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What’s New For 2018 Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers?
Great News! The biggest change in the Snow Blower Market this year is Troy-Bilt is now at The Home Depot! Settle in get comfortable. This article is only 5532 words 🙂
My Opinion:
I have no problems suggesting the Troy-Bilt Storm Models below for any area of the country that averages up to 80 inches of snow a year including Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Pittsburg, Minneapolis, Long Island, and New Jersey.
I have no problems suggesting the Heavy Duty Arctic Storm 30 and 34-inch models. They can handle any snow you get, no matter where you live in the U.S. They love heavy, wet snow like the East Coast regularly gets.
Why the change?
Troy-Bilt will now get the recognition they deserve. Troy-Bilt makes a complete line of well-built residential snow blowers ranging from the most economical to the largest capacity residential machines. Now that The Home Depot will be carrying Troy-Bilt you will be able to easily purchase the model you want and get the great service The Home Depot offers. (I’m also noticing a lot more local dealers and farm stores carrying Troy-Bilt.)
My opinion: Since Lowes is now going to be the “exclusive” big box store for new Craftsman products and since floor space is finite at these big stores Troy-Bilt will have even less floor space than they had in the past. So, I’m very glad Troy-Bilt is now available at the Home Depot. The real winner now is you because you will have better access to the complete line of dependable Troy-Bilt snow throwers.
As you most likely know Stanley, Black & Decker (SBD) purchased the Craftsman name this year – but not the products. What that means for snow blowers is Stanley, Black & Decker will be independently developing their own line of Craftsman snow “throwers”, parts, and a repair network. At this time it looks like Lowes will be the primary seller for these new models. (My local ACE Hardware doesn’t have a clue if they will get the SBD Craftsman) The models at Lowes are completely different from the Craftsman at Sears models you know (and love). With the new models at Lowes, you will have to get parts, warranty work, and service through Stanley, Black & Decker. The four Craftsman (SBD) models currently for sale at Lowes are made by MTD but it’s unclear if SBD will continue to use that manufacture in the future, switch to another manufacturer, or build their own.
Problems with Troy-Bilt Snow Throwers:
If you have spent any time at all researching snow blowers, the Internet is full of horror stories about all brands or models of snow throwers. You can ALWAYS find someone who is unhappy with their purchase. In reality, snow throwers from major brands like Troy-Bilt are dependable and will last many years if you size it properly for the area you have to clear, and the amount of snow you usually get. Read the operator manual before you use it the first time, and perform a few simple preventative tasks every fall/spring.
I don’t like the fact that there will be a group of Internet trolls that will make you think twice about buying a Troy-Bilt for your suburban driveway. Across the board, Troy-Bilt is one of the best value brands out there. Troy-Bilt Storm models are well designed, good snow blowers for about 90% of the U.S. They will last years with a little maintenance once in a while.
Reliability: Consumer Reports is the only organization that regularly asks readers to rate the snow blowers they own. Owners rate Troy-Bilt snow blowers as the second best of all the brands. (Honda is first – Husqvarna is last) Reference: CR Subscription Required
Parts & Service: Parts and repairs are easy to get. Parts can be ordered through MTDParts.com, the Troy-Bilt website, your local Troy-Bilt service center, Amazon.com, and The Home Depot. Shear pins and belts are even available at most Walmarts and Menards that stock snow blowers. (Arnold is MTD’s parts division)
Special Offer For MovingSnow Customers! Sign Up & Save 10% On Your Next Order at MTDParts.com! Coupon Applied After Sign-Up.
Build Quality: Of course – you get what you pay for with most brands and Troy-Bilt is no exception. With Troy-Bilt, you get a good price on a better than average snow blower across the entire line. The current models are all built well, built to last, and easy to use.
Check out all the Troy-Bilt snow throwers at THD here: Troy-Bilt Snow Bowers at The Home Depot
Troy-Bilt has one “game changer” feature that no one else has!
Troy-Bilt has airless tires on select models never go flat, offer great traction in all conditions, and make even the solid axle machines easy to turn. These tires are an industry game changer for solid axle snow blowers. I’ve used them for two years now and I actually like the design better than the Michelin Tweel. I like them so much I would like to see 20-inch and 24-inch versions for lawn tractors and zero-turns. The airless tires really make a difference.
How this article is laid out:
I’m going to list the 2-stage and 3 stage snow throwers together by size. I’ll leave the single stage Squall machines for last.
Let’s get started!
24 inch Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers
Troy-Bilt has two 24-inch snow blowers that are inexpensive, yet do the job for many homeowners. The machines use the same quality parts as the more expensive machine – they just don’t have as many features. They have the same warranty as the more expensive models. One model, the Storm 2460, is one of the best value snow blowers on the market today. If you live in a subdivision with a 2 car driveway and get 60 inches of snow or less a year it’s a great choice.
Troy-Bilt Storm 2460 MY 24 inch Best Value Choice: The 24 inch Storm 2460 keeps up the tradition of one of the best value snow blowers on the market. It can easily handle a 12-inch snowfall but can also clear that 24-inch drift as needed. The high intake also means it can clear that huge snow plow drift the snow plows left you overnight. I highly recommend this snow blower if you have a 2 car driveway about 80 feet long, (or single car equivalent) get an average snowfall of 60 inches or less a year. It’s designed to work on gravel, turf, cement, and blacktop. The 208cc engine is just the right size for this snow blower. The airless tires really make a difference. They give you all the traction of the 15-inch X-Trac pneumatic tires but the tread design makes them VERY easy to turn on this solid axle snow thrower. It also has the poly skid shoes so it won’t scratch your stamped and decorative driveways and patio. Last but not least, the long discharge chute puts the snow where you want it and the EZ chute control is fast and very easy to use. (My opinion) This model does not have power steering but is light enough and with the airless tires – it’s very easy to use for most people. Yes, there are a lot of bigger, larger, and more expensive snow blowers on the market, but if you just want a decent 2-stage to clear your “typical” suburban driveway this is one of the best choices.
