Buyers Beware!! Cub Cadet 243cc 26” Snowblower Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video, Cole tells you his thoughts on the Cub Cadet 26 inch snowblower. It’s definitely got its problems. If you’re looking for a snowblower, buy an Aarons or a Toro. Thanks for watching
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Had my cub cadet for 5 years now no issues best dam snowblower I've owned
I haven’t had one issue with my cub cadet it’s actually quite a awesome tool and easy to handle
Had a Cub Cadet 3 stage for 5 years, NO ISSUES, ZERO! I sold my Ariens which I loved but I literally had a heart attack one snowy morning pulling on the recoil (trying) to start the damn thing which was a regular problem.. I picked the Cub because the balance was better for my wife to handle and the power steering benefited her handling the blower until I recovered properly. Now that I’m back I’ve taken back over the snow and this thing has started on the first or second pull EVERY time. So it works for me and I bet the camera you used to film this was made in China. P.S. you should change the oil regularly and then if you do have some gas in the oil problem solved. Also I’m not a chiny buying guy but didn’t have much choice in this situation.
Rick, I'm very happy that you have had no issues with your cub cadet. I applaud you for taking very good care of it. I've gotten a few comments like this and my answer to them is that I made this video specifically for a new homeowner looking for a snowblower with no mechanical experience. My statement with gas getting into the crankcase is caused by the needle and seat getting stuck and flooding the engine with gas causing it to leak into the crankcase. That's why I am not a fan of these engines. Like I said, there are some aspects of it that I like and some I do not. However, if you take care of it, it will last a long time just like your snowblower.
NO seasonal machine should ever be stored with fuel in it. Ethanol free or not.
Cub makes the best for the money. Plastic helps keep the machine lighter, it doesn’t rust or chip from rocks, and snow comes off it easier. These things are heavy as it is. The motor is solid. Change the oil when it’s black. Good gas goes a long way. If it smells bad change it out and add some sea foam and you can milk it off the full choke on over time. Spray inside the front of the chute with WD40 or some spray wax and the snow won’t stick. I have an older 5hp 2 stage blower that’s fine in the light stuff but is no match for the cub 3 stage in deep packed or heavy wet snow. You were blowing melted and refrozen snow in this review which threw it further but also it kept jarring you because of the poor ski/skids design and too high of a gear. The pointed part on the blue skis grabs and causes the front to jump up and down when crusted snow/ice is present. Rounded skis work much better but won’t stay down in hard drifted snow. Metal skis being thinner help cut the path with less drag “but” in gravel driveways they let the front dig down and throw gravel or grass if you’re in the yard. I don’t get the cub out unless there’s snow 6+inches deep. It’s just heavy and harder to maneuver turns and pull backwards since revers is slow on these machines. I have a couple videos on my channel of the cub. Sure beats a shovel. If all the parts were made in the USA would be twice the price with the same profit margin. A 2,000$+ machine deserves good fresh gas and good oil. A good extension cord for the electric start and a can of starting fluid is also good to have on hand if it won’t start in a few pulls. A shot of your favorite whiskey or vodka will help keep your fingers and toes warmer too. Happy blowing ❄️
Aside from harping on China garbage, this was a fair, thorough, and detailed review. Thank you much. Plus you actually ran it in the dark and showed it throwing for real. Awesome.
I bought one of these a few years ago. It broke the first time I used it because the lead swage on the end of the cable came loose. The dealer picked it up, fixed it, and returned it under warranty.
The engine used to gallop alot until I switched to Shell V-power gasoline, which is straight gasoline without any alcohol mixed in. Has worked great since. I would buy again.
I always use high test on all small engines.
You have an amazing dealer, cub cadet would not help with replacing our carb or now it leaks oil
Had a 27 year old CHRAFTSMAN , ran great but didn't have electric start. Was a beast to get going even after a visit to the shop. Gave it away and bought the cheapest 24" new CHRAFTSMAN. ( actually made by HUSQUAVARNA ). Best decision ever. 6years going , only thing i've had to do is put tubes in the tires and change the belts. Sudbury Ontario Canada.
