Posted: 11/5/2016 2:42:52 AM EDT
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In the market for a snowblower for the coming winter but have never really had or messed with one.
Would like to stay under $1,000. Currently looking at the Cub Cadet 2X 24" (524 SWE Model) Anyone have any experience with these or suggestions? |
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Buy a gently used Simplicity or Ariens commercial model. These are the Colts and Daniel Defense of the snowblowers. I prefer Simplicity.
MTD, Murray, Husqvarna, Ariens non-commercial, etc, are all consumer grade. These are the Freedom Group products of snowblowers. |
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Quoted:
In the market for a snowblower for the coming winter but have never really had or messed with one. Would like to stay under $1,000. Currently looking at the Cub Cadet 2X 24" (524 SWE Model) Anyone have any experience with these or suggestions? We have the one at work to do our sidewalks, parking area, prisoner intake area etc. Works good and has been cop proof for 3 michigan winters so far. J- |
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This one is for sale now...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DwftxmKQj0] |
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I recently asked a similar question here and then performed extensive research, including going to dealers. What I learned:
Cub Cadet is rebranded MTD. Not nearly in the same league as Honda, Toro, or Ariens. Honda is the best, but you won't get one in your price range. Many people like Toro more than Ariens. Toro blowers are lightweight due to their extensive use of plastic, but it is supposedly a high-strength polymer. The controls are very nice, especially the chute control. The tires run a little small on many of their models though. Ariens makes brick shithouses in the USA, using LCT engines designed in the US but made in China. People bash them for that reason but Briggs & Stratton is making most of their engines in China now as well. The Ariens AX engine is well regarded. At that price point you should be looking at an Ariens Deluxe 24, which you can get at Home Depot, delivered to your house for free. If you can spend $200 more, the dealer-only Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is a killer machine at $1199. Forget the plain Ariens Deluxe 28. It has the same engine as the Deluxe 24, so it's a bit under powered for that width. Of course, one size doesn't fit all. What's your average snowfall? How big is your driveway? Does it have a steep incline? Is there any weird configuration where you have to throw snow a lot farther to get around obstacles? Will you need to maneuver around vehicles parked in the driveway? movingsnow.com and snowblowerforums.com are great places to get advice. ETA: if you buy an Ariens, make sure you get this year's model. They moved the axles forward this year to rebalance the machines to address auto steer issues. Many retailers are also still selling last year's models. Check the Ariens website for current model numbers. |
| I have a 8Hp 26 " 2 stage MTD that is 22 yrs old it has been great. It starts every time. I have replaced the spark plug 3 times since I bought it. I have to add air in the tires about every 4 years. MTD may have a bad rap here but mine has been a tank. We do get snow here in Wisconsin. |
| I have owned, for 10+ years, a single stage Toro similar to the current model 721 ($569).....Awesome power; reliable; easy to handle/steer; starts by electric (plug-in) or by pull cord. I use the pull cord because it is so easy to start. It is easier to use and does just as good a job as my neighbors 2-stage. |
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Last week I picked this up from CL, it is brand new. Older gentleman and his wife are moving to Florida and never had an opportunity to use it. Says he used it twice but the tires still have the nipples on them and the auger has no wear, skids have no wear.
$350 later, it's mine. Craftsman 24" 208cc blower Now I cannot vouch for this model personally but it seems to have solid reviews online. |
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Quoted: In the market for a snowblower for the coming winter but have never really had or messed with one. Would like to stay under $1,000. Currently looking at the Cub Cadet 2X 24" (524 SWE Model) Anyone have any experience with these or suggestions? So far its been flawless. Wanted the larger model but got this one at a great deal and have been pleased. Starts everytime and does what I need. Like most everything, take care of it and it will most likely last a long time. I have lots of yard equipment that many would say is junk pr not recommend. I use non ethanol fuel and keep up in the oil and all have lasted the 11 years I have been in this house. |