Troy-Bilt Storm 2410 If you have to have the least expensive 2-stage snow blower on the market this is the one. The 208cc 24 inch Storm 2410 is most like your old 5 hp Troy-Bilt, Craftsman or Murray that you are replacing it with. It’s a simple snow blower capable of handling 8 to 12-inch snows and can clear that end-of-driveway drift. This snow blower will take you longer to clear your driveway than any other 24 inch that Troy-Bilt sells – but it will still get the job done. It’s a much better snow blower for most people than a single stage snow thrower and built better than the Chinese imports. It’s one of the few snow blowers in this price range with electric start. The intake is higher than your 20-year-old Murray which means it can clear that 21-inch snow plow drift the snow plows left you overnight. This is a decent snow blower if you have a 2 car driveway about 40-50 feet long, (or single car equivalent) get an average snowfall of 50 inches or less a year. It’s designed to work on gravel, turf, cement and blacktop. The deep lug tires are the right size for this snow blower. It also has the poly skid shoes so it won’t scratch your stamped and decorative driveways and patio. This model does not have power steering but is light enough for most people to use. Don’t expect this model to clear heavy, wet snow well, throw the snow more than 25 feet or have a lot of traction for clearing the snow plow drift.
Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 I’m not a fan of this snow blower but that doesn’t mean it’s not the best one for you. The combination of the huge engine and 3rd stage allows this snow blower to throw snow much farther and has about twice the capacity of the Storm 2460 above. It has all the premium features Troy-Bilt offers – power steering, hand warmers (that work), 4-way chute control, long discharge chute, and headlight. It absolutely loves 12-15 inches of normal snow and it’s fun to watch how far it will throw the snow! What I don’t like about this snow blower is the front – 3rd stage auger spins about 10 times faster than the side augers. In 2 to 4 inches of snow that “fan” just splatters snow all over the place. That means to clean your driveway in one pass you always have to have the uncleared part of your driveway to the right of the machine. In other words, you have to start in the middle of the driveway and keep turning left at the end of the pass. I have not been able to plug this snow blower but in wet snow, it tends to pack the snow inside the housing and you’ll have a lot of cleaning to do before you put it away in your garage.
Sears Stock Item # | Storm 2410 | Storm 2460 | Vortex 2490 |
engine | 4-cycle / 208 cc OHV | 4-cycle / 208 cc OHV | 4-cycle / 277 cc OHV |
starter type | electric | electric | electric |
clearing width | 24” | 24” | 24″ |
intake height | 21” | 21” | 21″ |
auger / impeller | 12” serrated auger / updated 12” impeller |
12” serrated auger / updated 12” impeller |
12” serrated auger / 12” 3rd stage/impeller |
speeds | 6F/2R | 6F/2R | 6F/2R |
Drive Control | Solid Axle | Solid Axle | Trigger Power Steering |
operation control | single hand control | single hand control | |
chute control | crank / manual | EZ Rotation Chute | 4-Way Joystick |
tire size | 13” x 4” X-Trac | 15” x 5” Airless | 15″ x 5″ X-Trac |
headlight | Yes | Yes | |
skid shoes | Small Glide-Tech™ | Glide-Tech™ | Glide-Tech™ |
handle | steel | steel | steel |
warranty | 2 year limited | 2 year limited | 2 year limited |
extended chute | Yes | Yes | |
Other Options | Hand Warmers | ||
Typical Sale Price | $599 | $699 | $1099 |
Buy Here From THD -> | Troy-Bilt Storm 2410 | Troy-Bilt Storm 2460 | Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 |
When you read snow blower reviews you are going to find reviews that state “the engine would not start,” “the engine won’t stay running.” and “the engine runs rough.” You will find these reviews for all brands and sizes of snow blowers.
98% of the time engine problems with snow blowers are either fuel or operator related. Snow engines run/operate differently than your lawn mower engine. Educating yourself on how to store fuel, how to keep your fuel clean and how/why your snow blower engine runs the way it does will go a long way towards liking your new snow blower. Please read this article to learn more: Buying A New Snow Blower FAQS – Read This For The Truth
26 inch Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers
If a 28-inch snow blower is too big for your garage but you want something larger than a 24 inch, a 26 inch is a good choice. Troy-Bilt offers the inexpensive Storm 2660 and the great value Storm 2665.
Troy-Bilt Storm 2660 The Storm 2660 is the 26-inch version of the Storm 2460 above, It has the good 208cc Troy-Bilt engine, solid axle, good tires, and extended chute. It does not have a remote deflector control.
Troy-Bilt Storm 2665 MY 26 inch Best Value Choice! New! Exclusive to The Home Depot! The Storm 2665 adds a larger 243cc Troy-Bilt engine and a remote deflector. Solid axle, good tires, and extended Quick EZ-Rotation chute. At $799 it is one of the best value 26-inch snow blowers. I can highly recommend this snow blower for most people who get up to 80 inches of snow a year, have a 2-car 100-foot driveway and want more power than the snow blower you now have.
Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2690XP If you have a small, steep driveway this is the best choice on the market today! The Storm Tracker 2690XP is one of the most underappreciated snow blowers around. It has the best traction of any 24-26 inch snow blower. It has heated handgrips, power steering, and a good 208cc engine. In other words, it has all the features of the high-end residential snow blowers plus tracks for a reasonable price. In fact, it has a larger engine and all the features of the Honda 24 inch tracked snow blower for HALF THE PRICE! Yes – it will last just as long.
The electronic 4-way remote chute/deflector control on the Storm Tracker 2690XP is the best electric chute design on the market. All the gears, motors, and controls are sealed up under the dash so it’s protected from any moisture. The joystick right by your right thumb is the easiest to use. This electronic chute control has been around for over 10 years and has proven to be completely reliable.