I have this exact one and ZERO issues. I would totally recommend this unit.
The REASON for the plastic skid shoes is to prevent scratching of concrete driveway which the metal shoes will DEFINITELY do!!!!
My 2009 30" 2-stage is definitely better made than my 2016 28" 3-stage. They're both Troy-Bilt units. The 3-stage unit bent something in the Auger system the very first time I used it. I can't tell what's bent but it vibrates like hell now. They both have a 357cc engine that I love. Starts on the first pull and powers through anything.
My 2014 Cub Cadet three stage 24” model wore out the friction disk last year, not too hard to replace. Yes, my starter rope broke and after replacing the rope, the handle split and allowed the rope to pull through. I fixed that too without replacing the handle. Mine has a plastic chute, so far no problem. The cables operating the chute deflector got water inside and froze the cables…used a heat gun and silicone lubricant to resolve that issue. Engine always starts, rarely ever used the electric start. Agree about the carburetor, it’s a nightmare to remove for cleaning. Absolutely useless at throwing wet snow. Watched a vid showing how to install heavy rubber pads on the impeller that wipe the impeller housing and prevents clogging. Mine will throw heavy wet slush 15 feet now. I’m hoping to get a few more years out of it, I’ll check out other brands at replacement time. Thank you for your thoughts.
I knew people had those issues. Definitely check out toro when you decide to replace it
I've had my mtd snowblower for 22 years and I've been thinking about getting a new one because the inside of the housing is badly rusted. It runs just fine no issues except at start up it requires constant priming before it smooths out. I know the carburetor needs cleaning before the snow season begins. I've been looking at all manufacturers including cub cadet. Thanks for the info.
I think the quality of things has gone downhill over the years. May be better to buy a new housing rather than a new unit.
Glad to see it has the friction disc transmission, instead of those awful sealed plastic ones that some manufacturers were using a few years ago. As for the carb problems, I wonder if using ethanol-free gas would have prevented trouble.
Friction disc drive systems are ok, I like the hydrostatic transmissions that they are putting in the nicer snowblowers like Ariens, toro etc. You’re definitely right, ethanol gas does prevent the problem, I use 91 octane ethanol free gas but this customer did not
OK..... I have been doing small engine repair for 22 years now. Number one, you MUST run the gas out at the end of the season. The carbs are problematic, but leaking valve covers, no. The unit is made pretty well, and the main thing I get called for is the carb issue. Cub Cadet is a MTD product as well as Yard machines, White outdoor, and Troy built as well. For the price point its a good value. ANY of the newer units WILL have a Chinese engine on them. Tecumseh, which I feel was a very good snow engine has stopped making them around 17 yrs ago. When that happened, most whole good producers went to have their own engines made in china.There are only a few brands which have a Briggs and Stratton engine on them. Those are upper end units which can cost 2500.00 and up,usually. In the end, if you dont abuse the unit and be mindful of proper care, it should work well.
JB Small Engine Service LLc.
I’m guessing the plastic chute base is a designed failure point. So if something gets James in there it breaks out the plastic instead of
Mangling the blower blades. I had that happen with a small chunk of firewood left in the driveway
Best machine I’ve ever had bought a 24 in 2 stage never ever fails bought in 2009 never done a thing just shear pins
Toro and Ariens engines are also made in China, just because something is made in China doesn’t immediately mean that it is terrible.
Yep, I know that. I just don’t like them because the metal is not as strong and these engines can be a little hard to work on sometimes,
Who makes the best Compact, 24-in two-stage snow blower?
Ariens or toro. The rest are cheap. Toro has the patented one handed chute control that last forever. Ariens have different chute controls but both very good machines. Avoid electrical motors to turn your chutes if you go other brands
They have Covid hahaha
Cub Cadet motors are called power more. The motors are made in Asia. Also the machines are made by MTD
I have the cub cadet three stage and no issues. The plastic skids plates are still good after seven years.
