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Got A New Snow Blower Last Year? Too Bad!
Why Now? Husqvarna has always made good snow blowers.
Update: This article reviews the entire line of new Husqvarna snow blowers.
Go Here to see a detailed review of the homeowner 200 series. New 200 Series Husqvarna Snow Blowers – A Detailed Update
Go Here to see a detailed review of the homeowner 300 series. Husqvarna 300 Series Snow Blower Review – stronger – better – built to last
First, Husqvarna listened to you and has realized that your needs have changed considerably in the last few years. Instead of a bulky, hard to use snow blower you now want a dependable, easy to use machine. For the 2014-2015 Husqvarna has done a complete overhaul of their existing snow throwers. They now have a specific snow blower designed just for you.
[alert-success]It’s hard to impress me and they did this year.[/alert-success]
Ready To Take On Any Snow!
Second, Husqvarna significantly improved the quality, ergonomics and performance for all the snow blowers in their line. Tell me what you want to clear off and it will be very easy to recommend a Husqvarna snow blower that fits your needs and budget. It’s the little things that will really impress you, like adjustable height handlebars, hand warmers on the control paddles, ergonomic controls, and LED headlights that look around the discharge chute.
Third, Husqvarna realized that most of you want a quality snow blower at a reasonable price. They realized you don’t need the lowest priced product (read cheap) that will break in two uses, but a value priced machine that will last you years. A machine that you can easily get parts for and that you can repair yourself once the 3 year warranty has run out.
Fourth, Husqvarna has jumped way ahead of the industry and is now offering a 5 year starting guarantee! Read your manual and follow the 5 minute procedure to prepare your engine for storage. Perform the steps and 1 or 2 pull starting is guaranteed for 5 full years.
[alert-announce]Disclaimer: This information is the latest as of August 1st. I will go into full detail about these new machines today but the actual snow blower you get may be just a little different based on final changes. In other words, the pictures I show you may be a little different than the actual product that you get. [/alert-announce]
Highlights:
- Completely New Design. 3 years in the making!
- 10 New Models replace the 7 old snow blowers. The new models are divided into three groups (single stage, homeowner, land owner) so you can easily decide which snow blower is right for you.
- High Capacity All Surface Homeowner – 3 Models
- High Capacity All Surface Landowner – 4 Models
- Hard Surface Homeowner Models – 3 Models
- Adjustable Height Handles! This is one of the most exciting features of these new snow blowers. Now anyone can use a Husqvarna snow blower.
- Intuitive Controls. Easy to use, positive action controls. Big hands, small hands, with gloves or without.
- Quiet Muffler System. Nearly 20% quieter than last years snow blowers.
- Most Reliable Engines In The Industry! In fact all Husqvarna Snow Blowers now come with a 5 Year Starting Guarantee!
- Instead of tricks and treats, they went for reliability and ease of use. Instead of cheaper and thinner, they went heavy-duty and thicker.
Husqvarna Snow Blowers
at Amazon.com
In the rest of this article I will go over the highlights of the new snow blowers starting with the soon to be most popular Homeowner 200 Series. I’ll then show you the new high capacity Landowner 300 series and finally for those of you who only need a single stage the new Homeowner 100 series.
Finally, I will go over the new engine reliability specs and the new muffler system.
200 Homeowner Series – High Performance – Great Value
High Capacity All Surface Homeowner
The new 200 series models includes 3 models. A 24 inch, 27 inch, and 30 inch. Husqvarna is classifying these as “medium duty” and this makes them comparable to the Toro Power Max, Ariens Deluxe and Cub Cadet. These snow blowers are designed for homeowners who need a high-performing snow thrower with high throwing capacity to clear snow from large driveways, parking areas, sidewalks and paths, regardless of surface type*.
*) The 200-series is a 2-stage design and comes standard with adjustable poly skid shoes that can be used on all surfaces.
