Head-to-head · Best Snow Blowers

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO vs Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Snow Blower

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Snow Blower comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about users needing traction on slopes and gravel — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Snow Blowers

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO

4.0

1 sourceall derived$1,699as of Aug 1

The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO draws praise for its powerful 306 cc engine and how much snow it throws, heavy wet snow included. Reviewers found the Auto-Turn steering system intuitive and easy to use once you spend a little time adjusting to it. Traction is good, the build is meant to last, and at around $1,699 it is a solid value. Setup is the sore spot: some users reported insufficient lubrication and misaligned components that required dealer attention. It fits buyers who want high capacity and durability, not those after premium features or a less expensive machine.

Strengths

— 306 cc engine with plenty of power for the size
— Excellent snow throwing distance and performance with heavy wet snow
— Auto-Turn steering is easy to use and makes turning simple

Watch-outs

— First gear is faster than expected, requiring adjustment time
— Chute rotation control requires reaching over the dash to operate

$1,699 · Buy at mowtownequipment.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Snow Blowers

Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Snow Blower

4.5

3 sourcesall derived$1,449as of Aug 1

The Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Snow Blower runs a 272cc IntelliPOWER engine built to hold performance in challenging snow conditions. Reviewers noted that the track drive system grips well on slopes and gravel, and that trigger-controlled power steering allows single-hand operation. Some users have reported shear pins breaking under stress, and comparisons with Toro and Ariens leave the Cub Cadet feeling less refined in construction. It targets buyers who need power for large driveways rather than those chasing the highest durability.

Strengths

— 272cc 4-cycle OHV IntelliPOWER engine delivers consistent power in heavy, deep, and wet snow conditions
— Track drive designed for traction on slopes, inclines, and gravel driveways
— Trigger-controlled power steering with self-propelled drive for control and single-hand operation

Watch-outs

— Reports of shear pins breaking when hitting obstacles like logs or firewood
— thinner metal construction compared to competitors like Toro and Ariens

$1,449 · Buy at cedarstreetonline.com Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO

The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO delivers the most powerful engine in the group with 306 cc, outperforming the Toro Power Max 824 and EGO models. However, it lacks the lightweight, user-friendly features of the single-stage Toro models and is not as versatile in terms of chute control compared to the Ariens Deluxe 24, which offers better maneuverability.

Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Snow Blower

The Cub Cadet 2X 26 stands out with its track drive system and trigger-controlled power steering, features not found in the Toro Power Max 824 or Ariens Deluxe 24 models. However, it suffers from reported shear pin failures and thinner construction compared to the more durable Ariens and Toro models, which offer better long-term reliability.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO	Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Snow Blower
Type	2-stage	Two-Stage
Clearing Width	28 in	26 inches
Engine	306 cc	272cc 4-cycle OHV IntelliPOWER
Drive Type	Disc-O-Matic	Track Drive
Chute Control	In-Dash Remote Chute/Deflector Control	Remote Overhead Crank Chute Rotation; Remote Single-Lever Chute Pitch Control
Weight	267.5 lbs.	—
Clearing Height	21 inches	23 inches
Dimensions	45"D x 30"W x 58"H	—

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