Last Updated on February 15, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
When the snow starts to fall, it’s important to have the right tools to keep your driveway and sidewalks clear. There are many different types of snow blowers on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of snow blowers and help you choose the one that is best for your needs!
Types of snow blowers
Snow blowers are not a one size fits all product. The type of snowblower you need is dependent on several factors, including the amount and type of snowfall in your area, frequency of use, size and shape of your property and so on.
1. Electric Snow Blowers
Electric snow blowers are light weight and easy to use. They are ideal for small paved driveways, sidewalks and patios where there is a limited amount of snowfall. Most electric models can handle about six inches of snow at one time.
If you live in an area with heavy or wet snowfall, you may want to consider a gas-powered snowblower.
Pros of electric snow blowers:
- Light and easy to use.
Cons of electric snow blowers:
- Limited use in heavy snowfall areas.
2. Gas Snow Blowers
Gas-powered snow blowers are heavier and more difficult to operate than electric models, but they can handle much more snow. They are ideal for larger properties or areas that receive a lot of heavy snowfall.
They can handle a variety of terrain types including gravel driveways, and most models have an adjustable chute to help you direct the snow where you want it.
The downside to gas-powered machines is that they require regular maintenance, including tune-ups and oil changes.
Pros of gas-powered snow blowers:
- Can handle more snow than electric models.
- Ideal for larger properties or areas with heavy snowfall.
Cons of gas-powered snow blowers:
- Heavier and more difficult to operate.
- More expensive than electric models.
3. Cordless Snow Blowers
Cordless snow blowers are a relatively new type of machine that is becoming increasingly popular. They are powered by a battery, which means they can be used anywhere there is an outlet – even on slopes.
The disadvantage to cordless machines is that they tend to have shorter run times than other types of snowblowers.
4. Single-Stage Snow Blowers
Single-stage snow blowers are ideal for level areas with limited amounts of snow. They use an auger to collect the snow and discharge it through a chute.
Single-stage gas snow blowers are ideal for paved driveways, patios or sidewalks where there is a limited amount of snowfall each year. They work by moving the snow onto an internal auger that breaks up the snow and sends it through a chute.
The advantage of this type of snow blower is that they are easier to operate than most other types of machines. The disadvantage is that they have limited use in areas with more than six inches of snowfall at one time or on uneven terrain like gravel driveways or sidewalks.
Related: Single Stage vs Two Stage Snow Blowers: What’s the Difference?
5. Two-Stage Snow Blowers
Two-stage snow blowers are designed for heavy wet snow and large areas. They use an auger to collect the snow and discharge it through a chute.
They also have an impeller that throws the collected snow even farther than single stage machines.
Pros of two-stage snow blowers:
- Can handle more snow than single stage machines.
- Ideal for large areas or heavy wet snowfall.
Cons of two-stage snow blowers:
- Heavier and more difficult to operate than single stage machines.
- More expensive than single stage machines.
6. Three-Stage Snow Blowers
Three-stage snow blowers are the most powerful type of machine. They can handle heavy wet snow and large areas, but they do cost more than two stage machines.
The biggest difference between two stage and three stage machines is that they use an impeller to throw the collected snow even farther than single or double augers alone would be able to do.
Snow blower features:
Snow blowers come with a variety of features, including chutes for directing the discharged snow and adjustable handles that can be raised or lowered depending on your height.
1. Chute control
Chute control is an important feature to look for, especially if you live in a area that receives heavy snowfall. The chute should be easy to adjust so you can direct the discharged snow away from your property and onto the street.
2. Drift cutters
Another important feature to look for is a drift cutter. A drift cutter is a blade that sits in front of the auger and helps cut through ice and snow, preventing it from building up on the machine.
3. Electric start
Another feature to consider is an electric start. An electric start makes it easier to get your snow blower running without having to pull a cord or push a button on the machine itself.
This can be particularly useful if you live in an area that receives heavy snowfall and need your machine ready at all times during winter storms.
4. Headlights
Headlights are also a nice feature to look for, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of snowfall.
They help make it easier to see what’s ahead while operating your machine after dark or during low-light conditions such as early morning hours before sunrise.
5. Heated handles
If you live in an area with cold winters, consider a model that has heated handles. This will keep your hands warm so you can operate your machine without fear of frostbite.
6. Self-Propelled
If you don’t want to have to exert too much effort while operating your snow blower, consider a model that is self-propelled. This will make it easier for you to move the machine around without having to push it.
7. Speed control
A speed control feature is also a nice addition to have. It allows you adjust the rate at which your snow blower moves, so it can go as slow or fast depending on what kind of surface you’re working with.
For example, if there’s an icy patch in front of your house that needs clearing before driving up the driveway, you can slow down the machine to take care of it.
8. Storage
Snow blowers also come with a variety of storage options, including hooks for hanging the machine up or shelves for storing the attachments.
Choose a model that has a storage option that will work best for you.
Track drive systems – if you live in an area with heavy snowfall and steep hills, consider a model that has a track drive system instead of wheels so your machine won’t slide down slopes.
9. Wireless remote
A wireless remote control lets you start, stop or reverse your machine from inside your house. This can be particularly useful if there’s ice on top of it that needs clearing.
10. Cord lock
A cord lock is another nice feature to have. It prevents the power cord from becoming disconnected from the machine while you’re using it, so you don’t have to worry about losing power in the middle of a storm.
11. Adjustable handle height
Adjustable handle height is a feature to look for if you’re not very tall or short. This will allow you to adjust the height of the handles so they are in a more comfortable position for you to operate the machine.
12. Hand push
A hand push feature is also a nice addition to have. It allows you to easily maneuver the machine around corners or narrow spaces without having to exert too much effort while doing so.
