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I am working on the review of the new Troy-Bilt 34XP. Until I get that done – here are two videos
You can read another article I wrote here: 2016 Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers – What’s New and Exciting!
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Dave
Hi Paul, what does the XP stand for on the Arctic storm 30″ XP? Home depot is selling an Arctic storm 30″. is that the same as the Arctic storm 30″ xp?
Paul
Hi Dave, The model listed on home depot’s website is the XP. Model # Arctic Storm 30″. The XP is black and it’s biggest feature is the electric chute. If the model you are looking at in the store is painted red it may be miss-labeled and is actually the Troy-Bilt Storm 30 in. The Storm has a smaller impeller and has less capacity and will plug on wet/heavy snow.
Shannon
Hi Paul, Thank you for this incredibly helpful site! I’m in Haines, Alaska, which is a small, fairly remote community on the coast that gets very heavy, wet snow, alternating with rain, so we have a continuous cycle of heavy snow/sloppy rain/ice/more snow. My driveway is 200 feet long, gravel, with a slight to moderate incline, and I also clear a parking area about 30’x30′, and paths to my woodshed and outhouse. So, I’m looking for a heavy duty 2 or 3 stage snowblower. I’m really leaning towards a Cub Cadet 3x HD or a Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm or Vortex, but I have some questions. First, I can’t decide between tracks and wheels, and half the people I know passionately recommend tracks, and the other half passionately recommend wheels. The owner of the local hardware store told me tracks won’t work on a hill–which is the opposite of what the internet is telling me. My concern is that a track machine may not be as easily maneuvered as a wheeled machine. What are your thoughts on this? Since I live in a remote community, I have to order my machine without getting a chance to check out models in the store. My second question is regarding shear pins. I recognize that shear pins are going to break when clearing heavy, wet snow, but the negative user reviews I see about the Cub Cadet 3X all seem to focus on the shear pins breaking all the time. Is this machine more prone to shear pin breakage? I wondered if the impeller interacting with the auger might somehow make the shear pins more apt to break? I don’t mind changing shear pins, but I don’t want to spend all day changing them. It’s hard to tell by reviews if the users just expect to not have to replace them, or if this is a legitiamte concern with the Cub Cadets. Any insights? Thank you!
Paul
Hi Shannon, I can understand why some people don’t like track drives. MTD, Cub Cadet, Yamaha and Honda all made a few over the years that didn’t hold up or were very hard to use. Of the current 2015 and newer models, the Ariens and Husqvarna track drives are well built and will last the life of the snow blower. Honda may get there but the 2015-2016 models had a problem with the transmission.
Ok, You are not going to be happy with the 3X Cub Cadets, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman snow blower for wet, heavy snow. Here is a video that I took of a 3X trying to blow wet snow.
. In summary, it makes a mess and I would be afraid of it freezing up between uses.
The 3X really works well with good, deep, fairly dry snow. Yes, the snow in the Cub Cadet advertising videos is the right type. It tends to have issues with heavy, wet snow and does break shear pins on hard, frozen snow – especially snow that’s been piled up with a snow plow and then left to settle and freeze. The rear shear pin on the 3rd stage is a pain to change for most people.
I’m tempted to suggest the Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm. I really like that snow blower but where you live may be a problem getting parts.
I’m also tempted to suggest the Toro PowerMax HD 1028. It’s a heavy-duty machine but Toro does not offer it with tracks.
So, my best choice is simply an Ariens for a few reasons. 1. The Platinum or Deluxe SHO versions never plug. 2. They have enough power to handle any type of snow. 3. They are two of the heaviest built snowblowers on the market. Only the Ariens Pro models are heavier duty. 4. You can buy the 28 or 30 inch wheeled model and add tracks later if you want. (They have tracked models but all the Deluxe and Platinum wheeled units can be upgraded later on with tracks.) 5. They are simple, easy to repair machines with exceptional LCT engines. 6. Ariens is also the only brand that offers chains for their wheeled units.
