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The Ultimate Snow Blower Buying Guide
So, you’re ready to hang up the shovel and experience the ease and convenience of a snow blower but picking your ideal snow blower is proving to be a challenge. We’ve got you covered.
If you’re wondering what you need to know to make the best decision for you, the ultimate snow blower buying guide will help you make the right choice this winter.
- Why choose a snow blower?
- What should I consider before purchasing a new snow blower?
- When is the best time to buy a snow blower?
- Where is the best place to buy a Cub Cadet® snow blower?
- What is the difference between a single-stage snow blower, two-stage snow blower and three-stage snow blower?
- Do snow blowers work on wet and heavy snow?
- What type of snow blower do I need?
- How much should I pay for a snow blower?
- What is the life expectancy of a snow blower?
- What specifications should I consider when buying a snow blower?
- What features should I consider when buying a snow blower?
- Why choose a Cub Cadet® snow blower?
- What snow blower is ideal for...?
1. Why choose a snow blower?
Shovelling snow is a tough job that can become a regular part of your daily routine if you live in a place where snowfall is heavy and frequent. Demanding heavy lifting and repetitive strain, there are legitimate reasons to ditch your shovel in favour of a snow blower. If you’re looking to justify a snow blower purchase, consider the following:
Save your energy
Shovelling includes heavy lifting, throwing, and unnatural twisting and turning, each presenting potential hazards for injuries without even considering icy conditions. Those risks may be reduced with a Cub Cadet® snow blower, helping to avoid strenuous motions and keeping you upright and stable.
Save time
You clear your driveway because you have places to be. A two-hour job for a manual shovel can become a quick job with a snow blower, which means you can spend less time sweating in your driveway and more time where you need to be.
Make snow clearing fun
It can be satisfying to move an entire driveway’s worth of heavy snow in a swift and easy motion to create a clear, snow-free path. Cub Cadet® snow blowers can help turn hard work into satisfying and enjoyable work.
Efficient snow clearing can mean having the time and energy to lend a favour to a neighbour. If you don’t purchase a snow blower to help save your energy, save time or to make snow clearing fun, buy one to do more friendly favours for neighbours.
2. What should I consider before purchasing a new snow blower?
Purchasing a snow blower can feel overwhelming; from machine type to the features and accessories there is a lot to think about, but it really comes down to the job at hand. To find the right one for the job, here are four things you should consider when buying a snow blower.
How large is the area that you’ll need to clear?
Certain Cub Cadet® snow blowers are more conducive to clearing snow from larger spaces simply because they can throw snow farther. Cub Cadet® single-stage snow blowers are designed to handle small to midsize driveways between 6–8 parking spaces, Cub Cadet® two-stage machines are engineered for large areas between 8–15 spaces, and Cub Cadet® three-stage snow blowers are built to clear area with 15+ spaces.
What type of terrain are you clearing snow from?
Even if you are looking to clear a small to midsize area that would usually be best suited for a single-stage model, uneven terrain can make a two-stage or three-stage snow blower a better choice. So, what’s below the snow: a solid and even paved surface (consider an auger-assisted or push-propelled machine) or is it a rough or sloped surface (consider an engine-driven model)?
How much snowfall do you typically get?
Up to eight inches of typically powdery snow can be considered “light,” while up to 16 inches of wet snow can be considered “heavy.” Single-stage snow blowers are designed to clear light snow, while two-stage and three-stage blowers are designed to plow through deep snow and have serrated augers that can break through packed snow or even ice.
What do you need from your snow blower?
Once you’ve determined your basic snow-clearing needs, think about your needs as the operator to help identify any features or accessories that would be beneficial. For example, if the spaces you intend to clear are poorly lit, look for a model with bright headlights, like the Cub Cadet® 2X® 24" snow blower. If you have perpetually cold hands, find a Cub Cadet® snow blower with heated grips.
3. When is the best time to buy a snow blower?
As with every one of your snow necessities, from your parka to your boots to your snow blower, it’s best to think about buying before you’re snowed in and in desperate need. Shopping for a snow blower before the official snow season (in September or October) doesn’t just mean that you may be prepared for an imminent blizzard though — you might even be able to snag a pre-season sale.
4. Where is the best place to buy a Cub Cadet snow blower?
Where you should buy your snow blower depends on a range of factors, including where you live and how much help you need to find the right machine. Generally, you have three options:
Independent Dealer — Independent dealers are mainly geared toward residents of rural areas. You can use our Cub Cadet® Service Locator to find an independent Cub Cadet® dealer near you. Cub Cadet® boasts a nationwide network of neighbourhood service dealers across Canada who offer special deals for snow blowers, expert support and advice, and parts and warranty service. Our independent dealers are your one-stop shop for Cub Cadet® snow blowers. The Cub Cadet® dealer advantage also means you can order your new snow blower online and your local dealer will prepare your machine for customer pick-up or delivery.
