Husqvarna 21-in 208cc Single-Stage Snowblower

I bought this just over a month ago and used it maybe 5 times. Then when I was using it, the muffler and starter cord fell out. I went to bring it back to Canadian Tire and they told me to bring it to a sub contracted small engine repair shop. The mechanic was shocked to see this model since it hasn't been made in a while, and I was informed that this particular snowblower was manufactured in 2015. So Canadian Tire sold me an 8 year old snowblower, which broke almost immediately. That should be illegal.

Our machine does not shoot snow out very far. Not sure why.

I have a basic suburban home near Detroit, average cement drive way. I can't justify the size of a two stage where I live, but wanted one with a powerful enough engine to handle the heavy city plow mess at the end of the drive. First year, it was great, enjoyed the lights, enjoyed the remote chute positioning and the ease of starting. Now the not great news. For a 208cc motor that is from the larger 2 stage blowers, it seems weak. This snow blower is hard to push, and does not seem to have that assist from the auger that many single stages have. The scraper design gets caught on side walk expansion joints easier than any other snow blower I have ever used. Get used to crab walking this snow blower. Another design issue is that the scraper leaves a trail snow on either side by the wheels. Heavy snow pushes the snow chute back to the straight position. BTW I wish the snow chute would go beyond 90 degrees to help prevent blowing snow back on parts I already cleared. The Snow blower started having problems with the LED lights working and not working, related to poor connections. The snow blower had developed a oil leak that seems be to coming from the cylinder head or engine block joint. Engine has a tough time to keep from surging. Surging problem seems to be wide spread with these LCT engines. Count on cleaning the carb air inlets constantly. I have only been able to get the snow blower to run off of partial choke maybe 1 or two times. Always seems like I need some choke on this unit. Muffler fell off. Broke right at the weld joints. Not well supported in design, and you can hear it chatter as you use the snow blower off the top of the engine, it is cantilevered and the vibration of the engine shakes it at the welds. To properly drain the carb, you need to remove the rear covers, which is a pain to get the screw clips to line back up. I have taken the covers on and off so many times the covers and screws no longer fit well.

The machine works well on level ground only. If there is a little divot in your driveway you need to really push to get over small holes. My main problem is that the wheels are held on with a small metal cap. One came off and I can't get a replacement part. Axel should have had a hole drilled for a cotter pin.

Bought Husqvarna ST 151, was a bit pricey and could have gotten 2stage for extra hundred bucks but so far i have no complaints what so ever. also it was the last in stock in my area. read the previous review that the bolt on the chute was loose. all you need is to make sure it is tight then you're good to go. really glad i got this snow blower, saved my back today from shovelling Kitchener snow. we have a two-car driveway and with the ST 151... 5-6inch snow was gone in less than 10 minutes. Start up in one pull with manual start very easy, no need for electric start. it's just the start of winter gong into 2017 so will have to find out how it performs then. Also, checked the oil and was still in optimal levels after use. really happy and thankful with this purchase.