Snow is fun – kids can play with it, make snowmen or ski on it, even. When snow piles up on the driveway, the sidewalk and the streets, though, it becomes a big nuisance or even a safety hazard – one that cities spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to deal with.
For the homeowner, though, it’s time to do some backbreaking shovel work – unless you have a snow blower, that is.
An Overview of Snow Blowers
Snow blowers, also known as snow throwers or snow clearers, are able to move snow from its path by using augers – the helical metal bits - powered by the blower’s engine. These augers would rotate in a motion that would gather snow while the user pushes the blower to the desired direction, the gathered snow would then be propelled away through the blower’s chute aimed away to a side.
Many homes can make do with a snow shovel or three to clear the short driveway from the garage, but if you’re getting several snow storms a year, then that work gets old quickly.
A snow blower will cut through a foot of snow or more like it was hardly there, and it will save you a lot of money that you might have been spending on hiring a plow truck or having someone to do it for you.
Snow blowers have to move large amounts of heavy snow – that’s why the majority of snow blowers on the market are powered by gas engines. Like most larger power tools, there are some corded electric models too, plus some newly emerging battery powered variants.
For the most part, though, getting a snow blower means getting one with a good gas engine, and the choice mostly boils down to the depth of snow you have to contend with each winter.
The Different Types of Snow Blowers...
When it comes to snow blowing mechanisms, there are three types of snow blowers that are available to the market.
These are single stage, two stage, and three stage snow blowers. Like many power tools, snow blowers can be gas-powered, electric powered or battery operated as well, and each power type has its own pros and cons.
Single Stage Snow Blowers
Single stage snow blowers only move snow using a corkscrew-shaped auger, which must be in contact with the ground. This simple design makes these snow blowers affordable and easy to maintain, plus they work well enough in regions that only get limited amounts of snow.
Single stage snow blowers are very common in households and are the cheapest amongst the three snow blower types. Snow blowers perform very well on light to moderate snow, especially if the snow you’re moving is somewhat dry.
This type of snow blower can only work on smaller swathes at a time because of their size but this is also an advantage for single stage snow blowers when it comes to mobility, portability and storage space which make them ideal in clearing snow at porches, small driveways, and similar places.
But keep in mind that the augers of single stage snow blowers are not raised –they are in direct contact with the ground. This is why this snow blower should not be used on gravel or dirt to avoid damage to the augers, chute and other components of the tool.
Features to Look For In Single Stage Snow Blowers:
- For electric snow blowers: longer and thicker power cords equate to much bigger working areas.
- Gas powered snow blowers: bigger tanks for longer running times and less refills (preferably .0.35 to 1 gallon to retain portability).
- 12-18" wide clearing width (or plow path) will allow for more versatility (snow clearing for small driveways, pathways, etc.).
- Rubber augers provide durability and maintenance-free performance.
- 4 cycle engines offer a more powerful throwing distance and clearing, and they run a bit quieter, too.
- Easy startup features such as spring assisted pull start for gas powered and push start button for electric and battery powered snow blowers.
- Auger assisted drive systems for much easier clearing.
- A chute control system to redirect snow throwing to the desired area.
- For electric snow blowers, a cord lock system is handy to have.
- High rotations per minute (RPM) for augers equal much faster snow clearing (RPM’s usually found at 2000 to 3000 for single stage snow blowers).
- Collapsible handle for easier storage.
- Aluminum or metal frame for a much sturdier and more durable machine, overall.
Two Stage Snow Blowers
Two stage snow blowers outperform single stage snow blowers in almost everything except for storage space and mobility. In addition to the auger, two stage models also come with an impeller that sucks the snow building up behind the auger and launches it out of the discharge chute. This second mechanism lets the snow blower launch the snow further out of the way, which can make cleanup much easier.
Two stage snow blowers, unlike single stage snow blowers, can operate on almost any surfaces because its augers are elevated from the ground. Two stage snow blowers can also clear heaps of snow with ease due to its bigger auger and higher throwing distance.
Unlike single stage snow blower, two stage snow blowers throw collected snow much faster because of its impeller that prevents clogging at the discharge tube, letting you run the tool at a faster pace.
On the flipside, two stage snow blowers are very heavy and bulky – at this range, they are almost the size of lawn mowers. The added bulk often makes it heavier to push them, and they take up significantly more storage space when compared to the single stage snow blowers.
Features to look for two stage snow blowers:
- Track drives can offer much easier mobility when clearing snow.
- Remote deflector control systems allow for easier snow discharge to the desired direction.
- Headlights for much accurate snow clearing in dark areas is another nice feature.