Replaces the current 924HV, 12527HV, 1830HV, 11524E, 14527E in US
“Medium duty” – new and old snow; end of driveway snow; 2-12 in, typical midwestern snow storms, occasional use in all snow conditions. (That means it will handle those occasional blizzards you get)
Upgrades vs Existing models
- Adjustable handle height (instead of fixed handle) This is a big deal! Anyone can now comfortably use this snow blower. The handles can be adjusted up or down to fit you. In addition the wrap-around handles don’t get caught in your coat pockets when you turn.
- New control panel with smoother controls. The new controls are designed for large and small gloved hands. Each control is strategically placed for maximum efficiency. Silicone lined, heavy duty control cables.
- New friction disc transmission. Half the number of parts compared to the old version.
- Improved power steering. The old system was heavy-duty but got sticky and hard to use once in a while.
- Ribbon auger (12”) instead of stamped (gives an improved mix of snow and air, which makes the snow easier to handle and contributes to a more efficient clearing process). The closed flights on the older snow blowers severely limited the capacity of the machines. These new augers allow more snow and air into the blower housing which allows the new models to move more snow.
- Bolted auger housing (instead of welded) for increased durability
- Heated hand grips on 27 and 30 inch models
- Plastic skid shoes (instead of steel) for smoother operation and less damage on delicate grounds.
- Dual LED headlights instead of single. The light now shines around the discharge chute.
- Husqvarna brand engines instead of B&S Snow Series MAX.
Want to know more about the 200 Series? Go here to read my detailed review:
New 200 Series Husqvarna Snow Blowers – A Detailed Update
ST 224 2-stage Homeowner Snow Blower 24 inch – 208 cc
- Husqvarna brand engine(208 cc)
- 24”/61 cm working width
- Standard auger housing
- 12” ribbon auger
- Friction disc transmission
- Electric starter
- Heated handle grips
- Remote chute rotator
- Remote chute deflector
- LED headlights
- 2.7 L fuel tank
- Aluminium auger gear box
- 15” tires
Model Number 961 93 00-96
Buy With Confidence And Free Shipping Here:
Husqvarna 961930096 208cc 2-Stage Electric Start Snow Thrower, 24-Inch
New for 2015! ST 224P 2-stage Homeowner Snow Blower 24 inch – 208 cc – With Power Steering!
- Husqvarna brand engine(208 cc)
- 24”/61 cm working width
- Standard auger housing
- 12” ribbon auger
- Friction disc transmission
- Trigger steer power steering
- Electric starter
- Heated handle grips
- Remote chute rotator
- Remote chute deflector
- LED headlights
- 2.7 L fuel tank
- Aluminium auger gear box
- 15” tires
Model Number 961930122
Buy With Confidence And Free Shipping Here:
New 2015! – 24 inch 208 cc ST 224P Power Steering! Husqvarna ST224P – 24-Inch 208cc Two Stage with Power Steering Snowthrower – 961930122
ST 227P 2-stage Homeowner Snow Blower 27 inch – 254 cc
- Husqvarna brand engine (254 cc)
- 27”/68 cm working width
- Standard auger housing
- 12” ribbon auger
- Friction disc transmission
- Electric starter
- Power steering
- Heated handle grips
- Remote chute rotator
- Remote chute deflector
- LED headlights
- 2.7 L fuel tank
- Aluminium auger gear box
- 15” tires
Model Number 961 93 00-97
Buy With Confidence And Free Shipping Here:
Husqvarna 961930097 254cc 2-Stage Electric Start Snow Thrower, 27-Inch
ST 230P 2-stage Homeowner Snow Blower 30 inch – 291 cc
- Husqvarna brand engine (291 cc)
- 30”/76 cm working width
- Standard auger housing
- 12” ribbon auger
- Friction disc transmission
- Electric starter
- Power steering
