What is the best rated gas snow blower?
The best-rated gas snow blower is the one that matches your snowfall and driveway size: most owners rate two-stage machines highest for deep, wet snow, while single-stage models rate highest for small areas and lighter snow. For your MTD 310-586-000, focus on reliability and serviceable parts.
How to choose the “best rated” type for your needs
- Single-stage: best for lighter snow and smaller driveways; faster to maneuver.
- Two-stage: best overall ratings in heavy snow; auger feeds an impeller for longer throw.
- Clearing width: wider clears faster but takes more storage space.
- Electric start: improves cold-weather starting consistency.
- Chute control: quick-adjust chute controls improve real-world usability.
Quick comparison: what typically earns the highest ratings
| Feature | Single-stage gas | Two-stage gas |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Light to moderate snow | Moderate to heavy snow |
| Typical clearing width | Narrower | Wider |
| Effort to use | Lower | Moderate |
| Throwing distance | Shorter | Longer |
What to check on your current snowblower before replacing it
If your MTD 310-586-000 is struggling, a tune-up or a few common repairs often restores performance.
- Check the spark plug condition and gap
- Verify the drive system engages smoothly (no slipping)
- Inspect belts for glazing, cracking, or stretching
- Confirm the chute rotates and locks without binding
- Tighten loose hardware that can cause vibration and poor control
A simple maintenance routine also helps ratings stay high over time; see how to make your snowblower last longer.
Why it matters
“Best rated” usually reflects fewer clogs, easier starting, and better traction in real snow. Matching the machine type (single-stage vs. two-stage) to your conditions prevents underpowered performance and reduces wear on belts, friction components, and controls.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the typical lifespan of a gas snowblower?
A gas snowblower typically lasts 10 to 15 years with normal residential use; well-maintained machines often reach 15 to 20 years. For your MTD 310-586-000 snow thrower, lifespan depends most on off-season storage, fuel quality, and routine maintenance.
Typical lifespan ranges
| Use and care level | Typical lifespan | What usually ends the machine’s life |
|---|---|---|
| Light use, good maintenance | 15 to 20 years | Wear in friction drive, auger gearbox, rust/corrosion |
| Average use, average maintenance | 10 to 15 years | Carburetor/fuel system issues, belts, cables |
| Heavy use, poor storage | 5 to 10 years | Engine wear, repeated fuel problems, drivetrain wear |
What extends lifespan the most
- Change engine oil on schedule and keep the oil at the correct level.
- Use fresh fuel and avoid storing fuel in the tank for long periods.
- Keep the auger and chute clear; never force packed snow through.
- Lubricate moving points (wheels, hex shaft, auger shaft) to reduce wear.
- Replace worn hardware promptly so parts stay aligned and tight.
A common “small but important” fix is replacing missing or stripped fasteners; for example, a worn mounting bolt can let components shift and accelerate belt and drive wear.
Maintenance actions we recommend each season
- Before first snow: check spark plug condition, inspect belts and cables, verify skid shoe and scraper/shave plate clearance.
- During the season: clear packed snow after use, check for loose fasteners, listen for new squeals or grinding.
- End of season: run the machine dry or stabilize fuel, clean and dry the housing, store in a dry area.
For step-by-step upkeep, use our DIY video: how to make your snowblower last longer.
Why it matters
A snowblower’s engine can last a long time, but neglected fuel and lack of lubrication can cause hard-starting, poor throwing performance, and premature drive wear. Consistent maintenance costs less than major drivetrain or engine repairs.
Last updated: February 2026
Which snowblower brand is most reliable?
The most reliable snowblower brands are typically Ariens, Toro, and Honda for gas models, and EGO for cordless electric. For long-term dependability, we focus on proven drivetrains, strong parts support, and routine maintenance, which matters as much as the badge on the housing.
What “most reliable” usually means
Reliability is a mix of build quality and how well the machine is maintained over time.
- Starts consistently in cold weather (fuel system, ignition, carburetion)
- Drives and augers engage smoothly (belts, friction disc, cables)
- Holds up to vibration and impacts (fasteners, skid shoes, scraper bar)
- Has good parts availability for wear items
- Is maintained on schedule (oil, spark plug, lubrication)
Brand reliability at a glance
| Type | Brands that tend to rate well | Why they last |
|---|---|---|
| Two-stage gas | Ariens, Honda | Heavy-duty auger/drive systems, durable gearcases |
| Single-stage gas | Toro | Strong single-stage designs, good performance in lighter snow |
| Cordless electric | EGO | Solid battery platform, low routine maintenance |
How this applies to your MTD 310-586-000
MTD snow throwers can be very dependable when the wear-and-tear items are kept tight and adjusted correctly. If you’re maintaining an MTD 310-586-000, we recommend prioritizing fastener checks and control/drive adjustments before each season.
