Snow blowers are a smart choice for removing snow from pathways, front walks, and driveways. They are a good tool to own if you live in a region subject to heavy snowfall. Show
Choosing between single-stage and two-stage gas snow blowers is important in terms of depth of snow cleared, throw distance, power, and, of course, price. Types of Snow BlowersSnow blowers, often called snow throwers, fall into two categories: single-stage models or two-stage models. The difference between the two models lies in a key component: the auger. The auger is the large corkscrew-type part at the front that is responsible for pulling up the snow from the ground.
Gas vs. Electric Snow BlowersGas snow blowers are available in both single-stage and two-stage models. Electric snow blowers are only available in the single-stage option. Gas snow blowers are more powerful than electric models, plus they give you more mobility since you are not tied down by an extension cord. Single-Stage Snow Blower
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. But the spinning of the auger does slightly help to pull the snow blower forward as the auger contacts the surface. Single-stage snow blowers are not recommended for regions prone to heavy snowfall or wet snow. They simply do not have enough power to move deep or wet snow. With a single-stage model, an 8-inch snowfall is around the maximum depth that the blower can handle. Single-stage snow blowers are best for areas that only experience light or moderate snowfalls and for homes with paved small- or medium-sized two-car garages and driveways. Two-Stage Snow Blower
With two-stage gas snow blowers, the auger that sucks up the snow does not contact the ground. This allows two-stage snow blowers to clear paved surfaces, plus crushed stone or gravel driveways. Since the auger does not contact the ground, a thin layer of snow or ice will remain. This can be scraped or shoveled by hand or treated with ice melt. Two-stage snow blowers can clear a wider surface than single-stage blowers can: often up to 30 inches in a single pass. Engine-driven wheels or tracks propel two-stage gas snow blowers. The user only steers the machine and does not have to push it. Low-End vs. High-End ModelsLower-End
Higher-End
Single-Stage ModelsLower-end single-stage snow blowers tend to have narrow clearing paths—around 21 inches wide. Some of the lower-cost single-stage models may require you to pull a cord (like some lawnmowers) to start the machine. Higher-end single-stage snow blowers will have wider tracks, electric starters, and extra features such as headlights and semi-pneumatic tires. Two-Stage ModelsMany lower-end two-stage snow blowers are essentially the same as single-stage models except for one difference: the separately powered snow thrower. As two-stage models reach the upper end of quality, they have clearing widths ranging from 30 to 40 inches and a greater snow throwing distance. All upper-end two-stage models have electric starts. Many of these premium models have features such as dual-grip steering, heated grips, dash-mounted chute rotation, low-temperature starting capacities as low as 20 degrees below zero, and tight turning ratios. CostMost gasoline-powered snow blowers are more expensive than electrically powered snow blowers. In general, gas-powered snow blowers begin at around $500 for single-stage wheeled models and peak at around $4,500 for two-stage track-mounted models. A reasonable middle price point for snow blowers ranges from $800 to $1,200. The lower end of this price span brings you 24-inch to 30-inch dual-stage snow blowers with electric starters. The upper end gives you helpful extras like LED headlights, heated grips, and a greater number of gears. Which is better one stage or twoThe two-stage snowblower will be your go-to for clearing larger areas, and they work well on a variety of surfaces. They can typically handle heavier snow piles from 6″ to 12″ deep, and work better on steeper drives than a single-stage snowblower will.
How long do Single stage snow blowers last?One Stage Snow Blowers. Snow blowers can last several years, even decades, if they're maintained regularly and correctly.
Are Single stage snow blowers easy to push?Single-stage snow blowers are the perfect size for homeowners that want to move moderate amounts of snow quickly and easily. They allow you to clear a typical sidewalk in two quick passes and easily throw snow from your driveway without feeling like you're pushing a tank.
Is Single stage snow blower good for wet snow?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.
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