If you want to speed up reverse you have take the transmission rod behind the machine, it best if you prop up the back end with something take belly pans off and remove the cotter pin the on top of the rod turn the piece attached the rod and turn it right to shorten the rod the put the cotter pin back in. What it does is the friction disc sits just to the left of center on the friction wheel. You also probably going fast in first gear. The exact center of the friction wheel is neutral. Put your gear selector in sixth gear when you do this procedure. Move the piece clockwise a couple turns put it in first gear the friction disc should be slightly to the left of exact center on the friction wheel in first gear if not re adjust and keep turning the piece on the rod upright or left until it is slightly to the left of center in first gear The higher the speed the further the disc goes out on the wheel. Reverse 1 must be to the right of center and reverse 2 should be further out to the right the further out to the right the disc is from the center of the wheel the faster it will go in reverse. Just remember you have to get it so forward 1 is to the left of center or you may be going in reverse in forward. Keep adjusting until you get where you like it .
The test snow so lite and fluffy is easy, the real test is that wet heavy freezing icebergs the town plow will curl at the bottom of the driveway and starting to freeze up.
I wish these reviews, gave what we ALL WANNA REALLY SEE,,,run em thru 2 foot of heavy wet,,,,,that's REALLY, the value of these,,,and what were really interested in,,,,THE DIRTY TRUTH,,,If I'm gonna drop, under 2 g, I wanna see, the upper end, of the machines, load capacity,,i know, most of you guys, are company reps, and dont wanna make the products, look weak, but honestly,,,no matter which size, or brand, you own,,,,when you get 2 foot, of heavy wet,,,YOURE GONNA USE WHAT YOUVE GOT, regardless,,,just to get dug out,,,with 2 or 3 inches, of light powder,,, I'd just use my shovel,,,its useless, firin up the big boy,,,,just sayin,,,,I'm in Mass., for over 65 years,,,and we get beat up EVERY year,,,and that's what I'm after,,,,I could care less, about hand warmers, aircraft lights, and joystick controls,,,,to me its, HUGE POWERFUL, DEPENDABLE ,ENGINE,(THE BIGGER, THE BETTER),,,, AND WIDE THROAT,,,,AND THE WHEEL SKIDS,,,,,,after that,,,,,all the other toys, are just fluff, to break down,,,,bottom line, with me, is simply RELIABLE POWER, AND VOLUME,,,,( please dont tell me to just get a pickup, and blade,,, i already got on,,LOL),,,,,that's my 2 cents worth,,,,great vid,,,,😎
Here in Michigan 2 feet of wet heavy snow is next to impossible to find. I cannot tell you the last time we got more than 8" in a few days and if we do, it is normally not wet. We snow will not drift. So in here I pushed this through my snow plow packed piles for a workout. IMHO, this is not what you want for 2 feet of wet heavy snow. IMHO, the motor is not up to that workout. The High end TORO model has more power than this and might fair better, but none of them will do "good" on 2 feet of heavy wet snow. My 26 HP diesel john deere does not do well in 6 inches of wet heavy snow. Hope this helps.
Great in-depth review. I looked at the Cubs when I bought a new blower 7 years ago and ended up going with the Ariens Platinum 30 SHO. It also is painfully slow in reverse, I have pretty much quit using that function and just manhandle it backwards. Other than that it has performance admirably in northern MI winters.
Nice machine! I have the Platinum 24 SHO, my only peeves with it (regarding the LCT engine) are a poorly designed fuel cap and a too small for engine size fuel tank.
An easy way to solve the issue of snow getting into the plug/electric start area is simply find an old nasty cord you don't use and cut off the female side. Use just the head and leave it in the socket when you aren't using an extension cord to start.
Spot on review. Just bought the 2x 26" trac model 6 weeks ago. Runs a little smaller engine @270cc but I usually only deal with about 4-7" at time so it's fine for my needs. I think the trac model is inherently a bit less maneuverable but my 150yd driveway is a straight shot with 2/3 of it uphill and I'm getting great traction with the treads. And yes, reverse is painfully slow. I was also thinking about replacing the nuts on the skid feet with wing nuts for easier adjustment as the road from the drive to the shed is gravel.
After watching this and few others , and owning a cub cadet riding mower , bought a 2X 26 inch model for my property. The front shoes were a huge selling point for me as well. Have four dogs and may have to clear an area for them in the backyard. Also the power steering function caught me as well, where my wife would have a easier time using this unit when I can't. Can't wait for winter lol .
Awesome review, I like the added bars on the sides so it improves rigidity. 14 in impeller with a large engine is the way to go. Thumbs up for who else like me prefer the auger lever on the left and clutch on the rigth? Love being able to turn the chute lever while moving foward blowing snow.
Just used my new 2x 357cc 30” snowblower for the first time last week. It’s replacing a Craftsman 7hp model that’s over 20yrs old. I bent the impellers on it by catching a power cord in the machine. Tried to straighten them out but found out they don’t make parts for the machine anymore so it was time to replace it. After much research, decided on this model and, so far, I’m happy with it but it does have a learning curve. As mentioned, reverse sucks and first is too fast but I think I can make some adjustments to the throttle. Other then that the torque on this thing is amazing. It will chew up almost anything and does it w/o stopping. The controls are the opposite of the Craftsman, need to adjust myself but that’s minor. I’m a handicapped veteran with minimal use of my right leg and live on a hill in New England so I use the machine to pull my around as much as throw snow. It’s sometimes hard to keep up with the machine but at least it does the job. Great machine!
Great review! I'm happy with my Cub Cadet Snow Blower. I've had it for 2 years now and recently put it to the test on that same type of heavy snow. I didn't realize you're in Michigan. I live near East Lansing.
