Cub Cadet Vs Husqvarna – Who Makes the Better Snow Blowers?
If you have been in the market for a snow blower in the last 20 years then you have seen Cub Cadet and Husqvarna blowers. These are two titans of the snow blower and outdoor equipment industry.
You have probably wondered which company makes the best blowers overall; but that question is a bit tricky to answer. To demystify the differences between these two brands, we have put together the following comparison article.
Cub Cadet Vs Husqvarna Overview & Brief History
Cub Cadet is an American company that was originally a division of the International Harvester corporation. Since their inception in 1960, Cub Cadet has changed hands a number of times and today, it is majority owned by Black & Decker.
Unlike Husqvarna though, Cub Cadet is mostly known for their tractors and agricultural equipment. Husqvarna is a Swedish company with a much longer history. Having been founded in 1689, Husqvarna is one of the oldest manufacturers of engines and outdoor equipment in the world.
Throughout their history, they have made everything from sewing machines and firearms to motorcycles and of course, snow blowers.
What Is Each Company Known for?
Today, the Husqvarna name is synonymous with rugged, durable outdoor equipment. They are known for outfitting commercial crews and forestry professionals with powerful equipment.
Cub Cadet is more known for their agricultural vehicles like tractors and lawn mowers. However, in recent years people have been turning to Cub Cadet for reliable and affordable snow blowers as well.
Best Single Stage Snow Blowers
Cub Cadet 1X 21 Vs Husqvarna ST151
Cub Cadet 1X 21
Quick Facts:
- 4-cycle engine
- 208cc
- 21” clearing path
Key Features
- Pitch & Direction Control – You can control both the pitch and the direction of the snow chute.
- Push-Button Start System – Electronic push-button start system makes for effortless starting.
- Rubber Auger – The auger is made of rubber instead of steel so it’s safe for wooden decks.
First Impressions
We were a little skeptical of this blower as it has a 9” auger and the auger is made from reinforced rubber. And while it still doesn’t handle hard snow very well, it performs very well on wooden and concrete decks.
This isn’t a self-propelled snow blower but the auger does provide some drive assistance so it’s not too hard on the body. The 1X blower has an intake height of 13” so it can handle about 9-10” of snowfall.
Who Should Buy it?
The 1X snow blower would be a good fit for people with smaller 1-2 car garage driveways. It’s also pretty affordable overall (around $800) so it may also be a good choice for anyone on a budget.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Efficient with fuel
- No need to mix fuel and oil
- In-dash LED lights
Cons:
- No drift cutters
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Husqvarna ST151
Quick Facts:
- 208cc engine
- 95 pounds
- Adjustable chute
Key Features
- Serrated Auger – Serrated augers are better at chopping up hard snow – especially for single-stage blowers with no impeller.
- Heated Handle Grips – A nice luxury feature that enhances operator comfort.
- Electric Start System – The electric start system is easy and instant; but you have to connect to an electrical outlet to use it.
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First Impressions
We were first impressed with the luxury features that came with this low-end snow blower. The Husqvarna ST151 comes with heated handles, bright LED headlights and semi-pneumatic wheels. It’s easy to steer and handle – even if it is a bit on the heavy side.
Who Should buy it?
The Husqvarna ST151 would be a smart choice for anyone looking for a combination of durable design and comfortable operation. It is a bit on the heavy side; but we can forgive that in light of the fact that most of the weight comes from heavy-duty steel parts. This is part of what makes the ST151 so durable and such a wise investment.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy to start
- Good traction
- 4 HP engine
Cons:
- A bit heavy
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
The Best Two Stage Snow Blowers
Cub Cadet 2X 26 Vs Husqvarna ST227P
Cub Cadet 2X 26
Quick Facts:
- 26” clearing path
- 243cc engine
- 4-cycle engine
Key Features
- Trigger-Controlled Power Steering – Easily change direction with the pull of a trigger.
- Steel Augers – The augers are 12 inches in diameter and are made of capable serrated steel.
- Steel Chute – The snow chute is made of steel and the auger box is made of strong yet lightweight aluminum.
First Impressions
At first, we thought that the augers may be a bit undersized at 12 inches. But our fears were allayed once we got this thing going. The augers chew through tough snow with ease. We will say that the impeller seems to work a bit slow but overall, this is a good snow blower for larger driveways.
Who Should Buy it?
The Cub Cadet 2X 26 would be a good choice for anyone with 3+ car garage driveways. It’s a 4-cycle snow blower as well so it would also be a good fit for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with mixing just the right ratio of oil and fuel.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Dual LED headlights
- 6 forward speed
- Self-propelled drive
Cons:
- Impeller works a bit slow
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Husqvarna ST227P
Quick Facts:
- 254cc engine
- 27 inch clearing path
- 212 pounds
Key Features
- 5 HP Engine – With 7.5 horses you can quickly clear a large 1000 square foot driveway.
- Remote Chute Deflector – You can control the angle of the snow chute via the onboard lever.
- Electric Start – Again, you have to have the blower connected to an electrical outlet but the electric start is still easy and convenient.
First Impressions
Reading the specs and features, we thought the Husqvarna ST227P would be a versatile machine – and we were right. The adjustable skid shoes make it safe for all kinds of surfaces including concrete and wooden decks.
You can also adjust the height of the handle so virtually anyone can operate it comfortably.
Who Should Buy it?
