Hi James, At this point in time I’m not sure if they are discontinued or just not made yet this year. Everyone is having supply chain issues so MTD may just be waiting on parts to make it.

By the way, the Cub Cadet 2X 30″ MAX Snow Blower is the same snowblower and is available through cubcadet.com here: 2X 30″ MAX Snow Blower

Hi Ralph, Try adjusting/bending the bottom bracket that the auger crank fits into. Adjust it so the wire screw just contacts the teeth on the chute. Also, make sure the top of the impeller housing is flat and level. If the edge is bent it will cause the chute to bind and pop off.

Yes, it’s a poor design and MTD only uses it on the cheapest snowblower. All the other Troy-Bilt snow blowers use the hanging chute which works great.

Hi Dave, The 30 inch, 12-inch impeller snow thrower you are considering is made by MTD and it’s made under many different names. That said, I want to add one more snow blower for you to consider and then discuss why it may be the best choice this year for you.

1. The Craftsman 88396 30″ 357cc Dual-Stage Snowblower with 4-Way Chute Control at $1249 is one of the choices. The only difference between it and the Craftsman 500 is it has drift cutters. It’s getting fairly late in the season so it may not be available in all areas of the country. My issue with it is service. With the Sears Bankruptcy, I’m not confident that warranty service will be available in the future.
2. The Craftsman 500 at Lowes $1199 is sold by SBD (Stanley, Black & Decker). At this time they do not have a complete service network. If you have problems you have to call an 800 number to find out where to take it. I know SBD will get their act together soon but for this season I’m not recommending them.
3. The Troy-Bilt Storm 30 in. 357cc Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with Power Steering and Heated Grips at $1099 is the same snow blower as the two Craftsman except it has a nice mechanical chute/deflector control. The biggest advantage is the service network for it is well established. If you have a problem with it just contact your nearest Home Depot and ask them where to take it for service.

Hi K.C, Try this link to see if you can get your parts faster. This is MTD/Troy-Bilt’s primary parts site. Free Standard Shipping On All Lawn and Garden Parts at MTDParts.com. No Minimum Needed, Use Code FREESHIP19, Offer Valid 1/18 – 1/31.

Hi Paul,

So I bought the Troy-Bilt 34″ Arctic Storm and used it for the first time (Winter Storm Harper). Loved it. Lots of throwing power, chute joystick & hand-warmers great, didn’t leave much snow behind and easily busted through the end of the driveway. Harper was a dense heavy snow here in southern NH.

Thanks for your recommendation Paul,

– Ethan

Hi Joe, not yet, but I have a feeling all the major brands will add EFI in the next few years. By the way, Troy-Bilt does not make “different” quality for the dealers. You will get the same quality if you by at The Home Depot or your local dealer.

But, The 30 inch Arctic Storm is out of stock in most areas of the country including Troy-Bilt themselves. I suggest waiting until next fall or going with the 34 inch at this time. Buy here: Troy-Bilt 34 in. 420 cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start, Power Steering and Electric 4-Way Chute Control