PowerSmart 24" Two-Stage (PS24) vs Cub Cadet 2X 24 IntelliPOWER
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Quick take: The PowerSmart 24" Two-Stage (PS24) costs $600 less.
| Spec | PowerSmart 24" Two-Stage (PS24) | Cub Cadet 2X 24 IntelliPOWER |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $1,199 |
| Rating | 4.1★ (470) | 4.1★ (381) |
| Type | Two-Stage Gas | Two-Stage Gas |
| Power | 212cc PowerSmart OHV | 243cc Cub Cadet 875-W0 IntelliPOWER OHV |
| Clearing Width | 24" | 24" |
| Intake Height | 20" | 21" |
| Throw Distance | up to 40 ft | up to 40 ft |
| Weight | 187 lb | 250 lb |
| Starting | 120V electric + recoil | 120V electric + recoil |
| Heated Grips | No | No |
| Drive & Handling | 6 forward / 2 reverse self-propelled drive on 13-inch snow tires — no power steering, so you horse it around turns like an old-school two-stage. The chute cranks through 180 degrees (not the 200 of MTD rivals) with manual pitch, and an LED light helps on dark mornings. | 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 | 2-year limited | 3-year residential, 5-year auger gearbox |
Pros & cons
PowerSmart 24" Two-Stage (PS24)
- ✓Unbeatable price — frequently $550-650 versus $1,200+ name brands
- ✓Handles 8-12 inch storms and surprises owners in wet snow
- ✓Simple 30-minute assembly with decent instructions
- ✓120V electric start fires easily in the cold
- ✓187 lb is light for a 24-inch two-stage, easing storage
- ✓6F/2R self-propelled drive with grippy 13-inch tires
- ✗Thin sheet metal — housing corners bend and paint chips early
- ✗Chute lock nut and choke lever are known failure points
- ✗Parts availability and customer service are widely panned
- ✗No power steering, heated grips, or remote pitch control
- ✗180-degree chute rotation trails the 200 degrees of MTD rivals
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