Review of Cub Cadet gasoline snow blowers: advantages and disadvantages, characteristics, cost, customer opinions

After heavy snowfalls, owners of private territories have to deal with snowdrifts. It will not be possible to ignore them, since within a few hours they will become denser and make it difficult to approach or access the object.

Snow removal equipment will help you easily and quickly correct the situation. For clearing small areas, you can limit yourself to one of the Cub Cadet brand snow blowers.

Read the article about who produces the machines, what advantages and disadvantages they have, what real users think about them and more.

Manufacturer

The production of snow blowers is carried out by the Cub Cadet company, which is part of the large MTD concern. The brand was previously owned by McCormick Harvesting Machine., but due to the difficult financial situation it was sold.

This happened in 1981, although the history of the brand begins in 1902. However, it was in the 80s that the company received its final name - Cub Cadet.

Since then, technology has been improved and modified according to the needs of modern society. The headquarters is located in the USA, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Pros and cons of Cub Cadet snow removal machines

Among the advantages Cub Cadet snow blowers:

1. Powerful ThorX engines installed on all models of snow removal equipment. The motor was designed specifically for operation at low air temperatures, so users do not have problems activating them.
2. Multiple gear speeds to optimize snow removal work.
3. The presence of an electric starter even on the cheapest models.
4. Robust metal auger with toothed shape. With its help you can break even compacted snow and small ice.
5. Possibility of adjusting the snow throw distance.
6. All basic elements of snow blowers are made of metal.
7. The presence of a headlight for work in the dark, which is especially important for winter Russia.
8. High maneuverability and maneuverability of the equipment, which is provided by wheels with a diameter of 13 inches with deep tread.
9. Economical oil and fuel consumption.

Flaws:

• high cost - the most budget model will cost 132,000 rubles;
• small assortment, lack of electric snow blowers for sale;
• American assembly, which is distinguished by high-quality workmanship.

Popular models

On sale you can only find gasoline snow blowers from the Cub Cadet company. Top 5 popular models:

XS2 61 SWE

Petrol snow blower, self-propelled. The engine power is 5.44 hp. The package includes an electric starter. Additional options include heated grips and a headlight.

The snow capture width is 61 cm, the auger is embossed, metal. The chute throws precipitation at a distance of up to 12 m. Price – 132,000 rubles.

XS3 66 SWE

Petrol snow blower. The equipment is equipped with a 4-stroke engine with a capacity of 10.6 liters. With. In one pass, it is possible to clear a path 66 cm wide of snow. The snow is thrown at a distance of up to 18 m.

All elements are metal:

• gutter,
• screw,
• casing,
• frame.

The wheel diameter is 16 inches. The package includes an electric starter, heated grips and a headlight. Price 189,000 rubles.

XS3 76 TDE

Petrol snow blower. The equipment is equipped with a powerful 10.6 hp engine. The main distinguishing characteristic of the model is its track drive, thanks to which it can easily overcome even the most difficult obstacles.

The snow handling width has been increased to 76 cm. The machine can handle work over a large area perfectly. Price – 273,000 rubles.

XS3 71 SWE

Petrol snow blower. Wheel drive equipment. The tire diameter is 16 inches, which ensures high maneuverability of the vehicle.

Engine with a power of 10.6 hp. The width of the path to be cleared is 71 cm. The snow throw range is adjustable, the maximum value is 18 m. Price is 200,000 rubles.

530 HD SWE

Self-propelled petrol snow blower. The car is equipped with an 11.3 liter engine. With. The electric starter allows you to start the engine in any weather.

In one pass, it is possible to clear a path of 76 cm from snow. The snow throw range is 15 m. The handles are heated, there is a headlight for working in the dark. Price – 189,000 rubles.

Preparing for launch

Before using the Cub Cadet snow blower, you need to do the following:

1. Assemble the machine by installing the levers and handles.
2. Check the reliability of all fastenings.
3. Pour gasoline into the fuel tank. AI-92 gasoline is suitable for use. You should not pour it under the neck, since fuel expands during engine operation.
4. Fill the engine with oil. Its level is checked using a dipstick.
5. Check tire pressure. Normally it should be 1 bar.
6. Adjust the skids. If the surface is uneven, then the snow blower bucket is raised higher above the ground. When working on level ground, it is lowered.

