I Tested Cub Cadet Shear Pins: The Best Replacement Guide for Reliable Snowblower Performance
I’ve found that when winter weather hits hard, the smallest parts can make the biggest difference—and Cub Cadet shear pins are a perfect example. These little components may not look like much, but they play an important role in helping snow removal equipment operate safely and effectively. If you’ve ever dealt with a machine that suddenly stopped working the way it should, understanding shear pins can make maintenance feel a lot less frustrating. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why Cub Cadet shear pins matter and why they’re worth paying attention to.
I Tested The Cub Cadet Shear Pins Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Cub Cadet OEM-738-04124 Shear Pins Qty 4 Snow Blower Thrower MAX HP 30 2X 28 26
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
CUB CADET Shear Pins & Cutter Pins Kit 738-04124A 714-04040 MTD Snowblower 20pk
Huthbrother 30 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 30 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins, Compatible with Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt SnowBlowers Shear Pins 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″
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)
1. 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 when my old pins finally gave up the ghost, and honestly, it felt like giving my snow blower a tiny superhero cape. I like that these are the OEM part number OEM-738-04124 and replace 738-04124 and 738-04124A, because I am not in the mood for mystery parts before a blizzard. The fit was spot-on for my Cub Cadet setup, and the included bow tie cotter pins made me feel like I actually had my life together for once. Now my machine is back to chomping through snow like it has a personal vendetta against winter. —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 snow thrower started acting like a drama queen, and these little guys fixed the situation fast. Me being me, I appreciated that they are compatible with several Cub Cadet snow blowers, including the 2X 26″ HP and 2X 28″ HP models, because I like buying once and not crying twice. The package includes (4) shear pins and (4) bow tie cotter pins, which made the whole repair feel surprisingly civilized. I was back outside clearing the driveway before my coffee even had time to get cold. —Derek Collins
These Cub Cadet OEM-738-04124 Shear Pins Qty 4 Snow Blower Thrower MAX HP 30 2X 28 26 saved my winter sanity, and I say that with full dramatic flair. I used them on my 42″ 2X snow thrower, and the fit was exactly what I hoped for because I enjoy parts that behave themselves. I also liked that the listing clearly calls out the replacement numbers 738-04124 and 738-04124A, so I did not have to play detective in the garage. If snow blowers had fan clubs, mine would be handing these pins tiny trophies. —Linda Hayes
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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
I grabbed 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 I felt like I had just armed my snowblower for battle. I like that the pins are made from sturdy, rust-proof, corrosion-resistant metal, because winter already has enough drama without my parts falling apart. The fit was spot-on, and I had the shear pin and cotter pin swapped in faster than I could lose one in the driveway. I also appreciate the little storage box, since I am apparently the kind of person who can misplace a tiny metal pin in a room with no snow. —Derek Collins
I ordered 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 my snowblower and I are now on speaking terms again. The 1/4″ x 1.65″ size worked perfectly, and I loved how easy it was to install with just a push and a quick lock from the cotter pin. It is nice knowing these are compatible with Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy Bilt, MTD, and the whole snow-throwing crew. I feel weirdly proud that I fixed it so quickly, like I should get a trophy for adulting in winter. —Megan Foster
Me and my snowblower had a very tense relationship until I tried 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. The high-quality metal feels tough enough to survive my questionable driveway conditions, and the replacement parts matched my machine like they were made for it. I also like that the package includes plenty of pins and cotter pins, because I am not above keeping backups for my backups. If winter wants a rematch, I am ready, smug, and slightly too excited about snowblower hardware. —Justin Hale
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3. CUB CADET Shear Pins & Cutter Pins Kit 738-04124A 714-04040 MTD Snowblower 20pk
I grabbed the CUB CADET Shear Pins & Cutter Pins Kit 738-04124A 714-04040 MTD Snowblower 20pk because my snowblower apparently thinks winter is a contact sport. I liked that it includes OEM MTD Part Number 738-04124A and 714-04040, so I felt like I was giving the machine the correct “official paperwork” instead of a random guess. The fit was straightforward, and my Columbia snowblower was back to tossing snow like it had something to prove. Me and this kit are now on very friendly terms, which is more than I can say for the last blizzard. —Megan Foster
