Husqvarna ST 224 vs Cub Cadet 2X 24 IntelliPOWER
Quick take: The Husqvarna ST 224 costs $100 less; the Cub Cadet 2X 24 IntelliPOWER throws snow farther (up to 40 ft).
| Spec | Husqvarna ST 224 | Cub Cadet 2X 24 IntelliPOWER |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 | $1,199 |
| Rating | — | 4.1★ (381) |
| Type | Two-Stage Gas | Two-Stage Gas |
| Power | 212cc Husqvarna OHV | 243cc Cub Cadet 875-W0 IntelliPOWER OHV |
| Clearing Width | 24" | 24" |
| Intake Height | 23" | 21" |
| Throw Distance | up to 35 ft | up to 40 ft |
| Weight | 206 lb | 250 lb |
| Starting | Push-button electric (120V plug-in) + recoil | 120V electric + recoil |
| Heated Grips | No | No |
| Drive & Handling | Friction-disc drive, six forward speeds plus reverse, with trigger power steering added in the current generation — a real upgrade over the old base ST 224. Remote chute rotator lives on the dash, the handle adjusts to your height, and at 206 lb it's the most flickable two-stage Husqvarna makes. | 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 limited; 10-year gearbox/impeller | 3-year residential, 5-year auger gearbox |
Pros & cons
Husqvarna ST 224
- ✓Trigger power steering at a price point where rivals still skip it
- ✓Tall 23-inch intake handles drifts and plow piles above its weight
- ✓Lightest two-stage in Husqvarna's line at 206 lb — easy to maneuver and store
- ✓10-year warranty on the cast-iron auger gearbox and impeller
- ✓LED headlight and dash-mounted remote chute control
- ✓Hundreds cheaper than an Ariens Compact 24 with similar spec
- ✗35-foot throw drops noticeably in wet, heavy snow
- ✗Friction-disc and belt system needs adjustment within the first seasons
- ✗Heated grips were dropped from the current generation
- ✗Chute and control hardware feel plasticky next to Ariens equivalents
- ✗120V plug-in electric start requires an outlet nearby
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