Good to hear Dave! Keep up the good work on maintaining it
Arens is twice the money.
Have a cub, 33 inch 420cc, heavy duty, its a beast, love it, its a 2014 not a mark on it, throws snow beautifully
I have an old Cub Cadet 926 electric start, 9 hp.Trac drive with power steering. I bought late in the 🎉70s and still using this winter in Iowa 2024. Quality at its best👍
Had mine for 7 years with no issues
I have had my cub cadet x2 26" since 2019 with no problems ! You have to know how to handle your machine & do proper maintenance ! Happy snow blowing ! 🍺👍
That’s why I make videos. To show people how to maintain there equipment. And show what products are best
I have the same engine on my Troy built storm 2410 . It’s a cheap Chinese knockoff of a Honda engine and it surges since the day I bought it brand new. It has to get me through this winter hopefully, but when springtime comes around I’m going to sell it and get a higher quality machine.
I have this exact snow blower. Bought in 2019. It’s junk. I’m selling it for parts. Never starts right. Every season after the first I spent $300+ to have it repaired. The carb needs repaired/cleaned every season. I had. Toro for 21 years and never had a problem. Hard pass on this unit.
have owned cub cadet products for years and never had a carb issuee, but then I use ethanol free gas and fuel stabilizer!
Good video. Thanks for sharing.
Don't use gas with ethanol in it, stabilize the fuel when storing, and change the oil every season. Lack of maintenance is the main cause of most problems, people tend to treat their outdoor power equipment the same as their toaster.
We currently have a lemon cub cadet, the 3 year warranty does nothing and both times it’s cost $350 to fix it.
Can we get your thoughts on the Chute assembly mostly on the Chute control crank and Shaft Design. The Chute Crank is connected to a Rod Coupler and then connected to the Chute Control Shaft or Flex cable. I have the problem where it comes out from the coupler after 5 or 6 turns.
This started happing a year after I bough it and only happened from time to time. Now 2 years later it comes out everytime from the vibration of the engine running. I have replaced all the parts from the flex cable all the way to the handle and still the same thing.
Even changed 1st to make sure the Chute control Shaft or flex cable is connected to the Gear assembly box and is through the first hole not the second hole with the cotter pin.
Hi Gary, I have actually never heard of this problem. I did state in the video that I didn’t really like the rubber chute control but haven’t heard of it coming off. Sorry I can’t help. Maybe contact a Cub cadet dealer or the place you bought it from
@@onlinesmallenginemechanics3999 thanks if you get the chance look at the chute crank and coupler area to get your thoughts on the set up. It’s very rare and my service dealer has not even heard of the problem either nor cub cadet
I have that one problem no one else has
In West Texas and work on small engines full time but never seen a snow blower
If you got the room, put a fuel shut off valve. Nice video!!!!
I just bought the 30” 13hp and it’s awesome! Have used it 5 times this year with a foot of snow each time and it tossed it out easily. Don’t believe it everything you hear.
Glad it works good for you. But be aware that you may have problems down the road.
I think some people feel the plastic skids don't "mark up" their driveways.
At least that what I hear people say.
I've had my Cub Cadet 3X for about seven years now and it's a pretty good machine. It throws the snow a mile and gets the job done. The engine always starts and runs strong. But on that note. My pull chord did break. I've had to replace both the drive cable and auger cable. The carburetor leaks if I push the primer bulb more than once. I also had to change the auger belt this year but that's just normal maintenance. All in all, I like my Cub Cadet. The cables definitely suck, and the pull chord does break easy but when push comes to shove it gets the job done.
Glad to hear it works good for you! Thanks for watching
I like the color, that's it.
