7 Best Residential Track Snowblowers For 2018-2019

7 Best Residential Track Snow Blowers For 2020-2021

A track snowblower can be a huge advantage. This article will discuss why you may need a tracked machine and the 7 best on the market this fall. Note: Some of the snow blowers on this list are only available through your local dealer.

If you decide a track snowblower is not the best choice for you please check out this article The Best Snowblowers For You! Fall 2020

Why You May Want a Tracked Snow Blower:

• If you have a sloped driveway. If your driveway slopes enough that a wheeled unit has a hard time going up the hill a tracked snowblower offers a lot more traction.
• If you have packed down snow and/or ice under the snow. Tracks offer a lot more traction for icy conditions and the front of the auger housing on most track drives can also be locked down to scrape driven on snow off cement and blacktop better than wheeled units.
• If you have sidewalks that get plowed full by the city snowplow. The extra traction of the tracks will help you push through that heavy snow.
• If you have uneven terrain to clear. If you have grass or dirt trails or paths to clear. Track drives have the extra traction you need to clear turf and soft ground.
• If you get a lot of drifts where the snow packs so hard you can walk on it. Again, the extra traction of the tracks will help you push through that heavy snow.

Three Types Of  Track snowblowers on the market this fall.

Two-Point.  Original Design. Found on Husqvarna, Honda, and most Chinese made snow blowers.  This design has been around for at least 30 years. The rubber track is driven by a lugged wheel and another wheel the same size keeps the track tight and on the ground. Originally the drive wheels were metal but today most are plastic. They are generally very slow compared to the other types. They generally don’t have a lot of clearance under the transmission so they will get stuck easily when trying to clear “off-road” areas. Most 2-point track systems will let you lock the front of the snowblower 1-2 inches off the ground for transport.

A little secret: Most hydro snowblowers that use trigger steering all use the same transmission. There are only a couple of variations on the market. So – the transmission gear ratio on a track drive with small drive wheels will be slower than another model with larger drive wheels. That’s why a Honda tracked snowblower is considerably slower than the Husqvarna track drive or the new Toro TRX with the large drive wheel.

Three-Point.  Newer design. Found on Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Ariens, Husqvarna, and on the new Toro Power TRX HD. 3-Point tracks give you more clearance under the snow blower’s transmission so you won’t get stuck as often in deep snow. Most also have a larger main drive wheel than the 2-point systems so they are faster and they will allow you to get your area cleared faster.

RapidTrack.  Latest design.  This system is unique to Ariens snow blowers. This track drive uses a drive wheel that’s basically the same size as regular snowblower tires. This gives you the speed and maneuverability of a wheeled unit but also the traction of tracks when you need it. I’ll discuss how it works below.

Recommended

1. Ariens Platinum 28 SHO RapidTrak: 28 inch 369cc $2399

The Ariens Platinum RapidTrak is the best value tracked snow blower for any homeowner who wants to clear snow fast, have the best traction when you need it, and all the features you can get on a high-end residential snowblower.

First, the Ariens Platinum is a top-end residential blower. It includes heated handgrips, Super High Output (SHO) impeller, Auto-Turn Steering Technology, and a premium Ariens engine. The tall 21” housing height eats up the drifts. The 14” SHO auger and impeller blow snow up to 55 feet and will clear up to 75 tons/hour. In my opinion, the Ariens Platinum SHO handles regular snow, heavy snow, wet snow, and even slush better than any other residential snowblower on the U.S. market. 

 Second, tracks are unrivaled when it comes to traction, but you can’t beat a wheeled snow blower for maneuvering around objects. The Rapidtrak system is exclusive to Ariens and allows you to switch between a wheeled or tracked machine with just a single lever mounted on the right handle.

 Preset adjustments on the RapidTrak system allow you to change between three different positions. Track Mode (position 1) is for typical snow removal, tracks are flat on the ground, providing significantly more traction than a wheeled snowblower. Wheel Mode (position 2) turning and traversing around objects. In this position, the rear of the tracks lifts off the ground, leaving the snowblower with just the tracks around the big wheels contacting the ground. The snowblower acts just like a wheeled unit. In fact, in this position, the snowblower is well balanced and very easy to turn. Finally, Dig-In Mode (position 3) delivers extra traction for those extreme snow conditions. Opposite of Wheel Mode, in this setting, the rear of the tracks push down and lock. This not only gives the tracks maximum traction, but the slight downward angle of the tracks pitch the auger at a steeper angle into the snowbank allowing you to clean hard-packed snow.

In my opinion, the Ariens RapidTrak is the second most significant technology improvement in walk-behind snow blowers in the last 15 years. (Overhead valve engines (OHV) engines with electronic fuel injection (EFI) being the most significant)

After you look at all the advantages the Ariens Platinum RapidTrak is the best value tracked snowblower for anyone who wants to clear snow fast, have the best traction, and have all the features you can get on a high-end residential snowblower.

