I'm relatively new to the snowblower club, I purchased a troy-bilt 2410 with the 179cc engine. Since I'm from northern VA, we don't get much snow, but when we do get a big snow storm, I would usually end up hiring a plow service. I figured that getting a snow blower would pay for itself by the first or second major snow storm we get this season.

I didn't consider getting a single stage machine as they won't be much help for a heavy storm. I found that this troy-bilt was a simple, entry level, two-stage machine that only has the features I want. It has electric start, self-propelled wheels, simple controls, and isn't so big that I wouldn't use it. I purchased used, but like-new in August for $400, they are normally $600 new, so I think I did alright with this. I think the new one comes with a slightly larger 208cc engine, I still think my smaller engine will get the job done.

As for modding it, I replaced the stock metal skid shoes with larger plastic ones. I'm not going to bypass any of its safety features as I don't find them intrusive and I'm sure they are there for good reasons. I wouldn't mod the engine to squeeze more power out of it because the engine was not designed to run at a higher power output than the manufacturer intended. I just think the engine's life will be shorter if I mod the governor settings. I don't know about modding the impeller, I'd have to look into that, but just as long as the machine works good enough, I'll leave it as is.