ConsFirst / Snow blowers / Compare
Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower vs Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on clearing power, easy start & upkeep, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower is bogs down in deep, heavy snow; for the Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower it's heavier and slower than the snowmaster. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower | Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in snow blowers | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Single-stage gas | Two-stage |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | — |
| Overall score | 4.4 | 4.0 |
| Clearing power | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Runtime | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Handling & weight | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Easy start & upkeep | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Durability | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $300 · $$ $300–900 · $$$ over $900. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower
- Bogs down in deep, heavy snow
Wirecutter says the engine starts to bog down around 12 to 16 in. of heavy, wet snow. Because it is light, it sometimes rides up over packed snow and tire tracks instead of cutting under them.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Best on flat, paved surfaces
Toro recommends paved surfaces only because the fast auger can throw rocks. Wirecutter found it bounces on uneven ground and can lose traction on steep inclines with its small tires.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - No reverse, power steering or headlight
Maneuvering takes some strength without power steering or reverse gears, and the chute turns only a few degrees past 90 (Wirecutter). Wirecutter and Reviewed both note there is no light.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Reviewed
Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- 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
Who should pick which
Pick the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch Gas Snow Blower if
Paved two-car driveways with 6 to 18 in. snowfalls
Clearing fast, including mid-storm passes
Buyers who want a gas machine lighter than a two-stage
Skip it if: You have a gravel drive, bumpy lawn or steep slope; You regularly get more than a foot of heavy, wet snow; You need power steering or reverse
Pick the Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower if
Gravel driveways and lawn areas
Steeper driveways
Regular 6- to 12-in. snowfalls and big plow piles
Skip it if: You want the fastest, simplest machine; You have little storage space; You don't want gas-engine maintenance
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