This is a dealer only snowblower so here is a link to the Ariens website where you can read more and find your local Ariens dealer.  Ariens Platinum 28 SHO RapidTrak.

2. Toro Power TRX HD 1428 OHXE and Power TRX 1432 OHXE 28 or 32 in. Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower

If you want all-out power, speed, and the ability to handle any type of snow you get but and you prefer trigger-style steering the Toro TRX is the way to go. Available in 28 or 32-inch widths these commercial snowblowers will clear snow as fast as you can walk and throw it up to 60 feet. In addition to throwing very, very, very far they are also able to throw the snow right next to you if you want. The double-jointed steel discharge chute puts the snow exactly where you want it to go.

• These snow blowers are built so tough, they don’t use shear pins.
• Unmatched stability, track drive allows you to clear snow from the toughest terrain and steepest slopes.
• Adjust with ease, with the push of a lever, adjust your housing up for climbing and transport, flat to blow snow off a driveway or down to dig into deep snow with Toro’s quick-adjust auger housing lever
• Total speed control, change your speed on the go with the infinitely variable hydrostatic powered transmission
• Powered precision moves, powered with Toro’s king, a 420 cc engine and controlled with power steering for smooth, tight turns
• LED headlights and hand warmers
• Chute control, quickly change the chute and deflector direction with a single, smooth motion thanks to the Quick Stick chute control
• Toro’s patented Anti-Clogging system allows the snowblower to handle heavy, wet snow and light fluffy snow easily without clogging
• This machine is right at home on your two-car drive, large to extra-large driveways, big jobs, heavy accumulation, and making quick work of serious snow, like 15 in. plus of snow

Available through The Home Depot, ACME Tool,  or your local Toro dealer

3. Ariens RapidTrak Pro 28 in. 2-Stage Electric Start 420cc Gas Snow Blower Model# 926060 $3099

If you have a long driveway or a huge area to clear and get a lot of snow, I’m including two commercial snow blowers in this list.  The Ariens RapidTrak 28 and RapidTrak 32 are heavier duty commercial tracked snowblowers that arguably are the best-tracked snow blowers on the market this year. They have the largest engines and the highest capacity of any other snowblower on this list. I used the 28-inch hydro version all last winter and in my 40 years of experience, it is the best and one of the easiest snow blowers I have ever used. (watch my videos on YouTube)  If you have a large area to clear, live in an area that gets 100 inches of snow or more a year, or use a 2-stage snow blower to make money with, it is hands down, the model you should buy. The Ariens RapidTrak 28 in. 2-Stage Electric Start 420cc Gas Snow Blower Model# 926060 $3099 and the Ariens RapidTrak 32 in. 2-Stage Electric Start 420 cc Gas Snow Blower Model# 926069 $3399 (Home Depot Links)

4. Cub Cadet 3X™ 30″ TRAC 30 inch 3-Stage 420cc Cub Cadet engine Model No. 31AH7EVZ710 $1999

Cub Cadet claims that this 3X auger/impeller system will handle twice as much snow as their 2-stage snow blowers. That is true – but understand that claim does not mean it will handle more snow than a high output 2-stage system like the ones found on the Toro Power Max HD and Ariens Platinum snow blowers. It’s not better – just different. That said,

 First, The Cub Cadet 3X TRAC is also a high-end residential snowblower. It has heated handgrips, remote chute/deflector controls, a steel chute, and three high output LED lights. It also features a huge 420cc engine so it will power through just about any type of snow.  Cub Cadet’s 12″ Induction Accelerator quickly pulls snow, ice and slush through the machine twice as fast as their 2-stage units.

Second, The 3-point track provides a lot of traction and the larger top drive wheel makes it considerably faster than the old 2-wheel tracked systems. Triggers under the handles let you steer the snowblower with just your fingertips.  Cub Cadet’s (MTD) trigger power steering is dependable and the easiest of the two and three-point track systems to use.

You can purchase the Cub Cadet 3X™ 30″ TRAC through your local Cub Cadet dealer or The Home Depot here: Cub Cadet 3X™ 30″ TRAC (Home Depot link)

For smaller driveways, there is also the 26 inch 357cc 3X™ 26″ TRAC. $1599 (Home Depot link)

Like Ariens and Toro – Cub Cadet also has a higher capacity PRO series but they do not offer a track drive Pro model.

5. Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker™ 2890 Snow Blower Model 28 inch 277cc Troy-Bilt engine No. 31AH7FP4766 $1299

The Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker™ 2890 is a great value, residential snowblower. Heated hand grips, easy to use remote chute/deflector, unbreakable high arc poly chute, 3-point track drive, headlight, and even reflective stripes on the auger housing to help keep you safe at night.

The 3-point track provides a lot of traction and the larger top drive wheel makes it considerably faster than the old 2-wheel tracked systems. Triggers under the handles let you steer the snowblower with just your fingertips.  Troy-Bilt’s (MTD) trigger power steering is dependable and the easiest of the two and three-point track systems to use.