Sears Stock Item # | Storm 2660 | Storm 2665 | Storm Tracker 2690XP |
engine | 4-cycle / 208 cc OHV | 4-cycle / 243 cc OHV | 4-cycle / 208 cc OHV |
starter type | electric | electric | electric |
clearing width | 26” | 26” | 26″ |
intake height | 21” | 21” | 21″ |
auger / impeller | 12” serrated auger / updated 12” impeller |
12” serrated auger / updated 12” impeller |
12” serrated auger / updated 12” impeller |
speeds | 6F/2R | 6F/2R | 6F/2R |
Drive Control | Solid Axle | Solid Axle | Trigger Power Steering |
operation control | single hand control | single hand control | single hand control |
chute control | EZ Rotation Chute – No deflector control | EZ Rotation Chute | Electronic 4-Way Chute |
tire size | 15″ x 5″ X-Trac | 15″ x 5″ X-Trac | D-Track with SelecTrac |
headlight | Yes | Yes | Yes |
skid shoes | Glide-Tech™ | Glide-Tech™ | Glide-Tech™ |
handle | steel | steel | steel |
warranty | 2 year limited | 2 year limited | 2 year limited |
extended chute | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Other Options | Hand Warmers | ||
Typical Sale Price (Sales Change Often) | $781 | $799 | $1199 |
Buy Here at THD -> | Troy-Bilt Storm 2660 | Troy-Bilt Storm 2665 | Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2690XP |
Troy-Bilt snow blowers are among the most popular snow blowers for price and capacity. The Storm models are just the right size and power for the majority of the homes and driveways north of Interstate 70. In other words, if you normally get 2-14 inch snows and average 40-80 inches a year these are great machines. They all have a 21-inch intake height so they will handle drifts and the occasional blizzard. No, they don’t have the capacity of the heavy-duty, “snow belt” machines that cost hundreds more, but for most of us, they are just the right combination of features, power, and price.
Troy-Bilt Storm 2860 Best Value 28 inch! The Storm 2860 does not have power steering but with the airless tires, it is still VERY easy to use. The extended chute with remote deflector puts the snow where you want it. The EZ Chute rotation control is fast, easy and won’t wear out. The 243 cc engine has plenty of power for snows up to 14 inches but it still can handle those 18-20 inchers if you drop it down a gear. I have used this snow blower extensively over the last two years and it has been up to the task for any snow I’ve gotten up here in Northern Wisconsin! You can check out my videos on YouTube/Paul Sikkema to see it in action. It’s a great value snow blower and even includes heated hand grips that work!
Troy-Bilt Storm 2890 Best Value 28 inch with Power Steering! It’s also the Quietest Gas Powered Snow Blower on the Market! The Storm 2890 has all the features of the Best Value 2860 above and adds power steering and the Troy-Bilt quiet engine (with Noise Guard Technology) for only $100 more.
Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Best Value Tracked Snow Blower! The Storm Tracker 2890 has all the features of the Storm 2860 and 2890 models and adds a larger engine and 3-point track drive! Yes, it has power steering that works perfectly and hand warmers that work. The combination of power and 3-point tracks make it the best choice for steep driveways. For the price, this is an exceptional deal if you need a tracked snow blower! One of the unique features of the Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker over a wheeled unit is you can adjust the skid shoes to clean your smooth driveway and patio well but you can also raise the front of the snow blower up just a little to clear soft gravel driveways, turf and other “rough off road” areas just by moving a lever on the side of the machine. Using the same lever you can also lock the front down so you can easily scrape hard packed snow off your driveway. This snow blower, with the 3-point tracks, has a lot more clearance under it than the $3000 Honda snow blowers and the Chinese made machines with the old 2-point drive system. Because of that fact it won’t get stuck as easily clearing paths and trails as the 2-point models.
28 inch Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers
Sears Stock Item # | Storm 2860 | Storm 2890 | Storm Tracker 2890 |
engine | 4-cycle / 243 cc OHV | 4-cycle / 243 cc OHV Quiet Engine | 4-cycle / 277 cc OHV |
starter type | electric | electric | electric |
clearing width | 28” | 28” | 28″ |
intake height | 21” | 21” | 21″ |
auger / impeller | 12” serrated auger / updated 12” impeller |
12” serrated auger / updated 12” impeller |
12” serrated auger / updated 12” impeller |
speeds | 6F/2R | 6F/2R | 6F/2R |
Drive Control | Solid Axle | Trigger Power Steering | Trigger Power Steering |
operation control | single hand control | single hand control | single hand control |
chute control | EZ Rotation Chute | EZ Rotation Chute | EZ Rotation Chute |
tire size | 15” x 5” Airless | 15” x 5” Airless | D-Track with SelecTrac |
headlight | Yes | Yes | Yes |
skid shoes | Glide-Tech™ | Glide-Tech™ | Glide-Tech™ |
handle | steel | steel | steel |
warranty | 2 year limited | 2 year limited | 2 year limited |
extended chute | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Other Options | Hand Warmers | Hand Warmers | Hand Warmers |
Typical Sale Price (Sales Change Often) | $899 | $999.99 | $1299 |
Buy Here at THD -> | Troy-Bilt Storm 2860 | Troy-Bilt Storm 2890 | Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 |
Troy-Bilt Storm 3090
Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 The Storm 3090 is one snow blower that I love to hate. Let me explain. This snow blower has been around in various forms and colors for over 10 years. It’s been sold under many names, Craftsman, Craftsman Pro, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, MTD, MTD Pro Yard Machines, Remington and even the new Craftsman at Lowes. The engine and controls change but the rest of the machine has stayed the same. (I have the Troy-Built XP version here with the electronic joystick.) It’s a dependable snow thrower. It doesn’t break. The current engine on the Storm 3090 has plenty of power, starts well, and is very reliable. You will rarely break a shear pin (unlike the 3-stage snow throwers) and belts last for years. But:
The problem I have with the snow thrower is the front auger flights are too close together and that design severely limits its capacity. If you have 4-8 inches of snow to clear, the Storm 3090 (and it’s cousins) does a good job. But, if you try to clear 10, 12, or more inches these tightly spaced auger flights limit the amount of snow going into the snow blower and the snow piles up in front of the machine. If you keep driving the snow blower it actually looks more like a snow plow than a snow blower because the snow piles up in the front. Its even worse in heavy, wet snow – the front auger will plug up into a solid cylinder of snow and no snow can get to the impeller.
