Consumers Digest Awards A Best Buy Rating To Cub Cadet® Snow Throwers

CLEVELAND, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Digest editors have awarded three of Cub Cadet's premium quality snow throwers (snow blowers) a coveted Best Buy distinction. The Cub Cadet 221 LHP, 526 SWE and 528 SWE represent three of 10 gasoline-powered products highlighted. According to the publication, the Best Buy designation is only applied to those products that deliver exceptional value – a rating reserved for fewer than three percent of the competing models in any given product category.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121112/NE10140-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121112/NE10140-b )

With many strong brands on the market in this category, this award is even more impressive. After a rigorous assessment of criteria including: overall performance, handling, power, durability and ease of use, the 221 LHP, 526 SWE and 528 SWE were among the best in the single-stage and two-stage categories, respectively.

"Achieving another Best Buy designation from a trusted authority like Consumers Digest is a testament to Cub Cadet's dedication to delivering the best products, owner experience and results in the industry," said Jeff Salamon, director of marketing, Cub Cadet.  "Cub Cadet snow throwers have been given top ratings not only by top consumer publications but most importantly by our customers with their positive reviews and brand loyalty."

The 221 LHP is the premier single-stage snow thrower in the Cub Cadet® lineup.  In fact, according to Consumers Digest, "This model's engine generates the greatest output of any single-stage gasoline snow thrower that's in this category, while having the lowest price."  The 221 LHP features a 3-year warranty (exceeding most industry standards) and as the editors note, the electric start as a standard feature sets it apart from other single-stage gasoline models.¹ 

The Cub Cadet single-stage model provides premium quality and high performance for tackling sidewalks, walkways and driveways. This compact and lightweight workhorse is a great choice if you need optimal maneuverability, typically get light‐to‐moderate snowfall and you're short on storage space. The 221 LHP features a 21‐inch clearing width and 13‐inch intake height, high-performance auger-assist drive system, remote chute control, and in-dash headlight. With a price tag of $599, Cub Cadet owners agree the 221 LHP is a great choice for the money.

One 221 LHP owner said, "It is powerful, yet lightweight and easy to use…throws snow easily without any jams. The chute directional controls are very convenient. I thought the [in-dash] light would not be needed but makes night-time cleanup much safer."²

In the two-stage category of products with 250 cc or larger engines, Consumers Digest also recognized the 526 SWE and 528 SWE models as Best Buys. Features like power steering, upgraded COOL BLUE™ skid shoes and a 3-year warranty impressed editors and demonstrated the value these models have to offer.

The Consumers Digest Best Buy rating is reinforced by the 5-star rating owners give the 526 SWE on cubcadet.com. One 526 SWE owner said, "My driveway is 150 feet long and this snow thrower has easily cut my time clearing snow by 75 percent and my frustration by 100 percent!  I can't help clearing all my neighbors' sidewalks because it is so much fun."³

With premium features like Zero-Turn Posi Steer™ power steering, COOL BLUE™ skid shoes, single-hand chute control, and a price tag starting at $899, it's not hard to see what makes these snow throwers stand out in their class. Perfect for clearing deep snow, slush and ice from smooth surfaces or gravel driveways and paths, these two‐stage snow throwers break‐up the heaviest of snow and ice and throw it where you want it. These tough, easy‐to‐use snow throwers are ideal for homeowners looking to clear large areas and difficult terrain.

"Cub Cadet builds the most extensive range of snow throwers in the industry to satisfy all types of customer snow removal needs," said Salamon. "Our goal is to achieve the highest ratings in owner satisfaction, which one can read online through numerous positive customer reviews and from recommendations from publications like Consumers Digest. "

For more information about Cub Cadet's complete line of premium quality award-winning snow throwers and to find a retailer near you, visit www.CubCadet.com.  Full details on the Best Buy designation can be found at ConsumersDigest.com.

Disclaimer: The Best Buy Seal and other licensed materials are registered certification marks and trademarks of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license. For award information, visit ConsumersDigest.com.

¹ Consumers Digest, November 2012
^{2, 3} Cub Cadet Customer Ratings & Reviews, 2012

About Cub Cadet
The leader in the outdoor power equipment industry, Cub Cadet engineers innovative, premium quality products.  Through a dedicated and extensive network of dealers and retailers, Cub Cadet delivers a full line of high performance power equipment and services that cover all aspects of grounds care for professional and homeowners – including the world's only four-wheel steer zero-turn riders; lap bar zero-turn riders; utility vehicles; lawn and garden tractors, lithium ion- and gasoline-powered handheld and chore products; snow throwers and more.  A global company based in the U.S., Cub Cadet is recognized worldwide for its legacy in engineering excellence and its progressive dedication to exceeding owner expectations by delivering on its promise of better products, a better experience and better results.  For more information on all Cub Cadet products, visit www.CubCadet.com. 

SOURCE Cub Cadet