13. Auger Assisted Drive
Auger Assisted Drive is a feature that can help keep your snow blower from getting stuck in thick, heavy snow.
It works by applying pressure to the augers when they encounter an obstacle such as ice or rocks so they will continue moving forward instead of stopping abruptly and possibly damaging themselves or other parts on the machine.
14. Variable Speed
Variable speed is another feature that can be useful if you need your machine to move at a slower pace while clearing snow away from an icy patch of ground or other obstacle.
It allows for more control over how fast the augers turn, making it easier for them do their job without getting stuck along the way.
15. Brushless Motor
A brushless motor is a newer technology that can be found in some of today’s snow blowers.
It runs cooler and requires less maintenance than a brushed motor, making it a more desirable feature to have.
16. Steel Chute
A steel chute is another feature to consider. It’s more durable than a plastic chute and can withstand the impact of large chunks of ice being thrown at it from the augers.
It also helps keep your hands warm while you’re operating the machine.
17. Handle Control Interlock
Handle Control Interlock is a safety feature that prevents the machine from being operated when the handles aren’t in the correct position.
This can help prevent accidents from happening if someone tries to start the machine while it’s still plugged into an outlet.
18. Remote Shut-Off
A remote shut-off is another nice feature to have. It allows you to turn the machine off from anywhere in your yard, so you won’t have to walk over and unplug it when you’re done using it for the day.
19. Rust Resistant
Rust resistant is another feature that can be useful if you live in an area that gets a lot of snowfall or has high levels of humidity throughout the year.
This will help protect your machine from rusting and becoming damaged over time due to corrosion caused by these environmental factors.
20. Hydrostatic Drive
A hydrostatic drive is another feature to consider. It’s a more advanced type of drive that uses liquid instead of gears to transmit power from the engine to the wheels.
This can make your machine easier to operate and less likely to get stuck in deep snow.
21. Belt Drive
A belt drive is another type of drive that can be found in some snow blowers.
It’s a more traditional type of drive that uses a rubber belt to transmit power from the engine to the wheels.
This type of drive is less expensive than a hydrostatic drive, but it can be less reliable and require more maintenance over time.
Snow Blower Accessories and Attachments
Snow blowers come with a variety of accessories and attachments, including:
1. Cab
A cab can be a nice accessory to have, especially if you live in an area with very cold winters. It will keep you warm and protected from the elements while you operate your machine.
2. Covers
Covers are another nice accessory to have, especially if you live in an area that receives a lot of snowfall. They’ll help keep your machine protected from the elements when it’s not being used or during off-season storage periods.
They also make it easier to transport your snow blower because they act as handles so you can carry it with one hand instead of two.
3. Tractor attachments
A tractor attachment is a snow blower that attaches to the front or back of a tractor. This type of snow blower is very powerful and can move a lot of snow quickly. Tractor attachments are ideal for large properties or businesses that need to clear a lot of snow quickly.
4. Skid shoes
Skid shoes are a small piece of metal that attaches to the bottom of snow blowers. The purpose is to raise the snowblower off the ground slightly, so it doesn’t scrape over wet or icy surfaces.
How do I choose a snow blower?
When choosing a snow blower, you need to consider the types of surfaces you will be using it on. If you have a large property with paved surfaces and sidewalks, then you will need a powerful snow blower that can move a lot of snow quickly. If your property has more uneven surfaces or is covered in trees, then you may also need a snow blower that can handle these types of surfaces.
How do I use a snow blower?
Before you start using your new snow blower, make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow all safety precautions. When clearing snow, you should start by clearing an area that is large enough to fit the snow blower. This will ensure there is room for you to maneuver while using your new tool.
Next, make sure that all safety features are enabled on your snow blower. For example, if it has a kill switch or shutoff button then this needs to be activated before you start the engine.
Once you have cleared an area and are ready to start snow blowing, make sure the blower is in the correct position for the type of surface you are clearing. For example, if you are snow blowing a driveway, then the blower should be positioned so that it blows snow away from the driveway and not back onto it.
Start the engine and slowly move the snow blower forward, using short bursts of speed to move the snow. Be careful not to overload the machine or you may damage it. Once you have cleared an area, turn off the engine and carefully put the snow blower away in its storage space.
Maintenance checklist for Snow Blowers:
Maintain your snowblower on a regular basis to ensure it’s always ready when needed. It doesn’t take much time or effort but will save you from having major problems down the road!
The following are some tips for maintaining your snow blower:
Change the oil after every use. This will help keep it running smoothly and prevent breakdowns due to improper lubrication. You should also replace spark plugs at least once a year; this is especially important if you are using synthetic or other types of non-standard oil in your machine. Keep an eye on the belts and other moving parts, making sure they aren’t cracked or worn out too much.
When storing your snow blower for long periods of time, it’s important to run it briefly every month or so in order to prevent rust from forming inside the engine compartment. This will help ensure that when you need it most – like during a major storm – it will start right up!
If you want to use your snow blower, but don’t have a lot of time then here are some quick tips that can help:
-Use the automatic setting if available so that all controls are taken care of by one person instead of two or three. This will save time and energy.
-If the snow is deep, try using a shovel to clear a path for the snowblower before you start it. This will make the job easier and faster.
-Avoid stopping and starting the machine unnecessarily; this can cause wear and tear on the engine. Try to complete one section of your property at a time.
Conclusion
Snow blowers are a necessary piece of equipment for many homeowners in the United States. There are several types of snow blowers on the market, so it is important to understand the differences before making a purchase.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about the different types of snow blowers and how to choose the right one for your needs.
