How to find snowblower model number?
On the MTD snow thrower model 31AM62EE700, the model number is on the model plate located on the lower, rear section of the frame when you stand in the operator’s position. Use that model number to match the correct parts list and diagrams in the owner's manual.
Check these common model plate locations (starting with the model-specific spot above):
- Lower rear frame section (stand at the operator position and look down and back)
- Rear of the base between the wheels
- Side of the auger housing
- Frame near the engine
- Stamped into metal or printed on an identification label (wipe off snow, salt, and grime)
Your snowblower has two different identifiers that can both matter for service and parts:
| What you’re identifying | Where it’s found | What it’s used for |
|---|---|---|
| Snowblower model number (example: 31AM62EE700) | Model plate on the snowblower frame | Correct auger, drive, chute, and housing parts |
| Engine model/type/code | On the engine shroud, valve cover, or recoil starter housing | Correct engine parts like spark plug, carburetor, and ignition parts |
- Use a flashlight and take a photo; zooming in usually makes the numbers clearer
- Write down both model and serial numbers if the plate includes both
- Match every character exactly (letters, numbers, and dashes)
- If the tag is damaged, look for a second label on the auger housing or rear frame area
The model number ensures we point you to the right diagrams and parts for your exact build. For example, belts and wear items can vary by configuration; common replacements include the snowblower auger drive belt 256963 and shear pins.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average lifespan of a snowblower?
For the MTD snow thrower model 31AM62EE700, the operator’s manual lists an average useful life of 7 years or about 60 hours of operation. With consistent maintenance (oil changes, lubrication, belt checks, and proper off-season storage), many gas snowblowers deliver reliable service beyond that baseline.
The “average useful life” is a planning benchmark, not a hard stop. Usage intensity and maintenance usually matter more than calendar age.
- Light residential use (short driveway, a few storms per year): often exceeds 7 years
- Heavy use (long driveway, frequent wet snow, lots of drifting): reaches 60 hours sooner
- Poor storage (fuel left untreated, snow left packed in housing): shortens life quickly
- Wear items (belts, skid shoes, shave plate, shear pins): need periodic replacement
These are the habits that most directly protect the auger/impeller system, drive system, and engine:
- Clear snow from the machine for a few minutes before storage to prevent freeze-up
- Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings for cracks or leaks
- Lubricate the drive hex shaft at least once per season or every 25 hours
- Keep tire pressure equal side-to-side to reduce uneven wear and tracking issues
- Replace worn wear parts before they damage larger assemblies
For model-specific maintenance intervals and storage steps, follow the 31AM62EE700 owner’s manual.
| Item type | Examples | Typical impact on lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Normal wear parts | Belts, skid shoes, shave plate, spark plug, tires | Routine replacement keeps the machine dependable |
| Damage protection parts | Shear pins | Prevents expensive auger/gearbox damage |
| Major assemblies | Gearbox, auger housing, drive system components | Usually replaced only after severe wear or impact |
If your auger stops turning or slips under load, a worn belt is a common cause; the snowblower auger drive belt 256963 is one of the listed replacement options for this model.
Knowing the 7-year or 60-hour benchmark helps you plan maintenance and inspections before wear becomes a safety issue. The manual also recommends annual inspection at the end of the average useful life to keep mechanical and safety systems from becoming excessively worn.
Last updated: February 2026
Is a 2 stage or 3 stage snowblower better?
A 2-stage snowblower is the better choice for most homeowners because it handles typical driveway snow well and is usually lighter and less expensive; a 3-stage is better when you regularly face deep, dense, icy snow and plow-packed end-of-driveway banks. For your MTD 31AM62EE700 snow thrower, the best choice depends on your snow conditions and how fast you want to clear.
| Feature | 2-stage snowblower | 3-stage snowblower |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most driveways; moderate to heavy snow | Very deep, wet, or icy snow; frequent plow banks |
| Snow processing | Auger feeds impeller | Adds an accelerator to break up and feed snow faster |
| Typical tradeoffs | Lower cost; simpler; often lighter | Higher cost; heavier; more moving parts |
| When you notice the difference | Heavy storms a few times a year | Tough, frozen piles and repeated heavy events |
- Choose 2-stage if you clear a standard driveway and want strong performance with fewer parts to maintain.
- Choose 3-stage if you often hit hard-packed, icy, end-of-driveway piles and want faster intake and less bogging.
- If you have gravel or uneven surfaces, focus as much on setup as “stages”; skid shoe height and scraper clearance matter.
- If storage space and maneuverability matter, 2-stage models are typically easier to handle.
- If you want maximum bite into crusted snow, 3-stage designs usually feel more aggressive at the front end.
A snowblower that is “too small” for your conditions tends to clog more often and puts extra strain on wear items like belts and shear pins. Proper setup and safe operation also matter; our owner's manual covers key safety steps like shutting the engine off and using a clean-out tool to clear a clogged chute.
Skid shoe adjustment changes how the machine rides over the surface:
- Raise skid shoes for smoother surfaces and hard-packed snow.
- Lower skid shoes for gravel to increase clearance between the ground and the shave plate.
If you are maintaining your current unit, common wear items include the snowblower auger drive belt 256963.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth fixing an old snowblower?
Yes, it’s worth fixing an older MTD snow thrower like model 31AM62EE700 when the problem is a normal wear item (belts, cables, skid shoes, scraper blade, shear pins) and the machine is otherwise solid. If the repair involves major drivetrain or engine work, replacement usually makes more sense once repair cost approaches about half the price of a comparable new unit.
Use these checks before you buy parts:
- Confirm the failure is a wear item: belts slipping, auger not engaging, worn skid shoes, or a broken shear pin are typically economical fixes.
- Inspect the auger/impeller area for damage: bent auger flighting, cracked housing, or heavy rust usually means costs add up fast.
- Check controls and safety devices: our manual stresses checking control levers and safety devices regularly and not tampering with them.
- Look for “hidden” costs: multiple worn parts at once (belt plus cable plus scraper blade) can push the total up.
- Consider parts availability: if common parts are readily available for 31AM62EE700, repair is usually practical.
These are the types of repairs that usually restore performance quickly:
| Symptom | Likely cause | Typical fix type |
|---|---|---|
| Auger won’t turn but engine runs | Shear pins sheared after hitting ice/objects | Replace shear pins and cotter pins |
| Auger engages weakly or squeals | Worn/stretched auger drive belt | Replace belt |
| Poor scraping, leaves snow behind | Worn scraper blade or skid shoes | Replace and adjust skid shoes |
| Drive feels inconsistent | Drive belt wear or cable adjustment | Inspect belt/cable, adjust or replace |
For shear pins, the operator guidance is to use OEM shear pins (the manual calls out 738-04124A) and to shut off the engine and remove the key before replacing them. For step-by-step procedures and adjustment specs, use the owner's manual.
If your machine is in good overall shape, these parts are often the best value:
- Snowblower auger drive belt 256963 (auger engagement and throwing power)
- Shear pins (protect the gearbox when the auger jams)
- Skid shoes and scraper blade (cleaner scrape and less housing wear)
- Clutch/selector cables (proper engagement and speed control)
A snowblower that won’t engage the auger correctly or has worn skid shoes can perform poorly and wear other components faster. Fixing the right wear parts early often prevents bigger repairs later.
Last updated: February 2026





