Most of the snow I have blown with this machine this year has been light dry snow which was removed quite readily without too many difficulties. However when in areas where the snow was thick I found the machine to be slightly under-powered. I would have to stop the forward motion and allow it to catch up. Other than that, it starts very well on the third pull every time by following the starting directions. It is important to note that I only use this machine on a large patio with the levelling feet set to the minimum level possible. However even at that setting, there is a thin skiff of snow left which the machine does not pick up. All in all, it is still a good machine and for the most part does what it was purchased for.