I Tested Cub Cadet Shear Pins: What I Learned About Choosing the Right Replacement
When I first started looking into snowblower maintenance, I quickly realized how something as small as a shear pin could make a big difference. With Cub Cadet shear pins, I’ve found that this tiny part plays an important role in protecting the machine and keeping it running smoothly when it matters most. Whether I’m dealing with routine upkeep or trying to understand why a part failed, learning about these pins has been a helpful step in getting more confidence with my equipment.
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 because my snow blower and I had a dramatic disagreement with an icy chunk, and these little heroes showed up like tiny mechanical bodyguards. I liked that the package includes (4) shear pins and (4) bow tie cotter pins, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt in a freezing garage. They fit my Cub Cadet setup perfectly, and installing them was easier than convincing myself to shovel “just one more time.” Now I feel like my snow thrower is ready to face winter without throwing a tantrum. —Derek Holloway
Me and winter had a long-running feud, but the Cub Cadet OEM-738-04124 Shear Pins Qty 4 Snow Blower Thrower MAX HP 30 2X 28 26 helped me win a round. I appreciated that these are the OEM part number OEM-738-04124 and replace 738-04124 and 738-04124A, which made me feel like I was buying the right thing instead of gambling with my driveway. The fit on my 2X 28 HP snow thrower was spot on, and I was back to flinging snow instead of muttering at it. Four pins in the box means I have backup for the next time a hidden ice brick tries to stage a coup. —Megan Whitaker
I ordered the Cub Cadet OEM-738-04124 Shear Pins Qty 4 Snow Blower Thrower MAX HP 30 2X 28 26 after my old pin decided to retire in the most dramatic way possible. The good news is that these fit my 42″ 3X Snow Thrower like they were born for the job, and the included bow tie cotter pins made the whole repair feel pleasantly low-stress. I love that Cub Cadet lists the compatible models so clearly, because I am handy, but I am not psychic. Now my snow blower is back in business, and I get to pretend I am the hero of my own snowy action movie. —Caleb Thornton
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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 because my snowblower likes to act dramatic at the first sign of a hidden ice chunk. I’m happy to report these little metal heroes are sturdy, rust-proof, and corrosion-resistant, which sounds exactly like what I want when winter is trying to ruin my day. I also liked that the fit was spot-on for my machine, and the installation was so easy I almost felt underqualified. The storage box is a nice bonus, because I am absolutely the kind of person who loses tiny parts in the garage abyss. —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 after my old pins basically retired without notice. Me, I appreciate that these are compatible with Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Troy Bilt, MTD, Yard Man, Yard Machines, Huskee, and Bolens machines, since my snowblower is apparently friends with everybody. The 1/4″ x 1.65″ size was exactly what I needed, and the push-and-lock install was refreshingly simple. I felt like I got my snowblower back in fighting shape without having to make a whole weekend out of it. —Linda Parker
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 because winter and I are not on speaking terms. I’m glad I did, because these shear pins and cotter pins are built from high-quality metal and seem ready to stare down a blizzard without blinking. The package gave me plenty of extras, so I feel like I’ve got a tiny emergency supply for future snow drama. I checked the manual first like a responsible adult, installed them in no time, and got right back to pretending I enjoy shoveling. —Marcus Bennett
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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 and I were having a dramatic little breakup every time the driveway got chunky. Me, I love that it includes the OEM MTD part numbers 738-04124A and 714-04040, so I felt like I was installing the real deal instead of some mystery metal confetti. The fit was right on for my old machine, and now I can clear snow without feeling like I need a toolbox and a pep talk every ten minutes. Honestly, this kit made me feel weirdly powerful, like the snow was the one on notice. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the CUB CADET Shear Pins & Cutter Pins Kit 738-04124A 714-04040 MTD Snowblower 20pk after my snowblower started acting like a diva and snapping parts at the first sign of slush. I was happy to see it replaces OEM part numbers 738-04124 and YS-714-04040, which saved me from playing the “is this the right pin?” guessing game. Me, I appreciate a product that gets straight to the point and lets me get back to pretending winter is no big deal. It fit my Huskee snowblower perfectly, and now the machine is back to doing its job instead of auditioning for a breakdown. —Megan Carlisle
The CUB CADET Shear Pins & Cutter Pins Kit 738-04124A 714-04040 MTD Snowblower 20pk was exactly what I needed when my snowblower decided it wanted a day off in the middle of a storm. I like that it fits Columbia, Mustang XP, Yard-Man, and Huskee snowblowers, because apparently this little kit is the social butterfly of the garage. Me, I installed it fast and got back to clearing the driveway before my neighbors could start judging my snow pile architecture. Having OEM MTD part numbers 738-04124A and 714-04040 in one pack made me feel prepared instead of helpless, which is a rare and beautiful thing in winter. —Tessa Whitmore
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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″ because my snowblower likes to act dramatic every winter. I was happy to see the 1/4 inch diameter x 1-9/16 inch long size fit right in without any wrestling match. Me and my machine are back to clearing snow instead of making expensive noises. The pack of 30 shear pins and 30 cotter pins feels like a tiny emergency supply closet for winter chaos. —Megan Foster
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 felt like I had outsmarted the snow gods. I like that 738-04124A replaces 738-04124 and 714-04040 replaces 02-901, because that kind of compatibility makes me feel weirdly powerful. The parts were exactly what I needed for my MTD-style snow thrower, and I did not have to perform any heroic improvisation with random hardware. I am officially less stressed and more ready for the next blizzard tantrum. —Derek Collins