- Heated handle grips
- Remote chute rotator
- Remote chute deflector
- LED headlights
- 3.6 L fuel tank
- Aluminium auger gear box
- 16” tires
Model Number 961 93 01-01
Buy With Confidence And Free Shipping Here:
Husqvarna 961930101 291cc 2-Stage Electric Start Snow Thrower, 30-Inch
300 Landowner Series – High Capacity – Built to last
High Capacity All Surface Snow Blower
The new 300 series 2-stage models includes 4 models. A 24 inch, 27 inch, 30 inch and 30 inch track drive. Husqvarna is classifying these as “medium duty” but compared to the other brands the only comparable snow blowers are the Ariens Hydro-Pro and Honda HS. If you want something better, faster, stronger than what’s out there until now – seriously look at these models. These snow blowers are designed for homeowners who need a high-capacity snow thrower that is robust and durable yet very comfortable to use when clearing large areas. These snow blowers will clear snow from large driveways, parking areas, sidewalks and paths, regardless of surface type
Replaces the current 14527E, 1827EXLT and 1830EXLT in US
“Medium duty” – new and old snow; end of driveway snow; 8-20 in, Typical “snow belt” conditions, all U.S. snow storms, regular use in all snow conditions. (That means it will handle anything mother nature throws at you)
Upgrades vs Existing models
- New heavy-duty auger housing
- Ribbon auger (14”)
- Cast iron auger gear box
- Stabilized auger for increased performance and less wear on ball bearings. (auger is balanced and straight)
- Cast iron impeller, industries’ only! 4 blades/shovels instead of 3 as on current models
- Covered auger ball bearings
- Hydrostatic transmissions (heavy duty) on all models
- Heavy-duty skid shoes (both plastic and steel are included.)
- Husqvarna brand engines. ALL engines are sized to handle the deepest snows
- One track drive replaces two 1827EXLT, 1830EXLT in US.
ST 324P 2-stage Landowner Snow Blower 24 inch – 254 cc
Husqvarna brand engine (254 cc)
24”/61 cm working width
Heavy-duty auger housing
Drift cutters
14” ribbon auger
Hydrostatic transmission
Electric starter
Power steering
Heated handle grips
Remote chute rotator
Remote chute deflector
LED headlight
2.7 L fuel tank
Cast iron auger gear box
Cast iron impeller
15×4” tires
Model Number 961 93 00-91
Retail Around: $1399
Buy With Confidence And Free Shipping Here:
HUSQVARNA OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT ST324P 24In 2-Stage
ST 327P 2-stage Landowner Snow Blower 27 inch – 291 cc
Husqvarna brand engine (291 cc)
27”/68 cm working width
Heavy-duty auger housing
Drift cutters
14” ribbon auger
Hydrostatic transmission
Electric starter
Power steering
Heated handle grips
Remote chute rotator
Remote chute deflector
LED headlight
3.6 L fuel tank
Cast iron auger gear box
Cast iron impeller
15×4” tires
Model Number 961 93 00-92
Retail Around: $1599
Buy With Confidence And Free Shipping Here:
HUSQVARNA OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT ST327P 27In 2-Stage
ST 330P 2-stage Landowner Snow Blower 30 inch 369 cc
Husqvarna brand engine (369 cc)
30”/76 cm working width
Heavy-duty auger housing
Drift cutters
14” ribbon auger
Hydrostatic transmission
Electric starter
Power steering
Heated handle grips
Remote chute rotator
Remote chute deflector
LED headlight
3.6 L fuel tank
Cast iron auger gear box
Cast iron impeller
16×4.8” tires
Model Number 961 93 00-94
Retail Around: $1799
Buy With Confidence And Free Shipping Here:
HUSQVARNA OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT ST330P 30 In. Snow T
Note: The new snow blowers are now in stock! Order it now and avoid the rush!
ST 330T 2-stage Landowner Snow Blower 30 inch – 414 cc Track!