In my opinion, buy an Ariens, keep a couple of spark plugs, 6 shear bolts and an extra set of belts on hand and you really won’t need anything else for many years.
Here is a video of the Cub Cadet 3X in good snow:
And Finally here is Donboy73’s review. I trust Donboy a lot:
Shannon
Hi Paul,
Thanks so much for your prompt and thorough reply! Regarding parts, no matter what brand I buy, I’m going to have to special order parts and have them freighted up here–it’s just part of the game with everything, so as long as I can order parts online, I don’t think one brand will be more challenging than another, unless parts are really hard to come by. But, if the Ariens really are easy to repair, that will go a long way for me.
Are the Honda transmission problems just on the track models, or on the wheeled models, too?
I’m curious as to why you’d consider the Arctic Storm but not other Troy-Bilt models? I would have thought the comparable Cub Cadet models would be heavier duty? Mostly, I’ll be dealing with heavy, wet snow more than hard, frozen snow, and it often dumps 1-3 feet at a time, so what I’m really looking for is the model that will move large amounts of heavy, wet snow the furthest–that’s why I was drawn to the 3 stage blowers, but are the 3 stage blowers not all they’re cracked up to be when it comes to wet, heavy snow? Finally, I haven’t ruled out a hydrostatic drive model–are they really worth the extra $1,000?
Thank you very much for your time and expertise!
Paul
Hi Shannon, The Husqvarna 300 series charges about $300 more for the same hydrostatic transmission that the Honda charges $1000 more.
If you really want a bulletproof snow blower with a Hydro look at the Ariens Professional/Commercial units. They are still less price than what Honda thinks their’s are worth.
In my walk-around video I tried to explain that the 2016 Arctic Storm is a completely new machine for Troy-Bilt. Overall it is a lot heavier duty than anything they have built in the past. It’s also a large capacity machine. I need to use it yet, but it looks very competitive to the Ariens Platinum and Toro PowerMax HD units. (they all have big front augers and 14 inch impellers)
3 stage is not better than 2 stage – it’s just different. Everyone has their own “best feature” for example Ariens has the SHO impeller, Toro has the Anti-Clogging System, etc. I know Cub Cadet has plenty of the 3X snow blowers out but I just can’t get a good handle on how great they work in all conditions. If they were the perfect answer the new Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm would have it also. So, Where you live, I’d stay away from them.
Shannon
Thank you, Paul. You’ve been a big help!
Bill
Hi Paul, Great website. I ordered the 30″ Arctic Storm last week after discovering your site and it will be delivered this coming Wednesday; just in time to put under my Christmas tree!! My question is upon arrival in the crate, how much assembling will I have to do myself before I can actually use the machine? From the sounds of it, the handles will have to be assembled. I’m not very handy when assembling these sort of things and hope I did not make the wrong choice by ordering from Northern Tool when I could have purchased it from Lowe’s completely assembled. Thanks!
Paul
Hi Bill, The directions in the operator’s manual are pretty clear with lots of pictures. Read the entire procedure first before you even try to take the box off. There is not a lot to be done – just lift up the handles, put 2 bolts in and tighten 4 nuts. Then take the discharge chute bracket, slide it onto a post and insert a pin with a clip. That’s all you have to do besides check the oil and fill it with fuel.
If you or your spouse or child can follow a recipe you can assemble this.
I do suggest that you raise the front end up so there is about 1/4 inch of clearance under the front scraper. The manual shows you how to adjust the skid shoes for that.
If you don’t have a socket set and combination wrenches take the nuts over to your neighbor and borrow the wrenches. Most auto stores also loan tools. (or buy a set at home depot, lowes or sears and return them when you are done)
Tommy Mavroudis
Hi Paul,
Really enjoyed looking over your site the last few days as I’m in the market for a new machine. Live in Long Island, New York which averages 30 inches a year I believe with the occasional good size snowfalls. Have a 160′ gravel driveway with a slight incline from beginning to end and about 500 sq ft of a roundabout and parking area at the end of it. Will also be doing some patios and walkways around the house (on grass as well).