In my opinion the Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker™ 2890 is a great value snow blower and will be a good choice for medium driveways that average 40-80 inches a year. It’s not the fastest snow blower on this list but it is dependable and will last you a long time. 

You can purchase the Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker™ 2890 through your local Troy-Bilt dealer or The Home Depot here: Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker™ 2890 Snow Blower (Home Depot link)

6. Ariens Compact Track 24: 24 inch 252 cc 

This Ariens Compact Track has plenty of power and average capacity.  It is a great choice if you have a small steep driveway and/or have sidewalks that get a lot of snow.

7. Honda 28 inch 270 cc HSS928AT / HSS928ATD $2709 $2909

Honda snowblowers throw the snow a long way and the previous HS models have a rabid fan base. But, compared to the other tracked snow blowers available today the HSS series with it’s small 2-point tracks and mediocre power are outdated.  They are much slower than the Ariens, Cub Cadet or Troy-Bilt models listed above.

Yes, the Honda AX engine has a long, well-deserved reputation but today’s OHV engines on the other snow blowers are just as good. The HSS series does not have a lot of clearance under the snowblower so they get stuck in deep snow more often and I repeat – even with a hydro transmission – they are slow. The #1 Ariens also has about 30% more capacity than this Honda (77 tons per hour for the Ariens verses 57 tons for the Honda) The electric chute control is slow and it takes forever for it to move all the way from one side to the other. The models sold in the retail stores do not have electric start – you have to find a Honda Powersports dealer to purchase one with 12-volt battery start ($200 more).

My opinion: To be clear, this is a good, well-built snow blower – it’s just not as fast and just does not have the capacity of the other machines. Worst of all -it’s just way over-priced for what it offers.

Buy Here: Honda 28 inch 270 cc HSS928AT (Home Depot Link)

There is also a 32-inch version Honda 32 inch 389cc HSS1332AT (Home Depot) $3189

8. Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker™ 2690 XP Track SnowBlower 26 inch, 208cc Model No. 31AM7BR3766. $1199

Before you buy this snow blower based on the price please read the entire description below.

 This snow blower is the least expensive tracked unit on the market! What’s more, it has all the ease-of-use features and a larger engine than the Honda 24 inch 198cc HSS724AT which costs twice as much!

The Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker™ 2690 XP has all the high-end bells and whistles that make it a very easy to use snowblower. Heated hand grips, bulletproof and quick electric remote chute/deflector, unbreakable high arc poly chute, 3-point track drive, headlight and even reflective stripes on the auger housing to help keep you safe at night.  The only thing lacking about this snow blower is the size of the engine. I can only recommend this snowblower to the few people who don’t get a lot of snow but have a steep driveway to clear. Don’t buy this snowblower because you just want a tracked unit because it is underpowered for most applications. It will handle 2-8 inch snowfalls well but it will be VERY slow on 12 or more inches of snow.

My opinion: If you have a steep driveway or off-road area to clear AND you live in an area of the country that gets 40-60 inches of snow on average this may be a great choice for you. In fact, if you are currently are happy with the power of your 24-26 inch 208cc snowblower or your 28-inch 243cc snow blower this tracked model is a good choice for you. (This 208cc engine has more power than your old 5 HP Tecumseh or Briggs)

Buy Here: Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker™ 2690 XP Snow Blower (Home Depot Link)

Maybe:

Husqvarna ST430T 30 inch 420cc $2999.

I’ve had a Husqvarna ST430T around here since 2018 and it throws snow a long way. But even with the huge 440cc engine it just has average capacity compared to the newer Ariens and Cub Cadet models. In other words, it’s a good dependable snow blower – but outdated. Because of the high price it has not been a good seller so most of the retailers no longer carry it though Husqvarna Snow Equipment Dealers will be able to easily get one for you. (watch my videos on YouTube)

Not Recommended.

Honda 24 inch 198cc HSS724AT / HSS724ATD ( ACME Tool Link)

For a whopping $2349 you get a recoil start, underpowered 198cc engine, old style 2-point track, and mediocre capacity tracked snow blower. This snow blower has the smallest engine on any 2-stage snow blower – but the highest price for any 24-26 inch 2-stage snow blower. So unless you are “that guy” who just has to have a snow blower with a Honda engine on it I suggest staying far away from this one!

Ariens Platinum SHO Track 28: 28 inch 369cc

As a wheeled snow blower the Ariens Platinum SHO is a great snowblower. It’s a high capacity, dependable machine. The Auto-Turn steering makes it very easy to use. But with the 3-point tracks installed it’s a whole different monster. The tracks have too much “rubber-on-the-ground” and it makes the snowblower very hard to maneuver.

Any Chinese Track Snowblower.

The current crop of Chinese track snow blowers are mainly 2-point drive and lack a nationwide parts/repair network. For the same money, you are much better off buying the Troy-Bilt snow blowers on this list.