Husqvarna brand engine (414 cc)
30”/76 cm working width
Heavy-duty auger housing
Drift cutters
14” ribbon auger
Hydrostatic transmission
Electric starter
Power steering
Heated handle grips
Remote chute rotator
Remote chute deflector
LED headlight
3.6 L fuel tank
Cast iron auger gear box
Cast iron impeller
3 Point Track Drive
Model Number 961 93 00-95
Retail Around: $2499
Track Drive Model
Buy With Confidence Here:
Husqvarna 30in. Track-Drive Snow Thrower – 414cc Engine, Model# ST330T
100 Series Hard Surface Homeowner Models!
Homeowners – Single Stage 100-series (2 Models in US dealers, 3 models through Amazon.com)
- If you only clear snow from a hard surface like your driveway, patio, sidewalks and deck the 100 Series is a compact, easy-to-use/intuitive, efficient snow thrower. The 21 inch Single-Stage is small enough to get into tight spaces yet wide enough to make short work of a single car driveway
- Occasional use (new snow; 0.5-6 in).
- Works well on .5 to 6 inches of new snow. (single stage snow throwers do no do well on the snow plow drift at the end of your driveway the snow plow left last night)
- Replacing the current ST 121E
- One economy model (ST 111)
- One model with and one without LED headlights( with ST151)
Upgrades / Changes vs Existing Models
- Improved ground scraper which gives smoother operation (introduced already 2013/14)
- One entry-level model without remote chute rotator
- Husqvarna brand Engine Instead of LCT Snow King engine
Buy With Confidence And Free Shipping Here:
Less than $399! Husqvarna 961830002 136cc Single Stage Snow Thrower, 21-Inch
Less than $499! Husqvarna 961830003 208cc Single Stage Electric Start Snow Thrower, 21-Inch
Less than $599! Husqvarna 961830004 208cc Single Stage Electric Start Snow Thrower, 21-Inch
It’s Time To Think Differently About Engines
Before 2009 you just put up with whatever engine the manufactures installed. You replaced the electric starters regularly because the engines didn’t always start and replaced them when they blew up. There was some discussion about reliability but you pretty much put up with what engine your favorite brand installed. Reputation meant more than the facts.
But since then there has been a huge amount of discussion about snow blower engines. It all started when ethanol fuel was reformulated so that when left untreated would eat most of the plastic out of your carburetor. No one really discussed the real problem, the “elephant in the room,” – reliability.
Most of us don’t use a snow blower a lot. Here in the midwest we may have a long hard winter and our snow blower may get 30 hours of use. Other winters though it see’s very little use so most of the time the engine is long out of warranty before problems arise.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a reliable engine – an engine that will last the life of the snow blower.
I have been stating for a few years now that LCT engines are some of the best engines ever made and I finally have the data to back that up. Below is a chart that LCT engines have fewer problems and four times the average useful life of Briggs & Stratton snow engines.
Why LCT? Quality & Durability
LCT Warranty rate is .17%. Better than Honda (.33) and Briggs & Stratton (1.0)
4X the average Useful Life of comparable B&S Snow engines, 1000 vs. 250 hours
LCT is also a leading manufacturer of engines for tillers, generators, water pumps, pressure washers and log splitters
I’ve asked the other engine manufactures to release their warranty rate and expected life. We’ll see if they respond.
Jerry
Just wondering what the difference is here? Seemingly the same unit, but slightly different numbers, and a price difference.
Regularly 799.00, now 749.00 – http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=594163-63311-961930096&catalogId=10051&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=50223009
Only price listed is 717.48 – http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=604290-63311-961930096&catalogId=10051&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=50301935
I’m leaning towards the 717.48 model. However, I’m not convinced I should NOT buy the (seemingly cheaper made) Troy-bilt..
http://www.lowes.com/pd_189194-270-31AS62N2711_1z0wg7zZ1z140su__?productId=3255746&pl=1
on sale till toomorrow night for 509.99. Although, I do realize, its a 179CC engine compared to a 208CC in the Husqy.
Paul
Hi Jerry, I have no clue. Lowes is not communicating with this blog. The Husqvarna stock number is the same. When shopping at Lowes be sure you understand who and where you snow blower will be repaired. Do you have to take it to a repair shop or does it get shipped off somewhere?
