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This article will discuss who makes the snowblower engines first and then who makes the different snow blower brands.
Snow Blower Engines – Who Makes What?
There are five major manufacturers of winterized engines currently being installed on the snowblowers sold in the U.S. Every one of these brands has been around for over 10 years now and all of them have a proven record of reliability. In fact, in the last five years, all of the motors over 250cc have service records that are the best the industry has ever seen. Parts and service are easy to get from the dealer you purchased it from. If you purchased your snowblower online from a reputable retailer they will help you get service and parts. Today’s snowblower engines are designed to run on 87 Octane E10 fuels. They don’t require Premium non-ethanol fuels for proper operation. They are designed to run on today’s fuel (Do NOT use E-15 or E-85) When getting fuel please make sure you ARE NOT getting E15 or E20 Fuel!
Cub Cadet electronic fuel-injected (EFI) engines are the ONLY engines capable of running on E15 and E20 fuels!
LCT: LCT is an American-owned company and they own its factories in Vietnam. You will mainly see this brand on Ariens and Husqvarna snowblowers but there are a few smaller brands now using this manufacturer. Storm Force, Ariens AX, and Snow King are LCT engines. LCT engine reliability on the Ariens and Husqvarna snow throwers is becoming legendary. LCT engines on other brands of snow blowers will have LCT on the valve cover.
LCT engines on Ariens and Husqvarna snowblowers are warrantied through the respective Ariens and Husqvarna dealers. LCT engines mounted on Power Smart and other smaller brand snow blowers are warrantied through LCT.
PowerMore™ OHV Winterized Engines: These engines are made in China and designed specifically for MTD. This motor is usually labeled the same as the snowblower it is mounted on. In other words, if you buy a Cub Cadet snowblower it will be labeled as a Cub Cadet engine. Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and Yard Machines engines are PowerMore.
All PowerMore engines are warrantied through the snowblower brand they are mounted on.
Loncin: Toro’s Premium Engine is made to Toro’s specifications by Loncin, one of China’s largest motorcycle manufacturers. Like LCT and Powermore the reliability is way up compared to your old Tecumseh or Briggs engine. As far as I know, DR Power is also using this engine manufacturer on their snow blowers.
Briggs & Stratton Snow Series: All B&S motors are labeled as such. Simplicity, Snapper, and Brigg & Stratton snowblowers exclusively use B&S engines. If a B&S engine is mounted on another snowblower brand B&S warranties the engine, not the snowblower manufacturer it is mounted on.
Any B&S snow engines that are made in the USA will have the “made in USA” sticker on them. In reality, though, almost all are made overseas. Briggs does own its own plant in China. According to the Briggs & Stratton website, the following engines are NOT made in the U.S.A. 800, 900, 1150, 2100 Snow Series™
Honda: No I didn’t forget about Honda. They only install snow motors on their own brand. According to the latest info I have the engines in the single-stage (GC/GCV engines) are made in the U.S.A. and the rest (larger GX engines) are made in Thailand.
Tecumseh: Lawson Power Products (Tecumseh:) quit making engines in 2008. LCT has partnered with them and is now using the technology and brand names from the old Tecumseh OHV product line.
Snow Blowers by Brand: Who Makes What?
Manufacturer: Ariens
Ariens actually makes nine different series of single and 2-stage snow blowers but for most of us the Ariens Compact, Ariens Deluxe, and Ariens Platinum will be the models we will buy. The Pro, and Track series are high-quality commercial snow blowers designed to last a lifetime.
All of these are made in the U.S.A. (the S18 single-stage is outsourced)
Brand: Craftsman
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 repair network. Because of that, I will explain the different Craftsman snow thrower lines available this year.
Craftsman At Sears
Currently, Sears is not selling Craftsman branded snow blowers. But parts and service for the Craftsman you purchased at Sears are still available through searspartsdirect.com
Craftsman At Lowes, ACE. Craftsman.com, etc.
As you most likely know Stanley, Black & Decker (SBD) purchased the Craftsman name – but not the products. What that means for snow blowers is they will be independently developing their own line of Craftsman snowblower, parts, and repair network. SBD recently purchased a large portion of MTD and has the option to buy the entire company in 2021. The Craftsman models currently listed on Lowes.com are made by MTD.
It appears Stanley, Black & Decker (SBD) also purchased Craftsman.com. It currently states,
WHO SHOULD I CALL FOR PARTS & REPAIR?
If you are in need of parts and/or repair for your CRAFTSMAN product, please call our customer service line, 888-331-4569.
