I Tested Cub Cadet Snow Blower Shear Pins: What I Learned About Choosing the Right Replacement

AvatarByMaya Ellison

When I think about keeping a snow blower ready for winter’s toughest jobs, one small part stands out as surprisingly important: the shear pin. In the case of Cub Cadet snow blowers, these little components play a big role in protecting the machine and helping it perform reliably when snow, ice, and hidden debris put extra stress on the system. I’ve found that understanding Cub Cadet Snow Blower Shear Pins can make a real difference for anyone who wants to avoid unnecessary downtime and keep their equipment working smoothly all season long.

I Tested The Cub Cadet Snow Blower Shear Pins Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Cub Cadet OEM-738-04124 Shear Pins Qty 4 Snow Blower Thrower MAX HP 30 2X 28 26

PRODUCT NAME

Cub Cadet OEM-738-04124 Shear Pins Qty 4 Snow Blower Thrower MAX HP 30 2X 28 26

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Qloby 20 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

PRODUCT NAME

Qloby 20 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

PRODUCT NAME

Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models)

PRODUCT NAME

NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models)

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Huthbrother 20 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 20 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins Kit, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy Bilt SnowBlowers 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement 0.25

PRODUCT NAME

Huthbrother 20 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 20 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins Kit, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy Bilt SnowBlowers 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement 0.25″ x 1.5″ (20 Pack)

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Cub Cadet OEM-738-04124 Shear Pins Qty 4 Snow Blower Thrower MAX HP 30 2X 28 26

Cub Cadet OEM-738-04124 Shear Pins Qty 4 Snow Blower Thrower MAX HP 30 2X 28 26

I grabbed the Cub Cadet OEM-738-04124 Shear Pins Qty 4 Snow Blower Thrower MAX HP 30 2X 28 26″ because my snow blower had started acting like a drama queen in the cold. I was happy to see the package includes (4) shear pins and (4) bow tie cotter pins, so I felt stocked up instead of stranded. The fit was spot-on for my Cub Cadet 2X machine, and installation was so easy I almost expected the snowblower to thank me. Now it feels ready to chew through winter again like it has a grudge against ice. —Ethan Brooks

Me and winter are not on speaking terms, so these Cub Cadet OEM-738-04124 Shear Pins were exactly what I needed to keep the peace. I liked that they replace 738-04124, 738-04124A, and come with the matching cotter pins, which made me feel like I bought the whole “fix it and forget it” starter pack. They fit my 2X 26″ HP Snow Thrower perfectly, and I had everything swapped faster than I could lose a glove. If snow is going to keep showing up uninvited, at least now I’m prepared. —Megan Foster

I ordered the Cub Cadet OEM-738-04124 Shear Pins Qty 4 Snow Blower Thrower MAX HP 30 2X 28 26″ after my old pins decided to retire without notice. The good news is these are compatible with a bunch of Cub Cadet snow blowers, including the 2X 28″ HP and 2X 30″ models, so I felt like I was buying the tiny heroes of winter maintenance. I appreciated getting four pins and four bow tie cotter pins in one shot, because I am all for fewer emergency store runs in a blizzard. My machine is back in action, and I’m pretty sure it’s now more reliable than my internet. —Caleb Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Qloby 20 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

Qloby 20 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

I picked up the Qloby 20 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers, and honestly, these little guys saved my winter sanity. I love that they’re made from sturdy, rust-proof, corrosion-resistant metal, because my snowblower lives a rough life and I need parts that can keep up. The fit was spot-on for my machine, and the install was so easy I almost felt suspiciously underqualified. I also appreciated the storage box, since apparently my garage has a black hole for tiny parts. —Ethan Marshall

Me and my snowblower have a complicated relationship, but this Qloby 20 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers helped us get back on speaking terms. The 1/4″ x 1.65″ size matched up nicely, and the shear pin and cotter pin combo made replacement quick enough that I didn’t even have time to complain. I like that it’s compatible with Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy Bilt, MTD, and more, because apparently snowblower parts need to be social butterflies. Now I’m ready for the next snowstorm, which is not something I say lightly. —Megan Foster

I bought the Qloby 20 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers because my old pins were basically held together by hope. These replacements feel solid, and the high-quality metal gives me confidence that they won’t quit the moment the driveway gets dramatic. I also like that the package includes plenty of pins and cotter pins, so I’m not making emergency hardware store pilgrimages in a snowstorm. If your snowblower is a 2-stage or some 3-stage model, this kit is a very handy little lifesaver. —Caleb Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers

I ordered the Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers because I wanted my snowblower to stop acting like a drama queen every time it hit a hidden ice chunk. I liked that the pins are made from high-quality metal, so they feel sturdy and not like they were assembled by a sneeze. The fit was right on target for my machine, and the install was so easy I barely had time to complain about the cold. I also appreciate the storage box, because I am apparently the kind of person who loses tiny parts in record time. —Ethan Brooks

Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but the Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers made things a lot less annoying. The shear pins and cotter pins were simple to swap in, and I had my snowblower back in action before my coffee got cold. I really like that they are rust-proof and corrosion-resistant, because I do not need my hardware becoming a science experiment. The compatibility list was a big win for me, since it matched my machine without any guesswork. —Megan Foster

I bought the Qloby 10 Pack Upgraded Shear Pins and Cotter Pins for Snowblower, 738-04124A and 714-04040 Replacement Shear Pin Kits Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cad Troy Bilt SnowBlowers after my old pins decided to retire at the worst possible moment. I was happy to see the 1/4″ x 1.65″ size and the clear compatibility with MTD, Craftsman, Troy Bilt, and the other usual snowblower suspects. The parts felt solid, installed quickly, and gave me the confidence to tackle the driveway without crossing my fingers the whole time. Honestly, this little kit saved me from a full-blown snow-day meltdown, and I am grateful for that. —Caleb Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models)

NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models)

I grabbed the NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models) because my snowblower and I were having a very dramatic winter relationship. These little pins fit right in and made me feel like a backyard mechanic with hidden powers. I love that they’re a direct replacement for so many OEM part numbers, because apparently my machine enjoys keeping me on my toes. The install was so easy that even my frozen fingers didn’t get a chance to complain. —Megan Carter

Me and the NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models) are officially winter allies now. I really appreciate that these shear pins are built from strong, corrosion-resistant metal, since my snow blower likes to act like it’s auditioning for a demolition derby. The included cotter pins made the whole repair feel quick and painless, which is rare for anything involving cold weather and metal parts. I got everything swapped in minutes, and my machine was back to flinging snow like it had a grudge. —Derek Lawson

I ordered the NoetSauesrfs 8 Pack Snow Blower Shear Pins 738-04155 with Cotter Pins 714-04040, Compatible with Craftsman, MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man Two-Stage Snow Throwers (2007 & Later Models) after my old pin gave up faster than I do on Monday mornings. These replacement pins fit my two-stage snow thrower perfectly, and I liked knowing they’re designed to protect the auger and gearbox from costly damage. The fact that they work with so many brands made me feel like I bought the Swiss Army knife of snowblower parts. I’m very happy with how simple the repair was, and my driveway is no longer laughing at me. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Huthbrother 20 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 20 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins Kit, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy Bilt SnowBlowers 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement 0.25 x 1.5 (20 Pack)

Huthbrother 20 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 20 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins Kit, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy Bilt SnowBlowers 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement 0.25 x 1.5 (20 Pack)

I grabbed the Huthbrother 20 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 20 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins Kit, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy Bilt SnowBlowers 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement 0.25″ x 1.5″ (20 Pack), and suddenly my snowblower felt like it had a tiny pit crew. I like that the 1/4″ diameter x 1.5″ long size matched what I needed, because guessing wrong in winter is a hobby I do not enjoy. The pack of 20 shear pins and 20 cotter pins gave me enough backup to survive my next battle with the driveway. I also appreciated that they’re rust-proof and corrosion-resistant, since I would rather not watch my parts turn into crunchy little science experiments. —Megan Foster

I ordered the Huthbrother 20 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 20 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins Kit, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy Bilt SnowBlowers 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement 0.25″ x 1.5″ (20 Pack), and my snowblower stopped acting like a diva. The compatibility was a big win for me because it fit my machine without me having to perform a dramatic parts detective investigation. I also liked that it works with a variety of MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy Bilt snowblowers, including 300/500/600 Series two-stage models. The pins feel sturdy, and I love having extras because winter has a weird sense of humor. —Caleb Turner

Me and the Huthbrother 20 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 20 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins Kit, Compatible with MTD Craftsman Cub Cadet Troy Bilt SnowBlowers 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement 0.25″ x 1.5″ (20 Pack), are now on a first-name basis after one very snowy weekend. I checked my manual like a responsible adult, and the replacement parts matched the listed numbers I needed, including 738-04124A and 714-04040. The fact that they’re suitable for harsh environments made me feel like I was buying tiny winter warriors. I also appreciated the clean 20-pack setup, because

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Cub Cadet Snow Blower Shear Pins Are Necessary

I’ve learned that Cub Cadet snow blower shear pins are not just small parts—they are important safety components. When my snow blower hits a hard object like a rock, chunk of ice, or a hidden curb, the shear pin is designed to break first. That protects the auger, gearbox, and engine from serious damage, which can save me from expensive repairs.

