Product Description

The Yard Machines single stage snow thrower is equipped with a 3.5 HP 2 cycle engine. The unit has a recoil start and a auger propelled drive system. Its clearing width is 21" and intake height is 11". The unit also comes with a Manuel pitch control, EZ Chute chute control and 7" x 1.5" tires. The snow thrower has a 2 year warranty.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43586 in Home Improvement
• Color: red
• Brand: Yard Machines
• Model: 31A-240-800
• Dimensions: 25.00" h x 22.75" w x 28.50" l, 63.00 pounds

Features

• 3.5-horsepower snow blower with 30-foot throw distance
• Recoil start and auger propelled; manual pitch control and EZ chute control
• Cast iron cylinder sleeve; steel auger housing; no assembly needed
• Includes 1 snow blower--engine oil included
• 21-inch clearing width and 11-inch intake height; 63 pounds; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Review
Ideal for clearing paths, walkways, and drives of light snow up to 6 inches deep, this Yard Machines single-stage snow thrower features 190-degree chute rotation for tossing snow far out of the way. A 3-1/2-horsepower, 2-cycle engine offers plenty of power to send the snow flying. And, a 30-foot throw-distance keeps the snow from piling up too close to the walkway for effective clearing. The motor's cast-iron cylinder sleeve means long life and reliable starts, even when it's really cold. The snow thrower is designed to clear a 21-inch swath in one pass, and is equipped with a 10-inch intake height to make quick work of snowfall on driveways, sidewalks, steps and patios. A self-pulling auger-assist helps propel the snow thrower and provides positive traction. Yard Machines designed this thrower with a smart, reversible/replaceable scraper blade for cheaper maintenance. Also, the unit's auger/clutch control system helps keep the engine running when the bail is released for easier starts. The thrower's 7- by 1-1/2-inch wheels cover rough terrain for easy transport back to the shed or garage. Plus, folding handles and a lightweight, 63-pound design ensure easy storage and transport. Best of all, the unit comes fully assembled and with oil so you're up and running out of the box. Yard Machines covers this unit with a 2-year limited warranty. --Brian D. Olson

Customer Reviews

Good small thrower
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.

Not for Minnesota
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.

Disappointed
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.