hereafter2

Thanks for the replies!

My prior snow thrower (if you can call it that) was a 3.5 HP single stage Homelite.  It worked great as long as there was 6- 8" of light snow.  Consequently I never had to deal with shear pins.

I was under the impression that it was "normal" to go through 4-5 shear pins during a typical winter.  Based upon Garandman's comment of going through three in 35 years, I feel that I can now worry about something else ;-).  I will be clearing a paved driveway and sidewalk and typically won't have any foreign objects that might impead the auger.

Thanks Hirschallan for the hint about ensuring that the under cut of the pin is properly positioned.  I would have assumed that if you use the proper shear pins, it would automatically align, but now I'll make it a point of double-checking.

Thanks again!

I just purchased a 2005 Yard Man snow thrower model 31AE5KLF801.  (9.5 HP Tecumseh, two-stage)   Bought it for the trigger steering and the joystick chute control features.

I went to buy some (extra) shear pins today at HD and could only find 4 packs of the shear pins (bolts) for 2004 and older models.  I purchased them anyway assuming the differences were neglible (nut versus cotter pin).  Turns out the 2005 MTD family of brands downsized their shear pins going from 5/16" to 1/4".

They call these new shear pins a "tool less replacement" because instead of a nut, a cotter pin is used.  I'm concerned that these smaller shear pins will be more prone to breakage.  In addition, I have concerns that the shear pin was downsized to protect a gearcase / auger shaft that is weaker than their predessessors.

Are my concerns warranted, or am I overreacting?