The PowerSmart DB7624E is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a 24-inch two-stage gas snow blower. While there are some things to like at this price such as a quality engine and steel frame, it’s littered with cheaper parts and poor assembly which can lead to frustration.
212cc OHV Engine
Inside the DB7624E is a nice 212cc 4-cycle OHV engine. This is made by Loncin engine manufacturer in China. In fact, it’s the exact same engine you’ll find in the single-stage Toro Power Clear 721E.
It’s a tad weak for a two-stage snow blower, but not egregiously so. Starts easy and runs smooth. I rarely see problems with these engines outside of poor treatment by users. Follow the maintenance instructions from the manufacturer and it will treat you well.
12-inch Steel Serrated Auger
The 12-inch serrated auger is made of all-steel which is solid. The blades do a decent job at cutting through compacted snow and have some good bite. There is considerable slowdown in heavier conditions, and it’s not built to handle chunks of ice. All told, the 24-inch blower is not as efficient with wet snow and slush as I’d hope a two-stage model to be.
This is also the area I’ve come across the most problems and complaints. The auger belt has a tendency to break and may require more frequent adjustments. Shear pins are eaten up at the slightest impediments. And I’ve seen complaints about the auger gears getting chewed up within the first few years.
That’s not to say this Powersmart is a total bust. Just that it isn’t as resilient as higher priced competitors. And there will be more maintenance required on your part.
Easy to Drive, Tough to Turn
This machine is self-propelled which is no guarantee at this price range. It has 4 forward and 2 reverse speeds. Forward works well on inclines although can get slow on even the highest gear in heavier snow. The reverse speeds are slow and you might find it easier to just manually back up.
Without some form of power steering, I find this unit to be difficult to turn at times. Especially if you’re in a tight space. This is a concern for smaller or elderly individuals.
The handlebars are ergonomic and it’s easy to operate with gloves. With controls on top, it may be awkward for shorter people. But I like the trigger controls much more than the old school handlebar.
13-inch tires come pre-inflated and have some decent tread on them. They’re just average and if you’re operating in icy conditions, I recommend investing in some tire chains. This snow blower can be used on all surfaces from concrete, asphalt, and gravel.
Finicky Chute Controls
The discharge chute is made of plastic and gets clogged from time to time. This is definitely a snow blower that you’ll want to properly lubricate before using. Powersmart does provide a mini shovel tool to help which is nice.
There is a remote chute control but it is poor. The adjusting rod can be tough to turn and vibration from the blower makes it not stay in place. It theoretically can turn 180 degrees, but you’ll likely be unable to get the full range of motion out of it. Still, it’s tough to complain much at this price point where remote chute controls is no guarantee.
Electric Start
Like most newer machines, the Powersmart DB7624E comes with an electric start option. Plug in an outdoor extension cord and it’ll start up with the push of a button. This is not just a nice feature for extreme cold weather, but also in the event your pull cord breaks.
As expected at this price, there is little else in the way of features. The added shovel is a nice touch. But there’s no headlight or heated handlebars.
Warranty
Powersmart snow blowers come with a 2-year limited warranty. If you read experiences online, they are not known for their customer support. You may wait weeks for parts and end up paying some shipping costs. This is not like purchasing an Ariens or Toro where you take it up to a service center and have it fixed in a few days.
Conclusion
Despite its budget-friendly price of $600, I’m not a fan of this Powersmart model. The company makes some great low end snow blowers, but this is not one of them. At around the same price, you can get a Troy Bilt Storm 2410 which has similar specs with better build quality.
There is one caveat however. The Powersmart DB7624E tends to go on sale a lot. There have been Black Friday deals that have knocked this down to $400. At that price, it’s much more palatable. But be warned that this is a snow blower that you’ll need to get your hands dirty maintaining.
Specs:
Brand: Powersmart
Model: DB7624E (Operator’s Manual)
Stage Type: Two-Stage Gas
Engine: 212cc 4-Cycle (6.5HP)
Fuel Capacity: 0.66 gallons
Plowing Capacity: Unknown
Clearing Width: 24 inch
Intake height: 12 inch
Throw Distance: 40 feet
Tires: 13 inch (4 in. width)
Weight: 180 pounds
Warranty: 2-year limited
Features:
Starting Method: Recoil and Electric
Speed/s: 4 forward and 2 reverse
Power Steering: No
Chute adjustment: Remote (180 degree turning radius)
Headlight: No
Heated handgrips: No