If you look at the front auger on this 30-inch snow blower the six closed auger flights are much closer together than the four flights on the 28-inch machine. The extra auger flights are too close together and that’s where the bottleneck is with this otherwise good snow blower.
So, if you need a snow blower to clear a large area and only get up to 10 inches of snow the Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 can be a good choice because its a dependable machine at a good price but if you get that occasional heavy-wet snow or regularly get snows deeper than 10 inches a better choice is the Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30 below.
Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30-34 Heavy-Duty, High Capacity Snow Blowers
Yes, I saved the best for last! Last year Troy-Bilt introduced the new heavy duty 30 and 34 inch Arctic Storm snow blowers to replace the old, tired 33 and 45-inch models but no one really explained why it’s such a leap forward for Troy-Bilt… I won’t spend any time explaining why the old MTD built models were so bad. Let’s just say – they are gone! – and move on.
The Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30 and Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 34 snow blowers are a new design and very heavy-duty. They feature thicker steel, better components including all steel discharge chutes, 14-inch high capacity impellers, and 14-inch front auger systems. These new snow blowers even have handle supports so using them is much easier than the old models.
It’s big and awesome but balanced well and surprisingly easy to use. I highly recommend the 30-inch heavy duty snow blower if you have a long driveway to clear, or you get large doses of heavy, wet snow. The 34 inch is has a larger engine and will throw snow as well as the best red and orange commercial snow throwers. These are high-end homeowner snow blowers, not commercial machines but I would have no problems recommending the 34-inch version to a church or other business that needs to clear large areas once or twice a week.
Compare this new heavy-duty Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm, Ariens Platinum 30, Husqvarna ST330P and the Toro PowerMax HD 1228.
I’ll say it – “For half the price as the Honda 32 inch you get a snow blower that will perform the task faster.”
In 2017 Consumer Reports rated this snow blower and the $3000 Ariens Rapidtrak – as the two of the best 2-stage machines. In addition, it scored just as well as the Cub Cadet 3X HD.
Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30 If you live around Lake Tahoe, on the East Coast or any other area of the country that gets a lot of heavy, wet snow this is one of the best value, heavy-duty snow blowers on the market. It has large 16″ X 6.5″ X-Trac tires for great traction. It has the large 14-inch impeller and 14-inch front auger to quickly move all types of snow through the machine. It has the highest intake height of any of the current snow blowers so it will take on deep drifts efficiently. The snow blower including the chute is made of heavy, reinforced steel so it will last.
The 357cc engine on the Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30 has plenty of power for this snow blower. Yes, there are other 30-inch snow blowers with larger engines but this engine is a good choice for both power and fuel economy.
The 420cc engine on the Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 34 has over-the-top power. In two years I have not found snow deep enough to slow this 34-inch monster down.
Heated handgrips and the electronic 4-way chute make it fun to use. Don’t listen to your grouchy old neighbor who tells you electric chute controls break and are not worth the money. I’ve sold thousands of MTD made snow blowers with this specific control and it is bulletproof! It’s easy and fun to use and much faster than the Honda electric chute control!
One of the unique features that I really like on this snow blower is the square tube running from the top of the handle down to the frame. This reinforces the handle assembly and makes the snow blower very solid and easy to turn. This is the only residential snow blower that has this “commercial” feature.
I highly recommend this snow blower for homeowners who have long driveways with drifts. The trigger power steering allows the snow thrower to move in a straight line without much effort on your part. If you want to turn or make a small course correction just pull the small trigger under the handle.
You can check out my videos on YouTube/Paul Sikkema to see the Arctic Storm 34 in action.
Sears Stock Item # | Storm 3090 | Arctic Storm 30 | Arctic Storm 34 |
engine | 4-cycle / 357 cc OHV | 4-cycle / 357 cc OHV Quiet Engine | 4-cycle / 420 cc OHV |
starter type | electric | electric | electric |
clearing width | 30” | 30” | 34″ |
intake height | 21” | 23” | 23″ |
auger / impeller | 14” serrated auger / updated 14” impeller |
14” serrated auger / updated 14” impeller |
14” serrated auger / updated 14” impeller |
speeds | 6F/2R | 6F/2R | 6F/2R |
Drive Control | Trigger Power Steering | Trigger Power Steering | Trigger Power Steering |
operation control | single hand control | single hand control | single hand control |
chute control | EZ Rotation Chute | Electronic 4-Way Chute | Electronic 4-Way Chute |
tire size | 16” x 6.5” X-Trac | 16” x 6.5” X-Trac | 16” x 6.5” X-Trac |
headlight | Yes | Yes | Yes |
skid shoes | Glide-Tech™ | Glide-Tech™ | Glide-Tech™ |
handle | steel | steel reinforced | steel reinforced |
warranty | 2 year limited | 2 year limited | 2 year limited |
extended chute | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Other Options | Hand Warmers | Hand Warmers drift cutters | Hand Warmers drift cutters |
Typical Sale Price (Sales Change Often) | $1099 | $1499 | $1699 |
Buy Here at THD -> | Storm 3090 | Arctic Storm 30 | Arctic Storm 34 |
21-inch Troy-Bilt Single Stage Snow Blowers
Troy-Bilt makes a snow blower for just about every driveway in the U.S. but I’m not a fan of owning a single-stage snow blower as your only, primary snow clearing tool. Why? Yes, single-stage snow throwers are faster to use on that light dusting to 4 inches of snow but they don’t handle that end-of-driveway pile the city snow plow leaves you well at all. Yes, the Troy-Bilt models will clean packed down snow a 2-stage can’t but if you have to throw the snow in a certain spot, over bushes or over a wall they don’t have the throwing distance to perform those tasks. They do make a great “second” snow blower and compliment your 2-stage for tasks the 2-stage is too big for. They do work well for patios, raised decks, 2-4 inchers, and cleaning snow off the sidewalks and around the doorway to your business. In other words, if you live North of Interstate 70 you should not consider a single-stage snow blower for your primary snow removal tool. If you do buy one I suggest the 208cc models. The 123cc is too small and the 179cc engine has a history of being hard to start.
