Cub Cadet Snowblower Problems | Two/Three-Stage Guide

Cub Cadet offers two-stage and unique three-stage snowblowers. Their three-stage X Series adds an accelerator for improved snow processing. Built by MTD, these machines handle serious snow. When problems develop, this guide helps diagnose and resolve common issues.

Table of Contents

• Model Overview
• Engine Problems
• Auger System Issues
• Three-Stage System
• Drive System Problems
• Chute and Controls
• Maintenance Schedule

Model Overview

Cub Cadet offers several snowblower series:

Series	Stages	Width	Engine
2X 26”	Two-stage	26”	243cc-272cc
2X 28”	Two-stage	28”	272cc-357cc
3X 26”	Three-stage	26”	357cc
3X 30”	Three-stage	30”	420cc
2X Track	Two-stage	26”	272cc

Key features:

• OHV 4-stroke engines
• Electric start standard
• Power steering (most models)
• LED headlights

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Cub Cadet 3X showing three-stage system]

MTD Built

Cub Cadet snowblowers are manufactured by MTD, the same company that makes Troy-Bilt and Craftsman outdoor equipment. Parts are often interchangeable.

Engine Problems

Won’t Start

Most common cause: Old fuel from summer storage.

Troubleshooting sequence:

1. Check fuel - Fresh gas under 30 days old?
2. Fuel valve - Must be ON
3. Choke - Full choke for cold start
4. Throttle - Set to FAST
5. Prime - 2-3 presses of primer bulb

Starting procedure:

1. Turn fuel valve ON
2. Set choke to FULL
3. Move throttle to FAST
4. Press primer 2-3 times
5. Pull cord or press electric start
6. Move choke to RUN after engine warms

If still won’t start:

• Spray starting fluid into carburetor
• If fires briefly = carburetor problem
• If nothing = spark or compression issue

See our snowblower won’t start guide for detailed troubleshooting.

Hard Starting After Storage

Old fuel varnishes carburetors quickly. This is the #1 seasonal problem.

Fix:

1. Drain old fuel from tank
2. Drain carburetor bowl
3. Add fresh fuel
4. Try starting
5. If still won’t start, carburetor cleaning needed

See our how to clean a carburetor guide.

Engine Surges

Engine RPM rises and falls repeatedly.

Causes:

1. Dirty carburetor jets
2. Poor fuel quality
3. Air leak at intake gasket
4. Governor linkage issue

Solutions:

• Replace fuel with fresh
• Clean carburetor thoroughly
• Check intake gasket

Engine Lacks Power

Causes:

1. Old fuel
2. Dirty air filter
3. Worn spark plug
4. Carburetor running lean

Check order:

1. Replace fuel
2. Clean/replace air filter
3. Install new spark plug
4. Service carburetor

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Cub Cadet snowblower engine]

Auger System Issues

Auger Won’t Turn

Check in order:

1. Shear pins - If broken, auger freewheels
2. Auger belt - Worn or broken
3. Auger cable - Broken or maladjusted
4. Ice jam - Frozen debris blocking

Shear pin inspection:

1. Look at auger shaft on each side
2. Pins should be intact
3. If auger spins on shaft, pins are broken
4. Replace with correct Cub Cadet shear pins

Broken Shear Pins

Shear pins protect the gearbox when auger hits debris.

Important:

• Always use correct OEM shear pins
• Never substitute regular bolts
• Keep spare pins with machine
• 3X models have additional accelerator shear protection

Weak Snow Throwing

Causes:

1. Engine not at full RPM
2. Auger belt slipping
3. Impeller clearance too large
4. Chute blockage

Impeller kit: Install an impeller kit to reduce clearance. Dramatically improves throwing distance.

Auger Belt

Signs of worn belt:

• Slipping under load
• Squealing noise
• Visible cracks
• Belt rides high in pulley

Replacement: Annual inspection recommended.

Three-Stage System

Unique to Cub Cadet 3X models.