While the Husqvarna ST227P is heavy, it has power steering so it’s still a good choice for anyone who wants a smooth operating snow blower. The friction disc drive also assures smooth transition between speeds.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Durable design
- Heated handle grips
- LED headlights
Cons:
- It’s heavy
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Cub Cadet 2X 28 Vs Husqvarna ST327
Cub Cadet 2X 28
Quick Facts:
- 28 inch clearing path
- 272cc engine
- 21” intake height
Key Features
- Steel Snow Chute – The steel snow chute ensures that it will be serviceable for a long time to come.
- 21” Clearing Height – The 21” clearing height makes the 2X 28 capable of tackling about 18” of snowfall.
- Self-Propelled Drive – The drive system is self-propelled and features 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds.
First Impressions
At 285 pounds, we didn’t think that this blower was going to be very maneuverable. But it also features self-propelled drive and triggered power steering so virtually anyone can operate it without issue.
We will say that all the controls (turning triggers, auger remote etc.) take some time to get used to and weren’t designed very intuitively. But once you get the hang of it, the Cub Cadet 2X 28 practically drives itself.
Who Should Buy it?
The Cub Cadet 2X 28 is suitable for large driveways and large walkways. So if you have a lot of paths and a big driveway to clear up, this blower would be a solid choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Aluminum auger house
- Reversible skid shoes
- Throws snow up to 40 feet
Cons:
- Struggles a bit with compacted snow
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Husqvarna ST327
Quick Facts:
- 4-cycle engine
- 27” clearing width
- Adjustable handle height
Key Features
- 291cc Engine – The mid-sized engine displacement makes the ST327 suitable for large residential jobs.
- Covered Ball Bearings – The auger’s ball bearings are covered to preserve smooth rotation in all conditions.
- Cast Iron Impeller – The impeller blades are made of cast iron so they should last for a very long time.
First Impressions
We actually thought the Husqvarna ST327 was a bit lacking in terms of drive. Usually, a blower of this size will be self-propelled or have triggered steering; but this one has neither. As a result, it is a bit difficult to manage even as it provides more than enough power for residential clearing.
Who Should Buy it?
We would recommend the ST327 to people with at least some experience with mid-sized snow blowers.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Durable auger
- Should last a very long time
- Good for clearing a foot of snow
Cons:
- Narrower clearing width than the 2X 28
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Cub Cadet 2X 30 Max Vs Husqvarna ST330
Cub Cadet 2X 30 Max
Quick Facts:
- 30” clearing width
- 357cc engine
- 23” intake height
Key Features
- Soft-Grip Handles – The handles are soft to the touch and heated.
- Aluminum Auger Gear Box – The aluminum gear box makes for a lightweight blower that is also durable.
- Self-Propelled – The 2X 30 Max is self-propelled and has power steering.
First Impressions
Our first impression was that the 2X 30 Max was lightweight and easy to steer. It has 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds so it is incredibly maneuverable.
Who Should Buy it?
This snow blower would be an excellent selection for anyone who needs a great combination of clearing power and ease of operation. The intake height is good for almost 2 feet of snow.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Large fuel tank
- Big, beefy tires
- Adjustable chute
Cons:
- Skid shoes are a bit flimsy
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Husqvarna ST330
Quick Facts:
- 369cc
- 23” clearing height
- Power steering
Key Features
- Cast Iron Impeller – The impeller fan features three blades made of heavy-duty cast iron.
- Ribbon Auger – The ribbon-style auger is serrated and capable of breaking up frozen snow.
- Heated Handle Grips – Heated handle grips make for more comfortable operation in cold conditions.
First Impressions
The Husqvarna ST330 is big, heavy and a beast of a snow blower – so we thought it would be unmanageable. And while it isn’t as easy to move and steer as the Cub Cadet 2X 30 Max, the triggered power steering at least helps.
Who Should Buy it?
The Husqvarna St330 is obviously built very well. It can handle large clearing jobs and can clear nearly 2 feet of snow with one pass. So it would be a good choice for anyone looking for a long-lasting, heavy-duty snow blower.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Suitable for light commercial work
- Maneuvers pretty well
- Covered auger ball bearings
Cons:
- More expensive than the Cub Cadet 2X 30 Max
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
What Does Cub Cadet Do Better?
Cub Cadet is better at making their snow blowers (at any engine size) more affordable than comparable Husqvarna models.
What Does Husqvaran Do Better?
Husqvarna snow blowers are clearly built better than Cub Cadet blowers. Husqvarna does a great job of making blowers that can handle extreme conditions and ones that are sure to last a long time.
Which Brand is Better Priced
Cub Cadet makes the more affordable snow blowers.
Which Controls and Handles Better?
In general, Cub Cadet snow blowers are lighter and have more steer and drive-assist controls.
Which Brand is More Reliable?
Husqvarna snow blowers will probably be more reliable in the long-run thanks to their superior build quality.
Which Brand Lasts Longer?
We have to imagine the more durable Husqvarna snow blowers will last longer than Cub Cadet blowers.
Who Should Buy Cub Cadet?
Anyone on a budget and who prioritizes easy steering and driving.
Who Should Buy Husqvarna?
Anyone with a little more money to spend and who wants a blower that will last a very long time.
Final Assessment
This was a tough one because while Cub Cadet blowers are affordable and easier to drive in general, we can imagine that Husqvarna blowers will last longer.
So we leave this one up to you. If you prefer rugged durability and longevity, go with Husqvarna. If you want a blower that is easier on the body and a bit cheaper, go with Cub Cadet.