New! Exclusive to The Home Depot! Squall 208 EX
Sears Stock Item # | Squall 123R | Squall 179E | Squall 208 EX | Squall 208 XP |
engine | 4-cycle / 123 cc OHV | 4-cycle / 179 cc OHV |
4-cycle / 208cc OHV |
4-cycle / 208cc OHV |
starter type | recoil | electric | electric | electric |
clearing width | 21″ | 21” | 21″ | 21” |
intake height | 13” | 13” | 13″ | 13” |
auger / impeller | 9 ” reinforced paddle | 9 ” reinforced paddle | 9 ” reinforced paddle | 9 ” reinforced paddle |
speeds | Will pull itself if you lift the handle | Will pull itself if you lift the handle | Will pull itself if you lift the handle | Will pull itself if you lift the handle |
Drive Control | NA | NA | NA | NA |
operation control | single hand control | single hand control | single hand control | single hand control |
chute control | Manual Chute | Manual Chute | Manual Chute | Remote Crank Chute |
tire size | 8” x 2” | 8” x 2” | 8” x 2” | 8” x 2” |
headlight | LED headlights | LED headlights | ||
skid shoes | NA | NA | NA | NA |
handle | Deluxe Folding | Deluxe Folding | Deluxe Folding | Deluxe Folding |
warranty | 2 year limited | 2 year limited | 2 year limited | 2 year limited |
extended chute | NA | NA | NA | NA |
drift cutters | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Typical Sale Price (Sales Change Often) | $359 | $399 | $499 | $599 |
Buy Here at THD -> | Squall 123R | Squall 179E | Squall 208 EX | Squall 208 XP |
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James Taylor
Paul…….I am looking to buy a Troy Built Arctic Storm 30 but they are discontinued and I can’t find one anywhere. Do you know how to locate one?
Paul
Hi James, At this point in time I’m not sure if they are discontinued or just not made yet this year. Everyone is having supply chain issues so MTD may just be waiting on parts to make it.
By the way, the Cub Cadet 2X 30″ MAX Snow Blower is the same snowblower and is available through cubcadet.com here: 2X 30″ MAX Snow Blower
Ralph R
the 2140 has a very poor quality Chute the replacement parts downt work with the turn auger either my 2140 is essentially a Brick the comopany wont fix the problem and keep sneding bad plastic shutes that dont work with the auger hand crank its a POOR design do not waste your money its garbage after two seasons and two “New chutes “installed and still will not turn is a BRICK stay away.
Paul
Hi Ralph, Try adjusting/bending the bottom bracket that the auger crank fits into. Adjust it so the wire screw just contacts the teeth on the chute. Also, make sure the top of the impeller housing is flat and level. If the edge is bent it will cause the chute to bind and pop off.
Yes, it’s a poor design and MTD only uses it on the cheapest snowblower. All the other Troy-Bilt snow blowers use the hanging chute which works great.
dave
Paul, I’m seeing that Lowes is selling a blower, the CRAFTSMAN 500 30-in. it looks identical to the Sears Craftsman 88396 30″. the only difference i see is one is black, the other red. in your article you say if i buy the one from Lowes i have to call their number for parts and service. can you tell me the differences, and which one i should go with? i would like to get either one. also not sure if the Sears one is new, i saw on some sites where it says it has been discontinued. thanks. your sites are very informing…
Paul
Hi Dave, The 30 inch, 12-inch impeller snow thrower you are considering is made by MTD and it’s made under many different names. That said, I want to add one more snow blower for you to consider and then discuss why it may be the best choice this year for you.
1. The Craftsman 88396 30″ 357cc Dual-Stage Snowblower with 4-Way Chute Control at $1249 is one of the choices. The only difference between it and the Craftsman 500 is it has drift cutters. It’s getting fairly late in the season so it may not be available in all areas of the country. My issue with it is service. With the Sears Bankruptcy, I’m not confident that warranty service will be available in the future.
2. The Craftsman 500 at Lowes $1199 is sold by SBD (Stanley, Black & Decker). At this time they do not have a complete service network. If you have problems you have to call an 800 number to find out where to take it. I know SBD will get their act together soon but for this season I’m not recommending them.
3. The Troy-Bilt Storm 30 in. 357cc Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with Power Steering and Heated Grips at $1099 is the same snow blower as the two Craftsman except it has a nice mechanical chute/deflector control. The biggest advantage is the service network for it is well established. If you have a problem with it just contact your nearest Home Depot and ask them where to take it for service.
K.C. Murphy
Paul. I purchased the Storm Tracker 2890 and have had great success with it up til now.The track drive wheel cracked and there is a 6 week wait for parts. Basically, if I want to get into my house, I now must go purchase another blower. For this one reason, I could not buy another Troybuilt.
Paul
Hi K.C, Try this link to see if you can get your parts faster. This is MTD/Troy-Bilt’s primary parts site. Free Standard Shipping On All Lawn and Garden Parts at MTDParts.com. No Minimum Needed, Use Code FREESHIP19, Offer Valid 1/18 – 1/31.
Joe Piccirilli
Does Troy Build make a snow blower with EFI? I like the Artic Storm 30. If so where can I purchase one and are the box store items the same quality the dealer sells? Thanks.
Paul
Hi Joe, not yet, but I have a feeling all the major brands will add EFI in the next few years. By the way, Troy-Bilt does not make “different” quality for the dealers. You will get the same quality if you by at The Home Depot or your local dealer.
