Yard-Man 31AE5KLF701 9.5HP 26-Inch 2-Stage Snow Thrower w/ Power Steering

**************note: for those experiencing chute control problems, see my info on that below***********************
I actually own the 10.5 HP 31AE5MLG729 version of this same snow thrower. The only difference is the horsepower, as far as I can tell from reading the description and looking at the picture, and the fact that mine came with drift cutters, which you'll hardly ever use unless snow gets more than 21" deep regularly where you live, and you're unable to clear it fast enough.

The unit comes with oil in the engine, which needs to be checked frequently during the first 25 hours of operation while the engine "breaks in". It also comes with a packet of Sta-bil which is a fuel stabilizer, keeping the fuel from "gumming up" or degrading, and is enough to treat 2.5 gallons. Just make sure you don't put the Sta-bil directly into the machine - put it in the gas can when you buy the gas for the snow thrower. Also included on mine were extra shear bolts, which hold...Read more

The trigger control power steering devices works very well, as does the 120 volt starter (it works great). However the chute directional control often won't budge, and has to be assisted, and then it won't stay in the position you selected as engine vibration will cause it to move around throwing snow where you don't want it to go. If you put a gas-stabilizer in the gas tank before spring storage, such as a product called Sta-Bil(Wal-Mart or AutoZone stores) or Lucas Fuel Conditioner (Autozone)it starts instantly the next winter season when you want to use it again. It does throw snow well, though the shear pins break quite often if you have rocks in your driveway. Heavy wet snow can clog the chute so then you'd want to shut the engine off and clean it out with the attached cleaning tool. It will restart easily with the pull-starter handle. I have sometimes confused the choke primer button for the 120vac starter button, so watch out for that issue. I bought it at Wal-Mart and I do...Read more

I purchased this snow thrower in 2005. As far as I am concerned, it is a lemon (true to its color). First problem was with the chute, which froze up; once we got it operational, it constantly turns with the vibration of the machine.

Next, the starter went, then the headlight; now the carb needs to be replaced and per our local repair shop, Tecumseh has backordered the part until May or June of 2010.

At this point, I would pay someone to take the darn thing, and I will not be purchasing any Yardman or MTD products in the future. My suggestion - consult Consumer Reports before you purchase.

Because of the problems we had with this machine, we bought a backup from Sears - which works flawlessly.