[Update 11/13/14: Michigan weather was kind enough to provide me with an early opportunity to test this machine out today: 6" of wet snow. I mean wet, as in not too far from slush. I actually was a bit concerned because lets be real, a 208cc engine isn't exactly a monster and wet snow is a pretty extreme test. Test passed! Threw the slop 4' to 12'. Lighter snow should easily be thrown 3 times that far. Easy to pull start, easy to operate. Surprisingly easy to maneuver and turn, and in fact I rarely even felt the need to use the reverse gear. Console control to change the chute direction was quite convenient. Headlights illuminated things very nicely. Made the whole driveway-clearing job easy and I was quite impressed.]
I just purchased and received a Husqvarna ST224 (961930096) snow thrower this fall and have a few observations to report. I will update this review with more information after I've had a chance to actually use it this winter.
This machine is designed for typical residential driveways and typical residential snow conditions. I am quite certain it will handle the onslaught of Michigan winters upon my 125-foot driveway. I was sold on this snow thrower for three reasons:
* The Husqvarna name. They have a long-time solid reputation of building high-quality equipment and even though this machine is toward the lower end of their line I believe it will be a solid performer.
* This is a new model which incorporates significant improvements. Husqvarna just re-vamped their entire snow blower line in 2014, making improvements specifically based upon customer and dealer feedback on what was working and what wasn't. Improvements include big things like a re-designed transmission, and little things like a quieter muffler and adjustable handle bars. They didn't just add features they made real improvements that will provide real benefit-- and that sounds good to me.
* The price. I see that the price has gone up since my purchase, but I felt one really would be hard pressed to find a better machine at a better price. It seemed to hit the sweet-spot of quality and performance vs. price.
A few comments on the shipping and assembly of the snow thrower:
* It was shipped by truck from an Amazon warehouse to a local freight company, and from there delivered to my house by a small semi (small cab and half-length trailer). It was tight but they were able to back into my driveway.
* To my astonishment the truck had no way to unload the large 250-pound crate. No lift truck, no lift, not even a ramp. The driver and I had to slide the crate on its side off the back of the truck down to the driveway. Make sure someone fairly strong and without any physical issues such as a bad back is there to help unload this thing.
* Unboxing and assembling the machine was a bit time-consuming but not difficult at all. It helped to have a sharp utility knife to cut open the box (a lot of cutting was actually required to cut the box away from the pallet at the bottom) and a wire-cutter to cut several large wire-ties. A multi-wrench was provided but I found it easier to use my socket set.
* A large "quick start" sheet was provided that had no words but surprisingly clear and helpful diagrams on how to assemble the machine. When I was done I noticed that there are a couple pages of assembly instructions in the operator's manual that would have been worth referring to as well.
* The bulk of assembly is just lifting and bolting into place the handle bars and hooking up the discharge chute. I enjoyed doing this and found it actually helpful to get to know the machine on an up-close and personal basis. The chute ended up having a surprising amount of play in it, but I have to believe that is by design. Everything on this machine looks to be extremely well designed and thought-out.
* The manual says that the tires are over-inflated for shipment and that they need to be deflated to proper pressure before use.
* Because the majority of my driveway is gravel, and there are uneven cracks in the cement areas, I will be replacing the skid plates with ARMORskids. [Update 11/13/14: I installed ones with 2.5" bolt spacing and they fit perfectly--and look good too. Got to test them out while snow throwing today and they work perfectly-- glided right over every bump and dip in the gravel and every crack in the sidewalk without a hitch.]
Once assembled, I must say that this thing is truly one sweet-looking machine. If it performs half as well as it looks I am in for a treat.
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From the manufacturer
Blow the winter season away with a Husqvarna Snow Blower
Long, cold winters create time-consuming, hard work for many. While a Husqvarna snow blower won't shorten the season, it will make snow removal much easier and faster for you.
