The Husqvarna ST230P dual-stage snowblower with a large 30-inch clearing width that is designed to clear out heavy snowfall.
Snow clearing is a tough and unpleasant job, and if your area is prone to heavy snowfall and the formation of thick, deep ice, it can also be a dangerous one. The Husqvarna ST230P can make quick and easy work of clearing snow from most residential driveways and walkways and even small commercial lots.
About the Husqvarna ST230P
The Husqvarna ST230P is a robust and sturdy two-stage snow blower that offers a convenient electric starter, thick tires, and power steering for easier handling and control. The ST230P is comparable to the Briggs & Stratton 1696614 dual-stage snow thrower, but with a larger engine that allows for better removal of deep and heavy snow.
Pros
- Electric starter and power steering make for easy handling
- Dual-stage auger breaks up thick, heavy snow and ice
- 16-inch tires offer excellent traction on slippery surfaces
Cons
- Heavier weight makes it difficult to move when not in use
- Larger size can be cumbersome to work around obstacles
- Replacement parts are sometimes difficult to source
What I liked about it
The Husqvarna ST230P is a dual-stage snow thrower. If you’re unfamiliar with that term, a single stage snow blower sweeps up the snow in front of it with a simple blade or brush, and then sends that snow out a chute. A dual-stage or two-stage snowblower scoops up snow and ice with an auger or a spinning blade. This auger then breaks up that snow as it moves around the spinning blade and before it’s sent out the chute. A dual-stage snow thrower is more capable of handling deep, heavy snow and thick ice, as it eats away at the debris in front of it rather than merely sweeping it up.
The 30” wide clearing path of the Husqvarna ST230P is also a great feature to consider. Most city sidewalks are about 48” across, so a 30” opening allows for clearing even the widest of walkways with just two passes.
I’ve also found that a 30” wide lane is more than comfortable for most people, so I’m able to clear a quick path from the driveway to the front door by running the blower in just one direction. This is especially good when you want to open up a usable walkway while it’s still snowing or when temps are below freezing, or you just don’t have the time or patience to clear the entire width of the sidewalk for whatever reason.
The 16” tires of the Husqvarna ST230P are also a bonus. The deep tread of these tires allows the blower to easily cut through thick snow while keeping the machine balanced on slick surfaces. I’ve found that many lightweight machines that have smaller tires with less tread are prone to getting stuck in deep and wet snow, and trying to push those machines along can be a challenge. I’ve also personally appreciated the added traction when plowing over ice, as I’ve noticed this blower is less likely to slide around on slippery walks and driveways.
Clearing snow is hard enough physical work, which is why the power steering of the Husqvarna ST230P is also appreciated. A dual-stage front auger may eat through thick snow, but it often does little to help rotate and guide the machine itself. Having power steering is then an excellent choice for snowy neighborhoods like mine.
I’ve also noticed that this feature makes it easier to move the blower around the curved walkway outside my home and the obstacles that are always in the driveway. I’m a bit less concerned about running into one of the kid’s toys or a snow shovel that someone neglected to return to the garage when I’m behind the controls of the Husqvarna ST230P.
The power steering is also a great consideration for those who need to clear larger areas, and especially if they don’t have the upper body strength or stamina to control a heavy blower for long periods of time. Some additional assistance with steering and controlling a heavy machine like this one means less exhaustion by the time the job is finished, and less chance of the blower getting away from you while you work.
Not only is clearing snow a hassle, it’s also often downright uncomfortable, even when using a lightweight snow thrower. One additional feature on the Husqvarna ST230P that makes this job a little less painful is the heated handles. As everyone knows, even with thick gloves, it’s easy for hands to get painfully cold when using a snowblower, and especially when those gloves get wet and icy. Heated handles are a good idea for anyone, but I would say they’re a must-have for people with arthritis or any circulatory problem, when hands tend to get even colder and more painful during winter.
The remote chute deflector and rotator also make easy work of directing blown snow away from the house or garage. The rotator on the chute moves very easily, so there’s no struggling or having to force it in one direction or another. A small hand shovel is also clipped to the front of the unit, so it’s easily accessible in case snow begins to get packed in the chute and needs to be cleared.
Customer Reviews
Customers who have reviewed the Husqvarna ST230P say that it’s a decent, lightweight machine. It offers enough clearing power for it to be used on large driveways and even small roadways, and can chew through thick snow relatively easily.
However, some customers are concerned about the actual power of the chute, as the blower throws snow quite a distance. Another common concern from customers is how often the machine ate through the belt and the difficulty of getting replacement parts and service for a Husqvarna model.
Conclusion
The Husqvarna ST230P is a good snowblower for residential use and small commercial lots, and especially for areas that are prone to thick, deep snow. The heated handle and power steering make it much easier and more comfortable to control than many other stripped-down units. The dual-stage design also makes quick work of breaking through dense snow and ice, while the powerful chute can ensure cleared snow doesn’t get deposited back onto your path.
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