I have the exact same problem with my cub cadet it will only run at a lower power with the choke half on. I was wondering if I could repair it myself or better off taking it to someone like you. That is if I can find some one like you. LOL
Those carburetors are complicated. There’s a lot to take apart and a lot of jets to clean. I agree with taking it to someone to have it professionally cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner like I have
I have the same snow blower and broke the speed selector cable. I ordered the cable but cannot seem to get the top end of the cable into the round hole. Am i missing a piece that connects to the shifter ?
It’s most likely too big to fit in the hole. You may have to drill it out a little bit
I have the Crossman version of that and it’s six years old and it’s never give me any of those issues
I'm very happy that you've had no problems. That means you have been taking very good care of it.
I found it difficult to understand what you mentioned about the other manufacturers. Did you say that the Troy-Bilt also had the Chinese engines?
Yes, Troy bilt is part of the MTD family. MTD consists of Yard machines, Yard man, Troy Bilt, Cub Cadet, bolens and craftsman. All of which use Chinese engines and parts.
@@onlinesmallenginemechanics3999 I just read that both Ariens and Toro use Chinese engines that are built to their specs. I don’t know if that makes them better or not. My old Ariens had a Briggs and Stratton, but their customer service was terrible. Guess I’ll get a new Toro.
Ariens has a Chinese engine made by LCT. Toro has a Chinese engine but I don’t know who makes it. However the Chinese toro engines are pretty good. I would definitely recommend buying a toro. Or get your old snowblower fixed by a shop near you for a fraction of the cost
i have one and i never had issue.
Happy that it works good for you. Hopefully you don’t run into any problems in the future
Just curious if this model was purchased at a box store or at an official dealer? My C/C has a Koeler engine....purchased from a dealer.
My customer purchased it at a Home Depot.
A lot of Dealer models also come with the Cub Engine, the Cub Engines are excellent. Comparable to any newer Kohler or Briggs of similar cc. I work at a dealership and I've replaced ZERO engine parts from a Cub Engine in the 5+ years they've been using them. In that same time I've replaced hundreds of Kohler Valvepan gaskets and Briggs carb kits. I've sold the odd intake gasket for MTD carbs.
Just my experience.
@@onlinesmallenginemechanics3999 Yeah, the box store models are garbage. They have brand name stickers on less than adequate machines.
My issue is 1st gear is to fast for heavier snow and the skid plates you flip over and get another year or 2 usage. Also is customer using 91 octane non alcohol gas? They really recommend 91 and also fuel treatment.
This customer used 87 octane. I use 91 octane with no ethanol.
@@onlinesmallenginemechanics3999 could be a problem with the ethanol and the gaskets or water because of the ethanols amorphous nature?
Douglas Baker, thank you!! I thought I was the only person who found 1st speed to be too fast. The auger and fan simply can't keep up with the forward speed in 1st.
Yep, we ended up replacing the carburetor
I have a 3 stage cub cadet . It's a piece of junk. The blower outer band is already shot. The cables get water on the inside and freeze every year. And it's never left out its always in the shed. The tranny brakes have never been right. My 1970 old John Deere does a better job. So glad I kept that old Deere.
bought this back in Feb and went to fire it up and the damn thing has a bad carb I'm guessing wont pull start I use the electric start and have to press the primer once while doing it to start and dies at full throttle 😓
Yup. Even using stabilizer in the gas still will not protect the carburetor. Surging is most common problem.
skid shoes: I have a blacktop driveway, and I thought the metal ones would be higher risk of scraping up the blacktop. Brass gears? what the hell. For the money, better to maybe spend more and get an Ariens. ?
I agree with that. Ariens is a much better brand even though they also use Chinese engines
Can you recommend a snow blower today that you like and would buy?
The one in the video
@@EarlMantis ha, ha, ha.
China is fully capable of producing high quality reliable engines, however if the company buying these engines puts a low price they want them manufactured for,
We'll ya gets whats ya pay for.
