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Is the Cub Cadet 26 in Three-Stage 357cc Model 3X 26 snow blower right for you?
Hello, Thank you for recommending the cub cadet 3 stage snow blower. We live in NJ. It has been our snowiest season in 20 years! This machine gets through the slush and ice in no time!
It takes my husband and me 3 hours to clear our property by hand with just a few inches of snow, the cub cadet brought it down to 30 minutes for powder and an hour for slush and ice.
It is our best purchase last year!
Thank you for the advice, Stacey
I have been watching snow blower technology for a long time and in the last few years, there have been a few attempts at a high-speed snow blower. The Kahlbacher KFS 170M2 is one example that will blow snow while traveling at speeds up to 35 mph. One of the innovative changes that made this snow blower (called a cutter/blower in Europe) was a center auger. The center auger rotates at the same speed as the blower and pulls the snow into the blower at a consistent rate.
Kahlbacher KFS 170M2
The market moves slowly… I was wondering when this idea would carry over to walk behinds and it looks like Cub Cadet has figured it out. The 3X snow blower is the biggest single change since the Toro SnoHound started using the front intake auger back in 1960.
Is this new snow blower for you?
Cub Cadet 3X
This snow blower is not for everyone and I won’t recommend it for everyone who wants a 26 or 28-inch snow blower. But…If it takes you hours to clear your sidewalks and driveways with a 26 or 28-inch snow blower the 3X will shorten that time by 20 % or more. The ability to cut through deep snow up to 50% faster means you can walk faster behind the unit. Typical 4 to 6-inch snows you won’t notice much time savings, it is the 10 inch and larger snows where you will see the real time savings. This snow blower is about $300 more for their similar two-stage unit. Is it worth an extra $300 to walk faster when blowing your drive? That’s up to you to decide.
I have a video on YouTube using a competitor’s snow blower to move 14 inches of snow. The snow blower has plenty of power to handle that much snow. The snow blower has plenty of traction to push through that much snow. But the snow blower can only take so much snow into the impeller at one time and it actually starts pushing snow out in front of it like a snowplow. Even though I had plenty of power and traction I ended up slowing the snow blower down so it could eat and throw the snow. The new Cub Cadet 3X promises to eliminate this bottleneck. The new 3X induction accelerator (center auger) will move snow into the impeller 50% faster than a two-stage unit. (Search “Biggest Snow Blower in Wisconsin!” at YouTube)
How It Works:
1. The auger on your two-stage snow blower takes the snow and chews it into manageable chunks for the high-speed impeller to throw it out of the machine. The auger on the new 3X works the same way. The issue with this the auger is it only throws the snow into the center. The forward motion of you walking with the snow blower causes the snow to move into the impeller.
2. With the 3X the new center auger (called an Induction Accelerator) pulls the snow into the impeller. No forward motion of the snowblower is required to get snow into the impeller. The Induction Accelerator is rotating at the same speed as the high-speed impeller so the snow is literally thrown into the impeller. This new action gets snow into the impeller faster resulting in what Cub Cadet claims as 50% more capacity.
3. The impeller then throws the snow out of the machine and the 4-way chute puts it where you want it to go.
Click on this link and you can view the new snow blower in action:
SnowDays Ahead! The 3X starts around 1:30
Do you spend hours walking behind a snow blower? The Cub Cadet Three Stage promises to let you move snow faster.
New Machine, New Problems?
Cub Cadet has a solid history of doing the prove-design before they bring a new item to market. They claim the 3X will handle snow 50% faster than their two-stage units and I feel the snow blower will live up to those claims. I’m sure they threw a boot and other items you will find out in your driveway into this machine to see how it responds. There are shear pins in the right places. I don’t expect any issues or recalls on this snow blower. For you gearheads here is the parts manual: 3X Parts List
Click This link to read more, buy online, pick up at your local Home Depot or have it delivered to your home.
The Cub Cadet Three-Stage is easy to use. The 3 features that make it the easiest are the height of the controls, the power steering, and the 4-way chute control. These features plus the standard premium features you find on a Cub Cadet make it one of the best snowblowers for anyone who has difficulty using a snow blower. Yes, you can buy one of these for your spouse and she will be able to use it. And anyone who is tired of “manhandling” a snowblower will really like how easy this one is to use.
What makes this snow blower the best snow thrower?