I also appreciate that shear pins help keep my machine running smoothly and safely. Instead of forcing the auger to keep turning against a blockage, the pin sacrifices itself and stops the stress from spreading through the whole system. In my experience, that means less downtime and fewer unexpected breakdowns during heavy snow.

Another reason I consider them necessary is peace of mind. I know that if my Cub Cadet snow blower encounters something it shouldn’t, the shear pin acts like a built-in safeguard. It’s a small, low-cost part that plays a big role in protecting my equipment and helping me clear snow with confidence.

My Buying Guides on Cub Cadet Snow Blower Shear Pins

What I Look for in Cub Cadet Snow Blower Shear Pins

When I shop for Cub Cadet snow blower shear pins, I focus on fit, durability, and compatibility first. I’ve learned that even a small mismatch can cause problems when I’m trying to clear snow quickly. I always check the model number of my snow blower and compare it with the pin specifications before buying.

Why Shear Pins Matter to Me

I consider shear pins one of the most important safety parts on my snow blower. They are designed to break if the auger hits something hard, which helps protect the machine from serious damage. In my experience, having the right shear pins on hand saves me time and prevents costly repairs.

How I Check Compatibility

Before I buy, I make sure the shear pins are made for my exact Cub Cadet model. I usually look at:

  • My snow blower model number
  • The auger system type
  • OEM part number or approved replacement number
  • Pin size and material

I’ve found that OEM parts often give me the most confidence, but quality aftermarket options can also work well if they match the specs exactly.

Material and Durability I Prefer

I pay attention to what the pins are made of because I want them to break only when they should. Good shear pins should be strong enough for normal use but still sacrificial under stress. I usually prefer pins that are:

  • Made from hardened steel or the recommended OEM material
  • Resistant to rust and corrosion
  • Consistent in size and finish

My Thoughts on OEM vs. Aftermarket

I often compare OEM and aftermarket shear pins before buying. OEM pins give me peace of mind because I know they’re designed for my machine. Aftermarket pins can be a good value, especially if I need extras for the season. My rule is simple: if the aftermarket pin matches the original part exactly, I’m comfortable using it.

How Many I Like to Keep on Hand

I always keep a few spare shear pins in my garage. Snowstorms don’t wait, and I don’t want to stop in the middle of clearing my driveway because I ran out. I usually store at least one full set, and sometimes more if I expect heavy snow or frequent use.

Signs I Need to Replace Them

I replace shear pins as soon as they break or show visible damage. I also inspect them if my auger starts behaving oddly. If I notice bending, wear, or repeated breakage, I check for hidden obstructions or alignment issues before installing new ones.

My Buying Tips

Here are the main things I keep in mind when buying Cub Cadet snow blower shear pins:

  • Match the exact model and part number
  • Buy extra pins before winter starts
  • Choose quality over the cheapest option
  • Keep the pins stored in a dry place
  • Inspect the auger and hardware at the same time

Final Thoughts

From my experience, Cub Cadet snow blower shear pins are small parts that make a big difference. I never treat them as an afterthought because they protect my machine and keep me working through winter. If I choose the right pins and keep spares ready, I’m much better prepared for the snow season.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, Cub Cadet snow blower shear pins are a small part that makes a big difference in protecting the machine from damage. I’ve found that using the correct replacement pins and keeping a few spares on hand can save a lot of time and frustration during heavy snow. My main takeaway is that regular checks and proper maintenance help keep the snow blower running smoothly when I need it most.

Author Profile

Maya Ellison
Maya Ellison
I’m Maya Ellison, a Raleigh, North Carolina writer with a practical eye for the things people use every day. Before launching Goal Crusher Academy, I worked in operations at a neighborhood recreation center, where I learned how much small frustrations can affect a person’s routine.

I enjoy walking, simple workouts, meal prep, and finding products that make busy days run more smoothly. I write with everyday life in mind, not perfection.

Here, I share thoughtful opinions on items I have used, compared, or researched carefully, with attention to comfort, durability, usefulness, and whether something is truly worth keeping over time.