But, The 30 inch Arctic Storm is out of stock in most areas of the country including Troy-Bilt themselves. I suggest waiting until next fall or going with the 34 inch at this time. Buy here: Troy-Bilt 34 in. 420 cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower with Electric Start, Power Steering and Electric 4-Way Chute Control
Ethan C Howard
Hi Paul, I would be interested in a YouTube video review comparison between the Troy-Bilt 34″ Arctic Storm and the Troy-Bilt Polar Blast 3310.
Paul
Hi Ethan, Thanks for the suggestion. I won’t make that video myself because the 3310 is an old, discontinued unit. Yes, you can find a few around but the Arctic Storm is a major improvement. The Arctic Storm has a larger engine, metal chute, stronger impeller belt, and electric joystick chute control. All for about $200 less than Troy-Bilt was asking for the 3310. By the way, I also don’t recommend the 45-inch version of the 3310.
Ethan C Howard
Hi Paul,
So I bought the Troy-Bilt 34″ Arctic Storm and used it for the first time (Winter Storm Harper). Loved it. Lots of throwing power, chute joystick & hand-warmers great, didn’t leave much snow behind and easily busted through the end of the driveway. Harper was a dense heavy snow here in southern NH.
Thanks for your recommendation Paul,
– Ethan
tony altomare
HI PAUL I NEED YOUR HELP, I’M UNDECIDED ON CRAFTSMAN 24” 600 208cc OR TROY- BILT STORM 2410 24” 208cc THANK YOU TONY
Paul
Hi Tony, Physically, the two snow blowers are the same. So, it comes down to where you want to buy them from.
The Craftsman 600 at Lowes is made by MTD for Stanley, Black & Decker. As you know SBD purchased Craftsman this year. They are new to the gas-powered Lawn & Garden area and the last time I looked they don’t have a nationwide parts, warranty and service network set up yet. Right now you have to call an 800 number to obtain parts or service.
The Troy-Bilt 2410 at The Home Depot is by MTD for Troy-Bilt. Troy-Bilt is owned by MTD and has been around for many, many years. They have a complete nationwide parts, warranty and service network. You can also purchase any part for your snow blower online directly from troybilt.com.
Clark Thompson
I have a long driveway, 1000 feet long and 10 feet wide, and of it is 6-15 degrees of incline but I have a section about 175 long that is 25-30 degrees. I have been using a DR single stage snow blower attachment for my DR brush mower. It doesn’t handle wet snow at all, and is nearing the end of its life. Looking at the Troybilt 2890 track because of the slope. With the DR I had to use chains to get traction. I was also considering a Husqvarna ST 327P. We live in a small town that has a dealer that carries Husqvarna, Honda, and JD. A local hardware store sells the Toro PowerMax line of wheeled blowers. Home Depot is 45 minutes away with the Troybilt. We get snowfalls from 2″ to 20″ here in the NC mountains and over the years it has varied from a foot annually up to 4 feet. I also looked at a lawn tractor attachment for my Husqvarna GT but it is a single stage and I’m not thrilled about another one that won’t handle wet snow. Any suggestions?
Paul
Hi Clark, First, I suggest staying away from the Husqvarna and Honda track drives. They are very slow and it’ll take you all day to clear your driveway with them. The Husqvarna, in particular, is front heavy so even with tracks, it doesn’t have the traction you want.
The Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 (Home Depot link) is a better choice. It’s faster and will work well on those snowfalls up to 14 inches or so. It’s biggest downfall is the capacity. It won’t be very fast on heavy, wet snow and deep snow.
The best choice for that long driveway and the type of heavy, wet snow you can get is the Ariens Platinum RapidTrak 28 SHO. It’s fast – most of the time it will clear the snow as fast as you can walk. It has plenty of traction to handle your slope and it one of the best snow blowers on the market for heavy, wet snow. You’ll have to find a dealer in your area who will order it.
Clark Thompson
Thanks Paul. I don’t see the Husqvarna track drive even listed anymore. So, the you don’t think that the Husqvarna ST 327P wheeled version with chains would be as good in my situation as either the Troy-bilt or Ariens? Not particularly fond of dealing with chains, but I was considering the Husqvarna because of their current financing promotion and rebate. The Troy-bilt is half the cost of the Ariens with the Husqvarna priced midway in between. I like the Ariens hydro drive model but that runs the price up quite a bit more.
Paul
Hi Clark, No, I don’t feel the Husqvarna’s will work for you. The Husqvarna’s are very front heavy. That means they don’t have near as much traction as an Ariens or Toro Power Max HD. The Ariens or Toro has most of the weight balanced on the wheels so they have a lot more traction.
The Toro Power Nax HD or Ariens Deluxe won’t plug with heavy, wet snow. Toro and Ariens also have chains available for their snow blowers if you need them
ClarkThompson
Paul
I decided to go with the Ariens Platinum RapidTrak SHO 28. I did another dealer search and this time a local hardware store was listed as a dealer in another small town just 10 miles away. Thanks for you help and insight.
Karen
Hi Paul, I’m looking to buy a snow blower for my husband for Christmas. Your article states that if you live north of I-70 not to get a single stage. We live in Columbus, OH about 1 mile north of I-70. I’m looking at the squall you recommend vs. the Storm 2410. I’m a little worried about the size of the storm and fitting it into our garage. Can I get your thoughts? Thanks!
Paul
Hi Karen, Yes, you really don’t need a 2-stage snow thrower unless you live in an open area and you get 2 feet or higher drifts with many of your storms. I do recommend the Troy-Bilt Squall 208EX if you want a Troy-Bilt or the Toro 721 E if you want an even better machine.
Home Depot Link: Troy-Bilt Squall 208EX
Home Depot Link: Toro 721 E
Phil Glawe
Good morning Paul,
I am going to purchase the Troy- Bilt 2890 Track drive. My driveway is only half lighted. Is the head light adequate?
Paul
Hi Phil, Yes. If you need more light I suggest a headlamp like this one. LED Headlamp Torch Outdoor Rechargeable Headlight for Camping Hunting Fishing
Glenn
Hi Paul,
I live on Long Island and our snows go from a few inches to foot, foot and a half. I was looking into the Troy-Bilt Storm 2860 and 2660 but am wondering how they both handle sloped driveways. I have a 4 car driveway that has about 13% slope. Do you think either can handle that especially on snow or ice?
