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Which Snow Blower is Right for Me?
Research any snowblower and you'll run into a confusing array of terminology and specifications. Here are some commonly asked questions and frequently used terms explained.
What is the difference between single-stage and double-stage snow blowers?
Single stage blowers are designed for handling light to moderate amounts of snow. They cut straight to the ground, meaning they are best for paved surfaces and cannot be used on gravel. Double stage blowers are built for heavy jobs and are better at clearing wet or packed snow. Double stage blowers do not cut all the way to the ground, so they can be used on unpaved surfaces. However, they leave a thin layer of snow behind.Single-stage blowers use only an auger to blow snow (see question below). Double-stage blowers have both an auger and an impeller.
What is an auger and impeller?
The auger is the rotating spindle-like wheel with blades that chops up and removes snow. It is located at the very front of the snow blower. Two-stage snow blowers have what is called an impeller behind the auger. It adds extra power to propel the snow out of the machine.What sort of starter do I need?
I recommend electric starters. Snowblowers without electric starters require you to tug on a cord to get them going. Anyone who owns an older snowthrower knows how much of a pain this can be. To start an electric snowblower, you do need an electrical outlet to plug into, though.What is cut depth?
Cut depth refers to the height from the bottom of the blower intake to the top. This is one way of measuring how much snow a blower can remove. A blower with a cut depth of 12" can remove snow as high as 12" in one sweep.Can I remove snow higher than my snow blower's cut depth?
Yes, but you will have to make multiple sweeps and the higher the snow gets, the more difficult it will be. Don't expect to remove three feet of snow with a 6-inch cut depth thrower.I live in an area that receives less than twenty inches of snow per year and never much snowfall at once. Do I need a snowblower?
Consider a smaller snowblower like the Toro 1800 or the Snow Joe. My favorite, the Toro Power Shovel, doubles as a power sweeper for summer use.
My driveway is half a mile long and I have a large parking lot at work to clear. What do you recommend?
It would take ages to remove snow from an area that large! Buy a plow for your vehicle or consider hiring a professional snow clearing service.
Are snowblowers safe?
In general, yes. Anything can be dangerous if used improperly. When using your snow blower, always use common sense. This page has some good snowblower safety tips you should always follow. should always follow.