PowerSmart PSS2240-X 24-inch 212cc Snow Blower Review

PowerSmart PSS2240-X is currently one of the best selling snow blowers in North America. It’s reasonably priced yet feature rich and has powerful engine. Is it really as good as it seems at first glance?

Performance

PowerSmart PSS2240-X snow blower has clearing width of 24 inches and depth of 20. With its 212cc engine that develops 9.5 lb-ft. of torque in theory it should do a great job of clearing snow – and it does.

PowerSmart PSS2240-X cuts through snow and ice like it was butter. The performance is almost unbelievable considering how relatively inexpensive this unit is. It even takes care of heavy snow piles left by street plow at end of your driveway without much trouble.

PowerSmart PSS2240-X 24-inch 212cc snow blower can throw snow quite far so be careful where you aim the chute.

Starting up

PowerSmart PSS2240-X 24-inch 212cc snow blower has both electric and pull start. It takes only 1 or 2 pulls to start the snow thrower so you will probably never actually need to use electric start.

How to start engine manually:

1. Move choke lever to “Close” position
2. Make sure you have inserted key
3. Press primer bulb 3 times
4. Pull recoil starter handle slowly and once you start to feel slight resistance pull it quickly to start the engine.
5. Once the snow blower has started slowly return choke lever to “Open” position

How to start engine using electric start:

• Move choke lever to “Close” position
• Make sure you have inserted key
• Press primer bulb 3 times
• Plug the power cord
• Hold the start button for approximately 2-3 seconds until the engine fires up. If the engine doesn’t start after 3 seconds release the button, wait about 10 seconds and try again.

Assembly

PowerSmart PSS2240-X arrives very well packaged. You will need 10mm socket to disassemble crate.

Some assembly is required and the whole process will take around 20-30 minutes to complete. Assembly itself is pretty simple especially with included instructions (I would recommend to read them before you start assembly, they are a bit vague yet very helpful). You will have to install upper handle, chute, chute handle, clean tools and skid shoes.

PowerSmart PSS2240-X 24-inch 212cc snow thrower is shipped without oil so you will have to add it yourself. Oil capacity of engine crankcase is 16 fl.oz., PowerSmart recommends using 5W-30 4-stroke engine oil.

Capacity of fuel tank is 0.66 gallons, be sure to use fresh, lead free gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. Don’t mix oil with gas!

Transmission

PowerSmart PSS2240-X is self propelled and has 6 forward and 2 backward speeds. It weighs 145 pounds but isn’t hard to maneuver especially since 13” inflatable tires with tread provides good grip.

Features

Other than previously mentioned features PowerSmart PSS2240-X 24-inch 212cc snow blower also has metal skid shoes that are adjustable in height.

Chute rotates 180 degrees but doesn’t adjust smoothly. You can try to loosen up the jam nut and spring (located under the chute body) a bit as well remove two small screws located on the plastic top and spray plastic pinyon gears with industrial lubricant to reduce tension. Be warned that such actions might void warranty. Don’t attempt altering anything unless you absolutely know what you are doing.

PowerSmart PSS2240-X gas snow blower is CARB compliant which simply put means it meets air pollution standards of California Air Resources Board and therefore also less emissions than most engines.

Conclusions

PowerSmart PSS2240-X is amazing snow blower for the price. It’s comparable to many units twice or even triple the price. It’s not perfect but it certainly offers best value for money when it comes to gas snow blowers.

PowerSmart PSS2240-X 212cc 24-inch 2-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower Details/Specs:

• Type: Gas powered
• Stage: Two-Stage
• Clearing Width: 24″
• Clearing Depth: 20″
• Auger material: Steel
• Engine:
  • Engine Displacement: 212 cc
  • Engine power output: 9.5 lb-ft. of torque
  • Fuel tank capacity: 0.66 gallons (2.5 liters)
  • Oil capacity: 16 fl. oz. (0.47 liters)
  • Starting system: Recoil (manual pull) start + 120V electric start
• Transmission:
  • Self propelled: Yes
  • Forward speeds: 6
  • Backward speeds: 2
• Chute Rotation: 180 degrees
• Tire Size: 13″
• Dimensions: 33.3″ x 25.2″ x 25.6″ (Length x Width x Height)
• Weight: 145 pounds
• Certifications:
  • CARB Compliant