Mass Retailers – Big-box stores like Canadian Tire are mostly located in towns and cities and may be easily accessible. Cub Cadet® snow blowers, including models with IntelliPOWER® engine technology, are available for purchase at these retailers.
Online – If you’ve already decided on a snow blower, shopping online (through a manufacturer’s website, like Cub Cadet®, or a retailer website) might be your best option. It’s likely the most convenient, assuming the model of machine you need is in stock.
5. What is the difference between a single-stage snow blower, two-stage snow blower and three-stage snow blower?
The various stages of Cub Cadet® snow blowers signify a snow blower’s steps to clear the snow. The more stages or phases a machine has, the more powerful and efficient it will be to clear snow.
Single-Stage Snow Blowers
A single-stage snow blower like the Cub Cadet® 1X® has one auger designed to break, scoop and throw snow, so they are an ideal choice for smaller jobs like walkways and short driveways.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers
A two-stage snow blower, such as the Cub Cadet® 2X® 26" HD IntelliPOWER®, has an auger and an impeller. The auger is engineered to break and scoop up wet and heavy snow, then the impeller is designed to throw snow out and away from the path. This division of labour means more power and a farther throwing distance compared to a single-stage.
Three-Stage Snow Blowers
A three-stage snow blower, like the 3X® 30" TRAC IntelliPOWER®, is engineered for the ultimate in power and performance. Two augers and one impeller are designed to work in unison to pull snow, ice and slush through the system — built for busting through chunks of snow at the end of your driveway during the hard winter months. Cub Cadet® three-stage snow blowers are built to help you get the job done quickly.
6. Do snow blowers work on wet and heavy snow?
Yes, snow blowers are designed to handle wet and heavy snow, but certain types of machines perform better than others.
Cub Cadet® two-stage and three-stage snow blowers are ideal for this kind of snow because they’re designed to deliver more power and clearing capacity than one-stage machines. The augers on these snow blower models are built to break down wet snow before the impeller throws it out of the chute, helping to prevent clogging.
Select Cub Cadet® 2X® and 3X® snow blowers are also equipped with IntelliPOWER® technology that’s designed to reduce bogging down while clearing heavy, wet and deep snow when compared to the same engine without IntelliPOWER® technology. It’s engineered to give you reliable, consistent performance.
Cub Cadet® snow blowers with IntelliPOWER® have digital throttle controls designed to consistently optimize the engine’s output. Various electronic inputs monitor engine speed and temperature and allow an onboard computer to digitally control the throttle position to help maintain engine speed at a consistent pace in rough patches so you can clear snow efficiently.
7. What type of snow blower do I need?
The more stages a snow blower has, the more powerful and efficient it is designed to be to clear snow.
Single-stage snow blowers are light, compact and easy to handle. But if you have more snow, unpaved surfaces with inclines or a long driveway, you’ll want to consider a two- or three-stage snow blower that will help clear larger volumes in larger areas.
Here is a summary of the different types of Cub Cadet® snow blowers and the work they are best suited for:
8. How much should I pay for a snow blower?
The amount of money you should pay for a snow blower will ultimately be determined by the winter conditions where you live and the size of your budget. Cub Cadet® X Series® snow blowers are designed and priced with both factors in mind.
The Cub Cadet® 1X® 21" LHP single-stage snow blower, engineered to clear small areas and light snowfalls, with an estimated retail price of $1,099.
If you’re dealing with larger driveways or heavy, wet snow, consider a Cub Cadet® 2X® two-stage model, with an estimated retail price between $1,499 and $3,599.
Cub Cadet® 3X® three-stage snow blowers, built for tough conditions, with an estimated price from $2,699 to $4,999 or more.
Remember that additional snow blower features like IntelliPOWER® engine technology, power steering or heated handles may increase the price but may also improve convenience and performance in challenging winter weather.
Contact your local Cub Cadet® dealer to learn about exclusive promotions or offers on X Series® snow blowers.
9. What is the life expectancy of a snow blower?
The life expectancy of a snow blower depends on the model, usage and maintenance. Cub Cadet® X Series® snow blowers are engineered to last many years when cared for properly.
The 1X® single-stage snow blowers are designed to handle smaller clearing jobs with lasting durability, while the 2X® and 3X® snow blowers are made to tackle heavy workloads season after season.
However, regular maintenance is crucial to the life expectancy of any snow blower. Completing maintenance tasks like oil changes, replacing worn parts and proper storage will help extend the life of your snow blower.
Keeping the engine in good shape and using fresh fuel also play key roles in helping to ensure your machine lasts through many winters. Read our extensive snow blower maintenance guide for more help getting the most out of your machine.
10. What specifications should I consider when buying a snow blower?
Finding the right Cub Cadet® snow blower for you is based entirely on your personal needs and preferences. Here is a guide to some key snow blower specifications and why they are important to consider:
Clearing width
Clearing width refers to the amount of space you can cover at once. Whether you have a single-car or double-car driveway, the larger the clearing width, the fewer passes you’ll have to make to clear it.
