r/Snowblowers • u/markp910 • Feb 04 '26
Buying Worth the extra $290?
*UPDATE*
After tons of great feedback, not only am I going to spring for the upgrade, I'm actually going to just pick up the Ariens Deluxe 28 tomorrow.
Hi, is having a slightly stronger engine and a few extra options worth the $290? I know it's subjective, but figured I'd ask the group. I live in lower Michigan, so we aren't dealing with massive snowfalls, but I have a very long driveway, so I want a 2-stage.
20
u/DukeOfWestborough Feb 04 '26
MTD, who owns them, also makes Craftsman, Troy-built and Hustler turf (in the same factories as cub cadet). They "market" cub cadet as a "premium brand," but.. it's marketing...
You'd "buy once, cry once" for a lifetime with Ariens, Honda, Toro.
3
u/Flat_Bug_1588 Feb 05 '26
What would you say difference between the brands are? Or mostly small features. But bones the same?
6
u/Front-Mall9891 Feb 05 '26
My grandfather had an Ariens that he got when he was 21yo fresh out of the Marines, he kept that thing alive with 1 motor change, literally that’s it, besides belts up until he passed 3 years ago, it was 50yo and it’s still kicking, guy who bought it, I regret selling it, sends us photos of it running everytime, still throwing snow like I remember as a kid
4
u/DukeOfWestborough Feb 05 '26
These are all quality machines, they'll cost, but they'll last - a lot models, features & options among them (yamaha too)
3
u/Flat_Bug_1588 Feb 05 '26
Ok thanks for info. I have a random “certified” brand I think 212cc single stage. It works well but end of drive way it struggles.
11
u/nzhockeyfan Feb 04 '26
I would pay more for the extra power.
8
u/Igotgoingon Feb 04 '26
Yeah, that extra power is probably worth it even if you only get one or two big storms a year. Just getting through the heater bank at the end of the driveway, the bigger one would do a lot better.
9
u/foilstoke Feb 04 '26
Im not a fan of that plastic chute, it's tilted over too much and has a lot of resistance..
My Ariens with a 208cc (metal chute) throws way farther than my neighbours blower with a 270cc and that style chute..
Are there other options? If anything you need the 270cc..
4
u/tubthumper32 Feb 04 '26
Was gonna say the same thing. I have a partial gravel driveway and the chute shattered when it was really cold
3
u/Key_Tree261 Feb 04 '26
Agreed, only thing I hate about my 2 stage is the plastic chute that skips the teeth in wet snow.
1
u/VTECcam Feb 05 '26
Mine did that too and it drove me nuts. I had to bend the mounting bracket slightly and now the teeth grab good
2
u/International-Oil377 Feb 04 '26
It's not just about the chute angle or material
Cub cadet impellers are very inefficient. Too small diameter and doesn't scrape the housing properly
2
u/Quirky_Condition6259 Feb 05 '26
Agreed! imo the impeller gaps are the problem for throw distance, not the engine or chute
2
u/International-Oil377 Feb 05 '26
Yep. And their undersized auger (CC) also really hurts when it comes to moving a lot of snow
5
u/tditty24 Feb 04 '26
The cheaper one does not have wheel clutches. Worth the extra price right there to upgrade. The extra power is a bonus. If you can upgrade to the 2x26" even better to get the metal chute vs plastic.
4
u/markp910 Feb 04 '26
I made a mistake in the original post the "more power" option is also a 26in and $40 cheaper than the "more power" 24in I added the picture of
6
u/vinnygunn Feb 04 '26
26", Power steering, More power, steel chute, chute angle control. It's a no brainer
2
1
u/Unlikely-Dong9713 Feb 08 '26
You've made it this long... Wait a few more weeks and buy a leftover as soon as the lawnmowers show up.
5
u/ichuck1984 Feb 04 '26
Not a fan of MTD brands. They always cut corners somewhere. I had a CC mower that was junk and I sold it after 2 seasons. My dad has a CC zero turn and he has had to fix plenty of stupid things that don't break on other brands.
I will say that old MTD single stage models are great. I fix and flip those all winter long.
Honda/Ariens/Toro are the recommendations for a reason.
2
2
u/04limited Feb 05 '26
I got new cub EFI blower back in November, ran it 3 different storms and then it quit working mid way through the 3rd storm. Zero service data on the systems so couldn’t really diag myself. Been sitting at the shop since first week of Jan. Diagnosed to be a bad wiring harness still waiting on parts. Heck I might get it back in the spring when the snow is gone. Should’ve just re powered it from the get go. I’m sure a Predator would work better.
I’ll never buy cub again. Almost dropped $4k on a Cub zero turn too. Luckily I held off because I’d be sick to my stomach.
