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Head-to-head · Best Snow Blowers

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO vs Cub Cadet 2X 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 IntelliPower Snow Blower comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about users needing traction on challenging surfaces like gravel — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO
Ranked #4 in Best Snow Blowers
Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO
1 sourceall derived

The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is a high-capacity, durable walk-behind snow blower with a powerful 306 cc engine that throws snow effectively in various conditions. Its Auto-Turn steering system makes maneuvering easy, though it takes some time to get used to. The machine offers good traction and a robust chute control mechanism. While the first gear is faster than typical models and the chute rotation requires reaching over the dash, the snow blower provides excellent value for its price point. It's best suited for users who need reliable performance in heavy or wet snow conditions.

Strengths
  • — 306 cc engine provides plenty of power for the size and throws snow very far, per MovingSnow.com
  • — Auto-Turn (automatic) steering is easy to use and makes turning simple
  • — MovingSnow.com found good traction on various surfaces including snow plow drifts
Watch-outs
  • — First gear is faster than most, requiring adjustment period for users
  • — MovingSnow.com notes chute rotation requires reaching over the dash to turn crank, which may be uncomfortable for shorter users
Buy at ramersmallengine.comFull review →
Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Snow Blowers
Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower
2 sourcesall derived

The Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower features a 272cc IntelliPOWER engine designed for consistent performance in challenging winter conditions. Its all-wheel drive on 16-inch Xtrac tires is built for traction, while the trigger-controlled power steering and self-propelled drive enable single-hand operation. The heated grips offer improved comfort during cold weather use. However, its 40-foot snow throwing distance may be limited for larger areas.

Strengths
  • — 272cc 4-cycle OHV IntelliPOWER engine delivers consistent power in heavy, deep, and wet snow conditions, per Outdoorica
  • — All-wheel drive with 16-inch Xtrac tires for traction, per Outdoorica
  • — Trigger-controlled power steering with self-propelled drive for single-hand operation, according to Outdoorica
Watch-outs
  • — Limited snow throwing distance of 40 ft. with 21 in. intake height
Buy at cubcadet.comFull 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 a powerful 306 cc engine and excellent snow-throwing distance, outperforming the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE in throwing capability. However, it's more expensive and less maneuverable than the EGO Power+ models, which offer battery convenience and lighter weight.

Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower

The Cub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower pairs all-wheel drive and Xtrac tires with a 272cc IntelliPOWER engine. However, it's less powerful than the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO and has a shorter throwing distance compared to the EGO models.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAriens Deluxe 28 SHOCub Cadet 2X IntelliPower Snow Blower
Model92107231AH5IVTB10
Clearing Width28 in28 in
Engine306 cc272cc 4-cycle OHV IntelliPOWER
Power SourceGasGas
TypeTwo-StageTwo-Stage
DriveDisc-O-MaticAll-wheel friction disc drive, 16" x 6.5" Xtrac tires
Weight267.5 lbs.—
Cutting width—28 in.
Motor type—4 Cycle
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