WHERE CAN I GET MY TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REPAIRED?
For all repairs, call 888-331-4569 or email us at craftsman@sbdinc.com and we’ll handle all your repair needs.
(Specifically for Snow Throwers:) WARRANTY SERVICE
With proof of sale, call this number to obtain the warranty coverage stated below: 1-888-331-4569.
Manufacturer: MTD
MTD makes single, 2-stage, and 3-stage snow throwers and sells them with different names. They also make snowblowers to spec for other brands like Craftsman SBD
Cub Cadet is the most extensive line with the best dealer network in the U.S.
Troy Bilt is also a very popular line and has good, affordable snow blowers.
Columbia
Remington
Yard Machines
Yardman, MTD Pro, MTD, MTD Gold
They are a U.S. based manufacturer and the majority of the models are made and assembled in the U.S.
Manufacturer: Honda
All Honda single-stage machines for the USA and Canada market are manufactured at the Honda plant in Swepsonville, NC. This includes the entire engine, from casting to final machine work and assembly. I believe Honda is the only current USA-market snowblower manufacturer who makes both the engine and snowblower at a USA factory.
Starting in May 2015 all Honda 2-stage snowblowers for the USA and Canada market are manufactured at the Honda plant in Swepsonville, NC. The 2-stage engines are still made overseas.
Manufacturer: Husqvarna
Husqvarna has both single-stage, 2-stage units.
Husqvarna
Poulan Pro
All of these are made in the U.S.A.
Manufacturer: Toro
Toro has a complete line of single, 2-stage, and heavy-duty 2 stage snow blowers. Toro has quietly developed one of the best snow blower lines.
- PowerMax
- PowerMax HD
- Power Clear
- SnowMaster
Most are made in the U.S.A. but some are made in Mexico.
Manufacturer: Briggs & Stratton
Briggs & Stratton makes 3 basic snow blowers. An economy, a residential and a pro model. They also have single and 2-stage. You will see them under various names like:
Brute
Simplicity
Snapper
Briggs & Stratton
Some of these are made in the U.S.A. but I’m not clear which ones are made overseas.
Brand: DR Power. DR Power is a famous U.S. brand but currently, all their snow blowers are made in China and imported here.
Brand: GENERAC. GENERAC is a famous U.S. brand but currently, all their snow blowers are made in China and imported here.
Brand: Amerisun Inc. The parent company for Power Smart and Snow Devil. This company is coming on strong with its China-built snow blowers. You can call them and get parts. They are currently building a nationwide service network.
Specialty Snow Throwers.
I am calling the rest of this list and any other brand not listed “specialty” snow throwers. Almost all of them are made in China. At this time I don’t know which of these names are manufactures and which are brands named just for the U.S. market. These brands either have only one or two models (most are small electrics) or are internet-only companies.
These companies all have the potential to be great, but for the time being be sure you understand the return and repair policies. In other words, a 2-year warranty is great but if you can’t find a dealer, an address to ship it to, or even to get someone to answer your phone call the warranty is worthless.
Each Order of 50 Or More Comes With Free Shipping Container!
Other names you will see:
- DuroStar
- Aavix
- Beast
- D.E.K.
- Earthwise
- Frontier
- Greenworks
- Powerland
- Powermax
- Power Smart
- Snow Devil
- Snow Joe
- Stanley
- Worx
- YardMax
- Dirty Hand Tools
Other Companies not listed:
One last word of warning. If the price seems too good to be true – it probably is. Be extremely careful of 2-stage snow throwers selling for less than $600! Or for that matter any snowblower selling for hundreds less than the brands you recognize. If you don’t recognize the brand there is a more than likely chance the snow thrower is made in China and service, parts, and repairs for it is non-existent or at best weeks away.
Used/Vintage Snowblowers:
Be very careful about buying used. Like boat motors, these older engines are very susceptible to problems with today’s fuel. In addition, parts for the actual snowblower may be impossible to find.
Snowblowers have gone through many different design changes in the last 50 years and they still have a ways to go. The designs vary from a simple auger and fan to a “sidewinder.” There have been many different variations of the 3-stage design and some worked – and some don’t.
Gilson Snow Blower Shop has put together a long list of some of the old vintage machines. Go take a look here:Vintage Machine Showcase
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Tim Filing
Paul looking for the all around best snowblower reccomondations I was thinking ariens
Paul
Hi Tim, Ariens or Toro are my first choices.
