Husqvarna ST424 (24″) 291cc Two-Stage Snow Blower w/ Hydrostatic Transmission

Where the friction-disc models in this lineup step through distinct speed settings, the Husqvarna ST424 runs a hydrostatic transmission instead, letting you dial ground speed up or down smoothly on a 24-inch, 291cc two-stage machine. Power steering here comes through triggers built into each handlebar grip.

What hydrostatic drive feels like

Instead of clicking between fixed gear-like positions, a hydrostatic transmission adjusts ground speed continuously, so you can slow down for deep, heavy drifts and speed back up once you hit a lighter patch without ever stopping to shift. A cast iron impeller stands up to that repeated heavy-snow workload better than a lighter alloy part would.

Comfort and running costs

This configuration also includes heated handgrips as standard equipment, plus a pair of LED headlights for low-light sessions, electric start that avoids the cold pull-cord entirely, and fuel capacity that sits at .62 gallons - enough for the kind of extended two-stage run this drivetrain is built around. A single control still handles the chute's throw direction together with the deflector angle, so redirecting snow is one motion instead of two separate steps.

Who should look at the hydrostatic version

If your driveway has a mix of light and heavy drifts in the same storm, a hydrostatic unit like this one lets you adjust pace on the fly rather than stopping to shift between a friction-disc machine's fixed settings, which is the main reason to pick a hydrostatic model over a friction-disc one at a similar price point.

Is the ST424 hydrostatic or friction-disc? Hydrostatic, which gives smooth, stepless speed control rather than fixed settings.

How does the power steering work here? Through triggers at each handlebar grip, letting each side turn independently.

New, model 961930129, with Husqvarna's 3-year consumer warranty.

What colour is it? It comes in the factory orange and black finish.