Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Not sure if it makes a difference but still it's an interesting design.

I have noticed them myself I don't know the added stress on the aluminum gearbox and stuff? I have a cub it is an 09 the last year they used the briggs it isnt a bad blower a smidge underpowered it could stand a tad more umph but it gets the job done.Time will tell how they do maybe it will be the greatest thing but simple heavy duty design seems to be what works in the snow !!

I have noticed them myself I don't know the added stress on the aluminum gearbox and stuff? I have a cub it is an 09 the last year they used the briggs it isnt a bad blower a smidge underpowered it could stand a tad more umph but it gets the job done.Time will tell how they do maybe it will be the greatest thing but simple heavy duty design seems to be what works in the snow !!

Its not really a "3 stage"..
Its still a 2-stage:  augers + impeller = 2 stages.
It just has a different auger design.

(yes I know MTD themselves call it "three stage"..but thats just marketing hype IMO..
just because you say something, doesnt make it so! ;)

Scot

I tend to agree with you sscotsman, pure marketing obfuscation. Ask for a goat & they'd sell you a sheep & charge you more for the winter insulation option.

I saw one of these the other day at home depot (IIRC). I came here to get the straight poop on the new "feature". I've got one of their 930 machine from a couple of years ago. I notice that their big machine now only have the 12" impeller versus the 16" in the 930/933/945SWE machines. Time will tell if the "3rd stage" is a real improvement. Of course that 420cc motor would be an improvement in itself.