i have the lowes version of this. i looked at them both and they are almost the same to the point i think the same people make it. same with the craftsman my dad has. his is a 28" though that we bought 3-4 years ago and its never had a problem.
things to watch out for though that i have come across with his 28" and will have the same problem with mine. watch out for news papers, sometimes you can't see them and it will stop the second stage blade. you'll have to shut it down and then turn the blade backwards to get the papers out. now if its not a very busy week in the news it will chew them up and spread it all over your yard lol.
also be careful with the wet snow and the slush around the end of the driveways, sometimes it will try and clog the shoot up of you try and take too big of bite or go too fast.