Dee Scott
Mr Sikkema,
I’m looking for a commercial (or commercial grade) machine to cut through waist-high drifts that accumulate after heavier snows. I do about 5 miles of sidewalk with UTV and ATV plow setups, but I need a blower to do detail work and to fling the heavy wet stuff that I can’t push.
I’d like your recommendation on an appropriate model…Also, should I even be considering single stage?
My budget is flexible.
Paul
Hi Dee, That is a very simple question. The Ariens RapidTrak Pro 28 will do everything you want. It doesn’t clog on any type of snow. It handles wet/sloppy snow. It comes standard with drift cutters and deep snowfalls into the bucket instead of riding over the front like other brands. Cast iron skid shoes, square tube handles, all the controls are heavy-duty and has commercial-grade cables. With good, safe ramps you can easily drive it into the back of a pickup. It’s a true commercial machine and designed to last you years.
Philip Marshall
Hi Paul
Your article on snow blowers and who makes what is very informative. Learned a lot!
Need your recommendation. I have a very small area right now shovel. Getting tired of shoveling. I live in Wisconsin. Light to somewhat wet at times for snow. 6″ to 8″ average.
I do not want to spend a lot of money on a snowblower. Around $600. I do want a 2 stage with elec. start – a must.
Looking at a Powersmart 24″ PSS2240 model. Or a
Yard Machine 24″ 31AS6BEE700 from Menards. Both around $550.00.
There is a Craftsman SB410 and a Craftsman SB24208. Not sure if I want to spend the extra money on the Craftsman. ($650 – $700.)
Can I get your thoughts on recommending a snowblower in that price range? Also I need to get parts. I am some what of a handyman, so I can fix it myself. (As long as I can get parts). Maybe I should stick to a shovel.
Would appreciate any help.
Thank You
Philip
Paul
Hi Philip, I really don’t like recommending any snowblower under $799. They all have fuel issues or getting parts problems, etc.
But, You will be able to get parts for the Yard Machines the easiest. Any authorized MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt dealer can get the parts. Many will even do warranty work on it (be sure you have the receipt from Menards)
Understand – if you buy a gas-powered unit from Menards the moment you put gas in it they will not help you if you have any problems. Most Menards will help you find local service but they will not return it or help you get parts. That’s why it’s so inexpensive to buy at Menards compared to anyone else. You will have to go to an MTD repair center for any issues.
Philip Marshall
Hello Paul
Thank you for your feed back. Your reply made me think. Maybe I will revisit on what to buy. Might think about spending a little more money or wait till something goes on sale. I am going to assume when you said fuel issues, that it pertains to carb. problems. (Due to the gas you run and not using seaform?)
Any way thanks for your response.
Philip
Paul
Hi Phillip, Yes, Fuel issues with the smaller, cheaper engines ALWAYS require a new carb. The jets in today’s carbs are so small that any gumming from stale fuel will clog them. The jets are not replaceable and you can’t take them out to clean them.
Mike Nicewarner
Paul, thank you for taking the time to write this article. It was very informative. However, I’m still a little confused about which engines are US made and which aren’t. I want to buy a 100% US made snow blower, engine, parts, assembly, everything. What are my options for a 2 stage between 25 and 30 inch? I thought Ariens or Husqvarna would be best, but it appears are outsourcing at least some of the engines. Is this a pipe dream? Is anyone making snowblowers from scratch in the US?
Again, thanks for the article.
Paul
Hi Mike, ALL snowblower engines are made overseas except the little engine on the single-stage Honda.
LCT, which makes the Ariens and Husqvarna engines is a U.S. company but its engine assembly plant is in China. (which they own) LCT was created after Lawson sold off the Techumseh name and the air conditioning division back in 2007ish.
Honda is a Japanese company but they make the AX series in Taiwan.
MTD has a stake in the company that makes its engines in China.
Toro’s engines are made by Loncin in China to Toro’s specs. Loncin is one of the world’s largest engine manufactures.
It’s pretty tough to find a 100% made in America product because many of the parts suppliers are now outside the U.S. Tires, rims, electrical components, wire, steel rod, bolts, everything is now a global market.
sharon mobley
we have an old simplicity snow blower. you mentioned the older one may not run on the gasoline
of today. Is there anything we can add to the gasoline?
Paul
Hi Sharon, I really don’t deal with the older stuff. I suggest going to https://www.snowblowerforum.com/ and asking over there.
