ConsFirst / Snow blowers

Cub Cadet

Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower: the downsides first

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#3 of 8
$$$Two-stageScore 4.0/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available

A well-equipped traditional two-stage blower with power steering, big tires, two headlights and a metal chute. Wirecutter recommends it for gravel, lawns and slopes, and Popular Mechanics saw it handle 18- to 20-in. snowbanks. It is heavier, slower and fussier to control than the Toro SnowMaster.

In the box: No battery — gas (243cc per Popular Mechanics) with plug-in electric start

Top complaints

  • Heavier and slower than the SnowMaster

    Wirecutter says the traditional two-stage design is slower and handles snow less well than its top pick. A comparable Cub Cadet 2X 24 weighs 215 lb.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Clunky chute controls

    A hand crank turns the chute and a separate joystick moves the deflector, on top of manual speed shifting (Wirecutter). Popular Mechanics, by contrast, found the chute control intuitive.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Popular Mechanics
  • Electric start needs an outlet

    The electric start works only when plugged in, so it's less useful if you shut it down away from the garage (Popular Mechanics).

    Source: Popular Mechanics

What owners love

  • Power steering and traction

    Trigger power steering lets it turn on a dime (Wirecutter, Popular Mechanics), and 15-in. tires give better grip than many 24- to 26-in. blowers (Wirecutter).

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Popular Mechanics
  • Handles deep snow and gravel

    Popular Mechanics chewed through dense 18- to 20-in. snowbanks, beyond Cub Cadet's 12-in. claim, and adjustable skid shoes let it clear gravel.

    Source: Popular Mechanics
  • Features for the price

    Two headlights, a durable metal chute, electric start and no-mar skid shoes, features usually found on blowers costing hundreds more (Wirecutter).

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
Good for
  • Gravel driveways and lawn areas
  • Steeper driveways
  • Regular 6- to 12-in. snowfalls and big plow piles

Scores (tap for why)

  • Clearing power4.0
    Why 4.0?Cleared dense 18- to 20-in. banks (Popular Mechanics), but slower than the SnowMaster (Wirecutter).
    Source: Popular Mechanics, Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Runtime4.5
    Why 4.5?Gas: Popular Mechanics says large gas blowers can run for hours and be refueled on the spot (a general point, not a timed test).
    Source: Popular Mechanics
  • Handling & weight4.0
    Why 4.0?Trigger power steering and 15-in. tires make a heavy machine easy to turn (both sources), though controls are busier than the SnowMaster's.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Popular Mechanics
  • Easy start & upkeep3.5
    Why 3.5?Electric start, but it must be plugged in (Popular Mechanics); gas models need oil changes, belt checks and off-season storage (Wirecutter).
    Source: Popular Mechanics, Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Durability4.0
    Why 4.0?Wirecutter calls it reliable, with a durable metal chute, and has had no performance or reliability issues with MTD-made brands.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)

What experts say

  • Wirecutter (NYT): Best for gravel driveways: a reliable, well-rounded two-stage with power steering and big tires, but slower and clunkier than the SnowMaster.
  • Popular Mechanics: Best overall gas: handled 18- to 20-in. banks and steers easily; the electric start requires an outlet.
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If that catch is a deal-breaker

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Its catch: slow recharge#4 in snow blowersEGO Power+ 24-Inch Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power

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Its catch: awkward chute and controls

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