Launch and use

Cub Cadet snow blowers are equipped with manual and electric starters. To start the motor manually, perform the following steps:

• close the shut-off valve;
• insert the tip of the wire into the spark plug;
• set the accelerator to the “Hare” position; if the car does not have an accelerator, move the engine start button to the “On” position;
• during a cold start, the air damper is closed, and during a warm start, it is left open;
• press the fuel pump button once if the engine is warm and 2-7 times if it is cool;
• slowly pull the starter, and after resistance appears, quickly and forcefully pull it;
• when the engine starts, the cord is slowly returned to its original position;
• As the engine warms up, open the air damper and start working.

If the engine is started using an electric starter, then the first steps are no different from those that need to be performed when starting the engine manually. However, when it comes time to pull the starter handle, they press a special button on it instead.

It is prohibited to use the electric starter during rain. To connect the machine to the network, you can only use special extension cords designed for outdoor use. They are equipped with protection to prevent electric shock to workers.

Features of equipment operation:

1. Do not turn off the engine immediately after completing work. The snow blower needs to be stopped and waited a few minutes for excess moisture to evaporate. Then the accelerator is turned to the “Turtle” position, the ignition key is removed, and the shut-off valve is closed.
2. If it is necessary to change gears during operation, the clutch release levers must be released. Forward movement is carried out using speeds from 1 (slow) to 6 (fast). To move backwards, select speed R.
3. The exit of the snow discharge chute should not be directed towards people, animals, cars and buildings. A handle is used to turn the pipe. The steeper the damper is set, the higher and further the snow will be thrown.
4. The equipment must be turned slowly and carefully to prevent it from falling.
5. You can only move equipment on a slope up and down, but not across.

Maintenance and storage

To help your Cub Cadet snowblowers last longer, It is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations for their maintenance and storage:

1. Change the engine oil regularly. Normally, it is drained every 50 hours, but the first update is performed after 5 hours of operation. If the equipment was operated under heavy load or at low air temperatures, the oil should be changed every 25 hours. For 4-stroke engines, MTD SAE 5W-30 mineral oil is used.
2. The spark plug is cleaned once every 25 hours, and replaced after each season.
3. The drive shaft is lubricated every 25 hours of operation.
4. After each operating cycle, dirt and snow are removed from the snow blower and the barrel is cleaned to eject snow.
5. All rotating parts are regularly treated with a light lubricant.

Where and for how much to buy?

You can buy a Cub Cadet snow blower in retail stores selling electronics and equipment. If the model you need is not in stock, you should contact the online market to purchase it.

It is there that promotions are often held that allow you to purchase equipment at a good discount. The main thing is to transfer money to trusted sellers who work in large online stores.

Reviews

Users respond positively to Cub Cadet snow blowers. They are satisfied with the build quality and performance of the equipment.

It is suitable for cleaning both small areas, for example, in front of a country house, and more impressive areas, for example, parking lots.

People are satisfied with the distance of the snow thrown. They note that the equipment is not afraid of snowdrifts, and when passing through difficult areas it does not slip. Consumers also like the presence of an electric starter, which makes it easier to start the engine and easy control of all systems.

Among the disadvantages, they note the need to take care of the equipment, since there are difficulties in finding and purchasing replacement parts.

Alternatives

As an alternative to Cub Cadet snow blowers, You can consider equipment from the following manufacturers:

• Huter;
• Resanta;
• RedVerg, etc.

Each brand offers several models of snow blowers in different price categories. Read about Huter snow blowers Here, RedVerg - here.

Repair

If the machine breaks down, repairs should be carried out at a service center.This is especially true if the snow blower is under warranty. You can only deal with faults that are not caused by the breakdown of complex spare parts on your own:

1. The engine does not start. You need to check the presence of gasoline in the fuel tank and evaluate its quality. You should also close the air damper when activating a cold engine.
2. The tip of the spark plug wire came off. It must be returned to its original position. If the engine does not start, you need to inspect the spark plug contacts for carbon deposits or dirt. If necessary, the part is changed.
3. The engine runs rough. Most often this occurs due to a partially open air damper. After the engine warms up, it is opened completely.
4. The equipment does not remove snow. The chute and auger need to be cleaned.
5. The car vibrates a lot. The most common cause is loose fasteners. Screws and nuts need to be tightened.

Weak snow emission

There are several reasons leading to weak snow emissions:

• a blockage has formed in the gutter - it can be removed using a special tool; you cannot remove the blockage with your hands;
• the auger is blocked - the foreign object must be removed;
• the drive belt is stretched - it will have to be replaced;
• The work is being done at too high a speed - it needs to be reduced.

Conclusion

Cub Cadet snow blowers are precision-built and built to last. The equipment cannot be called budget, but people who purchase it understand that they are paying for quality.