- Clear snow faster: new 3X induction accelerator moves snow up to 50% faster than 2X snow throwers
- The Posi-Steer makes this snowblower the easy to use. When moving just pull the small trigger under the handle in the direction you want to go and the snow blower go that way. Unlike most 24 inch snowblowers with solid axles, the power steering makes turning the 524 SWE effortless.
- 357cc Electric start Cub Cadet 4-Cycle OHV engine. The motor has plenty of power. You will be able to move snow faster than you ever could before. The motor has a throttle control so you can idle the snow blower down if you want to before turning it off and a safety key. (Other brands do not have a throttle and you can only shut off the motor by removing the safety key.) It also has a stepped choke so you can control the fuel mixture for all temperatures. This engine has an excellent reputation and I know that as long as you use good fresh fuel and change the oil as recommended this engine will last you many, many years.
- Cool Blue skid shoes. These rust-resistant, non-marking, reversible skid shoes are the strongest skid shoe on the market. These shoes are exclusive to the Cub Cadet line and last longer than steel shoes. They don’t scratch your driveway or patio and glide effortlessly along surfaces for better maneuverability
- 6 Forward 2 reverse speeds. 6 Forward 2 reverse speeds for easy snow clearing at your pace. Yes, most snow blowers have these but the speeds on the 3X are matched well to the size of the snow blower.
- Push button electric start makes it incredibly easy to start in the tough winter conditions
- 4-way pitch control and chute rotation. I call this chute control a “forearm control” To use it you take your left hand, reach over the top of the handle and grab it like you are picking up a baseball bat by the end. Pull the red button with you middle fingers and use your forearm to move the chute from side-to-side. Pushing or pulling on the handle raises and lowers the deflector at the top of the chute. The tension that holds the deflector in place is controlled by a wing nut. If you use the 4-way chute this way it is one of the easiest to use on the market. It quickly rotates, is very easy to operate and is designed to last longer than the old bottom crank designs. The “hanging chute” design eliminates the chute binding up from heavy wet snow. The hanging chute stays in place when you let go of the red button. The extra long chute controls the snow better than your old short chute and you don’t get as much snow blowing back in your face. The chute is made of a durable polymer chute and has proven just about indestructible. Snow never sticks to it. I also like the chute control a lot.
- In-dash headlight allows you to clear your driveway any time of the day or night
- 15 in. x 5 in. X-trac tires are sized well for this machine. The tires have a lot more traction than the ones found on the cheaper 24 inch snow blowers. You will have plenty of traction to go out in the backyard and clear a spot of lawn for your dog.
- Use with 5W-30 oil for best results, the unit comes pre-filled with oil
- Warranty is 3-year residential/1-year commercial
- MFG Model # : 524 SWE
- MFG Part # : 31AM53TR756
Where To Get One
Home Depot is the best place to get your Cub Cadet. They always have the best price and a great reputation for getting the purchase to you quickly. They also have good customer service.
Click This link to read more, buy online, pickup at your local Home Depot or have it delivered to your home.
All Snow Blowers need maintenance. When you get your new snow blower home be sure to read the manual, check all the fluid levels and bolts. Learn how to change the shear pins and inspect the drive belts. (The belts are easy to change if you tear one up) ALWAYS have extra shear pins on hand. Learn how to start it and operate it. Snow blower engines run differently than your lawn mower engine. Most of the time you will have the choke on to some degree. (That’s why there are 4 positions on the choke) Practice using it on you driveway. (Don’t run the engine more than 10 minutes if the temperature is over 45 degrees) If you have any questions leave a comment below and we (other readers and myself) will gladly answer your questions. Above all PLEASE use a fuel stabilizer like Sea Foam or blue Stabil in your gas.
Value: This snow blower is about $300 more than their similar two-stage unit. Is it worth and extra $300 to walk faster when blowing your drive? That’s up to you to decide.
Service & Parts Availability: Service and parts are readily available through Cub Cadet authorized repair centers. Home Depot is easy to work with if you have a problem.
Parts You Will Need:
All MTD manufactured snow throwers use the same shear pin. Here are some from Sears. Shear Pins: Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins or Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins
Same pin, just a different clip.
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WILLIAM O'NEIL
how many shear pins does a 3xstage take.
Paul
Hi William, It depends on the size. Each auger flight has one. So 2-4 on the auger shaft flights plus one for the front fan and another on the rear fan.
Peter Kuzda Jr.
