Hi John, MTD’s Airless tires have been around for a long time specifically on the Troy-Bilt snowblowers here in the U.S.and all the MTD brands sold in Canada. I have quite a few videos over at https://www.youtube.com/paulsikkema where I use them. I like them a lot. They have great traction and work especially well on the cheaper snowblowers without power steering.

The new Craftsman snow blowers have a new style run flat tire, how are they for traction ?

Hi Gerald, No, that Craftsman is the same snow blower as the Troy-Bilt Storm 2860. They are good snow blowers designed for areas that get 30-60 inches of normal snow. The 12 inch impeller will limit how well it does on the wet/heavy stuff.
I’m still concerned that the Craftsman at Lowes don’t have a good service network. I’ve heard stories of snow blowers being shipped off to some faraway city and sitting for weeks before they get repaired.
I have an article that will help you find the right snow blower for you if you live in an area that gets the heavy/wet stuff: The Best Snow Blowers For You! Fall 2019

Hi Leo, If you’ve already purchased the Craftsman – stick with it. It has more power and will throw better than the other three. If it’s never been ran you don’t need to change the oil. When you do change it use 5W30 Synthetic. (I use Mobil One in all my gas-powered engines.)

I live in Philadelphia and my driveway can fit 6-9 cars, but I rarely have more than cars.

so, given the 4 models I listed and assuming the price is not a factor (they are all about the same price actually) , which model should I go with?

Also, the craftsman is brand new, but it may have been manufactured in 2016. Do I need to do an oil change before I use it? I believe all manufacturers recommend an oil change at least once a year?

thanks a lot

Hi Leo, The ST224 has been a popular entry-level snow blower. The ST224 on sale is designed for smaller 1-2 car driveways and area the get 30-50 inches of snow. It does not have power steering. It’s on sale because the new stock coming out this fall will have a few improvements.

It has had an issue where the friction disk inside the transmission would slip when it gets wet and it also has a history of breaking belts.

The new 2019 model will have better, Gates belts. The friction disk drive has been redesigned so moisture won’t cause it to slip. Finally, the new model will have hand warmers.

What about Husqvarna ST224?
I see some reviews put it in top 3 in its class, while some owners recommend staying away from this model.

The reason I’m comparing these is because they are discounted right now and can be had for a lot less than what they normally are.

Thanks

Hi Leo, Buy a couple of extra packages of shear pins. The 3X snow blowers have a habit of breaking pins on the front and rear blades of the accelerator. I also suggest tipping the snowblower up on the handles and take the time to see how the inner shear pin is installed. Remove it and put it back in. It’s a pain when you break it out on the driveway and then can’t figure out how to put the new one in.

When you clear 6 inches or less the front accelerator will want to throw snow all over the place. But-it only splatters the snow in one direction. If you want a clean driveway when you are done you may have to start in the middle of your driveway and clear snow so the snow thrower throws that spatter onto the area you haven’t cleaned yet.

It has a tendency to plug when trying to clear heavy/wet snow. Slow down if it wants to clog all the time.

It has more capacity than the three snow blowers you list. It is made by MTD so many of the parts are the same as the Yard Machines models.

I know you don’t recommend these mtd units, but what exactly is wrong with these units?

Also, how would you compare this Craftsman unit to 2 stage 24/28 units
1. Husqvarna ST224
2. Yard Machine 28″ 243 cc
3. Yard Machine 24″ 208 cc

Thanks!