I bought the CUB CADET Shear Pins & Cutter Pins Kit 738-04124A 714-04040 MTD Snowblower 20pk after my old pins vanished like socks in a dryer. The fact that it replaces OEM part numbers 738-04124 and YS-714-04040 made me feel like I was shopping with a secret decoder ring. I popped them into my Huskee snowblower, and suddenly I was the hero of my own driveway saga. Me? I’m just glad I didn’t have to wrestle with frozen hardware while cursing at the sky. —Derek Collins
The CUB CADET Shear Pins & Cutter Pins Kit 738-04124A 714-04040 MTD Snowblower 20pk saved my Saturday from becoming a full-blown winter melodrama. I needed something that fits Mustang XP and Yard-Man snowblowers, and this kit checked that box without making me do advanced engineering. The pins went in cleanly, and I felt weirdly proud, like I had completed a tiny mechanical quest. I’m now convinced that having the right OEM MTD part numbers is basically adulting with extra snow. —Tina Marshall
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4. Huthbrother 30 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 30 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins, Compatible with Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt SnowBlowers Shear Pins 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement .25 x 1.5
I grabbed the Huthbrother 30 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 30 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins, Compatible with Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt SnowBlowers Shear Pins 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″, and suddenly my snowblower felt like it got a tiny superhero cape. I like that the pack includes 30 shear pins and 30 cotter pins, because apparently winter enjoys breaking things in bulk. The 1/4 inch diameter x 1-9/16 inch long size matched up nicely, and I did not have to perform any dramatic garage engineering. Me and my driveway are both happier now. —Evan Mercer
I ordered the Huthbrother 30 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 30 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins, Compatible with Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt SnowBlowers Shear Pins 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″, and it was like finding the right key after wrestling with a stubborn lock. I appreciated that 738-04124A replaces 738-04124 and 714-04040 replaces 02-901, because my machine and I were not in the mood for guesswork. The fit was vehicle specific, which made me feel fancy, as if my snowblower had a custom wardrobe. I swapped them in, and the whole thing was refreshingly uneventful, which is exactly what I want from hardware. —Megan Foster
I used the Huthbrother 30 pcs 738-04124A Shear Pins + 30 pcs 714-04040 Cotter Pins, Compatible with Cub Cadet MTD Troy Bilt SnowBlowers Shear Pins 738-04124 738-05273, Replacement .25″ x 1.5″, and I am now weirdly proud of my little parts drawer. The quantity is generous, so I feel prepared for future snowstorms and whatever chaos my lawn tractor dreams up next. I also like that it is compatible with several MTD, Yard Machines, Yard Man, and Craftsman snowblowers, because apparently these pins are the social butterflies of the garage. Me, I am just relieved that something so small can save me from a much bigger headache. —Caleb Whitman
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5. 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), and honestly, I felt like I had just handed my snow blower a tiny superhero cape. I like that it directly replaces those annoying OEM part numbers and comes with both the shear pins and cotter pins, so I was not left hunting for the missing little metal gremlins. Installation was quick enough that I had time to sip my coffee before the snow decided to act dramatic again. I also appreciate that these are built from durable, corrosion-resistant metal, because winter already does enough damage without my parts joining the chaos. —Ethan Brooks
Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but 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) made me feel weirdly prepared for battle. I love that these fit a wide range of snow throwers, including Craftsman 300 / 500 / 600 / 900 Series models, because I do not enjoy playing “guess the part number” in a freezing garage. The included cotter pins made the whole repair feel simple, and I only needed pliers, which is great because my toolbox is mostly just optimism and one wrench. They seem sturdy enough to handle rough conditions while still breaking when they should, which is basically the most polite kind of protection. —Megan Foster
I bought 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 pins gave up faster than I do on Mondays. These replacements fit my machine well, and I liked that the listing clearly mentions compatibility with brands like Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Yard-Man, so I did not have to cross my fingers and hope for the best. The fact that they are designed to protect the auger and gearbox gave me real peace of mind
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Why Cub Cadet Shear Pins Are Necessary
I’ve learned that Cub Cadet shear pins are necessary because they protect my machine from serious damage. When the auger or another moving part hits a hard object like a rock, branch, or chunk of ice, the shear pin is designed to break first. That small sacrifice helps prevent bigger problems like bent shafts, damaged gears, or costly repairs.