Hi Paul. I’m in 12589 and while the last few winters have been timid I’m worried about what the plow will leave at the end of my driveway. Just bought a house and the neighbors say the plow creates a lot of fun for them… I’d like something that might last my mortgage..I have a 1960s Sunbeam Deluxe 18″ electric thrower with headlight that is perfect for my front path, but the driveway that fits 6 cars comfortably is another issue. First I looked at the ariens classic 24, then the Toro 721qze and 724zxr and then I seen a Ariens Pro 28 on sale from local guy for $1999 but later noticed the cub cadet 3x for even less. I’m all over the place! Help!
Paul
Hi Peter, If the Ariens Pro is older than a 2015 I will tell you it’s very hard to turn compared to the new machines. Where you live an Ariens Deluxe 28 is a better choice. (about $1099) The Deluxe is one of the better machines for the snow plow pile. The Deluxe will last you many years. This would be my first choice for you.
I’m always very hesitant about suggesting used machines. Most of them have starting issues and problems with ethanol fuels. A new carb and hoses is usually $250.
The 3X is a good machine but you may not like it for the amount of snow you get. It likes deep snow but can be very messy when cleaning 2-4 inches. (the front impeller spins very fast and will throw snow out the front)
The Ariens Classic is their economy machine. It will do the job for you but it will be slower than any of the others you looked at. It does not have power steering. It does not have the heavy duty components the Deluxe/Platinum and Pro series have so it won’t last as long as you want.
The Toro SnowMaster is fast and will clear 2-10 inches well. It’s a very good replacement for your Sunbeam. But, it’s very lightweight and won’t handle the snow plow pile as well as the other machines you listed.
Peter Kuzda Jr.
Paul, it’s a 2016 model from a dealer who has somehow acquired a bunch of 2016 models that are still in the box. The deluxe 28 sounds like a better deal I’m going to look into that for sure, I don’t mind the $900 price savings 🙂 thank you for the quick response
Tom
Hi Paul, I’ve always shoveled snow manually. In 2009 and 2010 we had a couple heavy snow falls in NJ, by our standards anyway and I considered just biting the bullet and buying a snow blower. I figured at around $1000, even if it didn’t get used some winters that it would last me 20 years. I didn’t get one but I injured my hand over the summer and the thought of shoveling snow in the near future isn’t appealing and has me again researching snow blowers. I’m thinking about getting an Ariens 24″ 2 stage but I’ve heard bad things about the 208 cc engine. I’ve seen some good deals for a 24″ 3 stage Cub Cadet with a 277 cc engine. It might be a bit overkill for my 20′ by 40′ driveway plus paved sidewalks. However, I have ramps and a 4×4 pickup and am considering transporting to help out friends and perhaps make a little cash on the side clearing out driveways so I would want something that can handle that as well. Are 3 x snow blowers worth the hype or is it just more moving parts that can go wrong?
I was also wondering what you think about snow blower impeller kits that bolt rubber extensions to the impellers that make for a tighter clearance between the impeller blades and the housing to prevent clogging and are rumored to make the impeller throw snow farther.
I’m wondering if I should just look for a used snowblower since we don’t get a ton of snow fall here in NJ. There are plenty in the $300 range. Or perhaps just buy new and get a long life out of it. Thanks for your advice.
Paul
Hi Tom, Let me go through your list of snow blowers.
The New 24 inch Ariens Classic with the 208cc uses a new engine. It will not have the sins of the past units. The revised Ariens 24 inch Compact has been upgraded to a 252cc engine so again any issues that it may have had years ago are no longer valid. Ariens is very dedicated to improving their snow blowers so any problems get fixed in a timely manner. Both of these snow blowers don’t have power steering so they may be harder to use for multiple driveways.
If you want to make money or help out others in NJ I suggest you look at the Ariens Deluxe 24. It’s heavier duty and will put up with loading, unloading and finding an occasional boot or kids toy in the snow. The Deluxe 24 has power steering but it does not have the steering riggers so it may be easier to use with a bum hand.
The Cub Cadet 3X series is not a good match at all for the little snow you usually get. It likes deeper (8-14 inch) snows a lot better. It will splatter 2-4 inch snows out the front of the machine. Any of the 2X Cub Cadet snow blowers will work well for your area though.
Have you considered a Toro SnowMaster for your driveway? Search snowmaster in the search box at the top of the page for articles about that. Alos please look at the 20 best article and Buying A New Snow Blower FAQS – Read This For The Truth if you haven’t done so already. I’ll be glad to help you narrow it down a little more.