Cub cadet just told me to f myself and drive 10 hours for repair, after my brand new snow blower lost its gears after 6 hours of use! Horrible customer service for a 2,667 dollar purchase!
I have this same unit sans hand warmer here in the mountains of Southern California where we average 62 inches a year, sometimes seemingly all at once. I agree 100% with your assessment. This is a damn fine snowblower. The only drawback for the average person may be that the linkages took quite a bit of tweaking to get dialed in, but once set, rarely have to be adjusted. Thanks for this well done video.
FYI, no snowblowers that I'm aware of have open differentials, though some did back in the '70s and '80s. Most are just solid axles. Some have a pin lock on one wheel so you can use them as one-wheel drive, though that never worked well for me. Some, like this Cub, use the triggers to release each side. Ariens uses a automatic differential made by General Transmissions which is locked until you turn it, then the inside wheel is released. Toro also uses this same differential on some models, along with triggers on others. Which is best is a matter of personal preference. I prefer Auto Turn as it doesn't get iced up and stop working in some conditions like cable-actuated triggers can.
I just wanted to inform everybody that is considering buying This big hunk of garbage. This particular Lineup of snow blowers are meant for people that get Max 2 to 3" a year Of snow. There's an elderly gentleman that I occasionally help during the Winter And he has one of these horrendous hunks of garbage I could hardly get through 10" of snow. It literally felt like I was being tortured. But it's funny because the machine that I purchase what it owns is half the size And they can go through a foot and a 1/2 Snow bank with more problem.
It’s a easy adjustment if you have the cable in back that attaches to the speed lever when you push the drive lever down in back you have either a cable this is the newer max it will have a rod. Take your belly pan off and look to see where your friction disc is on the friction plate. The disc needs to be close to the left of dead center in first gear the further to the left in first gear it is the faster it goes when.To adjust the cable style you need to loosen the nut on the lever it attached to by loosening the nut you also had to hold the back. Don’t take it out just loosen it. It is in a slot. You need to slide the lever down so the nut goes up slightly. Don’t let it go all the way up do it a little at a time re-tighten it then see how it drives you can adjust that Higher up the nut goes the closer the disk will go to the center so you wanna look at the disk and make sure it’s very close to the left of dead center. When you put it in reverse it Hass to be to the right of death center or it will go forward Keep adjusting it and tightening it until you get it where you want it make sure when you put it in reverse. It’s to the right of dead center the closer to the right of dead center the slower it will go in reverse if you have the rod style you need to detach the pin there’s a pin up top, what you want to do there is a piece the pin goes through that spins on the rod turn it clock wise shortening the rod again this is done in 6 th gear then put the pin back in the hole on the piece attached to the rod, put your gear selector in first gear an make sure you disc is slightly to the left of dead center the put it in reverse to make sure it ii slightly to the right of dead center on the friction plate test it until you get it where you want it you may need to slightly adjust it several times to get it right.
be glad the 2nd reverse doesn't move back faster my old Craftsman blower popped into 2nd reverse and knocked me into a 18 inch snow bank in the back part of my driveway every time i tried to turn i sank deeper it took me 45 minuets too get out of it by the way i think you sold me on this snow blower thanks
Very informative presentation. I appreciate the details on things like the open differential, how the steering works, and the video showing how it operates. Thanks for providing an in depth review.
I inherited one of these things in like new condition...the most horrible snowblower I can ever imagine...lousy engine, hard to start, handles too low, LOUD...I pulled my 25 year old Honda out of hibernation and sold this lousy MTD trash.
Would love to see a follow up vid. I own the cub 3x 26 in. 357cc engine. I do 10 yards with it. Live in the snow belt area. I have a love hate relationship with it. If the snow is light. You find yourself pushing it more due to the front fan blowing it out of the way. It will build up then eventually go in. But If it's heavy, bucket high don't mater. I plow threw it in usually 5th or 6th year like no other. Where I see it excells over the 2x in that Aspect. Very rarely do I go in 1st or 2nd gear with it, but I do time to time. Oh corse go threw Accelerator pins more often due to plowing and ramming through the snow like I do. Was looking at the cub 3x max and this 2x max. Also a Honda hss928aw Hondas expensive but blowes the cubs out of the water, specially in quility and long-lasting. Cubs always rust out quick and alot of maintenence. Just can't see to find spec threw cub how much tuns of snow per hour they move. To compare
I have the 3x26 (357cc) and the machine is a monster. The 3x is really better acclimated to deeper snow, but it gets the job done no matter what (roadside slush aside). It has exceeded my expectations. Adding an inline fuel shut off is a must. That 2x appears to be awesome as well. Also, when the skid shoes get worn they can be flipped over and reused.
@@patfitzgerald9287 If it becomes necessary to service or take the carburetor out for any reason it makes it easier to do so. Simplifies storage as well
the reviews on Home Depots site were not very favorable. the biggest complaint were the wheels would fall off!! is that an assembly issue or manufacturer defect??
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate hearing from multiple sources that may or may not agree with some of the negative reviews that people have out there. I also saw Fleet Farm had a few words, but this was much more reassuring reading thru everyone's comments.
