What type of snowblower

However, since two stage snow blowers are more powerful, they are better for the heavier wet snow, and snow that is above 10 inches deep. For the heaviest snowfall and large areas, nothing competes better than a three stage snow blower. These are the most powerful equipment for snow removal, by far. In addition to the auger and impeller, a three-stage snowblower has the extra stage of an accelerator for the impeller. This allows you to speed up the impeller and ensure that wet compact snow is discharged through the shoot quickly and efficiently.

Unless you are in a high snowfall state you can leave the three stage snow blowers for the professionals.

I cannot really say which is best when it comes to talking gas vs electric snow blowers, as this will depend completely on your circumstances. But here is a little summary of each to help you decide. Gas powered snow blowers are much stronger and best for clearing larger areas. They work faster and can run longer than an electric snow blower. Electric can either have a power cord or be cordless snow blowers. Generally, when people refer to an electric snow blower they mean a small corded unit.

They are a great affordable and easy to maneuver alternative for driveways and paths that have less than 8 inches of snow. Most cordless snow blowers I review are usually small 1-stage models and great for clearing smaller areas that the larger two stage blowers may not fit. When deciding what size snow blower you need, the three most important factors to consider are space, snow depth, and the type of surface. Each of these factors has a big influence on your decision.

The clearing width of blowers ranges from under 22 inches on a single-stage to up to 26 inches on a three-stage. Electric single stage snow blowers can handle a walkway or small patio but for a larger gravel driveway and lawns, it is best to go for a two-stage gas snow blower.

Less than 8 inches of light snow, a single-stage snowblower is good. However, anything above that needs the power of a 2 or 3-stage snow blower. Pro tip: clear snow after every 4 inches if possible, since deeper layers are harder to tackle. Most single stage blowers scrape the ground making them unsuitable for a gravel driveway or lawn unless outfitted with special skids.

Check whether the specific model can handle slopes or awkward angles as only larger track models handle slopes well. So, now you know what type of snowblower you need depends on your circumstances, you can work out which is best for you. It is important that you understand gas-powered snowblowers will require regular maintenance for both performance and longevity. In comparison, electric snowblowers are more user-friendly. And their modest power is no match for steep slopes.

Like plug-in electric snow blowers, single-stage battery-powered snow blowers trade performance for convenience. Smaller and lighter, power snow shovels are designed to go places where a snow blower would be overkill along a short walkway or on an elevated deck. They're corded or battery-powered and can generally clear up to 6 inches of snow.

We test them just like snow blowers, but we use far less of the sawdust mixture—because for anything deeper, you'll want a traditional snow blower. Single-stage gas snow blowers are a good choice for level, midsized, paved driveways and walkways with typical or expected snow levels of up to 9 inches. These models free you from the limitations of a cord and tend to cost far less than large two-stage and three-stage machines.

They also clear a large swath 20 to 22 inches , and some models offer electric starting. Their gas engines are also four-cycle, requiring only straight gasoline and no oil. Their auger provides only modest pulling power, and they tend to veer sideways on steep slopes. Two-stage gas snow blowers are best for long, wide driveways with snow levels of up to 16 inches. Some models clear a swath up to 30 inches wide, and some can handle steeper inclines. Like smaller models, two-stage gas snow blowers use an auger to pick up and throw snow, but they add a fanlike impeller behind the auger to help throw snow out the chute and are propelled by engine-driven wheels.

But the machines are relatively heavy and expensive compared with smaller models, and they can take up as much space as a lawn tractor, though compact inch-wide models can help with storage. Three-stage gas models are the latest breed of snow blower, aimed at homeowners who have to contend with 18 inches or more of wet, heavy snow.

The accelerator is the feature that separates these power blowers from conventional two-stage machines. As its name implies, this feature speeds up snow clearing by taking snow from the collection augers and forcing it up into the discharge impeller.

Like their two-stage counterparts, three-stage blowers can clear a inch-wide swath of snow, or more in some cases. Even a well-maintained snow blower can have problems. On two-stage models, they protect the engine and transmission by breaking if the auger hits something too hard. Keep extras on hand. But when the machine sits idle, gasoline in the tank, fuel lines, and carburetor breaks down and thickens. Adding stabilizer to your fuel can slow down this process.

A good snow blower blends competent clearing ability with smooth, single-lever chute control that sends snow any direction you want it to go. Retailers typically have floor samples you can check out. Here are other important features to keep in mind. A longer handle on single-stage models lets you quickly change the height and direction of the snow thrown from the discharge chute. Most gas-powered models now offer plug-in electric starting for use near an outlet, which is much easier than yanking a pull cord in cold weather.

It also prolongs the life of the pull cord, your only means of starting a model that lacks electric start. Most multistage snow blowers have four to six forward speeds—plus one or two reverse speeds—for the drive wheels, compared with just one on single-stage models. A choice of speeds can help prevent clogs while you slog through heavy snow.

A handlebar-mounted trigger release on multistage models eases steering by disengaging power to either or both drive wheels. Joystick chute controls let you change the vertical and horizontal direction of the discharge chute with the push of a lever.

We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Sign In. Become a Member. Two-stage machines are relatively heavy, take up as much space as some lawn tractors, and require regular engine maintenance. Independent dealers and even big-box stores typically have floor models for you to check put. Along with trigger releases on two-stage models, look for electric starting. Also be sure you're comfortable with the handle height and the chute adjustment, which you'll use frequently.

Be wary of power claims. As with other outdoor power equipment, avoid buying more muscle than you need. A single-stage snow thrower should be enough for most homes, and it will cost less and take up less space in your garage than a two-stage model. Don't be dazzled by drive speeds. Most two-stage machines have five or six forward speeds, useful for going slowly through heavy snow or moving quickly when returning to the garage.

Some machines have more forward speeds or even a continuously variable hydrostatic drive but as we found in past tests, neither is a real plus. Most models let you engage the drive-wheel and auger-control levers with one hand, leaving the other free to control the chute.

Easy chute adjustment. The best type of chute adjustment lets you quickly change the direction and height of thrown snow with a single-lever joystick on two-stage machines or a long, accessible handle on single-stage models. Most two-stage machines have separate controls for direction and height, while single-stage units often have stiff, awkward handles on the discharge chute. Many snow blowers have headlights, handy when you need to clear the driveway in the early morning or evening.

Easy starting. All electric models turn on with a switch. Drive disengagement two-stage models. Some machines use triggers that ease steering by letting you quickly disconnect either or both wheels from the transmission on the fly, rather than having to move a pin or lever at a wheel.