Snow Blower Buying Guide

Choosing the Right Snow Blower

Finding the snow blower to suit your needs is a function of three basic considerations: 1) the snowfall typical for your area, 2) the space you plan on clearing and 3) the room you have available for storing yard equipment.

Snow blowers range from small electric units to gasoline-powered “snow cannons” capable of projecting snow 40 feet or more. Clearing widths range from 22 inches to 38 inches or more.

Single-Stage Snow Blowers are Compact, Lightweight

Single-stage snow blowers employ a single auger blade to both gather the snow and expel it out the chute. These machines are lightweight, easy to maneuver and take up a relatively small amount of storage space.

While some compact single-stage snow blowers are electric-powered, a gas engine is a real requirement for snowfall of any depth — or for driveways longer than your extension cord can reach.

However, the relatively lightweight electric machines possess the advantage of being easily hauled up a flight of stairs — a handy benefit for homeowners with upper balconies or second-story outdoor decks to clear.

Another distinct benefit of both gas and electric single-stage snow blowers is that the auger blades propel the snow blower along as well as doing the clearing, giving you a much “closer shave” against the pavement.

However, this arrangement functions very poorly on gravel. Also, because the auger is tasked with the double duty of both locomotion and clearing, the pulling power is usually not sufficient for any kind of uphill work.

Single-stage snow blowers are the best choice for snow up to six inches of light snow or for clearing short, level driveways and sidewalks, or if you have limited space for storing your snow blower.


Dual-Stage Snow Blowers Tackle Serious Snow

If you typically experience snowfalls of six inches or more — or if wet, heavy snow is typical of your region — you’ll want to move up to a dual-stage snow blower.

With a dual-stage snow blower, the auger clears the snow and conveys it to a screw-shaped blade which projects the snow up and out the chute. Propulsion comes from drive wheels powered by the engine.

A dual-stage snow blower leaves a small gap between the rotor and the concrete or asphalt surface. While the results may not be spotless clearing, the power of a dual-stage is what it takes to clear heavy snowfall.

These snow blowers are generally heavier, which, combined with the added traction of separate drive wheels, can be a real boon when tackling that barrier the snow plow deposits at the end of your driveway.

However, because of the extra weight, it’s important to look for a machine with multiple speeds forward and reverse, since your own muscles will likely need a little “power assist” in maneuvering the machine.

Larger dual-stage machines may also include handle-mounted trigger controls that allow you to independently direct power to each drive wheel for sharp maneuvers in tight spaces.

Dual-stage snow blowers are also where you find the most sophisticated features, from electronic chute controls to heated hand-grips to lights for nighttime snow clearing.

Try Before You Buy

As with any yard equipment purchase, it’s important to visit a showroom and experience the different machines first-hand.

Especially with larger dual-stage snow blowers, where mastery of the controls can take some practice, make sure you bring along everyone in your household who may be handling snow-clearing duties.

Ask About Service
A well-maintained machine makes a happy owner. At the time of purchase, ask your dealer or retailer about their ability to service your machine. If service isn’t available, click here to locate an authorized Briggs & Stratton servicing dealer. [link: http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engines/support/dealer-locator/]