How Three-Stage Works

The third stage is an induction accelerator located between the auger and impeller:

1. Auger - Breaks up and feeds snow
2. Accelerator - High-speed paddles accelerate snow
3. Impeller - Throws snow through chute

Benefits:

• 50% faster snow processing (per Cub Cadet)
• Breaks up ice chunks
• Handles wet heavy snow better
• Increased throwing distance

Accelerator Problems

If accelerator not working effectively:

1. Check accelerator belt - Separate belt drives accelerator
2. Verify accelerator spinning - Should spin faster than auger
3. Shear protection - May have activated from ice chunk
4. Gearbox - Internal damage (rare)

Accelerator belt replacement:

• Located behind main housing cover
• Requires more disassembly than auger belt
• Replace if worn or cracked

When Three-Stage Matters

Three-stage excels in:

• Wet heavy snow
• Ice chunks and packed snow
• End-of-driveway plow piles
• Very deep accumulations

Two-stage is fine for:

• Light fluffy snow
• Moderate accumulations
• Regular conditions

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Cub Cadet three-stage accelerator]

Drive System Problems

Won’t Move Forward

Check in order:

1. Drive lever engaged
2. Speed selector - Set to a speed
3. Drive belt - Inspect condition
4. Friction disc - May be worn

Friction Disc System

Cub Cadet uses a friction disc for variable speed.

Problems:

• Slipping under load
• Jerky movement
• No drive at all

Adjustment: As disc wears, it needs adjustment. Eventually requires replacement.

Drive Belt

Signs of worn belt:

• Slipping when engaged
• Slow movement
• Belt squeal

Track Drive Models

Track-driven models have unique considerations.

Track issues:

1. Track tension - Should be taut but not overtight
2. Drive sprocket wear
3. Track damage or wear
4. Frozen tracks

Adjustment: Check tension periodically. Tracks should not slip on sprockets.

Chute and Controls

Chute Won’t Rotate

Causes:

1. Ice/snow buildup
2. Crank mechanism frozen
3. Cable broken
4. Gearbox worn

Fixes:

• Clear ice
• Lubricate mechanism
• Check cable connection

Power Steering

Most Cub Cadet models have power steering triggers.

Not responding:

1. Trigger mechanism
2. Linkage adjustment
3. Drive engagement

Chute Clogs

Prevention:

• Apply non-stick spray
• Take smaller passes in wet snow
• Don’t force heavy accumulations

Clearing clogs:

1. Stop engine
2. Use clearing tool (never hands!)
3. Clear chute and impeller area
4. Apply non-stick spray

Maintenance Schedule

Before Each Use

• Check oil level
• Verify fresh fuel
• Inspect shear pins
• Test controls
• Check tire/track condition

Every 5 Hours

• Check belt tension
• Lubricate chute mechanism
• Clear any ice buildup

Every 25 Hours

• Change engine oil
• Inspect all belts
• Lubricate pivot points
• Check cable adjustments

Annually

• Replace spark plug
• Replace fuel filter
• Inspect all belts (replace if worn)
• Check friction disc
• Fresh fuel with stabilizer

Storage

Fuel system:

1. Run fuel dry or add stabilizer and run 5 minutes
2. Drain carburetor bowl

Engine:

1. Change oil
2. Add oil to cylinder through spark plug hole
3. Pull cord slowly

General:

1. Clean entire unit
2. Lubricate moving parts
3. Store in dry location

For storage tips, see our small engine storage guide.

Common Parts

Part	Cub Cadet Number	Price
Shear pin kit	738-04124A	$10-15
Auger belt	954-04050	$25-40
Accelerator belt (3X)	954-04092	$30-45
Drive belt	954-04165	$25-40
Friction disc	753-04050	$30-45
Spark plug	Various	$5-8

Related Guides

• Snowblower Won’t Start
• How to Clean a Carburetor
• Small Engine Storage
• Craftsman Snowblower Problems
• Ariens Deluxe 28 Problems

Summary

Cub Cadet snowblowers offer solid performance with the unique three-stage option for heavy snow. Most problems trace back to fuel system issues from summer storage. Always stabilize fuel or run dry. The three-stage accelerator makes a real difference in wet snow and ice - if you deal with that regularly, it’s worth the upgrade. Keep shear pins on hand and maintain the friction disc. With proper care, these machines last 15-20+ years.