- Bigger and thicker tires and wheels equate to much easier mobility (be sure to consider if two stage snow blowers with track drive are unavailable).
- Power steering for much easier maneuverability (is a big must for track drives).
- Hand warmer features are just plain cool and keep your hands from getting cold while you work.
- Multiple RPM selection systems can really allow for much more versatile snow clearing.
- Bigger fuel tanks are always a feature most people can appreciate.
- Be sure to look for metal or steel-based augers if you plan on handling wet, compacted snow and for longer auger life, in general.
Three Stage Snow Blowers
Three stage snow blowers are the best type when it comes to clearing snow in bigger and wider areas such as parks, football or soccer fields, and similar areas – if you are in the snow-clearing business, this is the type to get to complement your snow clearing vehicles.
Three stage snow blowers give up a good deal of mobility and maneuverability as they come with bigger engines and an accelerator in addition to the impeller and auger.
This gives them power and efficiency when it comes to clearing even 18 inches of wet snow and can even break down compact and hard snow with ease through its bigger augers and engine.
The accelerator feature in these heavy-duty machines helps the snow blower move snow even faster by forcing the snow collected by the augers into the impeller. With the impeller constantly fed with snow, this greatly speeds up the process.
Features to look for three stage snow blowers
- Track drive systems provide for much easier mobility.
- Power steering features for easier turning and maneuverability.
- Steel augers for longer auger life and harder, more compact snow cleaning.
- Remote control or adjustable chutes to redirect the propulsion of snow into the desired direction.
- Self-propelled features are essential with these larger units.
- Electric start button for easier use.
- High engine CC’s for much faster snow clearing (is usually at 300-420 CC).
- Having a machine that is skid shoes compatible will make for much easier maneuverability on snowy or frozen surfaces.
- Bigger fuel tanks equate to less refills and much longer running times.
- Headlights improve visibility if you have to work at night or in overcast conditions.
Comparing Snow Blowers:
Snow blowers are bought and used just to do one task, removing or clearing snow. For this one job, you typically want as much power as your budget allows for. Each type of snow blower offers different levels of snow blowing performance depending on your needs and the scope of the property you will be using the tool on.
Work Area
If you have a large yard that has been submerged in snow, two stage snow blowers are usually enough, but their auger and engine might get clogged every once in a while especially during use in areas with dense, packed snows underneath new snow layers.
If you have an extensive area you have to keep free from snow, or if you are visited by snowstorms three times a year or more, three stage snow blowers start to make sense with their bigger auger and engine.
If your work area is small and does not really need much power and speed, single stage snow blower should suffice. Single stage snow blowers can throw snow up to 35 feet or so.
Single stage snow blowers can clear widths of up to 22 inches or so, and electric snow blowers typically do less than that. Two stage and three stage snow blowers, on the other hand, can clear up to 45 inches a pass, plus they can throw out snow up to 50 feet away, too.
Terrain and Snow Depth
Single stage snow blowers are the best when it comes to portability, making them easy to wheel into small paths and slopes – up to a point, at least. For fluffy snow that’s up to a foot or so, a single stage snow blower will do the job.
A good option is somewhere in between - two stage snow blowers with track drive can do the job with ease because these models have that balance between mobility and power, and most two-stage models can handle wet and heavy snow up to almost two inches high.
Surfaces
Single stage blowers can perform well on pavements because its augers touch directly to the ground that makes the collection of snow easier, but they cannot be used on gravel surfaces.
Two stage and three stage snow blowers, on the other hand, can work on any surface with little difficulty while retaining mobility at the same time – plus they can throw snow a lot farther, too.
Safety Tips When Using A Snow Blower
Snow blowers, especially gas powered ones, seem harmless at first glance and it’s easy to forget that the augers and the snow launch chute can be dangerous if used carelessly. Pay attention to your surroundings whenever you are using your snow blower, and keep in mind a few simple tips:
- If your snow blower gets clogged while operating, always turn it off immediately. It helps a lot if you lubricate your augers before using the machine to avoid clogging.
- Never attempt to use your hand when removing debris and compacted snow from your augers, especially the sharp metal ones.
- Always wear non-slip boots and similar footwear that has good traction to avoid slipping while using a snow blower.
- Never attempt to modify shields or remove the shields or the chute. If removed, debris such as rocks and gravels may cause damage to nearby properties and may injure you and bystanders nearby.
- Avoid wearing loose or baggy pants and other loose garments while using a snow blower. The snow blower’s auger might snag on your clothes.
- Read the owner’s manual for the maintenance work you need to do on your snow blower before and after use. Before storing your snow blower, always clean and inspect the augers and its other component for damage.