Tom Buczkowski
Hi Pau! I live in Michigan City, In. Driveway is 1600 sq. ft. I have to make a 90 degree turn to pull into my attached garage. I begin snow blowing from the garage, but my snow blower is not powerful enough to throw it off the driveway. It throws it on the driveway in front of me. I have an older, strong running, dual stage, 5 horsepower, 24″ X 17″. I’m a healthy 67 year old, but it’s too tiring to use for kind of deep snow. I want one that throws far, and can handle the occasional deep snow. I’m not sure if a newer 24″ would be enough of an upgrade from my 24″, or do I need a 26, 27-28, or 30?. I know snow blowers aren’t cheap, but I’d like to stay under $1000 if possible. Thanks.
Paul
Hi Tom, $1000 is right at the price point for a snowblower that will consistently throw far. Once of the best in that price range is the 24 inch Ariens Deluxe 24. It has a larger impeller (fan) than most that allows it to throw far.
The Toro PowerMax 826 OXE is also a good choice.
The farthest throwing snow blowers for your area are the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO and the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO. They about $1500 though.
Please see you local Ariens or Toro dealer for these models.
Anthony
I just bought a Cub 30 with tracks 420cc it has a track lock lever transport, snow covered gravel, normal snow and packed snow it’s only available on track models and it’s great. No more picking up gravel. It’s a beast and looking forward to winter in Nova Scotia.
Paul
Hi Anthony, Great! Track drives also work well for turf. You can raise the front up and inch or more and clean a spot for your dogs. I like the new 3-point track on the Cub Cadet (and Husqvarna, Ariens) because it has a lot more clearance.
Michael
Hi Paul,
I am a grad student at Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. My wife and I moved here from Seattle where people speak of snow blowers about as often as they do the possibility of life existing on the sun. I knew that it snowed here and asked around about whether I should invest in a snow blower or not. Needless to say, the answer was a unanimous, “yes”.
NOAA says that the average snowfall for South Bend is 66″. I have no idea what this means in practical fact (my colleagues speak with horror of “lake effect snow), but it seems important to consider. Also, my driveway is 15′ x 90′. We live on a dead end street that does not get plowed in the winter according all the neighbors, and only one neighbor has a snow blower, so I would like to get one that could help with that as well. There is about 300′ of road in addition to the driveway and the road is of course much wider. From what I have heard we also get a great variety of snow types.
I have read every review I could find, scoured YouTube for video reviews, looked at all the spec sheets, and made several trips to dealerships to view the actual machines. I thought I had decided on a Cub Cadet 3x 24 because of it’s enhanced speed. However, that seems to not necessarily bear out in fact and I have waned a bit on that position also due to the fact that debris of a certain size seems to cause some issues with sheer pins. Now, I grew up on a large commercial farm and have changed probably thousands of sheer pins on machines much larger than a snow blower, but why invite trouble. There are no kids toys or litter in our neighborhood, but there is the usual amount of loose asphalt on the road.
I would like something that is sufficiently powerful and large to do the job in a timely fashion, and that will hold up well with time. I would like power steering, not because I can’t manhandle the machine, but because I just don’t want to. We have dealers for every major brand within 15 min. of our house, so service shouldn’t be a problem. I need to stick around the $1,100 mark.
I am at a loss, if you could narrow the possibilities to two or three that would be spectacular, but if you instantly think, “this is the blower for him,” by all means, let me know.
Warm Regards, (pun intended)
Michael
Paul
Hi Michael, Yes, South Bend is one of those areas around Lake Michigan where any old 2-stage snow blower will do except when the winds and weather are just right. Then you can get 24 inches overnight. That lake effect snow can be very wet, heavy and great for making snowmen. Put it in a pile and the neighbor kids can make a fort – with a roof.
I’ll give you a few choices. All have power steering.
Ariens Deluxe 28 is a good choice at $1100. The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO will handle all your snow quickly at $1200. The Deluxe 28 SHO is a dealer only snow blower and my first choice for you.
The Toro 826 OXE at $999 is a little smaller so it will take longer to do the road but it is designed never to plug. It will handle all your snow. This is my second choice for you.
The Cub Cadet 2X 528 SWE 28 in. 277cc at $1100 will do the job. You don’t need the 3X.