After 27 years living in Las Vegas, I moved back to Michigan, I already had a 4x4 , so I bought one of these on tracs . I'm ready Good instructional video thanks
Great video. I would love to see how the famed Ariens auto steer would deal with the hard packed snow along the sidewalk. I don't care what anyone says about auto steer, with trigger steer the wheels stay locked until you decide otherwise. No steering system is perfect all the time, but with trigger steer, the wheels staying locked doesn't give you any unexpected input by the machine. To each their own, but to me I prefer trigger steering. Pull both triggers and the machine moves around effortlessly. Great for maneuvering around in the garage. When using the big HD machines, trigger steering in my opinion is the best option in adverse conditions. Like everything, the more you use the machine, the more you understand the amount of input needed to make the right adjustments. The problem with the auto steer, there is a lack of communication between the operator and the machine. Which in some cases leads to a wrestling match. Snow blowers are supposed to take the work out of moving snow. Like I said, I would love to see an Ariens machine with auto steer go down that sidewalk with the hard packed snow. That would an interesting video to watch.
Excellent review providing very good advise. My snowblower comes with a 250 cc Briggs and Stratton engine that will not run or start with gasoline that includes ethanol. Adding a gas stabilizer improves performance and the snow starts immediately using the hand pull or electric start. I also did not feel comfortable with the male connection on the electric start exposed to the weather. To eliminate the exposure I installed a 1 foot long heavy duty extension cord to the electric start connecting it to the dash board from with a zip tie.
I have the 2x at my cottage northern ontario. We get some pretty good mix of snow type. Eats everything I've thrown it at. Just have to be smart in the really deep and heavy stuff. I put a led light bar on it and some running lights under the handguards as i have a long driveway and have to blow at night sometimes. Love it!
I bought my cub cadet this year, and have had a chance to use it once. Pretty soon I’m going out today to take care if what a Nor’Easter left. (It’s never as bad in Connecticut as it is where you are). Thanks so much for the all encompassing review of you snowblower, it was very helpful for me.
Those "Cool Blue" reversible poly skid shoes are nice, poly skid shoes are the way to go on asphalt, cement or decorative surfaces. MTD machines have the auger/drive controls on the reverse of other manufacturers. My one peeve with the Zhongshen built Cub Cadet engines they don't include a fuel shut off, as always a comprehensive review 👍🏽
@@WorkshopAddict I hear you. I had an MTD 640F for nearly 20 years and switched to an Ariens Platinum 24 SHO a few years ago and still fumble through the drive control positions. I felt the MTD drive controls were more intuitive.
Good review, good snowblower. I have a 3-year-old model. I don't know about this one since he never tried deep snow, but in mine, first gear is pretty much always too fast if you're anywhere near snow deep enough to fill that big front cavity we're happy about. So I find myself alternately engaging and un-engaging the wheels, or playing with the paddles. Also, pulling the lever back for reverse gear you're fighting against a very stiff spring so that gets uncomfortable. Looks like this newer model doesn't have that problem at least. Finally, look at the angle of the chute. It doesn't go anywhere near vertical so if you are trying to shoot snow near vertically over a very nearby hedge or something, that's an issue like I had. I still think it's a good snowblower.
I have the 28" 3x HD unit, looks very much like this but with the high speed auger in the middle and without the side braces. For two winters now this machine has served me very well and really works best with the housing taking in quite a bit of snow. The engine's a 420 cc so larger than yours and doesn't disappoint. It's not the Honda machine I want but for half the price is built quite well. One downside is that it isn't battery electric start and since I use it to clear quite a few driveways per day I have to carry a small generator with me as pulling over the engine can become tiring by the end.
Don't buy this POS! Mine is not even a year old and we just had 2 feet of snow in Connecticut and the GD thing wouldn't start. And to add insult to injury the 12 year old Ariens 728 I GAVE to my neighbor across the street was cleaning up his driveway like a top.
Just bought a 2X 26 and after the second time using it, the throttle cable snapped. Now I wouldn’t mind it so much if I didn’t get much snow, but where I live we get snow almost every day so far. I better not have anymore problems with it or it’s going back with bad reviews anywhere I can put them.
I have a an 11 yr old model Cub similar to this but with smaller engine and 28". Has been great. The metal housings are thinner on the the Cubs than Toros and Hondas that I compared to. But the Cubs it seems are built for maneuverability. And it has worked for me on a 100' concrete inclined driveway for 11 seasons and will consider the cub as an upgrade. Thanks for the great indepth review!
Off-topic question here: How does the flexvolt advantage grinder do with 6/8ah batteries compared to flexvolt batteries? Is it still more powerful than with 5ah?
Theses snowblowers are awesome 😎. If you don't like the little bit of leaking snow where the plastic hooks to the metal shoot. U can take some cocking and put it on the inside where it may have a little gap. Fixes that. Easy to do. Purpose of the plastic area is an anticloging system. Verses metal. Power steering system is awesome as well. Get one.
I am in Chicago and believe me... I wish I could have those tools you test. I had to shovel lots of snow... you should test some shovels as well you did with that cub cadet lol
The one thing I really like about my TroyBilt storm is I can freely pull it backward when necessary. No way I have the time or patience to deal with a reverse gear. 🤔 why were you blowing snow into that parking lot?
It is hard to film in a snow storm and it is much more enjoyable to show everyone a snow blower on a nice day. rather than one we have been working all night clearing snow.
I don't have a walk behind snow blower. I have the 42" attachment that goes on my XT1 Lawn Tractor. Its a 3 stage blower which works great for deeper snow, but with 8 inches or less of snow you pretty much have to run the lawn tractor as fast as it will go for the blower to really work properly as its made really for heavy and large amounts of snow. It works great though. Just need to do some modifications to the skid shoes for my gravel driveway.
How much did this unit set you back? I was reading some Home Depot reviews and some stated that wheels were falling off there's. Which is a new one for me. Wondering if you can buy a cab for these. Great video by the way.👍
This is one of the best blower reviews for just the disclaimer of the type of snow it was throwing. All newer units can blow powder like nobody's business. It's the wetter stuff that gives many units a bit of a problem. This CC 2X 30MAX can handle it all.
