Ariens Deluxe 24 vs Cub Cadet 2X 24 IntelliPOWER
Quick take: The Cub Cadet 2X 24 IntelliPOWER costs $300 less; the Ariens Deluxe 24 throws snow farther (up to 50 ft).
| Spec | Ariens Deluxe 24 | Cub Cadet 2X 24 IntelliPOWER |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 | $1,199 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (247) | 4.1★ (381) |
| Type | Two-Stage Gas | Two-Stage Gas |
| Power | 252cc Ariens AX | 243cc Cub Cadet 875-W0 IntelliPOWER OHV |
| Clearing Width | 24" | 24" |
| Intake Height | 21" | 21" |
| Throw Distance | up to 50 ft | up to 40 ft |
| Weight | 246 lb | 250 lb |
| Starting | 120V electric + recoil | 120V electric + recoil |
| Heated Grips | No | No |
| Drive & Handling | 6 forward/2 reverse Disc-O-Matic drive with Auto-Turn steering — no triggers, it just follows your lean. Dual-belt impeller drive resists slip in wet loads. 200-degree remote chute and remote deflector are both worked from the dash without leaving the handles. | 6 forward / 2 reverse friction-disc drive with trigger-controlled power steering on both grips — squeeze a finger and it pivots at the end of a run instead of muscling it around. Chute is an overhead crank (200 degrees in 2.5 turns) with a single-lever remote pitch control. |
| Warranty | 3-year residential | 3-year residential, 5-year auger gearbox |
Pros & cons
Ariens Deluxe 24
- ✓Oversized 14-inch impeller throws wet snow 40-50 ft — noticeably farther than 12-inch-impeller rivals
- ✓21-inch intake height takes tall plow berms without ramming
- ✓Auto-Turn steering pivots with zero trigger-squeezing — effortless at pass ends
- ✓Cast-iron gear case with alloy gears carries a 5-year warranty
- ✓Dual-belt impeller drive keeps power on in heavy slop where single belts slip
- ✓Strong resale value — used Deluxe 24s routinely fetch over half of new price years later
- ✗Heated grips are optional now — Toro and Cub Cadet rivals bundle comfort features at this price
- ✗246 lb makes it a handful to move unpowered; Toro's 826 OXE is ~50 lb lighter
- ✗Auto-Turn can pull to one side on uneven or gravel surfaces until skid shoes are set carefully
- ✗Multiple owner reports of factory fasteners loosening in the first hours — check torque at assembly
- ✗$1,499 street price is $200+ over big-box house brands with similar paper specs
Cub Cadet 2X 24 IntelliPOWER
- ✓Trigger power steering makes end-of-driveway pivots nearly effortless
- ✓IntelliPOWER 243cc engine holds RPM in wet snow better than old carbureted HPs
- ✓Throws snow a legitimate 30-40 feet in cold, dry conditions
- ✓21-inch intake height is class-leading at this price
- ✓5-year limited auger gearbox warranty on top of 3-year coverage
- ✓X-Trac 15-inch tires grip well without chains on packed snow
- ✗Carburetor is prone to gumming; owners report seasonal carb maintenance
- ✗MTD build quality — more plastic in the chute assembly than an Ariens
- ✗No heated grips at $1,200
- ✗24-inch width means more passes on 3+ car driveways
- ✗Friction-disc first gear is still faster than ideal for heavy wet snow