Jerry
Hi Paul, thanks for the reply! I didn’t see much difference myself, so I ordered it online. I indeed got it for 717 .48 plus tax. The Website told me it would be ready to pick up at my local Lowes by 11/2. When I go to pick it up I’ll compare it to the other model, if there even is another model.
I did some comparison today of the Husqvarna versus a comparable Troy Bilt. To me, the Husqvarna looks much better built. The plastic chute on the Troy Bilt, and its seemingly rickety mechanism was one of the biggest detractors for me.
The Lowes extended warranty supposedly covers everything and you bring it in to them for repair. Thats 3 years for 99.00.
The Troy bilt repair guy is about 40 miles from here, not sure about Husq.. although Im sure I could tepair either myself, I doubt I could by the parts for 99 bucks.
I thought I saw on the Husq website that the engine and trans are warrantied separately from the rest of the blower by their respective manufacturers. How the hell does that work? Sounds like a huge hassle. Might be better off paying those kids down the street, lol
Jerry
Paul
Hi Jerry, The separate engine warranty applies to Briggs, Kawasaki and Kohler engines. The separate transmission warranty applies to Hydro-Gear and Tuff Torq Transmissions. What that means is the repair center has to call them instead of Husqvarna to authorize any warranty repairs. If they don’t call they don’t get paid. With almost all repair shops this is a seamless procedure for you.
The LCT engine on the Husqvarna and the PowerMore engine are warrantied through the same channels as the snow blowers themselves so the mechanic only has to make one phone call to get you item repaired. Since Husqvarna no longer uses Briggs, Kawasaki or Kohler engines on their snow blowers it will not be a problem for you.
Susan Chiasson
Hi Paul. Well first I must thank you for such a great source of information!! We live on the East Coast of Canada, Cow Bay, Nova Scotia. We are approx. 1.25 miles from the ocean, so not the lightest and fluffiest of snow. Our average snowfall is approx. 60 inches. After getting a rare 133 inches last year we have decided to invest in our first snow thrower. After extensive research and information overload we are having a hard time deciding and would appreciate your opinion please. We have a single 90 feet driveway plus an additional 6 car pad at the end. We will need something that is manageable occasionally by myself and our 14 yr old son when my husband is at work.
So the one we were first considering is the Husqvarna ST227P 254cc/ @ $1300 out the door . Then wondering if this would be enough for what we need so looked at The ST230P 291cc for $1790.. We really like these mainly due to the unique dash/control console and loved the shute control. Then even considered the more powerful ST330P but it comes in at a much higher price point of $2595. Warranty same as USA. Also looked at the the Ariens, We can get the 28″ 254cc Deluxe for $1705 or the 30″ 306cc deluxe for $1965. The Home depot is also offering an additional 2 years of warranty for the Ariens bringing it to 5 years.
Then throw in Sears. Craftsman. 24″ 305cc 52541( $1610.) the 30″ 52543 305cc($1895.) or the 3 stage 27″ 52537 420cc for $1955.[Lifetime on chute on this model) Everything else only have 2 years warranty in Canada.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Sue
Paul
Hi Susan, The ST227P is a good size for you. It will handle 40 to 60 inches yearly well. It will do the deeper stuff like you got last year-it will just take longer than a higher powered machine. It’s lighter than the 30 inch or the Ariens so it’s easier for you to handle.
If you want to have more power and a heavier duty machine look at the ST327P. It is just a little heavier, but has a larger engine, higher capacity and will throw farther than the ST227P and ST230P. It will be about $2100.
Max
In St. John’s, Newfoundland we don’t always get a lot of snow but it is often like wet cement. I have a 16527 EXLT Husqvarna and to be honest, it vastly underpowered for the job, especially when the plow churns said snow into ice. Tried a Honda 11 hp a few years ago and it wasn’t much better. What will blow this stuff???!!