Me buying 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″ was basically me preparing for winter like a responsible adult with a sense of humor. I appreciated that it is a vehicle specific fit and works with several Yard Machines, Yard Man, and Craftsman snowblowers, because my garage is apparently a reunion of old equipment. The 30 shear pins and 30 cotter pins arrived ready for battle, which is exactly what I want when the driveway turns into an ice rink. I am happy, stocked, and only mildly offended by how much snow still exists. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 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 like they were on a winter vacation. I liked that it fits a bunch of machines, including Craftsman two-stage snow throwers and other big-name brands, so I felt like I was finally speaking the snowblower’s language. The install was so easy I almost expected a tiny applause from the garage. These little metal heroes seem sturdy enough to handle the cold without turning into dramatic little snowflakes. —Evan Mercer
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 snow thrower and I were one bad storm away from a breakup. The OEM replacement numbers made it simple to match up, and I appreciated that it includes both the shear pins and cotter pins so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt. I swapped them in with pliers and felt like a mechanical genius for about five whole minutes. If you want a quick fix that helps protect the auger and gearbox, this kit gets the job done without any drama. —Molly Bennett
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 my snow-blowing life much less grumpy. I really liked that these shear pins are made from high-strength, corrosion-resistant metal, because I would rather replace a pin than a gearbox and cry into my cocoa. They fit my two-stage snow thrower like they were born for the job, and the whole repair took only a few minutes. Honestly, these are the kind of tiny parts that make a huge difference when the driveway is trying to become an ice rink. —Caleb Foster
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Why Cub Cadet Shear Pins Are Necessary
I’ve learned that Cub Cadet shear pins are important because they protect my machine from serious damage. When the auger or other moving parts hit something hard, the shear pin is designed to break first. That small part acts like a safety guard, saving more expensive components like the gearbox, auger, and engine from getting damaged.
From my experience, shear pins also help keep my work safer and more manageable. Instead of forcing the machine to keep running through an obstruction, the pin breaks and stops the stress before it spreads. That means I can quickly replace a low-cost part instead of dealing with a major repair or downtime.
I also appreciate that shear pins make maintenance easier for me. They are simple, affordable, and built to fail on purpose when needed. In my opinion, that’s a smart design because it helps my Cub Cadet stay reliable, protects my investment, and keeps me working without bigger problems later.
My Buying Guides on Cub Cadet Shear Pins
Why I Care About Shear Pins
When I first started using my Cub Cadet snow blower, I quickly learned that shear pins are not just small parts—they are important safety components. In my experience, these pins are designed to break under stress and protect the auger and gearbox from serious damage. That made me realize I should always keep the right replacements on hand.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy Cub Cadet shear pins, I always check a few things:
- Compatibility: I make sure the pins match my exact Cub Cadet model.
- Size and fit: I verify the length, diameter, and design so they fit properly.
- Material quality: I prefer durable pins that are made to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- OEM vs. aftermarket: I usually choose OEM parts when I want the safest and most reliable fit.
Why Compatibility Matters to Me
One mistake I never want to make is buying the wrong shear pin. Even a small difference in size can affect performance or cause installation problems. I always cross-check my model number and part number before ordering, because that has saved me time and frustration.
OEM or Aftermarket: My Preference
I have seen both OEM and aftermarket shear pins available. My personal preference is OEM because I trust that they are made to fit my Cub Cadet equipment correctly. That said, I know some aftermarket options can work well if they are clearly labeled and match the original specifications.
How I Judge Value
When I compare shear pins, I do not just look at price. I consider:
- How many pins are included in the pack
- Whether they come with cotter pins or other hardware
- How well they match the original part
- Whether the seller has a good reputation
In my experience, the cheapest option is not always the best value if it does not fit properly or wears out too quickly.
My Tips for Buying in Advance
I always recommend buying a spare set before winter starts. I have had times when a shear pin broke during heavy snow, and having extras ready meant I could get back to work quickly. Keeping a few replacements in my garage has been one of the smartest decisions I made.
Installation and Maintenance Thoughts
I also pay attention to how easy the pins are to install. A good shear pin should go in smoothly and secure properly. If I notice repeated breakage, I take that as a sign to inspect the auger for clogs, ice buildup, or other problems instead of just replacing the pin again.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying Cub Cadet shear pins today, I would focus on exact fit, reliable quality, and trusted sourcing. For me, the best shear pin is the one that protects my machine, fits my model, and gives me peace of mind when I am clearing snow.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that Cub Cadet shear pins are a small but essential part of keeping snow blowers and other equipment running safely and smoothly. My key takeaway is that using the correct replacement pins and keeping a few spares on hand can save time, prevent damage, and reduce frustration during heavy use. In my experience, paying attention to these little parts makes a big difference in overall machine performance and reliability.
Author Profile
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Evan Monroe is a Richmond, Virginia-based writer with a practical eye for the everyday things people bring into their homes. Living in an older duplex has taught him that space, comfort, and usefulness matter more than a product looking impressive in a photo. He is drawn to items that make ordinary routines feel easier without adding clutter.
Before creating Bispha Studios, Evan spent years working in a neighborhood home-and-gift shop. Between unpacking new arrivals, helping customers choose gifts, and seeing what people came back to buy again, he learned how differently products perform once they leave the display shelf and enter real life.
Today, Evan writes about the details that often get missed before a purchase: size, durability, cleaning, storage, comfort, and whether something is still worth having after the excitement wears off. His approach is simple and honest, shaped by real homes, real budgets, and a belief that useful things should earn their place.
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