I have the exact same machine but in 28 inches. I agree with your assessment in all regards. The only thing it is missing (like most small engines) is an inline fuel filter between the tank and the carburetor, but it's easy to add. I once thought of buying the three stage machine but having used this model for 4 years, the only place a three stage machine would be better is clearing the ice packed end of driveway pile put there by the city snowblowers. But I can live with that....
Be glad you didn't buy the 3 stage, they are not as good as they claim to be. Do some research and you will understand what I am talking about. Sheer pins braking and clogging in wet conditions are some the of biggest complaints. Your 2 stage was a better choice.
@@russellmaddock3492 I hope you are speaking from experience. Just this morning I was clearing huge snowplow drifts from the end of my driveway and I was thinking the whole time that I wish I had bought the three stage. Your comment makes me feel a little better about having only the 2 stage. However, it clogs at times as well. I learned the hard way to always make sure the spinning auger is free before trying to activate it. I burned the belt out one time and had to replace it...not a difficult job but it always happens in the extreme cold when you are facing a big clearing job. But if you use it properly, it's a great machine and has a very strong throwing force.
@@TOURMANBOB Greetings, Robert. I have no first-hand experience with a 3-stage snow blower. Last year I purchased a new snow blower to replace my aging 1980 Toro. Before making a purchase, I did lots of research on the pro and cons of all the major brands. I was looking for a heavy-duty machine with at least a 30-inch bucket. The dealer near me sells Toro, Honda and Cub Cadet snow blowers. From all the research I did, I decided to stay away from 3 stage machines. From what I come to understand, one is better off with a heavy duty 2 stage with 14-inch augers and impeller system. They seem to deal with wet snow conditions without clogging and throwing distance is also farther. When looking at the design of the 3-stage auger system, one can see that with only 2 outside augers, the snow being fed into the impellers is greatly reduced. The forward speed of a 3 stage needs to be faster because of the lack of auger area to feed the center impellers. In heavy wet snow this puts a big strain on the high-speed outer pulverizing impeller. I am sure this one of the reasons for so many sheer pins braking on these machines. Also, is less than 3 inches of snow the throwing distance is not very good. Once again, the 3 stage needs faster forward speed to force more snow into the impeller system to equal the throwing distance of a comparable size 2 stage. I have added a link with a person who has a few years of first-hand experience with his 3-stage Cub Cadet. Be sure to read the comments below the video. There is lots of pros and cons concerning the 3-stage systems, but all in all, I think you are better off in the long run with your 2-stage machine. th-cam.com/video/-dTnF6yEBzU/w-d-xo.html
@@russellmaddock3492 Thank you for taking the time to reply to me and with such detail. I do appreciate it and will follow up on that link...best wishes
100% correct, but they will give the gear case a hard shot and shut down the engine. I would much rather replace an 89 cent shear pin than to take repeated knocks to my Gear Case. In the 17 years I have been using snowblowers, I have only had to replace a shear pin about 4 times. And each time it was from my own stupidity of not remembering to pick up a dog rope toy from the yard before the snow. Never have I sheared one off in snow. (Even that nasty crap the plows leave).
![[Live] ศึกมหึมันส์มวยไทยสังเวียนเดือด เวทีมวยชั่วคราวสวนสยาม | จันทร์ 30 กันยายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pM1k6f7JXUc/mqdefault.jpg)
If you really want a cheap and easy cover for the electric start, just cut the end off of an extension cord and leave it plugged in. Acts like a plug.
Genius. Will be doing that.
If you want to speed up reverse you have take the transmission rod behind the machine, it best if you prop up the back end with something take belly pans off and remove the cotter pin the on top of the rod turn the piece attached the rod and turn it right to shorten the rod the put the cotter pin back in. What it does is the friction disc sits just to the left of center on the friction wheel. You also probably going fast in first gear. The exact center of the friction wheel is neutral. Put your gear selector in sixth gear when you do this procedure. Move the piece clockwise a couple turns put it in first gear the friction disc should be slightly to the left of exact center on the friction wheel in first gear if not re adjust and keep turning the piece on the rod upright or left until it is slightly to the left of center in first gear The higher the speed the further the disc goes out on the wheel. Reverse 1 must be to the right of center and reverse 2 should be further out to the right the further out to the right the disc is from the center of the wheel the faster it will go in reverse. Just remember you have to get it so forward 1 is to the left of center or you may be going in reverse in forward. Keep adjusting until you get where you like it .
The test snow so lite and fluffy is easy, the real test is that wet heavy freezing icebergs the town plow will curl at the bottom of the driveway and starting to freeze up.
I wish these reviews, gave what we ALL WANNA REALLY SEE,,,run em thru 2 foot of heavy wet,,,,,that's REALLY, the value of these,,,and what were really interested in,,,,THE DIRTY TRUTH,,,If I'm gonna drop, under 2 g, I wanna see, the upper end, of the machines, load capacity,,i know, most of you guys, are company reps, and dont wanna make the products, look weak, but honestly,,,no matter which size, or brand, you own,,,,when you get 2 foot, of heavy wet,,,YOURE GONNA USE WHAT YOUVE GOT, regardless,,,just to get dug out,,,with 2 or 3 inches, of light powder,,, I'd just use my shovel,,,its useless, firin up the big boy,,,,just sayin,,,,I'm in Mass., for over 65 years,,,and we get beat up EVERY year,,,and that's what I'm after,,,,I could care less, about hand warmers, aircraft lights, and joystick controls,,,,to me its, HUGE POWERFUL, DEPENDABLE ,ENGINE,(THE BIGGER, THE BETTER),,,, AND WIDE THROAT,,,,AND THE WHEEL SKIDS,,,,,,after that,,,,,all the other toys, are just fluff, to break down,,,,bottom line, with me, is simply RELIABLE POWER, AND VOLUME,,,,( please dont tell me to just get a pickup, and blade,,, i already got on,,LOL),,,,,that's my 2 cents worth,,,,great vid,,,,😎
Here in Michigan 2 feet of wet heavy snow is next to impossible to find. I cannot tell you the last time we got more than 8" in a few days and if we do, it is normally not wet. We snow will not drift. So in here I pushed this through my snow plow packed piles for a workout. IMHO, this is not what you want for 2 feet of wet heavy snow. IMHO, the motor is not up to that workout. The High end TORO model has more power than this and might fair better, but none of them will do "good" on 2 feet of heavy wet snow. My 26 HP diesel john deere does not do well in 6 inches of wet heavy snow. Hope this helps.