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Heavy-duty augerThe robust auger gives first-class results operating in frozen as well as in extremely wet snow. |
Electric startConnect to a power outlet and start the engine by pressing a button. Our starter system ensures that you'll never have to worry about a dead battery (available in select models). |
Heated handle gripsFor a more comfortable operation in cold climate (available in select models). |
Remote chute deflectorControl the vertical throwing direction with a lever on the panel (available in select models). |
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Blast through hard-packed snowHusqvarna’s two-stage system snow throwers work well even with hard-packed snow by grinding it down before it is fed into the housing and discharged through the impeller. Our snow blowers are built to withstand the demands of harsh winters with heavy-duty, two-stage components featuring a cast iron gear box and impeller for years of trouble-free snow removal. |
No more slipping and slidingHusqvarna snow blowers offer a cleated track-drive system that delivers unbeatable propulsion on slippery surfaces, hills, and in deeper snow. Convenient trigger control power steering allows you to operate each wheel/track separately for superior maneuverability and tight 180-degree turning. All levers and controls are placed within easy reach for added comfort and control. |
Get a smart start in cold weatherLow temperatures are often tough on batteries. Thanks to our starter system you don’t have to worry if your snow blower will start. Simply connect your Husqvarna snow blower to a power outlet and start the engine by pressing a button. The hydrostatic transmission and power steering will provide smooth performance and heated handles will make your machine more comfortable to operate. If you’re forced to work in dark conditions, bright LED headlights will light the way. |
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| Husqvarna ST131 Snow Blower | Husqvarna ST151 Snow Blower | Husqvarna ST224 Snow Blower | Husqvarna ST224P Snow Blower | Husqvarna ST227P Snow Blower | Husqvarna ST230P Snow Blower | |
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| System Type | Single-Stage | Single-Stage | Two-Stage | Two-Stage | Two-Stage | Two-Stage |
| Working Width | 21 in. | 21 in. | 24 in. | 24 in. | 27 in. | 30 in. |
| Cylinder Displacement | 208 cc | 208 cc | 208 cc | 208 cc | 254 cc | 291 cc |
| Horsepower | 5.4 hp | 5.4 hp | 6.3 hp | 6.3 hp | 7.5 hp | 8.5 hp |
| Transmission Type | Auger Drive | Auger Drive | Friction Disc | Friction Disc | Friction Disc | Friction Disc |
| Electric Start | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Handles | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Steering | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 97.6 lbs | 97.6 lbs | 198.6 lbs | 224.9 lbs | 212 lbs | 237.8 lbs |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Husqvarna ST224, 24 in. 208cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $1,099.00 | $1,573.72 | $3,569.99 | -5% $1,849.00 Typical: $1,949.00 | $549.99 |
| Delivery | — | Get it May 15 - 21 | — | Get it May 17 - 24 | Get it May 15 - 21 | Get it May 16 - 20 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Easy to assemble | ||||||
| Maneuverability | ||||||
| Light weight | ||||||
| Sold By | — | AE Outdoor Power | Amazon.com | MWPE | AE Outdoor Power | Amerisun Inc |
| power source | Gas Powered | Corded Electric,Gas Powered | Gas Powered | Corded Electric,Gas Powered | Gas Powered | Gasoline-Powered |
| engine type | 2 Cycle | 2 Cycle | 7 Cycle | 2 Cycle | — | 4 Cycle |
| max throw distance | — | — | 40 feet | — | 55 feet | 40 feet |
| engine displacement | 208 cubic centimeters | 208 cubic centimeters | 272 cubic centimeters | 270 cubic centimeters | 306 cubic centimeters | 212 cubic centimeters |
| weight | 198.6 pounds | — | 220 pounds | 0.01 ounces | — | 143 pounds |
Reviews with images
3-year evaluation
1/22/2018 I have owned the ST 224 for 3 years (purchased through Amazon October 2014) and after the first year of use had rated it 4 stars. The second winter also went by without any major problems. When I was preparing it for this winter's use however I discovered a major design deficiency which has caused me to change my evaluation to 1 star (0 stars if I could). The problem is that the plastic control panel is simply not strong enough to withstand the force exerted upon it by the speed selector lever. With my machine parts of the control panel broke off (see picture) causing the speed selector cable to become displaced. As a result, when either of the first two forward speeds were selected the machine actually moved in reverse. This damage occurred sometime during the offseason when the machine was not even being used. I sent a letter detailing my experience to Husqvarna and found that the problem was already known to them. Here is the email response I received on 12/13/17: We have received your letter. I apologize for the frustration incurred by the console breaking but appreciate your feedback.This is an issue we have actually corrected with the consoles more than a year ago. We did see an abnormal number of breakages, so the part was revamped and failed ones were replaced under warranty.I will submit a check request to reimburse you the $53.50, and if you like, will also gladly ship you out the new console. The check will take approximately 2-4 weeks to arrive to you.Sincerely,******* *******Consumer Support Supervisor.I had repaired the machine myself since I did not want to haul it to the nearest "authorized Husqvarna servicing center". I also had strong doubts that the repair would be covered under warranty anyway. The Husqvarna website boldly proclaims a "5 year warranty" but the owner's manual indicates otherwise. At any rate, I waited 4 weeks and never received the promised reimbursement check or the "revamped" console, the offer of which I had accepted. Does the "revamped" console solve the problem I experienced? Maybe, but I cannot say for sure that it actually exists. When I ordered the replacement for my machine, using the latest part number, the part I received was exactly the same as the one that broke, and, as I said, I never received the supposedly "revamped" part that was offered. One piece of advice for anyone who already made the mistake of buying an ST 224: when not in use put the speed selector lever in "R" as this puts the least amount of force on the lever.One other complaint: The heated handle feature, which is the main reason I originally selected the Husqvarna, is a complete joke. It produces so little heat that you cannot tell by gripping the handles if it is on or off.2/17/18 update: Surprise, Husqvarna did actually send me a reimbursement check for the repair I did myself. It just took 9 weeks instead of the promised "2-4 weeks". At any rate I have to give them credit for finally doing the right thing. Still cannot say for sure if the "revamped" console is a solution to the problem though, did not yet get one of those.
Top reviews from other countries
Thomas Cartwright
Brilliant well worth the money.
Reviewed in Canada on April 13, 2019