- Inspect and tighten hardware on handles, chute, and housing
- Replace worn springs and linkage parts that affect shifting and engagement
- Lubricate moving shafts and pivots to prevent binding
- Check belts and friction drive operation if drive performance changes
- Keep fresh fuel and verify spark plug condition
If you’re chasing a shifting or engagement issue, a common wear item is the MTD snowblower shift lever compression spring 732-0193.
Why it matters
A “reliable” snowblower is the one that starts when you need it and keeps throwing without constant adjustments. Choosing a proven brand helps, but consistent maintenance and timely replacement of small parts (springs, bolts, washers) is what prevents mid-storm breakdowns.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find out how old a snowblower is?
To find the age of your MTD snow thrower model 310-586-000, we use the serial number on the model tag to decode the build date. On many MTD-built machines, the first characters of the serial number indicate the production year (and sometimes the production week). If you also have the engine model and serial, that can confirm the timeframe.
Where to find the model and serial number
Look for a metal or adhesive ID tag on the snowblower. Common locations include:
- The rear of the frame near the wheels
- The side of the auger housing
- Under the handle panel or near the control console
- Near the engine mounting plate
If the tag is dirty or faded, wipe it clean and take a clear photo before you start decoding.
How to decode the date (practical method)
Because serial formats vary by production run, we recommend this quick, reliable approach:
- Write down the full serial number exactly as shown
- Note the first 5 to 7 characters (these often contain the date code)
- Compare the pattern to common MTD date coding (year and sometimes week)
- Cross-check with the engine date code if your engine label is readable
Quick cross-check table
| What you check | Where it is | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Snowblower serial number | Model/serial tag on frame | Assembly date code for the machine |
| Engine model/type/code | Engine shroud or valve cover area | Engine build date (helps confirm year) |
| Wear items condition | Belts, skid shoes, scraper bar | Whether the machine’s use matches the estimated age |
Why it matters
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct parts and revisions for your 310-586-000, especially for drive and control hardware where small changes affect fit.
Parts tip while you’re checking the tag
If you’re already inspecting the machine, it’s a good time to check common fasteners and linkage hardware for looseness or corrosion. These parts are often replaced during tune-ups:
- MTD snowblower shift lever compression spring 732-0193
- Toro lawn & garden equipment carriage bolt 710-0276
- Craftsman lawn and garden equipment flat washer 736-0188
Last updated: February 2026
How do I find MTD replacement parts?
To find MTD replacement parts for your MTD 310-586-000 gas snowblower, match the exact model number first, then use the parts list and diagrams to identify the part by name and number before ordering. This ensures the replacement fits and functions like the original.
Step-by-step: how we recommend finding the right part
- Confirm the model number is 310-586-000 (use the model tag on the frame or engine area).
- Open the parts list for this model and locate the correct section (hardware, controls, drive, auger, chute).
- Identify the part by its diagram callout and description.
- Compare your old part to the listing (length, thread type, spring shape, washer diameter).
- Order the exact match, or replace related fasteners at the same time if they are worn or rusted.
Common parts you may need for this model
These are examples of parts shown for the MTD 310-586-000 that customers often replace during repairs:
| Part type | Example part on this model | When you typically replace it |
|---|---|---|
| Carriage bolt | Toro lawn & garden equipment carriage bolt 710-0276 | Missing or rusted fastener, loose handle or bracket |
| Compression spring | MTD snowblower shift lever compression spring 732-0193 | Shifter feels floppy, won’t hold gear position |
| Standard bolt | Lawn & garden equipment bolt 710-0672 | Stripped threads, broken bolt, vibration loosening |
| Flat washer | Craftsman lawn and garden equipment flat washer 736-0188 | Worn washer, slop in linkage, spacing issues |
Why it matters
Snowblower parts are highly model-specific. Using the exact MTD 310-586-000 parts list prevents issues like misaligned linkages, incorrect belt tension, or hardware that loosens under vibration.
Helpful DIY guidance while you’re identifying parts
If you’re working on controls or drive components, these guides help you confirm what you’re seeing before ordering:
- How to assemble a snowblower video
- How to adjust a snowblower shift cable video
- How to replace a snowblower belt video
Last updated: February 2026





