How to Buy the Perfect Snowblower

by Vincent M.

When the weather gets cold, for those of us who live in the Northern climates of the country, or in Canada, that can only mean one thing: SNOW! And lots of it depending on where you live. How you remove that snow from your drive way, walkway, or parking lot depends on many factors, including how much snow you actually accumulate in a season and how much yardage you have to remove the fluffy white stuff.

Some of us can use a good 'ole fashioned snow shovel if a small space is all we have to clear. But others need something much more robust. That is where the Snow Thrower or Snowblower comes into the picture. What is the difference between the two? Nothing really, the terms are interchangeable, and for the purposes of this guide, we will refer to the machine as a Snowblower here on out.

So, which snowblower is right for you? The choices can be overwhelming. Not to worry, with a few pointers, including some from a snowblower professional that I have spoken with, you'll be able to narrow down your search and find a machine that fits your particular needs. In narrowing down your choices make sure you make a budget and stick to it.

So, before you begin that search for your new (or used) snowblower, take some time to read my guide to get advice and get informed.

Is a snowblower right for everyone? In a word: No. Get to know your snowfall.

Snowblowers are a significant investment and they are not exactly maintenance free, so in order to determine whether or not you need a snowblower you should ask yourself the following questions:

So, you think you need a snowblower–learn the basics

Snowblowers can range in size from the very small, capable of removing light snow (that several inches in an 18 to 20 inch path), to very large, mounted snowblowers capable of removing 10 foot wide swaths of heavy snow up to 6 feet deep. Snowblowers are usually divided into two types: single stage snowblowers and two stage snowblowers.

What is a single stage snowblower?

Many single-stage snowblower models have multi-directional discharge chutes that can be aimed from the operating position while the thrower is in use. These snowblowers have wheels and can blow or toss snow some 25ft.–35ft. Single-stage snowblowers are best suited for residential use after light to moderate snows of 3 in.–5 in.

What is a double-stage snowblower?

Because of the bulk and extra weight of the second stage, the design of this type of snowblower necessitates engine-driven wheels or tank-style tracks on the machine. Unlike their single-stage cousins, on a double-stage snowblower the auger assembly doesn't contact the clearing surface; the front of the thrower rides on adjustable metal plates or skids.

The skids control the clearing height of the main auger and can be replaced when they become worn. Two-stage snowblowers can be used on almost any surface due to the adjustable clearing height. In addition, both one and two-stage blowers can use multiple speed reversible transmissions, with some transmissions allowing for the independent operation of the wheels; this aids in turning the blower.

Because of the extremely cold temperature in which they are often called upon to operate in, most two-stage snowblowers have specially designed starters, cooling systems, and 4-cycle winterized engines. The vast majority of two-stage snowblowers are intended for residential use. Those designed for professional use usually provide additional features that can include heated handgrips, electric start mechanisms, hydrostatic variable-speed transmissions headlamps, vinyl cabs for protection from the cold, and drift cutters for deep snow.

• Medium heavy snowfall over 12"
• Hard compacted snow that might also contain ice
• Two-car driveways, or driveways longer than 40'
• Hilly or uneven terrain and or gravel driveways and paths
• Average size clearing area: 28 30 inches

1 | 2 | 3 of 3