It was extremely well packaged, took only about 30 minutes from opening the box, doing some minor assembly, adding oil and gas, to firing up the engine. This unit is surprisingly well built, loaded with features and fairly easy to handle. I wanted to wait until a full season of use and non-use before evaluating. This machine handled a Western New York winter without a problem. Started each time on the first or second pull and never gave an issue during the year. Cuts through deep snow without bogging down.

The only thing I think needs improvement is the length of the handles. They need to be a bit longer to help create greater down leverage when turning or maneuvering. (Found my rotator cuffs aching after each use. I was surprised this happened considering that I am no couch potato. Note: After using my daughter’s Yard Machine snow thrower to clear her yard, I never experienced any similar discomforts).

Since the 2009 winter season is looming around the corner, I went to fire the beast up to ensure it was ready for battle. Choke on, fuel on, primed and ready. First pull it fires right up and runs smooth as glass. Now I can only hope I really don’t have to do this for real.