How To Determine The Best Snow Blower Stage For You And Your Yard

Let's face it, there may be plenty of ways to make driveway snow removal easier, but once that blanket of white has settled across your yard, nothing beats a snow blower. It clears the snow quickly and with minimal effort. If you're shopping for one, along with price, there are a couple of key performance issues to consider. Power is one. The best snow blower stage for your needs is another. Let's look at how you determine that.

Snow blowers are categorized by stages (one, two, or three) and each is more efficient than the last. A single-stage snow blower has an auger that throws the snow directly into and through the chute. A two-stage machine adds an impeller (or fan) after the auger to throw the snow more efficiently. A three-stage snow blower has an accelerator, so the snow clearing performance is even better.

If you have a compact yard and want a budget-friendly model, a single-stage snow blower would probably work for you. A two-stage blower will throw the snow further and clear a wider path, suiting larger properties. The three-stage snow blowers are typically commercial models. The average homeowner will not need this much power. However, if have a lot of land, here's what you need to know before buying a commercial snow blower for a residential property.

Single-stage snow blowers are designed for light snow, up to about eight inches deep. They have a throw of around three feet. According to one leading manufacturer, these models are suited for two car driveways. The best affordable cordless snow blowers are single-stage models, and low-cost corded tools also fall within this category. Performance issues aside, there are a few drawbacks. These devices are not self-propelled. You must push them manually. And because they scrape along the ground, they are not suitable for gravel driveways or paths. In fact, they could even pick up the gravel and throw it with the snow.

In contrast, two-stage snow blowers are typically self-propelled, with both forward and reverse drive. They can be used on all surfaces and can tackle snow to a depth of two feet, throwing it about five feet out. Although two-stage snow blowers had gas motors, a variety of more eco-friendly battery-powered models are now available.

If you have an average sized property and live in a region with modest snowfall, a single-stage snow blower is probably all you'll need. They are very maneuverable and can quickly clear your driveway. On the other hand, if you live in a winter wonderland or have a gravel driveway, a two-stage snow blower may be the better choice.