A friend has a Craftsman snow blower/thrower that is in its eigth season. He plows out the street in front of his place, and down to the main road. (He owns that part of his street!) Sounds crazy, i know, but thats the way it is. He took his machine in for its annual service, as defined in the service manual, and which he paid extra for. Sears called and told him this would be his last time on that service and it could not be renewed on that machine! And, they would not sell another service contract on it---period! So, they called and told him it was ready, and he picked it up and took it home. Friday was the first time he needed to use it, so he started it up. Then he found one wheel pin was gonzo! Not having a spare, he had to rassle the machine thru the whole evenings work, it always pulled to the right. Then he found that the big impeller that throws the snow out the chute, was wobbling and not turning like it should. He found the lock bolt that holds it tight to the shaft, was ready to fall out! Now, what does that tell you about Sears, and their service contracts? I have always considered them to be a rip-off, on anything mechanical! And, what do they hire to do the service work, on lawn and garden and snow equipment? I have seen some of their "hires" sitting around at lunch-time, and most of them look so dumb, they couldn't pour pixx out of a boot, if the directions were printed on the heel! I told my friend that i'll do any maintenance work, or repairs, next time! And, it'll be done right--not sloppy!

I know everyone likes two stage snowthrowers. But I have to tell you, I live in west Michigan and we get something called lake effect snow which is typically wet and heavy. But we don't normally get dumped on. I have used single stage snow throwers for years and just picked up an 8hp used Simplicity commercial two stage last year. I only pulled out the two stage 3 times last year. The single stage handles most snow falls very well some just adequateley, but makes up for any shortcomings in maneuverability. It is SOOOOOoooo much easier to use than the huge two stage that given a choice, I'll take the single stage for all but the worst snow falls. You have to wonder if it is worth having a two stage for the rare major storm? Nothing wrong with smaller two stages but they are definitely harder to handle than a single stage. My drive is 20' x 70'. A really large drive way would swing you toward the two stage. An average size like mine might swing you toward a single stage. I have always found Simplicity and Ariens and some toro dealers great sources for information. You might try visiting them, explaining what you have to blow off and see what they recommend. They will not steer you wrong and they know your local snowfalls. Good luck whatever you decide!

hortsense... "a few weeks yet for the snow to fly"? I hope so! ;-) Thank you very much for your input. You definitely gave me some things to think about and check. The belt should be right... it came with the thrower in the unopened crate, already in place. The PTO is the manual version. The springs and pulleys are not adjustable. However, the existing springs are quite old (naturally) and probably a bit tired. I'll look into replacing the springs as a matter of course, and I'll recheck the belt... making sure there isn't an "unruly twist" in it somewhere. I drove it out of the garage last night for the first time (weights and chains in place). Talk about heavy steering! I expected it to be heavier, but it really caught me off guard! Perhaps I'll experiment with adding some air pressure to the front tires. Thanks again... I'll post results soon. BTW... With the PTO engaged, the thrower seems to operate smoothly and quietly.

I guess by the time I'm answering this, it ran out of gas and is no longer a problem. (just kidding) Another way to shut it down if apprehensive to pull the plug wire, would be to put it on FULL CHOKE. Some engines do not have a choke lever or cable (auto choke). In that case remove the air cleaner and put your hand over the carb (you'll feel a slight suction) until the engine stops. Another method would be to take a pair of pliers or similar tool and squeeze the fuel line (will stop the fuel) until it quits. I always suggest everyone put a fuel shut-off valve on power equipment such as snow blowers. That way you can burn all the fuel from the carb. and fuel lines. This is especially true for equipment (like snow blowers) that only get run 2 or 3 times a year. It would come in handy in situations like you are having now too.