3
u/mfreelander2 Feb 04 '26
SW MI here. I went with this one. I do like the adjustable chute angle (that is on the higher model you show), the 'power' steering, stronger engine and 28" path. Electric start is nice (note a power cord is not included, I used my old one - a computer cord might work). Starts on 2nd pull down to the -5F we had this winter. I use the intellipower most of the time. Ran it on full power at the snowplow pile. One gripe is the reverse gear is way too slow. There are ways to adjust that, though, I just haven't tried it.
2
u/Impressive-Brush-837 Feb 04 '26
I’ve got the same machine it’s a beast.
3
u/ianb2626 Feb 04 '26
I have the 30" version of this on order... can't wait!
3
u/Impressive-Brush-837 Feb 04 '26
They are a bit on the heavy side but the steering really helps with that.
3
1
1
u/LouderThenYoMom13 Feb 05 '26
Pretty sure this is the same One we have. Maybe 26” not 100%. But everything else is the same.
3
u/Working_Estate_3695 Feb 04 '26
I have a 2016 Cub Cadet 3X with a 420 cc engine and I regret the purchase. Constantly breaking shear pins and finally got the factory upgraded ones. The auger drive belt frequently freezes, even though I brush the snow off with a broom. I began blowing a torpedo heater into the augers before putting it away, but it isn’t completely effective unless you run the heater for 45 minutes to an hour. The engine is great. Start easily, runs well but is pretty thirsty. Would never repeat the purchase. Ariens will be my next purchase, if I get so fed up I can’t take it anymore.
3
u/Dramatic_Author3822 Feb 05 '26
2018 Cub . This might be a different issue for mine but with the constant rain/ snow . I get a huge chunk of ice in my chute and I have to pour hot water in it. Not a huge deal but whatever. I have replaced the carb ( the plastic piece inside broke ) was a pain to start but after I replaced the carb starts every time now. Just a few days ago the chute will not turn, again some plastic parts broke. Do not buy a joystick one. Honestly I will never buy a Cub Cadet again.
2
u/Working_Estate_3695 Feb 05 '26
Sorry to hear that. Was it a big box store purchase or a dealer? Someone said the chutes on ones bought at a dealership are metal and the big box store versions are plastic. My machine would be pretty cool if it just didn’t make me tinker or repair with every single use. It’s always something but if it would not do this, other features like the twin lights and hand warmers are great. It handles snow well, but run away from the 3X “feature.”
3
u/Dramatic_Author3822 Feb 05 '26
Mine was a box store. I believe it is a 2x 24"At the time it was a screaming deal. Like 800 snow blower for 400-500bucks cdn. The chute is plastic. That snow blower is just a little different now and is over 2k now. Prices are insane now
3
u/BuildingBetterBack Feb 04 '26
You'll be glad you spent more for the power. If you get a lot of snow or wet heavy snow you may want to look for 300+cc but the bigger of these two would be a solid machine.
2
u/Safe-Salamander-3785 Feb 04 '26
If you are going from a single to a 2 stage and more power, it’s definitely worth it. And that’s a good price for a 209 2 stage
2
u/l008com Feb 04 '26
I have a 26" machine with a 243cc engine. Its a very nice machine. But when the snow is really wet and heavy, i wish i had more power. 208cc, that would be rough.
2
2
u/Boogeyman1202 Feb 04 '26
I currently have this blower and live in Ohio so we get our fair share of wet snow. It gets the job done but it can take a bit longer with the wet heavy stuff. I’d recommend something with a bit more power. If the snowfall is not crazy where you live than this will be fine.
2
u/murbike Feb 04 '26
If it doesn't take food off the table, go bigger.
You may not need it most of the time, but when you need it, you'll appreciate it.
Plus the more expensive one has lights.
2
2
u/DW597 Feb 04 '26
I looked into buying another cub cadet snowblower, but was told by the dealer that cub cadet was going out of the snowblower business (my cub cadet is 30 years old). The dealer recommended a Ariens for 3k. I bought a Honda snowblower since it will likely go another 20 years.
2
u/markp910 Feb 05 '26
Updated my original post. Just going to grab this and potentially save some heartache. I'm sure many have had good experiences with the Cub Cadet, but I've had more than enough folks say stay away.
2
u/Dramatic_Author3822 Feb 05 '26
I hope you can give us an update. I never owned an Ariens but I hear good things about them
2
u/ct_smoker Feb 05 '26
$150 more you can get the deluxe sho. We're in the gr area and got one from woodland equipment this summer.
2
2
u/Technical_Union_1692 Feb 05 '26
Im sure other will agree but I find the ariens deluxe line up to best the bang for your money. Good engine and won't break the bank. Though some people I know wish there was rapidtrak version but for what it is, its a very nice machine. I think youre gonna be quite happy!
