Yard Force YF24-DS21-GSB2 Review: 24 in Briggs & Stratton Two-Stage

Pairing a named engine with the dimensions that matter for plow berms. The 21-inch intake is at the tall end for 24-inch machines, and Yard Force says it handles snow up to 21 inches deep in a single pass. The 12.5-inch steel auger and 12-inch impeller are larger than many budget 24-inch machines list, and the reinforced steel chute and deflector avoid brittle plastic in deep cold.

The Briggs & Stratton CR950 Snow Series engine is the other draw. Briggs & Stratton engines have a large service dealer network and wide parts availability, which matters on a machine you expect to keep running for years. Electric start with a manual backup covers the dead-outlet or dead-battery morning.

The one-hand operation design lets you hold the drive engaged with one hand while adjusting the chute with the other, and the LED headlight helps for the early-morning and after-dark clearing that most snow removal involves.

Value against its closest rivals. At $1,099.00 it costs $100 more than the PowerSmart 26, which also uses a Briggs & Stratton 208cc Snow Series engine and adds 2 inches of width, a 45-foot throw and handle warmers. The PowerSmart 24 212cc lists a 21-inch intake and 45-foot throw for $899.99.

The listing also leaves out warranty length, weight and heated grips, and the stock status has shown limited availability. For a machine priced above several competitors, those gaps count. If warranty is your priority, the Husqvarna ST124 lists 3 years bumper-to-bumper and 5 years on the engine for $999.00.

A maker's single-pass depth claim should also be read carefully: 21 inches of light, fluffy snow and 21 inches of wet, compacted berm are very different loads.

Praise themes in verified owner reviews of Briggs & Stratton-powered 24-inch two-stage machines like this one:

• Easy cold-weather starting with electric start.
• Good clearing of plow berms thanks to the tall intake.
• The LED headlight for clearing in the dark.
• Steel chute and auger that feel sturdier than plastic budget parts.

Complaint themes:

• Assembly and cable adjustment at delivery.
• Friction-disc drives need occasional adjustment as they wear.
• Throw distance shorter in wet snow than the rating.
• Turning effort on a heavy wheeled machine.

Buy it if

• You want a Briggs & Stratton engine and a 21-inch intake in a 24-inch machine.
• Your driveway is a standard two-car pad that collects a plow berm.
• You clear in the dark and want a headlight.
• You value a steel chute and larger auger dimensions.

Skip it if

• You want the most machine per dollar; the PowerSmart 26 costs less.
• Warranty length matters; the Husqvarna ST124 states its terms.
• Your budget is closer to $500; see the WEN SB209E.
• You want no gas; the EGO SNT2405 is the battery 24-inch.

Price the whole ownership, not just the machine. The Yard Force costs $1,099.00 and needs fuel, oil, a spark plug now and then, fuel stabilizer and an off-season routine. The EGO SNT2405 kit costs $1,649.00 with two batteries and needs recharging and battery care, and its batteries will eventually need replacing.

• Choose gas for long driveways, back-to-back heavy storms and the lowest purchase price per inch of width.
• Choose battery for quiet early clearing, push-button starting and no carburetor problems after summer storage, on driveways the per-charge rating covers with margin.

Run your own numbers in the gas vs battery cost calculator and read battery vs gas snow blower.

The listing does not state warranty terms. Confirm the machine warranty with Yard Force and note that Briggs & Stratton engine warranty service is typically handled through Briggs & Stratton's authorized dealers. Gas engines sold in the US must carry EPA emissions certification, and in California CARB certification; the label is on the engine.

Check the CPSC recall database at cpsc.gov/Recalls for this model before buying, and before buying used. Keep spare shear bolts matched to the manual, and follow the snow blower storage guide at the end of each winter.