Originally Posted By: boraticus
Varying the load on the engine is the key to proper break in. I know it will be hard to resist but I'd wait for a substantial dump of snow before using the machine. The activity of blowing the snow will provide ideal conditions. The machine will be stressed while throwing the snow then relieved of the load in between passes. Just take your time allowing for the machine to cool down a bit if the snow is particularly heavy. Otherwise, just put it to work.
Regarding MTD products and durability. I've owned a couple Craftsman machines and they were adequate and a reasonable value. I worked mine very hard on a large driveway in northern Canada. With reasonable care, it lasted ten years. The old Tecumseh flat head likely would have lasted another twenty years if the blower's metal housing didn't start to crack and fall apart. Cracks started appearing around the impeller housing where it attaches to the intake housing. Could have had it welded but other things were showing signs of fatigue.
My neighbour just bought a 24" B&S 305cc engine Craftsman machine last year. I've used it and it's a nice little machine. Small and powerful and compared to my 307 lb. Simplicity, it's a pleasure to use until things get real tough. If I had a choice between the neighbour's Craftsman and my Simplicity, I'd take the Craftsman 90% of the time. It's light, powerful and effective. However, in real heavy/deep snow or dealing EOD snow, the Simplicity's added weight becomes an asset. Otherwise, it's just that much more to wrestle with.
If the snow conditions are average, MTD products will be more than adequate most of the time. Not saying they're in the same class as the higher end/cost machines but they get the job done and last reasonably long.
Thanks, that's what I'll do. I didn't know snow blowers don't have air filters. I read up and found out why, air filters would freeze over and stop the air flow, they have intake heater boxes instead. So it's definitely not a good idea to run it outside of snow conditions. I'll just run it briefly to make sure it starts and the transmission and auger work. BITOG is a great site! You still learn a so much, even after 12 years as a member. I know this is a low end model but with care and the smallish size driveway in NJ I think it will do fine, I care for my equipment.
Whimsey