179cc Two-Stage Snow Blower

Not the fanciest or best known snowblower but I have used this now to clear my driveway and walkways during 3 major NE storms and it has worked wonderfully. As far as I am concerned, it has already paid for itself.

I bought this model around January 2010. I only used it once last season. It was hard to start this season for the first time out and on the second attempt to use it this year it wouldn't start at all. I am using the electric start and it cranks but will not start. I even let it sit for hours in case it was flooded and still no luck. My mistake was buying what I thought was a more expensive and better snowblower. My cheap Murray one lasted much longer than this one did. I will never buy this brand again when I buy a snowblower.

I bought this model around January 2010. I only used it once last season. It was hard to start this season for the first time out and on the second attempt to use it this year it wouldn't start at all. I am using the electric start and it cranks but will not start. I even let it sit for hours in case it was flooded and still no luck. My mistake was buying what I thought was a more expensive and better snowblower. My cheap Murray one lasted much longer than this one did. I will never buy this... more

I purchased the MTD Yard Machine 24" snow thrower on January 5, 2010. I took it home and the next morning spent a lot of time reading the manual and then setting it up according to all specifications to get it ready to go.

I set the choke, primed it, set the throttle made sure the key was in properly and it had gas and oil per instructions. I cranked it a couple of times and decided to try the electric start. I plugged it in and on the third push of the start button the electric starter fried.

I went back to cranking and after several tries it finally started. I ran it for about 3 hours moving snow. The next morning I went out to move snow again. Since the electric start had fried I had to resort to manual cranking.

It has a very long rope; and I worked to get it started for over a half an hour trying the primer, the choke, letting it set and trying it again and again. It kept back-firing, and when it did finally start once it ran for about a minute and died. I cranked it some more and it never fired or attempted to start again. No machine should be this hard to start!

I tried to return it, but since I'd put gas in it and ran it once they would not take it back. How does one know if they have a defective machine unless they actually try to use it? After just one use I have an expensive machine that is dead in the water. I wish I'd read the reviews on this thing before I bought it, I would never have wasted the money!

SBD RESPONDS: Federal law now prohibits shipping any engine that has been fueled up (except for testing by the manufacturer). The store you bought it from would not have been able to ship it back to MTD.

MTD machines have a 2 year Factory Warranty that covers defects in their materials and workmanship. You can contact them toll-free at (800) 800-7310.

They will be happy to give you advice and/or direct you to the closest local Authorized Warranty Service Center.

I purchased the MTD Yard Machine 24" snow thrower on January 5, 2010. I took it home and the next morning spent a lot of time reading the manual and then setting it up according to all specifications to get it ready to go.

I set the choke, primed it, set the throttle made sure the key was in properly and it had gas and oil per instructions. I cranked it a couple of times and decided to try the electric start. I plugged it in and on the third push of the start button the electric... more

The second year after buying this model, it overheated and killed the engine. I had it looked at- the mechanics said the engine was burnt out. They wanted over $335 to fix it so I told them to keep it for parts.

SBD RESPONDS: Yard Machines offers a 2 year warranty on their snowblowers, and it covers their workmanship. Neglect or abuse is not covered; for instance running the unit without enough oil will burn the motor up and void the warranty.

For the longest life of your snow blower please follow the maintenance guide outlined in the Owner's Manual.

The second year after buying this model, it overheated and killed the engine. I had it looked at- the mechanics said the engine was burnt out. They wanted over $335 to fix it so I told them to keep it for parts.

SBD RESPONDS: Yard Machines offers a 2 year warranty on their snowblowers, and it covers their workmanship. Neglect or abuse is not covered; for instance running the unit without enough oil will burn the motor up and void the warranty.

For the longest life of your snow blower... more

The Universal Snow Thrower light kit sold for my Troy Built Snow Thrower via Troy and Lowes does not have a 24v bulb and will burn out as soon as you increase engine speed.

The engine's alternator is putting out 18v AC while idling and will go up to 24v when at high speed. The light will burn out past 17v.

I cannot find a website for Arnold lights to get the proper 24v bulb -- so I'm returning the whole thing.

I have had this snow blower since 9-15-01. It has performed well during many snow storms over the last 10 years and has never broken down or failed to clear my double driveway or walks. Maintenance is simple and I am still using the same spark plug that it came with. The only addition that I made to the original machine was the installation of snow chains. They really improved traction in icy weather.