Paul
Hi Max, We have had really good luck with the Ariens Platinum and Pro series snow blowers. They have big engines and very high capacity. I used a 30 platinum SHO last year and it would handle, deep snow wet snow, plow drifts and even snow that had settled and was melting. I really couldn’t slow it down.
The Platinum 30 SHO and Pro series all use a 420cc engine.
Glenn
Hi. Good website. I turned 63 and my wife says its time I get a snowblower. We live just outside DC in Maryland. Two or three 6-8 inch snows a winter, with an occasional belly buster. I am looking at the Husqvarnas. Got a chance for a great price on a ST111 single stage. I worry that the small engine (138CC) will be big enough. So many manufacturers look like they are putting bigger an bigger engines on these things. Can the 138CC do the job? Thanks for your advice.
Paul
Hi Glenn, The ST111 is faster than shoveling but you are correct the engine is small. The main reason for going with a larger engine is consistency. A 208-212 cc will consistently throw both light and heavy, wet snow off your drive.
There is one other feature that I strongly suggest you get on your snow blower that the ST111 doesn’t have and the reason has to do with a phrase my doctor said to me last winter. At age 63 they were the worst words I’ve ever heard. He said, “At your age we can’t be to careful.”
Shoveling is hard but pull starting a stubborn engine in the cold can be just as bad. I suggest you get electric start.
If you would like to stick with a Husqvarna the ST131 is the next step up. For $499 it has electric start and the 208 cc engine. You can get it here: Husqvarna 961830003 208cc Single Stage Electric Start Snow Thrower
If you would like the larger engine, electric start, lights and a remote chute the ST151 is the best Husqvarna. $599 You can get it here: Husqvarna 961830004 208cc Single Stage Electric Start Snow Thrower
Personally, I like the Toro 721E better. It feels light to use and doesn’t leave that little pile the Husqvarna’s do at the end of each run. It has a 212 cc engine, electric start and a manual chute. $569. You can get the Toro at The Home Depot here: Toro Snow Removal Power Clear 721 E 21 in. Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower 38742
Glenn
Paul. Thanks for the rapid reply. Guess I’ll go with a larger engine. Local Husqvarna dealer was selling ST111 for 299. Loved the price.
Paul
Hi Glenn, Wow! That is cheap. You will like the larger engine though.
Jim
Paul,
I live in the UP of Michigan where we get about 200 inches of snow annually. I have a 30 year old John Deere 826 that I am looking to replace. I really like the reviews I’ve seen on the Husqvarna’s. My driveway is a couple hundred feet long and about 12 feet wide. Do you think the ST224 is large enough or should I go the next size larger? Thanks for your thoughts.
Paul
Hi Jim, I really can’t recommend the 200 series Husqvarna for your area. It really designed for 30-70 inches of snow a year. Instead, I suggest the 300 series. The 300 series are heavy-duty enough to handle your 200 inches for many years. The 300 series does not have the height adjustable handles but everything else, including the capacity (amount of snow it can throw in a given time) is at least 30% better. I have no problems recommending the ST327P for your drive.
I also recommend Ariens Deluxe/Platinum and Toro PowerMaz HD for that much snow.
Size-wise a 24 inch in my opinion is small. Yes, a new ST324P will clear the snow about as fast as your 826 but if you step up to the ST327P you can knock 20-30% off that time.
JT
I live in Canada and ordered a Husqvarna ST330T back in June. It was delivered on November 19 . On November 20 I called the authorized agent to say I had problems. The recoil starter did not work, it just freely pulled out like it wasn’t attached to the engine and after electric starting the steering did not work. Even when putting the machine in transport mode it was extremely difficult, almost impossible to move. After the authorized agent had it for a month and working with Husqvarna they still could not get it to work properly. Fearing ongoing unreliability I asked them to take it back and exchanged it for a Honda928. It was delivered today and while it hasn’t been snow tested, seems to work flawlessly.
Paul
Hi JT, I’m sorry you had issues with the new ST330T right out of the box. You are the first with issues.
