Husqvarna 1650EXL Snow Thrower Review: Conquering Winter’s Heaviest Snowfall with Power and Precision

Winter in regions like New York can be relentless, bringing with it a constant barrage of heavy snowfall that can quickly turn a picturesque landscape into a daunting chore. For homeowners with substantial driveways and expansive properties, managing these snowy onslaughts requires more than just a basic snow blower; it demands a robust, reliable, and powerful machine capable of tackling deep drifts, icy crusts, and persistent snowbanks. This comprehensive review puts the Husqvarna 1650EXL snow thrower through its paces, evaluating its performance, key features, and overall user experience during one of the most challenging winters on record. Our aim is to provide an in-depth look at whether this heavy-duty snow thrower lives up to its reputation and if it’s the right investment for your demanding winter snow removal needs.

Overview: Key Strengths, Considerations, and Ideal Use Cases

Key Strengths: The Husqvarna 1650EXL excels with its exceptional power, impressive snow throwing distance, the sheer convenience of electric start, its remarkably smooth hydrostatic transmission, and effective LED lighting for enhanced visibility.
Primary Consideration: A minor ergonomic design flaw related to the control levers could be improved for more comfortable and secure operation, particularly for certain hand sizes.
Best Suited For: This machine is meticulously designed for efficiently clearing significant snowfalls, typically ranging from 18 to 20 inches deep, from large residential or light commercial driveways and expansive property areas where consistent performance, durability, and efficiency are paramount.

Unpacking the Powerhouse: Key Features and Advanced Specifications

The Husqvarna 1650EXL is engineered from the ground up to be a formidable adversary against winter’s most challenging conditions. A detailed understanding of its core features is crucial to fully appreciating its capabilities and how it stands out in the crowded snow thrower market.

Robust Engine Performance and Dual Start System

At the very core of the 1650EXL lies a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, a name synonymous with reliability and performance in outdoor power equipment. This engine is specifically designed to deliver ample horsepower, ensuring consistent operation even in the coldest temperatures and through the heaviest, wettest snow. It drives both the heavy-duty auger and the wheels with unwavering strength. Complementing this powerful engine is a versatile dual-start system: a convenient electric start allows for instant ignition with a simple push of a button, eliminating the frustration of cold starts. For added peace of mind and as a reliable backup, a dependable pull-start mechanism is also integrated, ensuring your machine is always ready for action, regardless of the conditions.

Hydrostatic Transmission: Unmatched Maneuverability and Control

One of the most significant and transformative features of the 1650EXL is its advanced hydrostatic transmission. Unlike traditional friction-disc systems that often involve jerky gear shifts and limited speed control, the hydrostatic system offers infinitely variable speeds in both forward and reverse. This allows for seamless, fluid transitions, giving the operator precise control over the machine’s speed. The result is incredibly smooth operation and superior maneuverability, making it significantly easier to navigate tight turns, intricate landscaping, and even challenging slopes. You can effortlessly match the machine’s pace to the specific snow conditions, optimizing clearing efficiency without compromising on control or user comfort, reducing fatigue over long periods of operation.

Expansive Clearing Width and Impressive Intake Height

The 1650EXL boasts a substantial 30-inch clearing width, a key advantage for homeowners with wide driveways or extensive areas to clear. This generous width drastically reduces the number of passes required, saving considerable time and effort. Complementing this is an impressive intake height, allowing the machine to chew through snow depths of 18-20 inches with remarkable ease. This combination ensures that even after a major blizzard, your path will be clear in fewer sweeps, making quick work of daunting accumulations that would overwhelm smaller machines.

Exceptional Throwing Distance and Advanced Auger System

This heavy-duty snow thrower truly impresses with its throwing capabilities, consistently launching snow approximately 30 feet away. This extended reach is invaluable, allowing you to clear snow effectively over cars, mailbox posts, fences, and into designated, out-of-the-way areas. This prevents the formation of unsightly and obstructive snowbanks that can block visibility or access. The machine’s heavy-duty ribbon auger system is engineered for superior performance, efficiently breaking up compacted snow and ice before feeding it to the high-speed impeller. This robust design is specifically aimed at resisting clogging, ensuring continuous operation even in challenging, slushy, or partially frozen conditions, maintaining peak efficiency throughout the clearing process.

Enhanced User Comfort and Visibility Features

Husqvarna has thoughtfully integrated several features designed to enhance the overall user experience and comfort during frigid winter conditions. Built-in heated hand grips (hand warmers) are a welcome luxury, keeping hands comfortable and nimble, which is a significant benefit on bitter cold mornings. For evening or early morning snow removal, the integrated LED headlight casts a bright, wide beam, effectively illuminating the path ahead and the immediate working area. This critical feature significantly enhances both visibility and safety during low-light operation, extending the usability of the machine beyond daylight hours without compromising precision or safety.

Performance in Action: A Real-World Test in Challenging Conditions

Putting the Husqvarna 1650EXL to the ultimate test during a particularly harsh New York winter provided invaluable insights into its true capabilities, operational nuances, and minor limitations in real-world scenarios.

