Head to head
Champion 100535 27" Two-Stage vs Husqvarna ST 227
vs
Quick take: The Champion 100535 27" Two-Stage costs $110 less; the Champion 100535 27" Two-Stage has heated grips for the January mornings this all exists for.
| Spec | Champion 100535 27" Two-Stage | Husqvarna ST 227 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$1,189 | ~$1,299 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Two-Stage Gas | Two-Stage Gas |
| Power | 301cc Champion OHV | 254cc Husqvarna OHV |
| Clearing Width | 27" | 27" |
| Intake Height | 23" | 23" |
| Throw Distance | up to 40 ft | up to 40 ft |
| Weight | 234 lb | 212 lb |
| Starting | 120V electric + recoil | Push-button electric (120V plug-in) + recoil |
| Heated Grips | Yes | No |
| Drive & Handling | Six forward and two reverse speeds with Champion's Power Turn steering, which unlocks one wheel to bring the machine round. Dash-mounted chute control and twin LED headlights. | Friction-disc transmission with six forward speeds, one reverse, and trigger power steering — squeeze either grip trigger and the inside wheel freewheels so the 212-lb machine pirouettes at row ends. Dash-mounted remote chute rotator and deflector; the adjustable handle suits tall and short operators alike. |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | 3-year limited; 10-year gearbox/impeller |
Pros & cons
Champion 100535 27" Two-Stage
- ✓23-inch intake matches three-stage machines costing several hundred more
- ✓Heated grips and power steering at a price where both are usually optional
- ✓301cc is a genuinely large engine for this money
- ✓Twin LED headlights come standard
- ✓6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, not a simplified two-speed drive
- ✗Two-year warranty against three from Cub Cadet and five from Toro's HD line
- ✗Support is a call centre, not a dealer with parts on a shelf
- ✗Published weights disagree wildly — one retailer lists 121.5 lb, which is impossible for a 27-inch two-stage; 234 lb is the credible figure
- ✗Champion's snow line has far less owner history behind it than Ariens or Toro
- ✗A 40-foot throw from 301cc is unremarkable; the Ariens Platinum 30 SHO manages 55 on similar displacement
Husqvarna ST 227
- ✓Nearly Ariens Deluxe 28 capability for roughly $700 less
- ✓254cc engine keeps the 27-inch bucket moving through dense snow
- ✓Trigger power steering standard on both grips
- ✓23-inch intake eats end-of-driveway berms
- ✓Remarkably light for its width — easier on ice than heavier rivals
- ✗Heated grips were deleted from the current generation (the old ST 227P had them)
- ✗Friction-disc drive is the known wear point — the rubber ring degrades with age
- ✗Owner ratings across Husqvarna 200-series trend mid-3-stars
- ✗Plug-in 120V electric start instead of an onboard battery
- ✗Chute rotation can stiffen in icing conditions without regular lubrication