2X 526 SWE 26 in. 243cc Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with Power Steering

I’ve been using this machine for a few years now and can give a longer term review. I’ve used this on all types of snow from plow slush to champagne powder. With any snow blower, the lighter the snow the better the blow. This one has worked well although the plow slush is a bit much for its engine and it doesn’t throw it very far. For the average medium density snow in the range of 6”, I’d say this machine throws between 20-30’. It’s not the farthest throwing machine out there but it is plenty to clear my driveway. Nothing has broken on the machine, to include shear pins, and it still looks and runs like new. It’s always started on the first pull so I’ve never bothered with the electric start. The last big storm we had dropped about 2’ of heavy wet snow. While the machine did clear it, I’d say it was at its limit of what it could handle. I had to go very slow and lift up somewhat on the controls to keep the auger down, or it wanted to ride up over the snow. In very heavy deep snow this machine struggles some to move the snow out fast enough causing the machine to just push the snow like a plow. It never clogged up on me, but I did have to occasionally pause the forward drive to allow the auger to clear. In normal snow around here, less than 2’ and not dripping wet, the machine works far better. If you get lake effect snow or live near Lake Tahoe you probably want a bigger snowblower. For the suburban homeowner not in an extreme snowfall area this machine would be a good choice.

This is information for anyone who is looking to buy this model. 526 SWE Not a heavy duty cast gear box Model 2X 26 has the heavy duty cast auger gear box. This model preformed well but over time I wish Home Depot would have mode this fact clearer to this customer. I would have paid the extra 100$ but in product facts this is not stated. I paid 899$ wanted plastic chute my last Cub metal chute rusted badly. The 999$ model is a Metal chute but that’s not the only difference halogen head lamps and heavy duty cast gear box. Too late for me hope this helps you. Dissatisfied in MD

Best snowblower for the Money, Have had mine for 3 years, and I always spray the chute with Silcone, I can shoot 50 ft of snow. Never used the elec start... 99 percent of the time it fires up on first pull. Prime 3 times, Full choke, and in the Run Position. Fires right up. 1 percent of the time fires on the second pull... Just went thru the Blizzard in the Boston Area. and this Snowblower cut thru the snow 14 plus inches like cutting thru butter.. NO PROBLEM !! I highly recommend this unit. the Light is amble enough, Wouldnt mind having a stronger headlight. but works for me. This is a heavy unit. need some type of ramps to put in the pickup...

This was the best money I have ever spent! The zero turning feature is the best, this unit has plenty of power and great traction, even in this heavy snow season in New Jersey it never slowed down a bit. For value, Power and Quality this snow Blower can't be beat!!!!!! I would recommend this for anyone! I'm a Cub Cadet owner for life!

So many nice features for the money. Discharge shut is easy to manage with one hand and gives you a lot of options to blow. The power steering is wonderful can turn it on a dime.

Very bad experience with Cub Cadet. Pull starter broke 3 times. Replaced with aftermarket assembly. Fine ever since. Auger belt constantly slips if snow is not light/dry. This 240cc engine is weak on torque. Oil leak from engine after just 2 years of use!

I live in Boston area and it handles the snow load we get nicely. Starts every time and works great. Some times when snow is wet kind and deep it tends to drive upwards making it necessary to back off and hit same spot twice to get it down to the pavement. But other than that it works well.

wasn’t put together on the day it was supposed

Good experience, only complaint is price dropped $100 days after I purchased.

It was all that it was advertised it to be