Effortless Setup and Initial Operation

Upon its arrival, the snow thrower proved surprisingly quick to assemble for a machine of its stature, requiring approximately 30 minutes. Basic but crucial steps like attaching the discharge chute and securing the handles were intuitive and straightforward, allowing for a remarkably swift transition from unboxing to operational readiness. For the first snow event, a modest 6-inch snowfall, the electric start system immediately showcased its value, bringing the powerful Briggs & Stratton engine roaring to life with a simple, effortless push of a button. From the very first pass, the machine demonstrated its prowess, launching snow with remarkable force and an impressive throwing distance, making light work of the fresh powder.

Conquering Deep Snow and Persistent Drifts

Subsequent snow events presented much greater challenges, including multiple dumps of 18-20 inches of fresh, heavy powder, often accompanied by strong winds creating deep drifts. This is where the 1650EXL truly distinguished itself. Its robust engine and highly efficient auger system never faltered, consistently chewing through deep accumulations without showing any signs of strain or bogging down. The consistently impressive 30-foot throwing distance proved to be a significant advantage, easily clearing snow over perimeter obstacles like fences and into designated areas, thereby preventing the unsightly and obstructive buildup of new snowbanks that could impede visibility or access. Throughout repeated heavy clearings, the thrower maintained its clog-free operation, a testament to its meticulously engineered auger and impeller design, even when confronting heavier, wetter snow near the end of a storm.

Navigating Icy Crusts and Sloped Terrain with Control

One specific, rigorous backyard test involved a particularly challenging scenario: a 2-inch thick layer of stubborn ice crust that had formed over 5-6 inches of packed, older snow. To successfully clear this demanding combination, a slightly different approach was required. Instead of rapid clearing, a slower, more deliberate pace, combined with a bit more focused physical “muscling” from the operator, was necessary to allow the auger to effectively bite through and break up the hardened, icy layer. While certainly demanding, the machine ultimately prevailed, demonstrating its impressive capacity to handle even highly compacted and frozen snow formations. For properties featuring sloped terrain, while any large, heavy machine necessitates careful handling, the hydrostatic transmission significantly eased the burden. Its smooth, infinitely variable speed control allowed the operator to maintain steady traction and momentum without abrupt changes, making uphill pushes and controlled downhill descents far more manageable and safer compared to machines with rigid, step-driven gear systems.

Optimized Nighttime Clearing with Enhanced Visibility

The integrated LED headlight proved to be an indispensable feature for those necessary early morning or late evening snow removal operations. Casting a bright, wide beam, it effectively illuminated not only the immediate path directly ahead but also a considerable surrounding area, thereby significantly enhancing both visibility and overall safety. This thoughtful and practical addition extends the machine’s usability well beyond daylight hours, allowing homeowners the flexibility to clear snow before work or after dark without compromising on precision, efficiency, or personal safety.

Detailed Pros and Cons of the Husqvarna 1650EXL

A balanced perspective is essential for any purchase decision. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Husqvarna 1650EXL’s strong suits and areas where it could see minor improvements.

Pros: The Strengths That Stand Out

Exceptional Power and Throwing Performance: The potent Briggs & Stratton engine delivers consistent, robust power, enabling the machine to effortlessly clear deep snow accumulations and launch snow an impressive 30 feet, making incredibly quick work of even the largest areas.
Effortless Electric Start: The paramount convenience of pushing a button for instant engine ignition, even in the most freezing temperatures, dramatically reduces the effort and potential frustration often associated with manual pull-starting. The included reliable pull-start offers a solid and dependable backup system.
Superior Maneuverability with Hydrostatic Transmission: This advanced transmission system offers unparalleled smooth, infinitely variable speed control in both forward and reverse. It profoundly simplifies steering and handling, particularly around obstacles, through tight turns, or on uneven terrain, transforming the strenuous chore into a more controlled and significantly less taxing activity.
Robust and Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials and heavy-duty components, the 1650EXL is designed to withstand the harshest winter conditions year after year. Its solid frame and resilient construction promise years of reliable service, representing a sound long-term investment.
Effective Clog-Free Operation: The meticulously designed auger and impeller system works with remarkable efficiency to break up and expel snow, virtually eliminating clogs. This is true even when processing heavy, wet, or slushy snow, ensuring uninterrupted clearing and maximizing productivity.
Enhanced User Comfort Features: The integrated hand warmers provide much-appreciated warmth and comfort on frigid days, keeping hands nimble and reducing the impact of cold. Furthermore, the bright LED headlight significantly improves visibility and safety during low-light or nighttime operation.

