Great machine when it starts but mine is very tempermental. I've had a 2stroke lawnmower for 15 years and it starts in less than 5 pulls first time of the season and 1st pull after that. This 2stroke, I don't know how many times to prime it or turn choke on or off, it just doesn't start well. First time every winter, I end up starting it using starting fluid spray. After that it runs ok. Using it is great! I use it on the deck, up on our flat roof garage/shed and walk-ways.

This is my 7th season with my little Powerlite. After the end of the second season, I too experienced problems with it not starting. Took it in, they cleaned the carb, and since then......it's worked like a charm.
ONE REASON........I use PREMIXED OIL WITH STABIL ALREADY IN IT, AND AT THE END OF THE SEASON, RUN IT DRY. I also KEEP THE TANK FULL AT ALL TIMES, TO PREVENT CONDENSATION.
I just came in from blowing an 8" snow fall. Granted, it's not good for the heavy, dense wet stuff, but everything else, it throws the snow a good distance. Also gets right down to the pavement.
Since the carb job, mine starts on the 2nd pull, or jumps to life immediately if you use the electric starter. I've had to replace the little plastic "scraper" 3 times and will replace the paddles at the end of this season. All parts can be purchased online or through your local dealer. I'll bet the majority of people not happy are not using the proper oil-gas ratio. Most oil comes in containers for a 40:1 mixture. This unit takes 50:1 !!!
A LITLE COMMON SENSE AND ANNUAL MAINTENANCE GOES A LONG WAY WITH THIS UNIT. I'D BUY MINE AGAIN IN A HEART BEAT.

This snowblower is fine when its working however, parts fall off when in use and starting at the beginning of the new season is a dubious proposition. I have had it repaired but, now consider the cost of repairs exceed its value. I am looking for a different snowblower. My first snowblower was Toro's 1800 powercurve. It worked dependably but, it lacked weight (it's hollow wheels were a joke)
and therefore lacked traction. I bought this model hoping for more power. I got the power; it just came with a temperamental personality.

I bought one of these and the engine siezed up after 10 minutes of use. The retailer accused me of not putting oil in the gas, but I did mix the fuel correctly. I do know how to take care of 2 stroke engines. Anyhow, unless you're getting this free, I'd recommend finding something else.

I have had my machine since 1997. It runs and starts perfectly. I put a new plug in it every year. It is cheap and easy to change...so why no do it? This year I put in new blades and a scraper for the first time. I could have let it go another year but I figured I would change them. It was easy and I did it myself with simple tools. I use this machine for my walkways and multi-level landscaped walks. I run it over my bricks with never an issue. It even folds so you can out it in your trunk and take it with you.
Some of the other reviews sound like they struggle with a 2-cycle machine. Use fresh gas, mix it properly and you should be fine. I have the electric start but never use it. I prime it and it starts every time. Sometimes in the summer I walk by and see if it will start - it does - every single time.
It is not a full machine so I use it for walkways and powdery small snowfalls. If you try to clean out a wet solid drift it will stall. But if you take your time and cut off a slice of snow it does just fine. I like it because you can pick it up and run it over the snow bank to break it down.
I think this machine works great for being a 3hp machine. I also have the 1128OXE with 11hp...and that machine is incredible.
So...if you expect to clear a six car driveway with two feet of wet snow you better get some help. But if you want to clear walkways, carry it around and trim your driveway snow...then this is for you.

My machine is less than one year old and upon the fourth time I used it, the engine stalled a couple of times and finally wouldn't start. I couldn't pull the cord out anymore. I took it to the dealer and he said he got some gas out of the carburator bowl and claims I had no oil in my gasoline. This is simply not true. He claims the engine is seized because of it. It's now a case of he says, I say......I still the have the fuel mix I drained out of the tank for safety purposes since I was taking it to the dealer in my car. The gas clearly has oil in it..... I called Toro today and was told to call back on Monday and speak to a supervisor.... Hoping that Toro backs their product.