There are a lot of places nearby which sell and service so I’m not concerned too much with the model though I would do basic service myself. I think a 28 or 30″ would be best and keep going back and forth between craftsman, ariens, and troy. Would appreciate any thoughts you may have.
Thanks and keep up the great work.
Tommy
Paul
Hi Tommy, Yes, you don’t get a lot of snow but when you do it’s all at once and tends to be very wet and heavy. With the gravel driveway you need a 2-stage machine. The Craftsman 30 inch and Troy-Bilt Storm XP 30 inch will be more than adequate. The Ariens 28 deluxe or 28 Deluxe SHO will do a little better on the wet stuff but overall will do the same amount of work for you. In your case I would pick the closest dealer or store that you like.
MP
Paul,
For some reason I cannot post in my message to you.
I am questioning their after sales support. If they are pulling a fast one now. How are the gonna be when it comes time for support? Also I was getting a good discount from them as well, which I am not sure if Northern Tools will offer?
Paul
Hi MP, Your support is always through the place where you bought your snow blower. For example, Lowes, Home Depot, Northern Tool your local Ariens or John Deere Dealer. They are your advocate and work for you to get warranty repairs, etc.
I trust Northern Tool and have for over 20 years. They have gone from a small mail-order catalog company to one of the better Rural Lifestyle equipment companies in the U.S. Northern Tool, Tractor Supply, ACME and Farm and Fleet are my trusted companies. I know Northern Tool but You don’t know me so I guess that’s a problem.
The price of this snow blower is $1699 and that the price you will find all over at the retailers and the dealers. If they are offering you a better deal than that by buying through their website they will not be in business very long. Would you do me a favor and leave another comment with the price they gave you.
Dean M.
Hi Paul…..I hate to hijack this thread….but I cannot find how to just email a general question. Regarding the Troy Bilt 3090 XP you reference above….I went to purchase this at my local Lowes just today and BOTH of the ones they had in stock had cracks in the plastic console area below the light….is this a defect you are aware of? I find it almost more than coincidental that both are cracked….I thought this poly material was supposed to be extremely durable? Thanks…
Paul
Hi Dean, I get to read about and hear about many more snow blowers than most dealers and this cracked control console ONLY happens at the larger retail stores. It only happens where the retailers bring the product from the manufacture, use distribution centers to disperse and then truck the products to the stores.
In particular, it’s the 30 inch 2-stage machine. It’s not just the Troy-Bilt 3090 XP but also the Craftsman 88396. MTD/Troy-Bilt has always been very good at getting a replacement dash (though it does take a while)
Now, over the last 10 years, I’ve only heard of this happening about 10 times.
It’s not a problem with the snow blower, the polymer, or the design. It’s a problem with the packing crate the snow blower is shipped in and the wild and crazy fork lift drivers at the distribution centers.
This particular snow blower is shipped with the handles folded down and outwards so that the poly dash is at the bottom outside end of the shipping crate. The crate is covered with a cardboard box. It appears the forklift drivers hit that end of the crate too hard and bust the dash. Every dash that we have found so far the box has been dented on that end from a forklift hitting it. It appears happen with the clamp trucks – not the one that have forks.
MTD could fix this permanently by making the shipping box 2 inches longer.
Dean M.
Thank you so much Paul…I guess I should be sure to check the exact one before I buy….sorry for the thread hijack…thx again
Mitul
Hi Paul,
BUYING THE SNOW BLOWER TOMOROW! HELP
Thank you for the resources on the website. Great work.
I own a Yardman 26″ thats about 15 yrs old with one carb rebuilt and usual tuneup. Its getting tired and time to get a new one.
I have narrowed down to Troy-Bilt Artic snow 30″ and 34″ snow blower. Ariens was my first pick and after reading multiple reviews and forums, I have decided the Auto Turn is not for me. I am not willing to take a chance on it.