Chris Sherwin
Hi Paul,
Wow you are a wealth of knowledge–thank you so much. We have had a Toro snowblowers for many years ( I think it was a 90s model, given to us 10 yrs ago) that finally bit the bullet in the most recent 2-3 foot Nor Easter we got up here in New England. I am looking at new ones and am stuck between the Cub Cadet (2 x 24 or 2 x26), Toro (824)…maybe the Husky…in the $800-1000 range. We have 2 good-size driveways, one gravel, one paved (old, with frostheaves) and I usually do a wide path around our house for dog run and feeding birds….curious to your best recommendation? I know you seem to like both Toro and Cub Cadet. Thanks so much for any advice! Peace, Chris
Paul
Hi Chris, I want to remind you that an $800-1000 snowblower 5 years ago is now a $1300-1400 machine today. You will not be happy with any of the snowblowers you have selected. They will not handle the heavy/wet snow you get without being very slow, clogging not throwing that heavy snow very far. I suggest Moving up to a Toro Power Max HD 828 or 928, an Ariens Deluxe 28 or Deluxe 28 SHO, or the Cub Cadet 2X 30 MAX. I don’t recommend any Husqvarna in this price range for the type of snow you get.
If you have to stay within the $1000 budget I suggest the Ariens Deluxe 24 or the Toro Power Max 826.
Bob Petras
Hi Paul:
I just purchased on clearance, a new MTD Cub Cadet 2X 28 inch 357cc OHV 4-cycle Engine from Lowe’s in Canada. Yes, the older model with the single light but other than this, it is the same as the new 2020 Models with dual lights. Model Number is #31AH5DST596
Of interest, there seems fewer 28 inch models with a 357cc motor, mostly 254cc to 282cc power. I am yet to try it out – need snow in NW British Columbia.
I am adding the MTD LED Light Kit Bar and a pair of new Drift Cutters I’ve had for years. Previously I had a 26 inch 8 HP Homelite for 15 years then a 27 inch 9.5 HP Craftsmen for 16 years.
So time will tell if this is a good purchase for $1120.
It is not a Honda, Ariens or Toro – but maintaining it is key to a reliable machine.
Paul
Hi Bob, the 357cc engine will have plenty of power and you’ll be very happy with it,
JIM
Hello Paul, This is an excellent article! I’m looking for a new snowblower geared toward heavy wet slush. I live on a main road where salt is used heavily. When the highway plow train comes past me I’m left with a small mountain of heavy wet snow and slush. My two stage Snapper is going through too many auger belts and can’t handle this. I also clear two elderly neighbors driveways which have the same problem. I don’t necessarily need width but do need power and I suppose 3 stage. Which models or brands would you recommend? Price range up to $1500. or $1600. Thank you! Jim
Paul
Hi Jim, Two excellent choices.
1. Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO. Has a double belt auger drive so you’ll never burn a belt. It also has a larger 14 inch impeller so it will throw that heavy snow low snow without clogging and throw it a long way. This is a dealer only snowblower so go to ariens.com to find a local dealer.
2. If you can’t get the Ariens the Toro 928 is also a great choice. It has the 14 inch larger impeller and also handles wet snow very, very well. It only has one impeller belt but I’ve never heard of anyone burning one up.
Either machine is very easy to use and built exactly for what you want it to do.
Richard Shaw
Paul, just found this site. I was given a snowthrower with the name Agway and a sticker mentioning the name Snow King. The carb leaks a little but I get what I think is no spark. I am not even sure that they have the right spark plug in it. We just replaced the fuel line from the take to the carb. The person said it would start sometimes and not other occasions. I can’t seem to find a reliable person to work on it. Not sure what to do next.
Paul
Hi Richard, Agway snowblowers were sold somewhere around 1985-1993. They were made by NOMA corp which is no longer in business. The Snow King is a Tecumseh engines snow motor. Tecumseh is also out of business but you can get replacement carbs for it.
If the carb is leaking most likely the float and main inlet valve are stuck. You can take the carb off yourself, remove the bottom bowl, and clean the bowl and needle valve out. Be careful removing the bowl so you don’t wreck the rubber/cork gasket. Just do a google search and you can find the procedure.
No one wants to work on it because removing and cleaning the carb is too time-consuming and you won’t pay $150-$300 for the job. If the carb is bad you are looking at $250 for someone to replace it for you. (You can buy a new carb and replace it yourself for %50 or so.)
LennyD
What with the US moving to E15 (and Canada considering it), I know of only two (in Canada) non-ethanol blends (Canadian Tire and Shell) and both are only premium non-ethanol. Reg and mid have a min of 10% (for now) ethanol.