How To Choose the Best Snow Blower
When winter hits and you’re faced with a snowy driveway, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with feelings of dread. You want to know if your snow blower can effectively clear the driveway, or if it has enough power to clear all of the snow. You also want to know if there are any cheap models out there that could get the job done in half the time.
Snow blowers are a valuable tool when you’re on the lookout for removing snow and ice from your driveway, sidewalks, walkways, and other outdoor surfaces. However, the best snow blower is the one that safely delivers a great snow removal experience. If you’re new to buying snow blowers or simply want to know more about them, this article covers how to choose the best snow blower for your needs based on your location, budget, and requirements.
Gas Snow Blower
A gas snowblower is a device that is used for clearing the snow from the streets and driveways. It works by compressing the air and then releasing it through a nozzle at the end of its tube. The compressed air creates a suction, which allows it to move forward or backward to clear snow from any surface.
Gas snow blowers are powered by either propane or natural gas, hence, they are environmentally friendly and do not produce any harmful gases when operating. Gas snow blowers are also more powerful than other types of snow removal equipment that use other fuels such as gasoline or kerosene oil.
Electric
If you’re looking for an easy way to clear your driveway and walkway, then the electric snow blower is a great tool for you. You can also look for a cordless snowblower. This is especially true if you have a lot of snow or ice on the ground and only have time to do it once. The electric snow blower can help you get all the snow off in just a few minutes.
However, it works on small driveways and sidewalks with a light snow of fewer than twelve inches. Electric snow blowers are mostly used on steps and decks where gas snow blowers cannot fit.
It works by simply plugging it in to an outdoor outlet. It’s easy to use and convenient. You will be able to easily maneuver this device through any kind of terrain, including hills and slopes. It also has a powerful motor that works quickly so that you won’t have any trouble getting rid of all the snow and ice on your driveway or walkway in just minutes.
Single Stage
A single-stage snow blower is a machine designed to clear the snow and ice from your driveway and sidewalk. It has a single-stage auger that moves the snow or ice through a series of chutes. The chutes are fixed, and the auger is powered by an engine.
The single-stage snowblower is lightweight, easy to use and move around, and can be used by anyone who needs to clear off their driveway or walkway of about eight inches.
Advantages of Single Stage
One of the advantages of single-stage snow blowers is that they are very efficient, so you don’t have to move a lot of snow around to clear the driveway or walkway. Below are some other advantages:
- They are lightweight
- They are compact, which makes them easy to store and transport
- They are easy to start up and maintain
- They can be used in light snow
- They are cheaper
Disadvantages of Single Stage
Below are some of the disadvantages of single stage snow blower:
- They are not efficient for wet snow
- They are limited to small areas.
- They cannot throw snow at a great distance.
Two-Stage
Two-stage snow blowers are a type of snow blower that uses an impeller in addition to the auger. As the auger clears the snow, it pushes it to the impeller, which then sends it out through the chute. One of the benefits of the two-stage snow blower is its ability to work in large areas.
Most of them can clear a driveway as wide as 30 inches. They are also usually more powerful than single-stage models, but they can also have problems with debris in the drive belt or chains.
Advantages of a two-stage
The following are the advantages of two-stage snow blowers:
- They are more powerful
- They work well on heavy and wet snow
- They work well on loose surfaces and gravel driveways
- They can cover a wider area
- They are usually self-propelling, hence require minimal efforts
- Most of them come with a speed control
Disadvantages of Two-stage
Below are the disadvantages of a two-stage snow blower:
- They are expensive
- They require regular maintenance
- They only come as gas two-stage snow blowers.
- They are not easy to store
Single Stage or Two Stage Snowblower Final Decisions
Now that you know the pros and cons of both single and two-stage snow blowers, choosing the best one for you has been made easy. However, the following important questions will further guide you in making the right choice:
- What is the size of your driveway?
While a single-stage snow blower works perfectly for small areas with less than eight inches, a two-stage snow blower works best for larger sizes.
- What type of surface are you clearing?
If you are clearing gravel or concrete surface, then you should consider a two-stage snow blower.
- How much snow do you get during winter?
A single-stage snow blower is not as powerful as a two-stage snow blower. Therefore, if you live in an environment with heavy and wet snow, you should consider getting a two-stage snow blower.
- What is your budget?
Cost is also an essential factor to consider. The single-stage snow blower is cheaper compared to the two-stage snow blower.
The best way to choose the best snow blower is to understand what you are looking for, then figure out which snow blower is going to meet those needs. Use our updated snow blower guide to find the best selling models at Lowes.
Are you looking to clear a small front walk or driveway? Perhaps you need a snowblower that can clean up lawns, or push snow off of a large deck or patio. Whatever the case may be, there’s a snowblower out there that’s going to be perfect for your needs.