Battle Between Briggs & Stratton and Husqvarna Snow Blowers!
We are going to compare the Briggs & Stratton snow blower model 1696614 with the Husqvarna model ST224P. Both models are two stage snow blowers with the same engine power at 208cc or 6.4 HP.
Just what are the difference between these two models? The main differences will be in the price and some of the features. Some features have advantages over others. It all depends upon the individual and their health.
Major Differences Chart
| Briggs & Stratton Model 1696614 | Husqvarna Model ST224P |
| Price: $770.99 | Price: $899.95 |
| Power Steering: No | Power Steering: Yes |
| Amazon Rating: 4.4 | Amazon Rating: 4.3 |
| Auger Material: Steel | Auger Material: Serrated Steel |
| Chute Radius: 200 Degrees | Chute Radius: 180 Degrees |
| Chute Rotation: Crank | Chute Rotation: Lever |
| Clearing Depth: 20-Inches | Clearing Depth: 23-Inches |
| Gas Tank: 3.2 quarts | Gas Tank: 2.84 quarts |
| Reverse Speeds: 2 | Reverse Speeds: 1 |
| Throwing Distance: 40 Feet | Throwing Distance: 35 Feet |
| Tire Size: 14” x 4” Air Filled | Tire Size: 15” x 5” Air Filled |
| Warranty – Gear Case: None | Warranty – Gear Case: 5 Years |
| Weight: 184 lbs. | Weight: 256 lbs. |
Major Differences Between Models
Below are some of the differences between the Briggs & Stratton and Husqvarna snow blower models.
- Price: Briggs & Stratton is $129 cheaper than the Husqvarna model.
- Power Steering: Husqvarna has power steering whereas the Briggs & Stratton does not.
- Amazon Rating. Briggs & Stratton is rated .1 better than the Husqvarna model.
- Auger Material: Husqvarna has serrated steel where the B&S has steel only.
- Chute Radius: Briggs & Stratton has a 20 degree better turning radius than Husqvarna.
- Chute Rotation: Briggs &Stratton has a crank and Husqvarna has a lever.
- Clearing Depth: Husqvarna enjoys a 3 inch advantage on this feature.
- Gas Tank: Briggs & Stratton has a .4 quart larger fuel tank.
- Reverse Speeds: Briggs & Stratton has two (2) verses one (1) for Husqvarna.
- Throwing Distance: Briggs & Stratton has 5 feet greater throwing distance 40’ to 35’.
- Tire Size: Husqvarna has 1-inch larger tires than Briggs & Stratton.
- Gear Case Warranty: Husqvarna has a five (5) year warranty verses none for B&S.
- Weight: The Briggs & Stratton model is 72 lbs. lighter than the Husqvarna.
It is always better to use a snow blower than removing the snow by shovel.
Areas Where Both Models Are The Same
The areas where these units are the same is: engine type 4-cycle OHV, auger diameter 12”, impeller diameter 12”, drive system (friction disc), clearing width 24”, electric start, forward speeds, tires (X-Trac), LED headlights, gear case (aluminum), machine warranty 3 years, and torque of 9.5 lbs.
Comparisons between the Models
- If price is your major concern for a two-stage snow blower, then the Briggs & Stratton model is for you as its $130 less than the Husqvarna.
- If you are looking for power steering then the Husqvarna model fits the bill.
- Reverse speeds on the Briggs & Stratton model have two verses one on Husqvarna.
- Throwing distance on the Briggs & Stratton model can toss snow 5’ further than the Husqvarna.
- Clearing depth on the Husqvarna can clear three more inches than the Briggs & Stratton model.
- The chute radius is 20 degrees less on the Husqvarna model than the Briggs & Stratton.
- The auger material is serrated steel on the Husqvarna which chops into ice and hard snow easier than the Briggs & Stratton model which is made of steel.
- If you are concerned about weight, the Husqvarna is 70 lbs. heavier than the Briggs & Stratton model.
- The Briggs & Stratton model has a 1/3 quart larger gas tank for longer snow removal sessions.
Both models provide basically the same features which the exceptions mentioned above. You will need to determine which features you actually need and then select the model that best fits your snow blowing needs.
Other Factors To Consider
- The amount of snowfall your area receives during a normal winter season. These snowfalls will vary from season to season and from area to area.
- Snowfall type. Is the snow normally dry verses wet? A lighter snow is a lot easier to remove than wet and it will have less strain on the engine for single stage snow blower. However, one negative on single stage units is they have difficulty in removing wet snow.
- Two stage snow blowers may just be too much. You may be able to get by on using a single stage snow blower and save money on your budget as these units are generally less expensive and lighter in weight.
- Is the average snowfall where you live in amounts above eight (8) inches or more? If yes, than a two-stage snow blower is the right choice.
- Single stage snow blowers have limits on how much snow depth they can remove and clear in one pass. They average from 8” to 12” in depth, and 14 to 20 inches in clearing width. Two stage snow blowers average 14 to 24 inches in clearing depth, and 24 to 30 inches in clearing width. Widths wider than 30” usually are for commercial use and are very expensive.
- Note: As you increase the width or height inches, the price for the unit will increase. This holds true for both single and two stage snow blowers.
- Throwing distance. Single stage units tend to have less throwing distance about 20 to 30 feet average, verses two stage snow blowers where they can throw snow anywhere from 35 to 50 feet away.
- Amount of snow to be cleared. The total amount of snow that must be cleared off sidewalks and driveways will be different for each homeowner. Some have longer and wider driveways than others. If your driveway is longer than 60 feet, a two-stage snow blower should be considered.
- The type of surface. If you have unpaved or gravel type driveway surface, a single stage snow blower should not be used as they tend to throw lose stones and rocks which can cause damage to the machine or yourself. On a two stage machine the skid shoes can be set so the bottom of the machine is just above the unpaved or gravel surface.
- Storage space. Storage space is an important factor when buying a snow blower. Does the area you have fit the snow blower you want to buy? Check it out first before making the purchase.
Using a snow blower is by far a lot better than having to remove the snow by shovel.
Differences Between Single and Two Stage Snow Blowers
The major difference between a single and two stage snow blower is the oil and gas are normally combined for single stage machines and they have separate compartments on two stage machines. There are some single stage machines on the market that have separate compartments for the oil and gas. Try to find one of those machines.
It is recommended that you add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank and to the reserve fuel to keep the gas fresh for the winter season. Fuel stabilizers keep gas fresh for up to one year. It also helps keep the carburetor clean and from getting clogged as well. Gas normally gets stale after 30 days.
Conclusion
The overall winner in this matchup is the Briggs & Stratton snow blower due to the price, rating, chute radius, throwing distance and weight. However, if you want power steering, than the Husqvarna model is for you at a slightly larger cost.