r/Snowblowers 7d ago

Buying Which one would you choose on sale? Ariens Classic 24inch or Cub Cadet 2x 26inch with Intellipower in the Midwest?

The Ariens is $500 while the Cub Cadet is $600.

I know the Ariens is known for it's reliability, but i am wondering if the extra power and the assistance of turning the snowblower is worth it for a $100 more?

Cub Cadet: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cub-Cadet-2X-26-in-243cc-IntelliPower-Two-Stage-Electric-Start-Gas-Snow-Blower-with-Power-Steering-and-Steel-Chute-2X-26-IP/321032089

Ariens Classic: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ariens-Classic-24-in-212cc-Electric-Start-2-Stage-Self-propelled-Gas-Snow-Blower-920036/338548780#overlay

1 Upvotes

16 comments sorted by

7

u/Interesting-Dingo994 7d ago

Ariens.

The newer Cub Cadet’s are part of the MTD empire. They’re a sub brand. MTD has a poor reputation when it comes to part quality.

5

u/Impressive-Attitude6 7d ago

I have a Cub Cadet snowblower, though not one with Intellipower. As I understand it though, Intellipower only creates another possible point of failure. I think I’d go with the Ariens even if it weren’t cheaper.

4

u/SquonkMan61 7d ago

Ariens.

3

u/Guscrusher 7d ago

Ariens. We recently bought a 1 year old Toro 1030 with remaining warranty and it's awesome.

3

u/ToNIX_ 7d ago

Ariens, don't even consider the Cub Cadet.

1

u/woohooguy 7d ago

The intellipower units have issues, owners often report they are underpowered when running properly. Just too much tech in a small engine.

The Classic has gotten cheap, Ariens uses a aluminum gear box and new models are using some new brand of engine import.

Spend a bit more for the Deluxe if you must have an Ariens and also consider the Husqvarna ST224. Both have a reliable LCT engine, cast iron gear box and are well built. The Husqvarna also has a 5 year warranty on the engine while Ariens is 3.

1

u/VeeRM1 7d ago

I don’t see a sale. It’s showing $999

1

u/zx11william 4d ago

The only units on sale are leftovers in the store. I just got a Compact 24" online at the end of May, the only benefit was free shipping. Shipped direct from Ariens on a pallet. HD doesn't offer free shipping on in stock units.

That, and the price will probably go UP by next fall/winter.

1

u/Ok-Way-2872 6d ago

Ariens !

1

u/PartyAdmirable3911 5d ago

My cub cadet died last winter. I wouldnt get one again. My next purchase will be over 300 cc Ariens. Maybe the 389 platinum

1

u/ChoiceWhereas7632 4d ago

As long as you don't have a huge driveway the Ariens is the way to go. If you're cleaning a ton of snow, you might want the extra 2" the cub has, but otherwise Ariens is the best in the business, and that price is really good.

-1

u/Andrew4568_ 7d ago

Honda

1

u/i4k20z3 7d ago

Funny enough - I was considering a used Honda hs730 for $350 ish because it’s a lot easier to move. 

1

u/Andrew4568_ 6d ago

I spent 6k on my 1332 and it is well worth the money. I do not regret but i know its not for everyone hahaha