Great in-depth review. I looked at the Cubs when I bought a new blower 7 years ago and ended up going with the Ariens Platinum 30 SHO. It also is painfully slow in reverse, I have pretty much quit using that function and just manhandle it backwards. Other than that it has performance admirably in northern MI winters.
Nice machine! I have the Platinum 24 SHO, my only peeves with it (regarding the LCT engine) are a poorly designed fuel cap and a too small for engine size fuel tank.
Be nice if Cub Cadet introduce fuel gauge on their machines. At night unless have flashlight hard to tell how much fuel you have left.
An easy way to solve the issue of snow getting into the plug/electric start area is simply find an old nasty cord you don't use and cut off the female side. Use just the head and leave it in the socket when you aren't using an extension cord to start.
Spot on review. Just bought the 2x 26" trac model 6 weeks ago. Runs a little smaller engine @270cc but I usually only deal with about 4-7" at time so it's fine for my needs. I think the trac model is inherently a bit less maneuverable but my 150yd driveway is a straight shot with 2/3 of it uphill and I'm getting great traction with the treads. And yes, reverse is painfully slow. I was also thinking about replacing the nuts on the skid feet with wing nuts for easier adjustment as the road from the drive to the shed is gravel.
After watching this and few others , and owning a cub cadet riding mower , bought a 2X 26 inch model for my property. The front shoes were a huge selling point for me as well. Have four dogs and may have to clear an area for them in the backyard. Also the power steering function caught me as well, where my wife would have a easier time using this unit when I can't. Can't wait for winter lol .
Same here , Just got the 2x26 also I hope its a great machine ! i plan on using it in the yard also so my dog has room to run around etc .
I’m 80 and have no problem using this machine. Had for one year and love the ease of operation.
Awesome review, I like the added bars on the sides so it improves rigidity. 14 in impeller with a large engine is the way to go. Thumbs up for who else like me prefer the auger lever on the left and clutch on the rigth? Love being able to turn the chute lever while moving foward blowing snow.
Anything cub cadet is awesome.
Aren't Cub Cadet snow blowers made by MTD? (same as Craftsman)
Yes and Stanley black and decker own 20% of mtd
Just used my new 2x 357cc 30” snowblower for the first time last week. It’s replacing a Craftsman 7hp model that’s over 20yrs old. I bent the impellers on it by catching a power cord in the machine. Tried to straighten them out but found out they don’t make parts for the machine anymore so it was time to replace it. After much research, decided on this model and, so far, I’m happy with it but it does have a learning curve. As mentioned, reverse sucks and first is too fast but I think I can make some adjustments to the throttle. Other then that the torque on this thing is amazing. It will chew up almost anything and does it w/o stopping. The controls are the opposite of the Craftsman, need to adjust myself but that’s minor. I’m a handicapped veteran with minimal use of my right leg and live on a hill in New England so I use the machine to pull my around as much as throw snow. It’s sometimes hard to keep up with the machine but at least it does the job. Great machine!
Great review! I'm happy with my Cub Cadet Snow Blower. I've had it for 2 years now and recently put it to the test on that same type of heavy snow. I didn't realize you're in Michigan. I live near East Lansing.
Bay City
Cub cadet just told me to f myself and drive 10 hours for repair, after my brand new snow blower lost its gears after 6 hours of use! Horrible customer service for a 2,667 dollar purchase!
I have the exact same machine and agree the reverse is painfully slow.Must be for the safety Sally's !!
If it’s going to fast in forts as well it’s an adjustment you can easily make.
I have this same unit sans hand warmer here in the mountains of Southern California where we average 62 inches a year, sometimes seemingly all at once. I agree 100% with your assessment. This is a damn fine snowblower. The only drawback for the average person may be that the linkages took quite a bit of tweaking to get dialed in, but once set, rarely have to be adjusted. Thanks for this well done video.
FYI, no snowblowers that I'm aware of have open differentials, though some did back in the '70s and '80s. Most are just solid axles. Some have a pin lock on one wheel so you can use them as one-wheel drive, though that never worked well for me. Some, like this Cub, use the triggers to release each side. Ariens uses a automatic differential made by General Transmissions which is locked until you turn it, then the inside wheel is released. Toro also uses this same differential on some models, along with triggers on others. Which is best is a matter of personal preference. I prefer Auto Turn as it doesn't get iced up and stop working in some conditions like cable-actuated triggers can.
I just wanted to inform everybody that is considering buying This big hunk of garbage. This particular Lineup of snow blowers are meant for people that get Max 2 to 3" a year Of snow.
There's an elderly gentleman that I occasionally help during the Winter And he has one of these horrendous hunks of garbage I could hardly get through 10" of snow. It literally felt like I was being tortured.
But it's funny because the machine that I purchase what it owns is half the size And they can go through a foot and a 1/2 Snow bank with more problem.
