Yard Machines 31C-040-800 Snow Fox 12.5-Inch 8.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower
by Yard Machines
|
List Price: Our Price: $119.00 You Save: $60.99 (34%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Lawn & Patio See more product details |
|---|
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Yard Machines 31C-040-800 Snow Fox 12.5-Inch 8.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower
Customer Review: For it's size, it does a good job!
Summary: 4 Stars
We use our Snow Fox here in Breckenridge, Colorado. We don't have a lot to shovel, but due to our average snowfall, it still gets tiresome. Now, I look forward to shovelling.
I looked at the Toro, but opted to spend a little more for the MTD Snow Fox. I wish it had a little more powerful motor. The handle should be adjustable for people taller than Danny DeVito. I have to stoop to use it. Also, the low angle of the handle makes getting into tight places a challenge. That's my main disappointment, but it isn't anything that would discourage me from recommending it.
The Fox comes with a three position chute for directing the thrown snow. Here's where a more powerful motor would really improve the machine. In either of the angled positions (straight ahead, 45 degrees to the right or left) the snow dribbles out of the machine. This is inspite of the fact that in the straight position the snow shoots out 20 feet.
I took the cover off of mine and used my Dremel to add an extra position for the chutes. Now, my blower is a 5 position model. All I need now is to swap in a 5 hp motor (c;
Customer Review: Good for light snow
Summary: 3 Stars
Ordered this right before our big snowstorm in Maryland/DC, before I knew how big it was going to be. It was a real help, but clearly overwhelmed by our 30+ inches of snow, even though I never let more than 6"-10" accumulate. I'd say it should work well as advertised with up to 6" of snow per storm, and it can handle more by taking two or three passes. The biggest issue is that it can only throw left or right over a 15" or so border and only for a few feet, so once you have cut a path and the snow has built up on the sides, it won't throw the snow over the side. It really does throw 20' or so straight ahead (at a much higher angle), so I found myself cutting in a herringbone pattern. I think this will work fine for our normal light snows and I'm happy with how little space it takes to store it, but I wish I had spent $100 more and gotten the SnowJoe 622 that can throw over a higher bank. If you get regular snows of 12+ inches, you'll need a bigger machine. If you want to help out your neighbors, get a gas powered one so you're not constrained by a cord. As others mentioned, cord management is a bit of a hassel in general.Customer Review: Looks great - haven't used it yet
Summary: 3 Stars
Seeing how I bought it without the benefit of any reviews about this product on Amazon, I would like to help other buyers out there who are contemplating this snow thrower/blower.
I primarily bought this product over Toro's low end product because it has a sturdier frame - gives better control because you can hold it with two hands.
Couple of other things going in this blower's favor -
1. you can control the direction of snow to -45 0 +45 degrees. this will be useful when clearing snow from a deck because you are not restricted to using the snow thrower in one direction.
2. power cord retention tool - it seems to be strong enough to not worry about the power cord coming loose in mid-use.
[...]
Hope this helps.
All that is missing now is some serious snow in the mid-Atlantic region. If and when that happens, I will try and remember to update my review with my experience.
The only reason I am giving this product 3 stars is because I don't have complete picture yet. All I have to go with is what it *appears* to be capable of.
Customer Review: It laughs at snow and your neighbors' equipment
Summary: 5 Stars
It laughs at snow and your neighbors' garage impinging equipment. I hang it on pegboard and it takes up barely more room than a shovel. I have used it on snow that is taller that the whole machine and it took it with aplomb, which not to say it was fast when taking on 14 inch snow drifts: I was shaving off only about 1/3 width slices, but how often do you get 14 inches of snow in one night? It can be easily operated with one hand when taking on snow of 5 or 6 inches or less. It's quite convenient to pick up and use it like a shovel, except, of course, you don't have to throw the snow. I have a standard 2 car suburban drive way and it took me 1 3/4 hours to clear a 12-14 inch snow fall, which sounds like a lot of time, but when the snow is 5-6 inches, it only takes the amount of time to clear that it would take you to walk the rows. I don't find the cord to be a problem: I coil it at the top of the drive and row by row work my way down. I discovered that if you tilt the machine to the side slightly when taking on a drift, the snow falls into it much better and it takes much better advantage of the chutes.Customer Review: Works Well for What It Is
Summary: 5 Stars
Bought this little guy after my gas thrower blew up right before a big storm. I have a 70-foot driveway, 3 cars wide (pretty large), but this worked great, even if it took some time.
I've found it lives up to it's billing and does exactly what it says it will. I've taken on up to 6" of snow easily. You can take more, but you have to either take half-swaths (only 6 inches) or tilt it back and "shave" off a few inches.
PROs: Light, inexpensive, works as advertised, quiet.
CONs: Directional controls limited to straight or 45 degrees (not 90 like typical thrower), small clearing path (12 inches),
If you live in an area where you don't typically get huge snowstorms, and you have a modest area to clear, this little guy will work great. If you get a ton of snow, or have a big drive (or both), this guy will still work, however, you'll spend a lot of time outside since you can't let the snow pile up past 6".
Overall, I'm sold on electric snow blowers and will probably buy a larger electric for next season.