Contents
- Best overall: PowerSmart PSSAM24 Snow Blower.
- Best for large areas: Husqvarna ST327 Snow Blower.
- Best gas-powered: Ariens Deluxe 28-inch Two-Stage Blower.
- Best electric: Snow Joe 21-inch Single-Stage Electric Blower.
- Best compact: Troy-Bilt Squall 21-inch Single-Stage Gas Blower.
A three-stage snow blower moves up to fifty percent more snow than a two-stage snowblower. This means higher efficiency and less snow left behind.
Two-stage snow blowers are great for handling all types of snow on any surface. For example, a two-stage may be an ideal choice for those with gravel driveways, since they don’t clean all the way to the ground which helps avoid pieces of gravel getting into your snow blower’s auger.
Single-stage snow blowers are the lightest and easiest to handle. They’re best for clearing mid-size areas with a snowfall of 12 inches or less and can handle both light and wet snow. On a single-stage snow blower, an auger directs the snow through a discharge chute, throwing snow up to 35 feet.
How long do snowblowers last? I’ll share everything I know and give you pointers to help prolong your blower’s life. Cheaper single stage snowblowers have an average lifespan of around 10 years however a high quality two or three stage snowblower, when properly maintained, cleaned, and stored, can last 15 to 25 years.
For most homeowners, a good quality 2 Stage snow thrower should be more than adequate for clearing regular snowfall up to 12 inches deep. However, if you experience extensive and regular snowfall over 15-18 inches then a commercial 3 stage snow blower will be worth purchasing.
Though single-stage snow blower models vary across brands, most are typically 18-22 inches wide and meant to handle snowfalls up to 8-12 inches. The most limiting factor, however, is their height—not the width.
A single-stage type has one auger while a two-stage snow blower has two collection augers working together with an impeller. In contrast, the 3 stage snow blower has a third high-speed auger, which is ten times faster than the snow blower impeller.
A “snow thrower” refers to a single stage snow removal machine that picks up the snow in one motion and throws it out the chute with the continuation of that movement. The term “single stage” describes the fact that the snow is thrown in one single movement. A “snow blower” refers to a two stage snow removal machine.
Manufacturer: Toro Toro has a complete line of single, 2-stage, and heavy-duty 2 stage snow blowers. Toro has quietly developed one of the best snow blower lines. Most are made in the U.S.A. but some are made in Mexico.
The Ariens Path Pro 21-inch Single Stage Snow Blower is our top pick for most regions because it offers a great balance of flexibility, usability, and price. It works on light snow to moderate wet snowfalls, can tackle banks while remaining relatively easy to handle, and is too much machine for most homeowners’ needs.
Yes, a snowblower can also remove ice, but how well it goes depends on the thickness of the ice and the size and weight of the snowblower. The snowblower needs to break the ice into chunks that can be pickup by the augurs. A bigger, heavier and more powerfull snowblower will be able to break thicker ice.
How often should you change oil in a snow blower: With normal usage you only have to change the snowblower oil at the end of the season, so one time per year. Don’t use oil in your blower for more than 2 years, as it can make starting your engine really hard in the new season.
After all of our research and testing, we’ve found that the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE 24-inch snow blower is the best fit for most snow-covered driveways, and without question the fastest snow blower of all the models we looked at.
Spark plugs need to be replaced once per season, or after 100 hours of use. It’s a good idea to clean your spark plug every 20-30 hours of use and check its gap. This way it stays clean, and if it needs to be changed sooner, you’ll know.
Two-stage snow blowers have a self-propelled transmission with forward and reverse speeds that propel the unit in order to assist the user. … The auger and impeller, combined with the power of the engine, remove the snow faster by chewing up snow and ice, and then throwing it through the chute.
But for smaller spaces, electric snowblowers are ideal. They’re easy to move around (being lightweight), easy to store (being compact), and easy to maintain (no need for oil and gas). Furthermore, they are the best choice for people who are trying to avoid physical strain, precisely because they are lightweight.
The simple answer to this question is yes, you can snow blow a gravel driveway properly if you have the right equipment. … A two-stage blower is much better, while a two-stage blower with self-propelling is even better as you wouldn’t need to push them, while a 3 stage snow blower is simply perfect for the job.
You can use WD-40 to help lubricate the snowblower chute. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and acts as both a water repellent and corrosion inhibitor.
To begin with, you can improve its performance by spraying the inside of the chute and all the auger parts such as the fan with a nonstick cooking spray. This offers a slippery surface for the snow to continuously flow without sticking. Less resistance in the chute should translate to more distance in the throw.
A two-stage snow blower is easier on your back because you don’t have to push it into heavy, wet snow; the self-propelled feature will drive it forward. Plus, two- and three-stage machines have more powerful engines, so they won’t bog down in heavy, wet snow.
The three-stage snow blower has the same stages as the two-stage snow blower, but the addition of a third stage, the accelerator. The Accelerator allows snow to be driven through the impeller quickly and allows for three stage snow blowers to eat up snow and finish a job in a fraction of the time.
Four-stroke (four-cycle) engines are newer and have a separate compartment for oil, so you don’t have to worry about mixing fuel. These engines are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, while also giving you more torque when you need it.
If you have a four car driveway or less, 24 will be fine. More than that, go with the 28.
Snowblowers can damage concrete, asphalt, stone, and gravel driveways. Damage can be minimized by using the correct type of snowblower, replacing worn snowblower parts, and setting the correct auger depth.
Snow Blowing Tips This Old House recommends using a snow blower if there’s at least 2 inches of snow on the ground. Speed is also a factor for snow blowing, according to Consumer Reports.
With single-stage models, the spinning auger cuts into the snow, gathers the snow, and discharges it from the chute. Single-stage snowblowers never come in self-propelled form. … With a single-stage model, an 8-inch snowfall is around the maximum depth that the blower can handle.
TitlePrice1. PowerSmart Snow Blower, PSSAM24 24-inch 212cc 2-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower$699.002. Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 34XP 420cc Electric Start 34-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow ThrowerN/A3. Ariens Professional Rapidtrak (32″) 420cc Two-Stage Snow Blower 926079N/A
Not suited for heavy and wet snow: Wet and heavy snow can clog the snow thrower and make it stop or even breakdown. If you live in an area prone to heavy and wet snow, you need a heavyweight snowblower such as the 2X 945 SWE Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower.
Can you use a snowblower on grass? Yes, you can use a snowblower on your grass to clear light or heavy snowfall.
POWERFUL ENGINES Smooth Toro 99 cc and 212 cc 4-cycle OHV engines have been tuned specifically for these models to deliver powerful, responsive performance.
As of 2016, Ariens Sno-Thro machines are built in the United States, but all engines powering the machines are made in China (save for Briggs and Stratton engines).
Husqvarna offers the same accessories as Ariens, plus spreaders, bumpers, brush guards, lawn sweepers and an electric assist that works with the sleeve hitch to raise and lower accessory equipment.
Ariens Platinum Snow Blowers. Ariens Platinum snow blowers give you all the robust features of the Deluxe series and add more creature features and power to make you snow clearing more enjoyable and faster. The Ariens Platinum Sno-Thro series 2 stage snow blowers again are a significant step up in clearing power.
A giant 23.5” housing height and 16” serrated auger scarf down mountainous drifts with ease, throwing snow up to 60 feet. You don’t need to be a professional to own one, only the desire to move as much as possible in as little time as possible. Throw like the pros with this machine.