I love mine! But you are 100% correct - Reverse is way too slow. And I think forward 1 is too fast too. Great video! Thanks!
It’s a easy adjustment if you have the cable in back that attaches to the speed lever when you push the drive lever down in back you have either a cable this is the newer max it will have a rod. Take your belly pan off and look to see where your friction disc is on the friction plate. The disc needs to be close to the left of dead center in first gear the further to the left in first gear it is the faster it goes when.To adjust the cable style you need to loosen the nut on the lever it attached to by loosening the nut you also had to hold the back. Don’t take it out just loosen it. It is in a slot. You need to slide the lever down so the nut goes up slightly. Don’t let it go all the way up do it a little at a time re-tighten it then see how it drives you can adjust that Higher up the nut goes the closer the disk will go to the center so you wanna look at the disk and make sure it’s very close to the left of dead center. When you put it in reverse it Hass to be to the right of death center or it will go forward
Keep adjusting it and tightening it until you get it where you want it make sure when you put it in reverse. It’s to the right of dead center the closer to the right of dead center the slower it will go in reverse if you have the rod style you need to detach the pin there’s a pin up top, what you want to do there is a piece the pin goes through that spins on the rod turn it clock wise shortening the rod again this is done in 6 th gear then put the pin back in the hole on the piece attached to the rod, put your gear selector in first gear an make sure you disc is slightly to the left of dead center the put it in reverse to make sure it ii slightly to the right of dead center on the friction plate test it until you get it where you want it you may need to slightly adjust it several times to get it right.
be glad the 2nd reverse doesn't move back faster my old Craftsman blower popped into 2nd reverse and knocked me into a 18 inch snow bank in the back part of my driveway every time i tried to turn i sank deeper it took me 45 minuets too get out of it by the way i think you sold me on this snow blower thanks
You're only pushing about 5 in of fluffy snow. Try 12 in of heavy snow then I may be impressed
Good job.
Very informative presentation. I appreciate the details on things like the open differential, how the steering works, and the video showing how it operates. Thanks for providing an in depth review.
Why can all reviews be like this guy, straight to the point...
I agree. No small talk about your dog, kids, wife, just on point. Perfect.
@@diamondjaguar So how are your wife, kids and dog?
I hope they and you are well...
we have a stone driveway should u adjusted the ski shoes down so it won't threw the stones into my yard we have a craftmans 24 " cut snowblower
Can you add a petcock style fuel shut off valve or one that is stable attached to the unit not just hanging loose between the fuel lines.
I inherited one of these things in like new condition...the most horrible snowblower I can ever imagine...lousy engine, hard to start, handles too low, LOUD...I pulled my 25 year old Honda out of hibernation and sold this lousy MTD trash.
Would love to see a follow up vid.
I own the cub 3x 26 in. 357cc engine.
I do 10 yards with it.
Live in the snow belt area.
I have a love hate relationship with it.
If the snow is light. You find yourself pushing it more due to the front fan blowing it out of the way. It will build up then eventually go in.
But
If it's heavy, bucket high don't mater. I plow threw it in usually 5th or 6th year like no other. Where I see it excells over the 2x in that Aspect. Very rarely do I go in 1st or 2nd gear with it, but I do time to time.
Oh corse go threw Accelerator pins more often due to plowing and ramming through the snow like I do.
Was looking at the cub 3x max and this 2x max.
Also a Honda hss928aw
Hondas expensive but blowes the cubs out of the water, specially in quility and long-lasting. Cubs always rust out quick and alot of maintenence. Just can't see to find spec threw cub how much tuns of snow per hour they move. To compare
Where in MI are you? I'm in Ann Arbor 🖐
Bay City. You guys are getting more snow than we are this year.
@@WorkshopAddict Yes sir
Does a short extension cord come with the machine when you buy it?
It’s have battery this snow machine ??
I have the 3x26 (357cc) and the machine is a monster. The 3x is really better acclimated to deeper snow, but it gets the job done no matter what (roadside slush aside). It has exceeded my expectations. Adding an inline fuel shut off is a must. That 2x appears to be awesome as well. Also, when the skid shoes get worn they can be flipped over and reused.
Why do you say "adding a inline fuel shutoff is a must"? What do you need that for?
@@patfitzgerald9287 If it becomes necessary to service or take the carburetor out for any reason it makes it easier to do so. Simplifies storage as well
@williamwalter4882 understood. I am quit surprised they don't have that already.
the reviews on Home Depots site were not very favorable. the biggest complaint were the wheels would fall off!! is that an assembly issue or manufacturer defect??
That is an assembly issue from the factory. Sad to read that.
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate hearing from multiple sources that may or may not agree with some of the negative reviews that people have out there. I also saw Fleet Farm had a few words, but this was much more reassuring reading thru everyone's comments.
Got my 34" 3 Stage HD Cub Cadet a week ago. 420cc 375 pounds. 14" augers,hydro trans etc etc. $3048 U.S.D. She so sexy
Great review. Thanks! 😀
Electrical connection, guerrilla tap and rubber? Might work. My 15 year old snapper blower is the same, but never been an issue.
After 27 years living in Las Vegas, I moved back to Michigan, I already had a 4x4 , so I bought one of these on tracs . I'm ready Good instructional video thanks
Great video. I would love to see how the famed Ariens auto steer would deal with the hard packed snow along the sidewalk. I don't care what anyone says about auto steer, with trigger steer the wheels stay locked until you decide otherwise. No steering system is perfect all the time, but with trigger steer, the wheels staying locked doesn't give you any unexpected input by the machine. To each their own, but to me I prefer trigger steering. Pull both triggers and the machine moves around effortlessly. Great for maneuvering around in the garage. When using the big HD machines, trigger steering in my opinion is the best option in adverse conditions. Like everything, the more you use the machine, the more you understand the amount of input needed to make the right adjustments. The problem with the auto steer, there is a lack of communication between the operator and the machine. Which in some cases leads to a wrestling match. Snow blowers are supposed to take the work out of moving snow. Like I said, I would love to see an Ariens machine with auto steer go down that sidewalk with the hard packed snow. That would an interesting video to watch.