Cons: Areas for Potential Improvement

Control Lever Ergonomics: The primary ergonomic concern identified during testing lies with the design of the left-hand lever, which must be squeezed down to engage the drive system. Its position, approximately 5 inches above the stationary handle it meets, can make it somewhat awkward to grip securely and comfortably, especially for users with smaller hands. This design sometimes necessitates lifting the left hand clear from the machine to fully depress the lever, which can potentially cause the machine to lurch forward before both hands are firmly and securely placed. While a minor point, it presents a learning curve and could be a slight safety concern in the wrong setting. A redesign for closer proximity or a more intuitive, contoured grip would significantly enhance overall user comfort and control.
Machine Weight and Bulk: While the hydrostatic transmission effectively aids in maneuverability, the 1650EXL remains a substantial machine in terms of its overall weight and physical size. This can make initial placement from storage, minor manual adjustments, or navigating extremely tight, confined spaces a bit more challenging. Prospective users should carefully consider their available storage options and the physical space required for comfortable maneuvering around their property.
Premium Price Point: With a typical list price around $2,300, the Husqvarna 1650EXL represents a significant investment for many homeowners. While its outstanding performance, advanced features, and durable construction undeniably justify this cost for serious users, it positions the unit at the higher end of the consumer snow thrower market. However, it is important to note that promotional pricing, such as the observed retail price of approximately $1,500 with free shipping, significantly enhances its overall value proposition, making it a compelling option.

Who Benefits Most from the Husqvarna 1650EXL Snow Thrower?

This heavy-duty, high-performance snow thrower is an ideal choice for specific types of homeowners and properties, aligning perfectly with particular needs and expectations:

Owners of Large and Extensive Driveways: Its substantial 30-inch clearing width and powerful engine are perfectly suited for efficiently clearing long, wide driveways and extensive property areas, drastically cutting down on clearing time.
Residents in Heavy Snowfall Regions: If your geographical area consistently experiences frequent and deep snowfalls (regularly 18-20+ inches), the 1650EXL’s robust capacity to handle significant accumulation without clogging will prove to be an invaluable asset.
Demanding Users Seeking Premium Features: Those who prioritize uncompromising reliability, advanced technological features like a hydrostatic transmission, the convenience of electric start, and an overall comfortable operating experience will find this machine an excellent and highly satisfying match.
Individuals Prioritizing Efficiency and Time-Saving: If significantly reducing the time and physical effort spent on snow removal is a top concern, the sheer speed, power, and efficiency of the 1650EXL will prove to be profoundly beneficial and a wise investment.

Essential Maintenance Tips for Extended Longevity

To ensure your Husqvarna 1650EXL continues to perform optimally and reliably season after season, adhering to a regimen of regular and proactive maintenance is absolutely key:

Fuel Management: Always prioritize the use of fresh, high-quality, and stabilized fuel. This is crucial for preventing carburetor issues and ensuring smooth engine operation. For off-season storage, it is highly recommended to either run the fuel tank completely dry or use a reputable fuel stabilizer.
Oil Changes and Checks: Consistently follow the manufacturer’s specific recommendations for the appropriate oil type and stipulated change intervals. Make it a routine practice to check the engine oil level diligently before each and every use to prevent potential damage.
Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement: It is advisable to inspect, clean, or replace the spark plug annually. This simple step ensures reliable starting, optimizes fuel efficiency, and guarantees overall efficient engine operation.
Auger and Impeller Inspection: Periodically conduct a thorough inspection of the auger and impeller for any signs of wear, damage, or foreign objects. Always replace shear pins as needed; these are designed to break under stress, thereby protecting the more expensive gearbox components.
Chute Lubrication and Cleaning: Ensure the discharge chute remains consistently clean and adequately lubricated. This prevents snow buildup, ensures smooth rotation, and allows for precise direction control of the expelled snow.
General Cleaning and Storage: After each use, take the time to thoroughly clear any accumulated snow, ice, or debris from the entire machine, paying particular attention to the auger housing, chute, and underside. Proper cleaning prevents corrosion and ensures all moving parts remain free. Store the machine in a dry, protected area.

Final Verdict: A Worthwhile Investment for Serious Snow Clearing Demands

The Husqvarna 1650EXL snow thrower undeniably stands out as an exceptionally solid, robust, and highly capable machine that genuinely transforms the often-dreaded and laborious chore of snow removal. While the act of clearing snow may never inherently be deemed “fun,” this powerful unit certainly makes the entire process faster, significantly less strenuous, and considerably more efficient, especially on those crucial mornings before work or after the municipal plow has left its unwelcome, formidable gift at the end of your driveway. Its powerful engine, remarkably smooth hydrostatic transmission, and advanced user-centric features combine synergistically to deliver a premium performance that unequivocally justifies its prominent position in the market.

Despite the minor ergonomic quirk associated with the control lever design, the overwhelming balance of exceptional overall performance, robust durability, and thoughtful comfort features makes the 1650EXL a highly recommended and strategic investment for homeowners facing significant winter challenges. At its currently observed promotional price of approximately $1,500 with free shipping, as periodically available on Amazon.com, it represents an outstanding value proposition for a machine that promises many years of reliable, heavy-duty service, effectively conquering even the most demanding and persistent winter conditions with ease and efficiency.