Briggs & Stratton 1227MD vs Troy-Bilt Storm 2425
Quick take: The Briggs & Stratton 1227MD costs $130 less; the Briggs & Stratton 1227MD clears a wider 27" path per pass.
| Spec | Briggs & Stratton 1227MD | Troy-Bilt Storm 2425 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 | $1,229 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Two-Stage Gas | Two-Stage Gas |
| Power | 250cc Briggs & Stratton 1150 Snow Series | 208cc Troy-Bilt 270-XU OHV |
| Clearing Width | 27" | 24" |
| Intake Height | 20" | 20" |
| Throw Distance | up to 40 ft | up to 40 ft |
| Weight | 205 lb | 208 lb |
| Starting | Push-button 110V electric + recoil | 120V electric + recoil |
| Heated Grips | No | No |
| Drive & Handling | 6 forward/2 reverse friction-disc drive with Free Hand control — lock the auger to the drive lever and your right hand is free to crank the chute on the move. No trigger or power steering though: it rides a solid axle, so tight 180s take some shoulder. Oversized mitten-friendly controls. | 6 forward / 2 reverse friction-disc drive with Just One Hand operation — you can hold the drive lever and still work the center-mount crank chute or the dashboard remote pitch lever with the other hand. No trigger steering, so end-of-run turns take some muscle. |
| Warranty | 3-year residential | 3-year residential, lifetime chute |
Pros & cons
Briggs & Stratton 1227MD
- ✓Roughly $500 cheaper than a comparable Ariens Deluxe 28 or Toro Power Max 826
- ✓250cc engine cold-rated to 20 below throws wet snow a legitimate 40 feet
- ✓Free Hand control keeps drive engaged one-handed while you work the chute crank
- ✓20-inch intake and notched steel augers chew through plow berms
- ✓Push-button electric start and oversized glove-friendly controls
- ✓205 lb is light for a 27-inch two-stage — easier on ramps and in sheds
- ✗No trigger or power steering — the solid axle makes 180-degree turns physical work
- ✗Heated grips and power steering require stepping up to the 1227MDS trim
- ✗Owner reports that impeller/wheel service requires a bearing puller — DIY-unfriendly
- ✗Friction-disc and chute hardware feel a grade flimsier than Ariens' cast-iron gear case
- ✗Thin dealer network since B&S's 2020 restructuring — warranty work can mean shipping parts yourself
Troy-Bilt Storm 2425
- ✓Among the lowest prices for a name-brand 24-inch two-stage
- ✓Just One Hand design keeps both chute controls reachable mid-pass
- ✓Electric start plus recoil is dependable in the cold
- ✓At 208 lb it is easy to handle and store for a two-stage
- ✓Serrated 12-inch steel augers self-feed into crusted snow
- ✓X-Trac 15-inch tires grip acceptably without chains
- ✗208cc engine is undersized for wet snow at full 24-inch width
- ✗No trigger power steering — turning takes real effort
- ✗No headlight or heated grips at this price
- ✗MTD friction-disc gearing: first gear still fast for deep snow
- ✗20-inch intake is shallower than Cub Cadet's 21-inch equivalents