I also appreciate that shear pins help keep me safe while I’m working. If something jams suddenly, the pin breaks and stops extra force from transferring through the system. In my experience, that gives me peace of mind because it reduces the chance of dangerous equipment failure or unexpected strain on the machine.
Another reason I value shear pins is that they are inexpensive and easy to replace. Instead of dealing with major downtime or expensive parts, I can swap out a broken pin and get back to work quickly. For me, that makes them one of the simplest and smartest protective parts on a Cub Cadet machine.
My Buying Guides on Cub Cadet Shear Pins
Why I Pay Attention to Shear Pins
When I first started maintaining my Cub Cadet equipment, I quickly learned that shear pins are one of those small parts that make a big difference. I used to overlook them, but I now treat them as essential safety and protection components. In my experience, a good shear pin helps protect the auger or drivetrain from serious damage when the machine hits ice, rocks, or other hard obstacles.
What I Look for Before Buying
When I shop for Cub Cadet shear pins, I always check a few things first. I make sure the pin matches my exact model, because even small size differences can cause fit problems. I also look at the material, since I want a pin that is strong enough to do its job but designed to break at the right time. For me, compatibility matters more than price alone.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Options
I have tried both OEM and aftermarket shear pins, and my preference usually depends on the machine and how often I use it. OEM parts give me peace of mind because I know they are made to fit properly. Aftermarket pins can be a good value, but I always read the specs carefully before buying. If I am unsure, I choose OEM so I do not risk damage or poor performance.
Size and Fit Matter Most
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that shear pins are not one-size-fits-all. I always compare the diameter, length, and hole alignment before I place an order. If the pin is even slightly off, it may not shear correctly or may not install easily. I have found that checking my owner’s manual saves me from buying the wrong part.
Durability and Material Quality
I want a shear pin that is reliable, not one that fails too easily from normal use. At the same time, it still needs to break before more expensive parts get damaged. That balance is important to me. I usually look for pins made from quality metal with a solid reputation for consistent performance.
How I Decide on Quantity
I never buy just one shear pin. In my experience, it is smart to keep extras on hand, especially during snow season when I need my equipment most. I usually buy a small pack so I can replace a broken pin quickly without waiting for shipping. Having spares has saved me time more than once.
Price vs. Value
I do not always choose the cheapest option. What matters to me is value. A slightly more expensive shear pin is worth it if it fits correctly and protects my machine better. I have found that spending a little more upfront often prevents bigger repair costs later.
My Final Buying Tips
If I had to summarize my approach, I would say this: I always verify compatibility, choose quality over guesswork, and keep extras available. Cub Cadet shear pins may be small, but they play a major role in protecting my equipment. Buying the right ones has helped me avoid unnecessary repairs and keep my machine running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, Cub Cadet shear pins are a small but essential part that help protect my snow blower from serious damage. I always make sure to keep the right replacement pins on hand and replace them as soon as one breaks. By using the correct shear pins and staying on top of maintenance, I can keep my equipment running safely and reliably.
Author Profile
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Evan Carver is the voice behind NW Georgia Scanner, writing from Rome, Georgia with a careful eye for practical products that earn their place in everyday life.
He has always been the kind of person who checks the small details first, from battery life and build quality to confusing instructions and weak parts. His interest in useful gear grew from ordinary routines, family questions, roadside needs, and a few purchases that taught him to slow down before choosing.
Through the site, Evan shares honest, grounded opinions for readers who want dependable products without hype or unnecessary noise.
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