Please let us know how the Honda works out. It sounds like that is the 928 is the only one they are shipping yet.
Warren Fordyce
Just purchased a st224 from Amazon to be delivered on the 25th. Your cpomments have been ery informative, Should have read before I made purchase but feel I made right choice. Concerning gas would I be better off to use 100 low lead aviation gas rather than blended ethanol car gas.
Thanks,
warren F.
Paul
Hi Warren, Great! the engines are designed to run on 87 octane. They may run too hot on the airplane fuel.
Glen Koenig
You might have gotten it before Jonas if you ordered directly from the vendor. Just curious if you got delivery yet, and how long it took. I was planning to order from Amazon too. However, after talking to the vendor I decided to order direct, and bypassed Amazon, because they said it would ship same day vs. the 5 days listed by Amazon. I ordered it yesterday, and UPS picked it up same day. It’s supposed to be here tomorrow (2 days from GA to PA). However, my gut tells me it’ll be here Thursday.
Paul
Hi Glen, Amazon has been doing a good job of getting it out in the 5 days. I have a feeling Thursday is probably right, truck traffic is slow – and all deliveries will take an extra day or two for the next week in your area.
Glen Koenig
I already ordered a Husqvarna ST324P, and am just now seeing this. I live near Phoenixville, PA, a 1 acre lot with about a 70′ long driveway and a large parking area between an attached 2 car garage and a 3 car shop. The kicker is that I live on a rather long cul-de-sac/dead-end that is last on the list to get plowed.
Paul
Hi Glen, The ST324P will handle the snow well. I would have suggested the 27 inch but the 24 inch will only take you about 10% longer to clear your area. Enjoy!
Bill Gartland
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am looking for a 24 to 28 inch two state snow blower and, not unlike everyone else, I want one that will last a long time. Had anticipated spending between $700-$900. I was hoping to find one with a Briggs engine or some other comparable durable engine. Sadly, I found out that Craftsmen is now made by MTD, which uses Powermore engines and I am unsure about their durability. Ariens just switched over to a Chinese manufacturer too (as per their website). I even found what seemed like a great Briggs & Stratton machine on the Sears website, and even though the controls were antiquated (e.g., spin knob for chute), I was willing to look past the bells and whistles on the new machines if I could get a Briggs engine. I then found an article saying that some of the smaller Briggs’ engines are now manufactured in China too, so I called Briggs and, low and behold, this engine was, in fact, manufactured in China. So, the problem with the Briggs machine would be finding someone to repair it. My concern with the Chinese engines is, from what I have been told, are the inferior internal parts (local equipment dealers by me say that the Chinese carburetors have inferior metal and inferior rubber gaskets, etc. that rust out and swell due to oxygenated gas). Given that all machines seem to have Chinese engines, I figured I would go with the 24 inch Husqvarna because it is a new line and has amazing controls. From the reviews that I am seeing though, there is a design defect with the belts and they are getting chewed up. Should I just go with a Craftsmen, an Ariens or a Troy-Bilt. And, does it matter which machine I choose as long as I “summarize” it properly. A repair shop told me draining gas alone isn’t sufficient because, unless you detach and blow out carburetor and lines, some gas stays in and will drip through machine and settle in carburetor and destroy it over the summer. I have hear stabilizer or running machine dry and putting in a little non-oxygenated gas for summer. Didn’t think that it would be so difficult to buy a snow blower!!! Need some advice !!!
Paul
Hi Bill, All of the things you have been told are true for engines made before 2008 or so. In addition before 2008 or so you could not get a Chinese engine here in the U.S. that was spec’d for our gas. Because of that they did have problems. Fuel lines melted, carbs fell apart, internals rusted – just like what happened when you tried to run an old Briggs, Tecumseh or Clinton engine from the past on today’s ethanol fuels.
Yes, all snow blower engines are made overseas except….one engine in the Honda single stage snow throwers is made in the U.S.
