Short summary: Powerful machine, capable of cutting through hard packed snow. I'm VERY satisfied with my purchase decision.

Detailed summary: February 1-2, 2021 East Coast snow storm dumped 18+ inches on our area. I did the first pass with my 22+ years old Craftsman 26", powered by a 9HP Tecumseh, about 4 hours into the storm when the snow was still fluffy and the accumulation was about 6-8" without issue. I did the second pass after the snow storm ended and snow banks were created by the Town's snowplow, with the Cub 3X 28" on wheels. I could tell the Cub laboring hard on the packed snow banks but it did a good job clearing my rather large driveway. The speed spread on the factory setting was not optimum and I hope I can fine-tune it so that it can handle hard-packed snow with decent forward speed. In summary this is a well built machine, it has sufficient reserve power to remove packed snow that was very difficult, if not impossible for my older Sears Craftsman.

I had a need for a snowblower for a week before I received it. I’d driven over the snow some before having a chance to remove the snow. This snowblower was powerful and made it possible to remove that tough layer before the next snow.

I wish I'd had it before our last big snow. The snow became packed and hard to remove. This snowblower still did a pretty decent job.