I have a three car gaarage width drive with a hammer head on the other side of the house and a shared driveway from the street that I share with my neighbor about 15x300ft. Also there is 100ft side walk that I am suppose to clear but I have not in recent times as no body uses it. I need to be ready incase I need to. Also there is a 40ft walkway in the front of the house to the driveway that I clean.
So the driveway gets cleaned by the plow guy and I typically clean my area after the plow truck leaves. Some times the plow mounds are high and I need to clean and make room to edges of the driveway. I also need to be ready in case if the plow guy does not show as I am in the process of finding a new plow service.
So is Troy-Bilt Artic snow 30″ or 34″ right ONE and size. My thinking is go bigger as I wont be buying another one for 10-15 yrs. Cost is $200 between the two and CR has rated the 30″ version pretty good and you are giving high marks to the 34″. Storage is not an issue. Anything else I should consider.
Huskarvna – dont like the dash stick out, puts you further away from the blower.
Toro – Not sure about them….
Is the 34″ that much hard to manuever than 30″?
Your feedback is very much appreciated. Thank you
Paul
Hi Mitul, I’ve been moving this 34 inch around the shop quite a bit and I’m going to say it is just as easy as any 30 inch machine. The balance is excellent with just enough front weight so that it won’t ride up on solid packed snow and drifts. Spend the extra money and get the extra width and huge engine.
MP
Thanks for the quick response. How long has the 357cc & 420cc engine been out for? Also are these models new this year?
Paul
@MP, The engines have been around for years. Please watch this review. It will answer all your other questions: Troy Bilt Arctic Storm 34XP – The Best New Large Frame Snow Thrower?
MP
Hi Paul,
Bait and Switch…..
Tried to order a 34″ from Troy Bilt directly and the rep I spoke gave me one price for the 34″ and switched the unit to 30″ version. Disappointing. Feels like you are dealing with a car dealer. Now they cant honor the price and they have no record of the conservation which the rep had made in their system and you cannot talk to the same rep as they can’t get in touch with him. Surprise Surprise.
Not sure if I want a Troy Bilt any more especially with sketchy sales tactics… What else should I be looking at?
Paul
Hi MP, I’ll be honest, this time of year the call centers are staffed with temporary help and I don’t expect them do be able to anything except basic tasks. Most of the people you talk to now days on the phone are from call centers and actually not an employee of the company you are calling from. Some call centers even will state they work for the company you called about when in fact they and 1000 other people are sitting in one large room in Eau Claire, WI or a dozen other cites. I spent 70 minutes this morning myself with one of the world’s largest tech companies and it was so frustrating. The call center rep had three other people she was working with besides me and actually forgot twice the problem we were trying to fix with my phone.
I’ve changed the links so you and the next person has access to the companies I trust to sell you the Arctic Storm 34XP. I’ve been working with Northern Tools for over 20 years and their service after the sale is top notch.
FREE SHIPPING – Troy-Bilt 34in. Arctic Storm XP 2-Stage Electric Start Snow Blower with X-Track – 420cc Engine, Model# 31AH8ER6766
Chris M
Hi Paul,
I live in Easton, MA. I’m looking to replace my 20 year old Ariens ST824 snow blower. My driveway is 30′ x 80′. I live on a cul-de-sac and the plows tend to leave a large pile about 10-15′ off my driveway, so end up clearing a section (10-15′ x 40′) of the street as well. I would also be clearing a path on grass/pavers to my oil tank. I was looking for something heavy duty that will last as long as my current machine. The 34XP is one of the options I was thinking about since I’d like to be more efficient in clearing snow. The other snow blowers I was looking at are the Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI, the Toro 1028 OHXE, and the Husqvarna ST 330P. Any insight you could provide would be much appreciated.
Paul
Hi Chris, The 4 snow blowers you picked are all great choices for you. They all have about the same capacity and are all about the same price. Of course, if you liked your old Ariens and the dealer the Deluxe 30 will be my first choice for you.
I think a good dealer is almost as important as the build quality of the snow blower. So, in your case I would make my decision based on if you like Ariens and then which dealer do you like the best.