I purchased this in the fall of 2010. I used it all winter and only had to start it with the ac power once, since it sat under the snow for a couple of weeks. I have a driveway that is sloped pretty good and this unit could not climb and blow snow, maybe chains would have helped, but I'll buy one with tracks for next year. It operates very well and I have no problems with it. We had more then our share of snow this year in the Sierras. I'm at 5,800 ft and the ski resort up the hill reported 763" of snow this year. I'm still using it to remove snow behind my place and it's April 27th. Overall I'm pretty happy with it.

I purchased this in the fall of 2010. I used it all winter and only had to start it with the ac power once, since it sat under the snow for a couple of weeks. I have a driveway that is sloped pretty good and this unit could not climb and blow snow, maybe chains would have helped, but I'll buy one with tracks for next year. It operates very well and I have no problems with it. We had more then our share of snow this year in the Sierras. I'm at 5,800 ft and the ski resort up the hill reported... more

Good snow blower for the money. Was a little concerned about ordering a snow blower site unseen. Was very impressed by how fast it shipped and assembly was simple. Will order from Snow Blowers Direct again.

I purchased this unit 2 years ago and the more I use it, the more I like it. We just got a record 17" snowfall in Minnesota. I'm glad I bought the bigger unit.

I have been snowblowing our friend's driveways non-stop. I had to go back and buy gas again.

We just received another 5" of snow and more on the way. I was up till 1 a.m. last night snow blowing and the MTD just keeps going and going. My friends with their one stage snow blowers can't do any more.

You will be very happy with this machine. From Minne-SNOW-ta!

I purchased this unit 2 years ago and the more I use it, the more I like it. We just got a record 17" snowfall in Minnesota. I'm glad I bought the bigger unit.

I have been snowblowing our friend's driveways non-stop. I had to go back and buy gas again.

We just received another 5" of snow and more on the way. I was up till 1 a.m. last night snow blowing and the MTD just keeps going and going. My friends with their one stage snow blowers can't do any more.

You will be very... more

I live in Northwestern WI. On 12-4-10 I purchased a MTD 24" snow blower. I have been looking at snowblowers the last few winters, and finally decided to take the leap. I purchased this model based on it being on sale, and it appeared to be large enough for what I needed it to do.

I got it home, unpacked it, and read the instruction book. It was easy to get everything completed that I needed to do. I checked the oil as instructed, that was good, added gas, primed it as directed, and used the electric start. It started immediately.

I let it run for about 10 minutes (to get up to a decent temp...it was pretty cold out), and then moved it into position to start clearing my driveway. First pass was amazing...I cleared about 6" deep snow with no slowing down, the unit was throwing the snow a good 15 to feet away from the driveway, and clearing a nice smooth path down my rather unsmooth driveway.

Within 10 minutes I had my driveway clear and a pretty nice path through the yard for trips to the mailbox. Shoveling my driveway with the same snow levels would normally take close to an hour and involve a severe back ache upon completion. I'm in heaven! If this unit can maintain the same performance for the rest of this winter I'll be sold on MTD snowblowers.

I live in Northwestern WI. On 12-4-10 I purchased a MTD 24" snow blower. I have been looking at snowblowers the last few winters, and finally decided to take the leap. I purchased this model based on it being on sale, and it appeared to be large enough for what I needed it to do.

I got it home, unpacked it, and read the instruction book. It was easy to get everything completed that I needed to do. I checked the oil as instructed, that was good, added gas, primed it as directed,... more

My experience with this snow thrower has been good. I am on my second year with this unit. I changed the oil to 5w-30 synthetic and it works great.

A few quirks about this unit is that it does not have an automatic choke and the throttle control and key are on the engine and not up top on the panel. It has 120volt start but I wish it had 12volt battery electric start with key. For the price I can't complain too much.

I would recommend this unit to someone who is familiar with how chokes and the prime works. You also need to check the cables and a few other things every fall before running it. Just remember to change the oil at least every year.

My experience with this snow thrower has been good. I am on my second year with this unit. I changed the oil to 5w-30 synthetic and it works great.

A few quirks about this unit is that it does not have an automatic choke and the throttle control and key are on the engine and not up top on the panel. It has 120volt start but I wish it had 12volt battery electric start with key. For the price I can't complain too much.

I would recommend this unit to someone who is familiar with how chokes... more