Excellent review providing very good advise. My snowblower comes with a 250 cc Briggs and Stratton engine that will not run or start with gasoline that includes ethanol. Adding a gas stabilizer improves performance and the snow starts immediately using the hand pull or electric start. I also did not feel comfortable with the male connection on the electric start exposed to the weather. To eliminate the exposure I installed a 1 foot long heavy duty extension cord to the electric start connecting it to the dash board from with a zip tie.
I have the 2x at my cottage northern ontario. We get some pretty good mix of snow type. Eats everything I've thrown it at. Just have to be smart in the really deep and heavy stuff. I put a led light bar on it and some running lights under the handguards as i have a long driveway and have to blow at night sometimes. Love it!
I just wanted to ask u do u have a switch for a headlights or it always on when you start the machine?
I bought my cub cadet this year, and have had a chance to use it once. Pretty soon I’m going out today to take care if what a Nor’Easter left. (It’s never as bad in Connecticut as it is where you are). Thanks so much for the all encompassing review of you snowblower, it was very helpful for me.
Those "Cool Blue" reversible poly skid shoes are nice, poly skid shoes are the way to go on asphalt, cement or decorative surfaces. MTD machines have the auger/drive controls on the reverse of other manufacturers. My one peeve with the Zhongshen built Cub Cadet engines they don't include a fuel shut off, as always a comprehensive review 👍🏽
I feel all is right with the MTD setup of controls. I compared this with a toro and I had a hard time with the controls being reversed.
@@WorkshopAddict I hear you. I had an MTD 640F for nearly 20 years and switched to an Ariens Platinum 24 SHO a few years ago and still fumble through the drive control positions. I felt the MTD drive controls were more intuitive.
awesome video
just purchased the 3 x 26 model great snow blower so far,sure better than the husqvarna
Good review, good snowblower. I have a 3-year-old model. I don't know about this one since he never tried deep snow, but in mine, first gear is pretty much always too fast if you're anywhere near snow deep enough to fill that big front cavity we're happy about. So I find myself alternately engaging and un-engaging the wheels, or playing with the paddles. Also, pulling the lever back for reverse gear you're fighting against a very stiff spring so that gets uncomfortable. Looks like this newer model doesn't have that problem at least. Finally, look at the angle of the chute. It doesn't go anywhere near vertical so if you are trying to shoot snow near vertically over a very nearby hedge or something, that's an issue like I had. I still think it's a good snowblower.
I heard the 3 stage cub cadets go through more sheer pins than any other machine, is this true? Thanks
What fuel does a snowblower accept?
They want E10 and below. Preferable no ethanol. Use stabil and it will be okay.
I have the 28" 3x HD unit, looks very much like this but with the high speed auger in the middle and without the side braces. For two winters now this machine has served me very well and really works best with the housing taking in quite a bit of snow. The engine's a 420 cc so larger than yours and doesn't disappoint. It's not the Honda machine I want but for half the price is built quite well. One downside is that it isn't battery electric start and since I use it to clear quite a few driveways per day I have to carry a small generator with me as pulling over the engine can become tiring by the end.
Don't buy this POS! Mine is not even a year old and we just had 2 feet of snow in Connecticut and the GD thing wouldn't start. And to add insult to injury the 12 year old Ariens 728 I GAVE to my neighbor across the street was cleaning up his driveway like a top.
Thanks for the video, very helpful.
Great video, everything I could have asked for from it.
Just bought this exact machine today. Its snowing right now .can't wait to try it out.
Just bought a 2X 26 and after the second time using it, the throttle cable snapped. Now I wouldn’t mind it so much if I didn’t get much snow, but where I live we get snow almost every day so far. I better not have anymore problems with it or it’s going back with bad reviews anywhere I can put them.
This model does not have a throttle cable. The throttle is on the engine.
I have a an 11 yr old model Cub similar to this but with smaller engine and 28". Has been great. The metal housings are thinner on the the Cubs than Toros and Hondas that I compared to. But the Cubs it seems are built for maneuverability. And it has worked for me on a 100' concrete inclined driveway for 11 seasons and will consider the cub as an upgrade. Thanks for the great indepth review!
Great video. Thank you
Off-topic question here: How does the flexvolt advantage grinder do with 6/8ah batteries compared to flexvolt batteries? Is it still more powerful than with 5ah?
Yes, much better!
1/4 for interior and small engine compartment stuff, 3/8 for small sports related stuff and 1/2" for car and truck lugs
@@WorkshopAddict Thanks. Have you looked into the DCS565 circular saw? As far as I can see none of the bigger tool-testers on YT have reviewed it yet.
@@olgajoachimosmundsen4647 oddly enough, I have one on order to review. I forgot about it.
Theses snowblowers are awesome 😎.
If you don't like the little bit of leaking snow where the plastic hooks to the metal shoot. U can take some cocking and put it on the inside where it may have a little gap.
Fixes that. Easy to do.
Purpose of the plastic area is an anticloging system. Verses metal.
Power steering system is awesome as well. Get one.
Caulking
Need a slide control for the shute
You can adjust the rod and make the reverse gear go faster and the 6th forward gear slower.