Paul
Hi Glenn, I don’t know. I would say if your old snow blower worked on your driveway this one will also.
Glenn
I was the old snow blower!
Fern
I have not been able to locate the 26″ Two Stage.243cc Troy Built snowblower on any Canadian site. It has been discontinued.Please bring your reviews up to date!
Paul
Hi Fern, The snow blower is available through troybilt.ca. 26″ Two Stage Snow Blower with Electric Start. You are welcome to use the dealer locator button on that page to find it near you.
Canadian Snow Blower Buyers:
Snow blowers in Canada are similar but not always exactly like the models offered in the U. S. You can see the models offered at Lowes.ca and HomeDepot.ca here: Feel free to ask me about a specific model in the comments below.
LINK: Snow blowers at Lowes Canada. FYI – I do NOT recommend Snow Beast or DEK!
LINK: Snow Blowers at The Home Depot Canada. FYI – I do NOT recommend Snow Beast or DEK!
Mike
I live in crystal lake, IL. We tend to get a little more snow then actually Chicago usually. We have a 80 ft long single drive that fans out to a 2 car garage. I was liking the Troy bilt 2460 but saw your review about the Troy bilt 2665 26in. Which one do u think is better for my scenario. Thanks
Paul
Hi Mike, You’ll like the 2665. More power for drifts, a little better tires for more traction and it will get done a little faster with the wider width.
Mike
Do you think Troy Bilt is better then Cub Cadet?.. The Troy 2265 26″ is the same price as a Cadet 2x 24″.. I’m just looking for the absolute best quality spending in the $799 range for my property. I saw that the Cadet I speak of says it’s better for people under 6′. Both people who would be using the snowblower are 6’3″. I’m not sure if that matters. We had a cheap single stage so all this 2 stage equipment is forgein to me.
Paul
Hi Mike, Let’s go through the details to see which one is best for you.
1. The Troy-Bilt 2665 does not have power steering – the Cub Cadet does. Since you are both larger people the power steering may not be an issue.
2. The Troy-Bilt has a 243cc engine – The Cub Cadet 208 cc. That with the wider width will allow you to get done with the Troy-Bilt about 15% faster.
3. The Cub Cadet’s handle height is one of the lowest. Everyone over 6 feet complains it’s too low.
4. The Cub Cadet 2X 24 has the old style 4-way chute control. The new chute control on the Troy-Bilt is much easier to use and doesn’t wear out.
I added one more model to the comparison sheet below. The Cub Cadet 2X 26 has power steering, the larger 243cc engine, the new LED lights, taller 16-inch tires, and a metal chute. Its handles are higher than both the Troy-Bilt 2665 and Cub 2X 24 and makes it very easy to use for taller people. Yes, it’s $100 more but it combines all the good features of both machines plus it adds the LED lights and taller tires.
I put together a comparison of the three at The Home Depot site.
Joe
How does the arctic storm 34 handle? I have a 450′ wrap around paved driveway thats sloped on one end. Im kinda built like you. Thanks.
Paul
Hi Joe, The Arctic Storm is a big snow blower and because of that, it’s a little nose heavy. That makes it a little harder to use if you have to make a lot of turns and small areas to clear. But, with your very long driveway and gentle curves that is not an issue. It goes in a straight line until you pull the triggers under the handle so it a really good choice for long areas that need to be cleared. It will handle your driveway well.
JOE
Would the arctic storm 30 handle easier? Thanks for the help?
Paul
Hi Joe, The Arctic storm would handle easier than the older ST32 but not as easy as the 2018 Ariens Pro. It has a little more front-end weight than the new Ariens.
JOE
Thanks for the reply. I guess I should have asked how much easier would the 30 arctic storm be to make a lot of turns and manuver compared to the 34 ?
Paul
Hi Joe, Quite a bit better. I have the Arctic Storm 34 here and it’s a great snow blower but it’s very front heavy. If I’m clearing long driveways it works great but if there is a lot of turns it quickly wears this old guy out. Because of that I always recommend the 30 over the 34
Joe
Really appreciate your help. Read about all of the 30-32″ blowers on this site and have one final question. Arctic storm 30, Ariens deluxe 30 efi, or Toro 1232. What are your thoughts? Thanks.
Paul
Hi Joe, Based on your long driveway and the slope I’d pick the 1232. It’s the heaviest and will have the best traction.
Joe
Thanks Paul. Leaning toward one with elf. Have you heard any rumors about when Toro or troybilt will have elf? Appreciate all the advice you are giving.
Paul
Hi Joe, rumors on Toro or Troy-Bilt. I did like the Ariens 30 EFI a lot last winter. Check out this video: Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI or Troy-Bilt Storm 2860 Which One Is Best For You?
Joe
Paul, after mulling over all the info on your site and your answers to my questions I narrowed it down to 2 models. Toro hd1232 and arctic storm 30. I like the chute and steering controls on them. The Toro is heavier which is good for my slope, but has 4 in tires and the storm is lighter but has 6 in tires. Is tire width something I should be worried about? Thanks.
Paul
Hi Joe, I prefer a tall, narrow tire for snow. You get better traction with the narrow tire. The tread on the Toro is very deep – you’ll like it.
Joe
Paul, when you talk about a 1, 2, or 3 car driveway, what are the widths you are figuring on? Thanks.
Paul
Hi Joe, 8, 16, and 24 feet.
Joe
Looks like I will get the 1232. Thank you.
Joe
Which chute is higher, arctic storm 30, Toro 1232, or not enough to make a difference? Thanks.
Paul
Hi Joe, Not enough to make a difference. The Toro does have a double jointed deflector. The extra joint allows you to throw snow right alongside the snow blower if you ever need to.
Joe
I like the storms joystick and price. I like the 1232s articulated chute, anticlog feature, and I can get it serviced from a dealer. Although the chance of either of them needing service is remote.
