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

Hi, I am looking at purchasing a 2 stage cub cadet snow blower soon. It's a 208cc 24 inch clearing width.  My husband and I are asking for any information on this machine.  We appreciate your input. Thank you :)

mml4 wrote:

Marc, I think you need to provide some additional supporting evidence. Theory would hold that snowblower is easier to turn when outside wheel on the turn is powered. The differential used on the auto traction loc Ariens and John Deere, the Hillard AutoLok, provides power to the inside wheel and forces the operator to power the rotation; possibly even fighting the powered inside wheel. In theory, it should be harder to turn than a system that allows you to selectively disengage the inisde wheel on a turn.

Some snowblowers, some Deluxe model Ariens, mid-to-high end Simplicitys, have a release that unlocks a wheel on a toggle. It allows the operator not to hold the lever, but only does one wheel, left or right. As a result the wheel torque assists steering in one direction but not the other.

That is not to say it wouldn't have advantages. Since it is automatic you are never fighting a locked axle as you being a turn or arc. It won't forget to lock itself causing the only one wheel to be powered.

Have you used a system with left and right momentary switch free wheels back-to-back with a similarly sized system with the Hillard AutoLok?

mousy, is your nom de net because you are tiny or because you are a bruiser? If the former you what to make sure you don't get to big. You need some form of steering. That should be mandatory. Also, although your main area is flat and straight, are there paths that aren't? Garage doors often get snow piled against them by the wind; will you be using a garage door or a side door to get the snow blower out? Net: maximum width is good for large open driveways but not necessarily for everything you will plow.

Many of the brands are owned by a common parent. MTD makes Yardmaster, Troy-bilt and many other brands; any brand with a 357cc engine on its biggest models is an MTD brand. Briggs and Stratton owns Simplicity and Snapper and makes John Deere. Every machine is a compromise of features, price, and service. For a machine that may last 15 years, $1000 price difference may be significant but $100-200 may not. On a cold winter night, fighting the machine and roaring wind, it may be easy to regret a few extra dollars that can no longer be spent. All the Internet videos of snow blowing seem to be on sunny days with no wind. My experience is that big snows usually occur during bad (cold, windy) weather, winter days are shorter and the daylight occurs during working hours not snowplowing hours, and the biggest storms require snowplowing during and after the storm.

Just thought I'd add that the Sear Professional 33", which is the Cub Cadet 933 in black, is on sale for $1700 through 10/4. It has the 16" auger/16" impeller, left/right free wheel 'power steering', and the MTD 357cc engine. However, it also has a 10 turn crank a reach below the console for chute adjustment having not gotten the lastes updates. The auger is a semi-open design.

I've never seen one in person. Based on the 'handlebar issue' between identical weight Ariens and John Deere units my wife and I saw today, seeing in person may be a requirement.

JimmyM, how easy to handle is it?

DavidNJ wrote:
I think it's pretty easy to handle. The trigger steering works like a charm for me. The weight of the unit doesn't seem to be an issue other than improving traction. But I'm 6'1"/230lbs. So it may be an issue for a smaller person.
The chute rotation isn't an issue. My previous 38 year old Wards/Gilson blower had, what looks like a chain sprocket, that engaged a perforated ring at the bottom of the chute. If the chute ring was too tight, it would bind up. If it was too loose, it would vibrate its way around to some other direction, or the sprocket teeth wouldn't engage enough and it would slip. So a 10-turn worm gear drive is a pleasant change.
I wish I waited on the purchase so I could have gotten the 33" for only $100 more. But, I'm happy with the unit. One thing I wish was different was the shifting while moving. I wish I could move the shifter while the machine was already moving and continuously control the speed. A small nag, but that's it.

Also, it doesn't come with a fuel shut off valve. I installed a panel mount one in one of the metal engine covers. Works nicely now.

What changes in condition would you want to change the speed while moving to compensate?

DavidNJ wrote:
They're very few. Mostly if I'm traversing from a cleared area to uncleared. I'd just like to get over there quickly then slow down before entering the deep snow. Like I said. It's a minor thing I can certainly live with.