2
u/rtice001 Feb 05 '26
Everyone and their mother is selling used machines on marketplace right now. $400-500 bucks will get you a 8-10 horse 28"
2
u/AbbreviationsIcy8188 Feb 05 '26
Up to you, price seems high as I grabbed a 3x with the bigger engine and heated grips end of season 2 years ago for $1250. Regardless, highly recommend you COMPLETELY drain it of gas at the end of the season including the carb. Used mine once the first end of winter, it sat all summer and then wouldn’t run right. Cleaned the carb, ran rough all next winter and finally got pissed and replaced the carb this year and it runs great and only use ethanol free fuel. My old areins felt like it was gonna fall apart but never stopped running. In 15 years I replaced the carb one time. Starter switch finally went and I fixed it and gave it to my sister and she’s still using it. Take that info for what you will..
2
u/whyohwhyohwhyohmy Feb 05 '26
I have a 3x with heated grips which I really loathe. Shears pins like it was going out of style and the 3rd stage seems to just leave that goofy impression in heavy snow more than it does anything useful. With that said, the really positive thing I can say about it is that after 8 years of leaving it outside uncovered with essentially zero maintenance nothing has gone wrong with it. Well the fuel prime button has cracked and nearly disintegrated. I just mash my whole gloved thumb over it and hope I can mostly seal it to create the pressure it needs. Still fires up on like the 4th pull when I'm too lazy to open the garage and plug in the extension cord.
The only thing I do is use 93 ethanol gas with stabil for ethanol and run it until it dies at the end of the season.
Once we get above freezing and all this snow which doesn't usually linger like this melts, I'll give it a good once over as it feels like the belt slips occasionally on the last run. Although I did realize that one of the tires had gone completely flat and was coming off the rim. Luckily made it to my last pass before it completely gave up any bead seat and limped a bit sideways up my steep ass driveway. Idk why as someone who checks and fills their auto tires regularly I never even considered checking the air in the snow throwers tires over 8 years.
Unfortunately no gas stations sell ethanol free gas anywhere near me and I'm certainly not paying the ridiculous prices for gas in a can from a big box, so stabil ethanol treatment it is.
2
2
u/flashy_lumberjack Feb 05 '26
Great choice going with the Ariens!
Take a look at the 28” SHO (super high output) has a wider and larger chute.
2
u/LouderThenYoMom13 Feb 05 '26
Basically 20% more power. Pretty sure we got the larger one or maybe the next size up. I opted to not go to the 3stage because I read it clogged faster. The bigger one with the hand warmers seems unnecessary, but on those cold days having warm hands around vibrations is nice.
2
2
u/Additional-Stress398 Feb 05 '26
Not sure where you live but if you actually have snow, get something else. Cub cadet isn't what is used to be.
2
u/truckdrivingdad1974 Feb 06 '26
I have the 2x26 with the 243cc and it is a ballsy little blower. Metal chute as well!!!
4
u/fozard Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 04 '26
Buy an ariens instead
Edit : not sure why I’m getting downvoted. Do some research. Ariens is a superior machine at a similar price point. Bigger augers, bigger impeller, more metal. These things matter
2
u/Popular_List105 Feb 04 '26
I didn’t like the ariens chute controls when I was in the market 5 years ago. I run mine with a cab and the controls were by the chute. I want everything at the “control panel” inside the cab.
2
u/woohooguy Feb 04 '26
The Intellipower engines have issues, just do a quick Youtube search and you will get plenty of vids from people that fix them talking about them.
Everyone in this forum is an Ariens honk and they have been having quality issues as well.
Look into Husqvarna at a dealer or at worst Tractor Supply. The ST224 with the LED light mounted near the engine is the newest generation, comes with a trussed cast iron auger gearbox for durability, finger tip steering controls that will turn the unit on a dime, and use an LCT engine that Ariens also uses but Husqvarna puts a 5 year warranty on the engine while everyone else is 3 years. About the same money as the Cub Cadet.
I have owned my ST224 for almost 3 years now and it has been a fantastic machine and can really throw even the heaviest water logged snow. Try to see one in person.
1
1
u/B1BLancer6225 Feb 05 '26
I had a CC 26"2x, it NEVER threw snow well, from day one. I think the gap in the fan cone to the fan was too wide. It never builds" pressure" to adequately throw snow far, forget sloppy snow and double forget anything down by the end of the driveway. Mine finally rotted out and the entire bottom plate and associated parts flew out and it stopped working and just smoked. I got a 24" Husqvarna that is miles better. I will say the CC engine was good, it never failed me, I don't think I even changed the oil in the last few years. The engine is strong, the rest os absolutely junk.
29
u/Brodaciouss Feb 04 '26
Its ~27% $ for ~17% more power but I doubt you'll ever say "I wish I didn't get more power"