The Husqvarna ST227P is a 27-inch, 254cc, two-stage snow blower with power steering and heated handgrips. It looks like a snow blower that eats snow for breakfast (lunch and dinner too).
Introduction
If you have a large driveway with either a smooth or a gravel surface, then you are going to need a big snow blower.
A corded electric snow thrower, such as the Snow Joe Ultra SJ618E, is definitely not an option anymore when you have a big driveway to clear. You should consider using a 27-inch self-propelled snow blower with a gasoline engine and power steering, such as the Husqvarna ST227P. What features does it have to offer?
Two-Stage 27-Inch Snow Blower
This snow blower can clear a 27-inch wide path through the snow. The snow depth should be between 2 inches and 12 inches deep. Anything less or more than that and this snow blower will not work efficiently.
The first stage is the ribbon auger, which mixes air into the snow while cutting through it. The second stage is the impeller, which blows the snow out at high speed through the discharge chute.
There are two levers for remotely controlling the discharge chute. The remote chute rotator changes the direction of the chute from left to right. The remote chute deflector controls the vertical discharge angle.
Powered By Gasoline Engine
This Husqvarna gas-powered snow blower has a 254cc, OHV, four-cycle gasoline engine with a 0.71-gallon fuel tank and a quiet muffler. The engine provides 8.5 horsepower and 12.5lb-ft of gross torque. It has both a recoil starter and an electric starter. It seems like the engine is manufactured by LCT, which is a US company.
Husqvarna ST227P Has Power Steering
The Husqvarna ST227P has power steering with trigger controls that make turning around a lot easier.
The engine provides power for both the auger and the wheels. The wheels have tires with a large tread pattern for better grip in the snow. A friction disc transmission is used for transmitting power to the wheels. The speed lever provides six forward and one reverse speed.
The reverse speed is really slow, so I hope you do not need to reverse too frequently! If your driveway demands a lot of reverse movement, then you should consider finding a snow blower which has multiple reverse speeds.
Headlights And Heated Handgrips
The two LED headlights are quite useful for snow removal early in the morning or late at night. The heated hand grips are a luxury feature, but does not seem to provide much heat. Keep your gloves on when working with this snow blower.
Husqvarna ST227P: Below The Belt?
The Husqvarna ST227P seems to have an unreliable track record when it comes to belt issues. A few owners have had problems with the belt breaking after minimal use. Getting the right replacement belt was also not an easy task.
I might be hitting the Husqvarna ST227P below the belt, but it is difficult to tell whether you are going to enjoy using it or are going to wish you never bought it.
It seems like Husqvarna took notice of the belt issues and are offering service kits to rectify the problem. Still, this depends on which year the snow blower was made in. I am unsure of what the real situation is and would therefore not recommend that you buy the Husqvarna ST227P. That is, unless you have the mechanical skills to fix possible auger and drive belt problems on your own (view offers on Amazon).