Paul
Hi Joe, I like the chute control on the Troy-Bilt a lot but if you never had the chance to try the new Quick Stick on the Toro’s you will be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to use.
Yes, My local dealer always complains, “I have thousands of Toro snow blowers sold but they never come back! I never get to see the customers because the snowblowers never need anything!”
Joe
What does the arctic storm 30 weigh? Home depot says around 340. Troybilt website says 250.
Paul
Hi Joe, Home Depot’s weights are usually in the shipping crate. It weighs every bit of 250LBS. Just as a deciding factor – the Toro probably weighs as much but it’s a lot “lighter” to use. The Troy-Bilt has more front end weight where the Toro’s weight is pretty balanced over the wheels. The Toro won’t wear you out as quickly if you have a lot of small areas to clear and turns to make.
Joe
I went to our local Toro dealer and looked at the 1232. I liked it so much i bought it. Thanks for your help.
J. Fierce
Paul,
Thanks for the great reviews and YouTube videos they are very helpful.
I live on Long Island, have a 2 car driveway that’s 40’ long. I also clear snow for my neighbor, he’s in his 80’s and usually others. So 3-5 houses.
We can get drifts here from 36”-40”+ and our friendly snow plows always wait until we’re finished or 1/2 through, to plow us in again.
I had a small toro 30 years ago and it worked flawlessly for about 20 years. Then I bought a craftsman 24” (grey) that has a 21” intake. The end of the driveways are always a struggle and it bogs down. It always starts, pull start, and has never given any issues other than it’s limitations.
I’m considering 3 blowers. Troy-bilt Artic Storm 30”
The Toro Power Max HD 928 or 1028.
I like the electric shoot, power steering and hand warmers on the troy bilt as well as the 23” intake and the 375cc engine. Don’t like that it doesn’t have a fuel shut off. Don’t know about reliability of them and if it will pull start every time.
I like Toro but worried about the 21.5” intake and the 265cc & 302cc having the power.
One thing important to me is the ability to move the snowblower, as in it free wheeling. The craftsman is very hard to pull backwards and turn when not under power, and it has no reverse. I find the reverse on blowers too slow so I pull them back. I’ve used a neighbors to do his house when he was injured. Won’t go into the brand because it was horrible.
Out of the 3 snowblowers which would you recommend as most reliable and able to handle our snow here in the northeast? Looking for a trouble free blower that will last.
One last thing. Are these too big and heave for my wife to use?
Sorry this was so long.
Paul
Hi J. Fierce, Of the three snow blowers you listed I suggest the Toro Power Max HD 928 for you why? First, It’s very easy to use and balanced very well. Your wife can easily use it. The Tory-Bilt is a good machine but nose heavy and hard for some people to turn. The 1028 uses trigger power steering so it’s extra stuff for her to learn. Second, It really does have enough power for your area. Toro’s design with the ACS (anti-clogging system) needs less power for the same throwing capacity than other designs. Third, the 928 is very easy to move with the engine off and pull backwards with the engine running. Fourth, the Quick-Stik on this year’s model is just the best. It faster and just as easy as the electric on the Troy-Bilt. Here is the Home Depot Link: Toro Power Max HD 928 OAE 28 in
It will handle your snow including the snow plow drift!
J. Fierce
Thanks for the help Paul, hope you’re enjoying your granddaughter. Do you have an affiliate link for Acme tools? Between tax & shipping I would save about $160.
Paul
Hi Fierce, Yes! ACME always has some great deals. I purchased a lot from them over the years and everything has always gone smoothly. For, Example, I just bought Milwaukee PACKOUT 3pc Kit. Their price right now is $100 off their regular good price.
Here’s a link to the snow blower page: Snowblowers at ACME Tools
J. Fierce
Paul,
Thanks again for your help. I bought the toro 928 from acme and used your link so I hope you get something from them for sending me there.
Paul
Hi J. Fierce, You are very welcome. Yes, I make a commission from the sale – Thanks!
Mike C.
Paul,
Northern Tools is selling the 26 inch 243cc version with airless tires for $749.99 plus tax with free delivery. This is $50 better than the offer Home Depot has on (what seems to be) the same blower except with the upgraded airless tires. Any way you can confirm this? Did they cut corners else where that I am not seeing and is that why it is $50 cheaper?
Thanks,
Paul
Hi Mike, Yes, the Troy-Bilt 2-Stage Electric Start Snow Blower with Airless Tires — 26in., 243cc Engine, Model# 31BM6CP3766 (Northern Tool Link) is the same as the Home Depot model and it has the airless tires. Northern Tool is one of my trusted sites and they usually have pretty good prices this time of year.
Just be aware that their free shipping does not include “lift gate” service. That means the semi will drop the snow blower off at the end of the driveway and the truck driver may not bring it up to the garage for you. Myself I have a 4 wheel cart that I set the crate on and then push it up to the garage.
nick
Hi Paul my question is about the 2460. It has two wing nuts holding handle not two nuts and bolts on each like the other models?Does not look to secure thanks Nick
Paul
Hi Nick. The upper handle wraps around the bottom handle quite a bit so with only one wingnut and bolt it’s quite strong, secure and tight. The wing nut is a captive nut so it won’t come loose. With the wingnuts, you don’t need any tools to take the snow thrower out of the crate and get it ready to blow snow.
The snow blower is very light to push down and turn so one bolt is enough. There is no rhyme or reason to which models get nuts/bolts, 4 wing nuts or only 2 wing nuts. Even some of the 28 inch XP models just have the 2 wing nuts.
The hole for the second bolt is there so you can go to the hardware store and buy a carriage bolt and locknut if you want.
Barry
Hi Paul.
The Troy 2890 or the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO for Long Island big area to clear?
Paul
Hi Barry, The Troy-Bilt 2890 will get the job done. But the Ariens Deluxe SHO will throw the snow farther and handle the wet, heavy stuff you get once or twice a year without ever clogging.