Frequently Asked Questions

What is steerable wheel drive and how does it help?

Steerable wheel drive is an exclusive feature designed by MTD. An easy-to-operate finger trigger control allows the operator to slow or stop the wheel or track on one side of the machine while the wheel or track on the opposite side continues to turn. The unit virtually turns itself with minimal operator effort. Operator fatigue is greatly reduced while maneuvering around curves or reversing direction, and overall control is greatly improved.

What is the difference between a single-stage snow blower and a two-stage snow blower?

A single-stage snow blower has only the front auger to gather in and then throw the snow. This design is meant for light duty applications, such as a short walkway or small driveway, under light snow conditions of 6" of snowfall or less. A two-stage snow blower has the front auger to gather the snow and then an impeller that pushes the snow up and out the chute. They are designed for much heavier workloads, such as a long lane way or larger driveway where the snow must be thrown a fair distance, under medium to heavy snow conditions of 6" annual snowfall or more.

Why is it always more difficult to clear packed or icy snow?

Packed or icy snow is harder to clear if the snow blower only has regular smooth auger blades. They aren't designed to cut or penetrate packed snow. If you regularly have to clear hard packed or icy snow, make sure your snow blower has serrated augers. They cut into hard or icy snow and break it up.

What kind of snow blower will work best on my sloped, icy driveway?

If you have to clear an area that is on a slippery slope a snow blower with a track drive system for even weight transfer and increased traction is preferable. Four wheeled snow blowers also offer superior traction. However, if you already have a wheel drive snow blower, simply add tire chains for maximum traction.

What type of oil and gasoline should I use in my snow blower?

Use regular unleaded automotive gasoline in your snowblower. If the gas supply won't be used up within 30 days, pour in a gasoline stabilizer additive as well. SAE 5W-30 oil is recommended for your snow blower. The exact amount will be specified in your owner's manual. Remember to change the oil after the first 5 hours of operation and then change it regularly after every 25 hours of use, or as a general rule, at the end of every season.

What should I do to get my snow blower ready at the start of the season and then to store it for the summer?

At the end of each season you should drain the gasoline and oil out of the engine and clean the entire unit thoroughly. At the beginning of each season add new engine oil and fresh gas, check the auger and impeller, lubricate all the moving parts, check the air filters, and make sure the spark plug is clean and properly gapped. You can either do these things yourself or have your nearest MTD service dealer do them for you.