Workshop Addict if you ever get rid of that snowblower i need one i had to get a new laptop my old one crashed on me
This is my sidewalk cleaner for commercial jobs. 👍🏿
Great video thank you
Good video!
Thank you for help
Looks like you were having fan with snow
We have been hit with a TON of small 1" snowfalls this year. Just enough that you have to clean everything. Snow sucks unless you snowmobile!
@@WorkshopAddict same in Illinois
I am in Chicago and believe me... I wish I could have those tools you test.
I had to shovel lots of snow... you should test some shovels as well you did with that cub cadet lol
350cc!?! That's a big mamma-jamma!!
does it have a fuel shut off??
Excellent review!
Glad you liked it!
The one thing I really like about my TroyBilt storm is I can freely pull it backward when necessary. No way I have the time or patience to deal with a reverse gear.
🤔 why were you blowing snow into that parking lot?
Oh, for distance demonstration, I see....it's just, throwing snow back into cleared areas 😬😂
It is hard to film in a snow storm and it is much more enjoyable to show everyone a snow blower on a nice day. rather than one we have been working all night clearing snow.
Lol. I had the same thought.
I don't have a walk behind snow blower. I have the 42" attachment that goes on my XT1 Lawn Tractor. Its a 3 stage blower which works great for deeper snow, but with 8 inches or less of snow you pretty much have to run the lawn tractor as fast as it will go for the blower to really work properly as its made really for heavy and large amounts of snow. It works great though. Just need to do some modifications to the skid shoes for my gravel driveway.
Every time i use my 26 3x i have to replace one or more shear pins, if this is the norm im switching
Not normal unless every time you go out you suck something large into it.
That’s exactly why I got the 30” 2x 357cc motor.
How much did this unit set you back?
I was reading some Home Depot reviews and some stated that wheels were falling off there's. Which is a new one for me.
Wondering if you can buy a cab for these.
Great video by the way.👍
It’s $999 for the 2X 26” online at Home Depot right now with free shipping.
@@victorvek5227 heated grips, and a steel shoot?
Also would like electric start.
Listed at $1199 near me. Must be a regional thing.
No hand grips😨😫
This is one of the best blower reviews for just the disclaimer of the type of snow it was throwing. All newer units can blow powder like nobody's business.
It's the wetter stuff that gives many units a bit of a problem. This CC 2X 30MAX can handle it all.
I have the exact same machine but in 28 inches. I agree with your assessment in all regards. The only thing it is missing (like most small engines) is an inline fuel filter between the tank and the carburetor, but it's easy to add. I once thought of buying the three stage machine but having used this model for 4 years, the only place a three stage machine would be better is clearing the ice packed end of driveway pile put there by the city snowblowers. But I can live with that....
Be glad you didn't buy the 3 stage, they are not as good as they claim to be. Do some research and you will understand what I am talking about. Sheer pins braking and clogging in wet conditions are some the of biggest complaints. Your 2 stage was a better choice.
@@russellmaddock3492 I hope you are speaking from experience. Just this morning I was clearing huge snowplow drifts from the end of my driveway and I was thinking the whole time that I wish I had bought the three stage. Your comment makes me feel a little better about having only the 2 stage. However, it clogs at times as well. I learned the hard way to always make sure the spinning auger is free before trying to activate it. I burned the belt out one time and had to replace it...not a difficult job but it always happens in the extreme cold when you are facing a big clearing job. But if you use it properly, it's a great machine and has a very strong throwing force.
@@TOURMANBOB Greetings, Robert. I have no first-hand experience with a 3-stage snow blower. Last year I purchased a new snow blower to replace my aging 1980 Toro.
Before making a purchase, I did lots of research on the pro and cons of all the major brands. I was looking for a heavy-duty machine with at least a 30-inch bucket. The dealer near me sells Toro, Honda and Cub Cadet snow blowers. From all the research I did, I decided to stay away from 3 stage machines.
From what I come to understand, one is better off with a heavy duty 2 stage with 14-inch augers and impeller system. They seem to deal with wet snow conditions without clogging and throwing distance is also farther. When looking at the design of the 3-stage auger system, one can see that with only 2 outside augers, the snow being fed into the impellers is greatly reduced.
The forward speed of a 3 stage needs to be faster because of the lack of auger area to feed the center impellers. In heavy wet snow this puts a big strain on the high-speed outer pulverizing impeller. I am sure this one of the reasons for so many sheer pins braking on these machines.
Also, is less than 3 inches of snow the throwing distance is not very good. Once again, the 3 stage needs faster forward speed to force more snow into the impeller system to equal the throwing distance of a comparable size 2 stage.
I have added a link with a person who has a few years of first-hand experience with his 3-stage Cub Cadet. Be sure to read the comments below the video. There is lots of pros and cons concerning the 3-stage systems, but all in all, I think you are better off in the long run with your 2-stage machine. th-cam.com/video/-dTnF6yEBzU/w-d-xo.html
@@russellmaddock3492 Thank you for taking the time to reply to me and with such detail. I do appreciate it and will follow up on that link...best wishes
Toro snow blowers have heavier duty gearboxes and don't need shear pins
100% correct, but they will give the gear case a hard shot and shut down the engine. I would much rather replace an 89 cent shear pin than to take repeated knocks to my Gear Case.
In the 17 years I have been using snowblowers, I have only had to replace a shear pin about 4 times. And each time it was from my own stupidity of not remembering to pick up a dog rope toy from the yard before the snow. Never have I sheared one off in snow. (Even that nasty crap the plows leave).
And the snow of the last week is why you want to buy the beast size
Ha, no... We did an assembly video of this in November.
Next year is coming dont you worry
Toro here if it comes with a shovel poker then it clogs!