Buying the best snow thrower to suit your needs isn’t just a case of matching your budget to the selling price of a thrower. The amount of snow you typically want to move, the type of ground it falls on, whether you want a gas or electric thrower, your physical capabilities, how much money you want to spend, the size of area you need to maintain, and, your personal preference for design, all play a major role in the decision making process.
Snow blowers, or throwers – the terms are often used interchangeably, come in two different types of machine: single stage and two stages. One blows snow out of the chute while the other uses a fan to throw snow.
Single Stage Snow Thrower
Both machines have an auger, the part of the equipment that comes into contact with the snow to grab it and move it through the machine. On single stage machines the auger comes into contact with the ground, so, if you have a gravel surface, or a soil/dirt surface, a single stage thrower is NOT what you should use. Single stage throwers are usually smaller than two stage machines and this makes them ideal for use in small areas, such as decks and walkways, and also, makes them easier to handle for people who have physical limitations.
Two Stage Snow Thrower
Two stage snow throwers are usually bigger and more powerful than single stage machines. If you have a large area to clear this is probably the better choice. The auger on two stage snow blowers doesn’t touch the ground and this makes it the machine of choice on gravel. The auger (first stage) works in conjunction with a fan (second stage) that sucks the snow through the system and ‘throws’ it out of the chute. This is accomplished with great force and allows snow to be thrown at greater distances than the single stage machine. Two stage snow throwers have a larger cutting path and are more powerful. This, and the fact that they have more features, such as gears and reverse mode, makes them ideally suited for clearing larger areas.
Whichever machine meets your needs, both will take the strain off your back and get you back in the warmth of your home faster than snow shoveling.
Gas & Electric Snow Throwers
Most single stage snow throwers are electric and need little more than plugging in to the socket. For safety, an outdoor power cord should be used and care should be taken that you always know where the power cord is so that you don’t run over it. There are some gas powered single stage machines and these are usually a bit bigger and heavier than their electric counterparts, though at the same time, lighter and more maneuverable than the two stage machines.
Two stage snow throwers tend to be heavy duty machines, which usually means a gas engine and so require maintenance. Two-stroke engines will need a gas/oil mix, and this is simple for the homeowner to manage. The oil mix is available in pre-measured units and is just added directly to the gas in the gas can. For larger 4-stroke engines an annual oil change may be required.
Amount of Snow
Because they are smaller and light in weight, single stage snow blowers are better for snowfalls that are 6 inches and less. For heavier snowfall, the two stage throwers are the best machine for the job. In really heavy snowfall it is better to use the snow thrower to keep the levels low rather than try to deal with a foot and more of snow at one time. While this may seem like a chore, it will go faster and easier than leaving the snow to accumulate and potentially freeze.
Size & Type of the Area
They size and slope of the terrain dictates the type of snow blower to buy. A single stage blower is idea for a small flat driveway and walkway; a large driveway (length or width) that is also very sloped requires a machine with gear-driven wheels for power steering. Rather than take it out on your back, use a machine that will do the work for you, in this case you are typically looking at a two stage snow blower.
If you have to deal with heavy snow and ice, consider getting a machine with a serrated auger as they are great at breaking down heavily packed snow and ice. You may also want to buy a snow blower that has tracks rather than wheels if you have a large area that is also sloped. Tracks have a better grip than wheels and can make a large job much more manageable.
Budget for your Snow Thrower
It’s better to get the snow thrower that you need rather than ‘make do’ with less. Requiring minimal maintenance, the best machines can provide years of use and save you a fortune on hiring a snow ploughs to do the work. Get the best machine for the job and save yourself time and energy.
Tips
- It’s important to get the correct outside extension cord for the amperage of the blower.
- Buy winter rated extension cords because they are designed for cold weather which makes them easier to handle (more flexible).
- Buy the right snow thrower for the job and you won’t be disappointed. If you regularly get dumps of snow several feet deep at a time, get a machine that can handle the volume; don’t expect a small snow thrower to deal with a massive amount of snow.
- Keep hands and feet clear of all moving parts. Unplug the snow thrower before putting your hands in the chute. This might be common sense, yet, every year people go to the emergency ward because they had put their hands inside the chute to clear blocked snow.
- Spray some WD40 into the chute before each use. This helps prevent the snow clogging up the chute.
- If you are starting with deep snow, it can help you get going if you use a shovel to clear a starting spot.