Clearing height
Whereas Cub Cadet® single-stage (1X®) snow blowers have auger paddles that come in direct contact with the ground, Cub Cadet® two-stage (2X®) snow blowers are designed with the ability to adjust the height of the auger housing depending on the type of surface you are clearing snow from. For paved surfaces, you can leave the auger at the lowest height, but if you’re clearing snow from a gravel surface, the ability to adjust height is important to clear as much snow as possible from the surface without picking up and throwing gravel onto your lawn.
Engine sizes
From consumer-grade snow blower engines that are 200 cc, to midsize 200 to 400 cc engines, to professional-grade 400+ cc engines, engine size is an important factor to consider since it determines how much horsepower your snow blower produces and how much gas it consumes.
11. What features should I consider when buying a snow blower?
Cub Cadet® snow blowers are built to make snow clearing easy and efficient all winter long, and having the right features can help make the process even better. Here is a quick guide to snow blower features:
Electric start
Replacing pull cords, Cub Cadet® snow blowers now give you power that starts with the push of a button.
Trigger control power steering
With just a finger, trigger control power steering helps give you the ability to turn heavier, two- and three-stage Cub Cadet® snow blowers on a dime at the end of your driveway.
Heated grips/handlebars
The solution for perpetually cold hands, heated grips or handlebars help keep your hands warm for easy control and help make snow clearing more enjoyable.
Headlights
LED headlights will illuminate your clearing path to help give you visibility in poorly lit areas.
Skid shoes
Skid shoes are engineered to make handling and maneuvering easy by gliding over surfaces and helping prevent rust on garage floors, driveways, and sidewalks.
Drift cutters
For deep drifting conditions where snow depth exceeds intake height, drift cutters will help prevent snow from falling onto the machine.
IntelliPower™ Engine Technology
Available on select Cub Cadet® 2X® and 3X® snow blowers, IntelliPOWER® engine technology is designed to deliver efficient and optimal performance. IntelliPOWER® engine technology offers up to 13% more available power, resulting in less bogging down when clearing heavy, wet and deep snow.*
*When compared to the same engine without IntelliPOWER® technology. Improvements vary depending on engine models and specific operating conditions.
Electronic Fuel-Injected Engines
When winter is at its worst, you need to trust your snow blower will deliver. Cub Cadet® electronic fuel-injected (EFI) engines are engineered to provide reliable starting in most winter conditions. Cub Cadet® EFI engines are available with IntelliPOWER® technology on select 2X® snow blowers to help you take on heavy, deep and wet snow conditions.
12. Why choose a Cub Cadet snow blower?
Cub Cadet® is the standard for Canadians who want snow blowers that are carefully, thoughtfully, and purposefully designed. When you buy Cub Cadet®, you’re backed by our Canadian Commitment, which includes snow blowers that are designed for Canadians, bilingual customer support, and a nationwide network of local service dealers.
There are more than 400 local Cub Cadet® service dealers across Canada ready to help you find the snow blower that fits your needs. The Cub Cadet® dealer advantage means you can get access to a wide selection of snow blowers, special offers and a place you trust when you need parts and warranty service.
Find your neighbourhood Cub Cadet® dealer using our service locator.
13. What snow blower is best for...
When choosing a Cub Cadet® snow blower, it’s important to consider the ground beneath the snow. Uneven terrain or gravel can impact the type of snow blower best suited for the job. While area size should also be taken into account, here is a quick guide:
Ideal snow blower for gravel
It is important to find a model that allows you to adjust clearing height, so a Cub Cadet® two- or three-stage snow blower should be used on gravel. Cub Cadet® single-stage snow blowers clear right to the ground, which means gravel will be thrown in addition to snow.
Ideal snow blower for stamped concrete
As with gravel driveways, it’s also important on stamped concrete to choose a two- or three-stage Cub Cadet® snow blower that allows you to adjust clearing height to help prevent the rotating blades from touching and damaging the concrete surface. If you do have a snow blower that makes contact with the ground, make sure they’re not sharp to help avoid scratching the surface.
Ideal snow blower for a wooden deck
For wooden decks, it’s typically best to look for a lightweight and maneuverable single-stage snow blower like the Cub Cadet® 1X® LHP that has a rubber auger that is designed to help prevent damage to the deck surface.
Ideal snow blower for steep slopes or terrain
Lessening the physical effort required of the operator and maintaining strong traction are the two biggest considerations when it comes to clearing snow from steep slopes. Look for a lightweight, engine-driven Cub Cadet® snow blower as opposed to a push-propelled model, and consider the addition of tire chains to help maintain traction.
Ideal for ice chunk at the end of the driveway
The ice chunk, the plow pile, the snow windrow, whatever you want to call it, the wall of winter at the end of your driveway is a formidable foe when you have somewhere to go. A Cub Cadet® three-stage snow blower like the 3X® 28 HD IntelliPOWER® is engineered to give you the power you need to clear winter away.