Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

This year I'm going to replace my 27 year old Craftsman 10/32 Snowblower    

 Based on my previous machine I'm looking at  a Craftsman again.    I'm getting on in years so will be going to a smaller machine, but also like the idea of "Power Steering"  after manhandling the old heavy brute for so many years.    One machine that has caught my eye is the 24",  13.5 TF Craftsman  with power steering.

After looking at the power release mechanism attached to each wheel I'm wondering how robust it really is?   The engaging pawls don't look all that heavy, and was wondering how it would stand up?   There must  be a lot of strain put on them when , for example,  you hit  a raised piece of sidewalk and the forward movement of the machine stops immediately?   

I've searched various forums but have not found any  instances or discussions of how durable this mechanism is?  Do you have any experiences to share?  What are your thoughts on this mechanism?


Thanks,  moe