Yup, but also labor is cheaper in china so their profit margins are higher. However they would get more sales if the unit itself and engine were made in the USA. That’s why I wish Tecumseh engines were still being made…
@@onlinesmallenginemechanics3999 well sure that's why they do it, even if Tecumseh motors were still being built in America , at Union wages, you wouldn't buy it because it would likely be 2 to 4 times the cost, some might but given the choice between and American built snow blower for $3500 or an American assembled with Chinese motor and the same spec's for $1200 what would most people buy, especially if you an underpaid American with a snow problem.
You make a very good point. Thank you for reaching out
It’s all about price point. Manufactures are building to a level that the consumer is willing to pay. Everything is built to a point of being disposable today.
Where is the filter. I have this one ....about 2 hrs use......won’t start this winter. Has spark, electric start but won’t run. Brother says it isn’t getting gas.
I agree with your brother. Probably needs a good carburetor cleaning or replacement. What do you mean by filter?
Not a fan of your review at all. Respectfully:
I have a Troy-Bilt 3090 storm with the 357cc Powermore engine. (The Chinese brand you are referring to). Like it or not, they have become one of the top small engines in the world.
This 357 has been one of the best preforming engines I have owned in my entire life. (I am 52 and have owned hundreds of machines.) As stated in other comments, Chinese-made does not automatically equate to "crap". Do you, or anyone you know own an i-Phone? Guess where they are made? And If you think other snow blower brands are all American-made, well then you need to wake up, my young friend.
As for the cable shoot control, that is a very large gauge cable. And with proper care, should last years and years. (How about greasing that chute crank bracket like anyone else would do before filming it squeaking in the vid?) And the plastic skid shoes? You are right about those. Crap. But, they are a wear item, and anyone can upgrade to better ones. Just like people putting new tires on their vehicles.
Ok, let's talk the plastic chute base....... MTD designed this to be replaceable. If you had a welded-in (integral) metal chute base that got worn out/damaged/rusted-through over the years, you would be stuck with it. Or, it would be a real pain to have someone weld in a metal piece to repair it.
The MTD plastic (actually polymer) chute bases are incredibly tough. And if needed after many years, can be replaced in about 15 minutes.
Ok, on to your assessment inside the belly pan: The manual STATES to apply a THIN layer of anti-seize product to the hex shaft. In fact, they recommend Bostich. Grease could sling onto the friction drive rendering it useless.
As for the cables breaking, people have had them break over time. It is on the owner to have a spare cable or two on hand (like you would for auger or drive belts.) Just smart practice. And if you have your cables/pulleys adjusted correctly (also in the manual), you should get years of service from them.
Finally, Why did you start this blower in 4th or 5th gear and pop the bucket up each time you started it? And why test it on just a few inches of hard-packed completely frozen snow that has seen one or two melt/freeze cycles? That is hardly the way to show what this machine is capable of.
As for the carburetors, that is again on the owners. Leaving any ethanol gas in a small engine for months at a time is a death sentence. (Treated with stabilizers or not).
Finally, not every snow blower is a $3700 Ariens Kraken edition. For those who just need a machine for one or two snowfalls a year, any MTD will work just fine. That is why they sell tens of thousands of them.
You do a great disservice to these MTD machines, and your arguments against them are ridiculous at best.
Hello Paul, first of all thank you for taking the time to write a comment. I do appreciate the feedback. I do know that iPhones are made in china and that most of the new snowblowers are made in china however I just stated that items made overseas tend not to last as long. I prefer the older snowblowers with tecumseh engines on it. I’m happy that your Troy Bilt snowblower works good for you. While making this video, I kept the consumers behavior close to mind. I know having first hand experience that people throw their equipment for the dumbest of reasons and I understand that you may think it’s easy to do these repairs as you stated, but that doesn’t mean others can. (That’s why it was in my shop). I do think MTD is good for light use but absolutely not for commercial. The reason I tested it in that snow is because we barely had any here in Wisconsin at the time and the customer was picking it up the next day. I did however think it threw snow pretty good. I was also trying to get the gear right so I wasn’t going super fast. I’ve seen much worse MTD snowblowers, but my personal preference is not MTD. The purpose of the video was to provide insight on a new home owner looking for a snowblower. Please feel free to ask/let me know anything else.