Yes, when you store your small engine including your snow blower, lawn mower, lawn tractor, generator, pressure washer, etc. you have to follow the instructions in the operator’s manual. If you use ethanol blended fuel you have to use a fuel stabilizer in the fuel all the time.
In reality, your new LCT, (Ariens, Husqvarna) Loncin, (Toro) and PowerMore (MTD) engines will give you 4 to 5 times the life of the old Briggs or Tecumseh L-head engines. These new engines are quieter, have better fuel economy and all repairs are done by the manufacture of the snow blower. You don’t have to get separate permission for warranty work on the engine like you had to do in the past.
So, you really are not that far off in price. There are quality 24-28 inch snow blowers in the $700-$1100 range. The Craftsman 88173 is basic 24 inch snow blower with no “creature features” like headlights or power steering for around $679. A Toro PowerMax 826 OXE is a good 26 inch machine with 4-way chute, headlight and automatic steering for $999. The Ariens Deluxe 24 or 28 you can get for $999-1100.
The Husqvarna ST224P is a great 24 inch snow blower with all the extras for $899. There is no design defect – it’s just the case that the 2014 models and a few of the 2015 models have an engine pulley that is too rough. It’s a pretty straight forward fix involving checking the belt alignment and polishing the belt pulley. My local dealer said Husqvarna is including pickup and drop off charges in addition to the fix. So no charge to me at all. Here’s a link to the TSB http://spotidoc.com/doc/787801/sb–service-bulletin–2014-dual-stage-snow-thrower-with-b…
Bill
Thank you for your reply to my post above about engine quality. I have decided to go with the Ariens Deluxe 28 with auto turn. Seems like a durable engine and powerful enough to handle what I need. I appreciate the update on the Husqvarna but feel that for this kind of money, I shouldn’t have to get it serviced right out of the box and then wonder if whoever serviced it actually did the repair correctly and whether it will then lead to other issues. Love the look of that Husqvarna machine and the ergonomic controls but they need to get it straight before putting it in the box and in the consumer’s hands. Is that belt issue also happening with their 27 inch model too?
Paul
Hi Bill, all the 2104 and 2015 snow blowers have a service bulletin out except for the 2015 ST224P
Pat
Hey Paul what do you think of the plastic bearing, or sleeve on the front auger which used to be a bearing you can grease, was going to but the areins deluxe at HD and found out its a non grease able fitting, are all machines like this most I have seen are the same. The Honda hss724 dealer said to me all the transmission have been recalled and replaced, am old school and I want quality my 25 year old snapper is running strong with a techumsa engine all grease able bearings , the Honda is pricey and we need easier turning snow blower but want quality and reliability.
Thank you for your help.
Pat In NH
Paul
Hi Pat, The reason why all manufactures have dropped greaseable ball bearings is two-fold.
1. You, my Dad and one other guy out in Montana were the only owners who actually greased those bearing when needed. The rest of the owners waited until the bearing rusted up, seized up and then tore the center worm gear out the snow blower. Then they blamed the snow blower for going bad. And that was 20 years ago.
Today, the normal residential homeowner does not own a grease gun, doesn’t know how to properly grease a bearing and has absolutely no interest in learning how.
2. Greased bearings and snow/water don’t mix. Even sealed bearing are a poor choice.
In snow blowers a poly or bronze bearing is actually a better choice. If you do wear out a poly bearing it’s a cheap, quick fix. The bearing doesn’t freeze/rust onto the shaft or doesn’t tear up the shaft. If a homeowner had my luck that $15 bearing always turned into a $100 repair. Ariens uses bronze bearings in the areas that have higher stress – transmissions and front gearbox. The poly they use is tough. For most people you’ll never need to replace them.
The LCT engine on the Ariens is actually a much higher quality engine than your Tecumseh. It will last longer and use a lot less fuel. The Deluxe 28 at HD will throw as far and the Honda. The Deluxe 28 SHO at your Ariens dealer will throw farther. I have no problems stating that either model will last as long as your old Snapper.