I think it's funny how he says he doesn't like the engine because it's a chinese engine rebranded with the cub cadet name, and then he says to go buy an Ariens or Toro. Both Ariens and Toro buy their engines from China and rebrand them same as MTD does hahahahahahaha.
@@mrbubetube older Ariens and toros have Briggs or tecumseh engines
I'm planning on buying my first snowblower this year and everything you've said has given me a list of things to. do and remember. Thank you sir.
I leave in Minnesota and we get heavy wet snow and my 3 stage cub cadet clogs up all the time. This machine is total junk.
True that. Most 2 stages don’t do well in wet snow.
I used it 2 times but I can’t stared again 😢
Maybe it's the operator!
Video not working!
I got the feeling it was the wrong time of the month for him to do this review.
We had had very little snow last year in general. What we had in the video was the most we had ever gotten
@@onlinesmallenginemechanics3999 What he meant was, he thinks you are on the rag. In a bad mood.
@@johnultimate1161LOL
How you doing my friend
I’ve never had any issues
Good to hear Earl!
i would put a usa made engine on it ...but would not buy it in the first place
True that!
I must confess that I looked at the age of the reviewer. And I thought his video would be trash. The fact is, he did an excellent job on this review. Pointing out severe deficiencies on these new cupcadet made in china pieces of junk. Thanks for a fantastic review and keep up the great work!
In an performance test,the craftsman did a better job than the cadet.
It's the same thing
This machine clearly was not looked after. N that is the root of the problems here.
Nonsense...you get good and bad with all brands. Mine works like a charm. Has for a long time!
Big Does not=traction
US debt less than an hour and you’re doing a review on it really
You whine too much my club cadet runs like a top no issues
Glad to hear
If you don't like it why did you buy it. Do your research
This isn’t mine. It’s my customers. It was brought in because it only ran on choke. And since I had it, I figured I would do a review. I’ve worked on several of these and would never buy one for my personal use
@@onlinesmallenginemechanics3999 👍
even Ariens engines are now made in China
Yes, it’s unfortunate
My neighbor across the street has one of these. Bwahahahahahah
Umm horrible opinion not based on fact at all... my first cub is over 20,my kid still uses it,i bought me a new one in 4 years havent burnt 1 drop of oil and have had 0 issues,and as far as overseas metal being inferior,got news for you...most of your US steal is made by japanese companies and chinese companies...not to mention when the steel is tested it meets or exceeds US standards which is why DOD uses foreign materials...you just give bad opinions
Found out the hard way did not even 5 hours out of it engine seized engines are complete junk
Лучше купить Craftsman 88106.
Get some balls and some real cash and buy a Honda. The most beautiful 100% US snowthrower that money can buy. (And it is red.)
My friend, you were just on me about my complaint about Chinese engines. When in fact, Honda is made in Japan!
Japanese stuff is almost always better made than American, tard. Comparing it to China is over the top absurd and ignorant. I agree with the other guy, you have PMS.
What rock do you live under? ALL the snow throwers are CHINA engines..
"designed in USA". The throwers are all assembled or partially crafted in the USA with global components. Loncin, LCT, PowerMore, etc. China. Even some Briggs use China pieces, and entire engines are Chinese. Tecumseh stopped producing engines 14 years ago in 2008. It is a name that was purchased, nothing more.
Yes I understand that. I was just stating in the video that I am not a fan. Trust me, I have done my research plenty and work and learn on small engines every day. Remember, older stuff is always the best stuff
Just bought a new cadet 2 cycle.......JUNK. Chute leaks and fills part of engine and blower unit with snow....engine every 10 min or so doubles it rpm by 40% and as quick as it revs up it goes back to set rpm.. The chute won't stay in 90% when in full load..
I'm sorry I bought this cadet.
Hmm, this sounds strange. I haven’t heard of these problems before
lowest energy I've ever seen