Best Heavy Duty Snow Blower of 2024

You may want to consider purchasing a snow blower if you live in an area that has a significant amount of snowfall each year. While a good snow blower can cost several hundred dollars, it can save you many hours of backbreaking labor by rapidly and easily clearing even the heaviest snow.

Some snow blowers are better than others, but there are a lot of options out there. Choose between a one- or two-stage model and between a gas or electric-powered engine. In general, gas snow blowers are more powerful, but they also require more upkeep. The quantity of snow you regularly get, how thick the snow is, and how vast an area you need to remove are all critical considerations.

For your benefit, we completed comprehensive research on the most popular snow blower models on the market today to help you make an informed decision. Our product testers were also provided with a number of high-quality options to evaluate in terms of design, performance, size, usability, safety, and cost. They did an excellent job. There are significant, real-world insights you can use to guide your shopping decisions from New England to the Rocky Mountains.

Here are the top snow blowers on the market right now.

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Type of snow blower

Snow blower machines fall into three broad categories. It's critical to know the distinctions between a one-stage snow blower and a two- or three-stage snow thrower before making your purchase. Professionals and homeowners alike can make an informed decision about the best snow blowers for their needs based on the differences described below. Learn more about each type of snow thrower by reading on.

Single-Stage Snow Blowers

To be considered a professional snow blower, a single-stage snow thrower must be able to clear snow up to a height of at least 10 inches. A single-stage snow blower is best suited for places with mild to moderate snowfall and is ideal for smaller areas.

Two-Stage Blower

A two-stage system can often manage snow up to 15 inches high, depending on the model's power. This sort of snow blower is capable of throwing snow further and clearing a larger area than a single-stage model. For moderate to severe snowfall areas, two-stage models include one auger and one impeller.

Three-Stage Snow Blowers

Three-stage snow blowers are more powerful than two-stage ones since they have two augers and one impeller. Depending on the model, these industrial snow blowers can have a clearing width of 40 inches or more and include features like as power steering, reversible skid shoes, a push-button electric start, and more. In some areas, these equipment are considered commercial machines that can manage large amounts of snow in a short time period.

Electric vs. Gas Snow Blowers

When it comes to snow blowers, electric and gas models have a few distinctions. Gas versions, on the other hand, are better suited to people who need a strong snow blower because of heavy and frequent snowfalls, moist snow, or the need to fling snow over wide distances. Gas variants For ease of usage, gas snow blowers with power steering or electric starters are available.

Gas snow blowers

When compared to electric snow blowers, gas models are more expensive to purchase and maintain, so you want to be certain that the investment is worthwhile before making the purchase. If you only have a tiny piece of real estate to look after, you might not be able to keep up with all of the necessary maintenance, such as filling up the tank, changing the oil, and taking care of the parts.

Electric snow blowers

For small to medium-sized homes (with some newer models being equipped to tackle considerably greater surface areas), electric snow blowers give sufficient power and durability with less maintenance and, more often than not, reduced total expenses. All of the electric snow blowers on our list are battery-powered cordless models, so you won't need an additional extension wire for an electric corded type.

If you only need a snowblower sometimes and don't have the storage space for a huge, bulky equipment, a battery-powered cordless snowblower is a perfect alternative.

There are a number of types from well-known manufacturers such as Snow Joe and Cub Cadet discussed in this article, each with unique features and specs such as horsepower and inch-clearing breadth.

Clearing width

A snow blower will clear a broad passage with each pass. A cheap model may have a clearing width of much less than the standard 20 to 25 inches (and some more robust models may be able to do up to 30 inches or more). Cleaning the driveway or sidewalk will take longer if you have to make more passes due to the narrower clearing widths. You'll be able to clear the snow faster and get inside sooner if you have a bigger clearing width.

Speed control

Snow blowers tend to operate at a constant speed. Check out models with variable speed control to get the most out of your purchase. Snow blowers equipped with speed controls allow you to speed up your progress by using a lever located near the handlebars. In addition, verify the location of the speed control lever and whether it's in a place that's convenient for you. You won't appreciate the ease of this feature nearly as much if it's difficult to access or difficult to use.

Ease of Use

When looking for a snowblower, think about where you'll keep it. When it's time to use the space, you won't have to worry about melting ice off the roof or floor. Also, consider whether or not an electric starter is required. For those of you who live in snowy climates, you'll need a snowblower with adequate capacity. In frigid weather, no one wants to deal with an extension cord.

Fuel stabilizer

Gas-powered snow blowers necessitate draining the fuel during the spring and summer months or devising a scheme to maintain the fuel stable. It is better to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank than to let the gasoline deteriorate and waste it. The manufacturer's instructions for use will almost certainly state that you should completely refill your car's gas tank to avoid condensation and moisture buildup.

Warranties

When purchasing a snow blower, two or three years of warranty coverage is not uncommon. Single-stage snow throwers typically come with a two-year warranty, while two-stage and three-stage models may receive an additional year of coverage.

 

If you use your snow blower for commercial purposes, your warranty may be significantly reduced. As few as 90 days may be included in the guarantee period. When purchasing a lawn mower for personal use, you may expect several years of warranty coverage to provide you a sense of security with your purchase.

Value

You're looking for the best deal possible. Regardless of your budget, you want a piece that will last for several seasons. The first step is figuring out what you'll need. Snowblowers often come with a three-year limited warranty, so make sure you read the fine print and know exactly what's covered.

FAQS

What’s the difference between a snow blower and a snow thrower?

As a snow blower, you'll often see it called a snow thrower. The only snow throwers on the market are those powered by single-stage motors. 1 Due to the fact that these machines rely on an auger to scoop and "throw" the snow out of the chute, they don't actually "blow" the snow. However, even though they feature an impeller to aid in blowing snow from the chute, more powerful two- and three-stage snow blowers are sometimes referred to as "snow throwers."

How do I decide between a single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage snow blower?

This snow blower uses a scoop-like auger to shovel and then funnel out the snow in a single stroke. Additionally to the auger, a two-stage snow blower adds an impeller fan to help push snow into the intake chute, which increases the snow's clearing power and distance. Snow blowers with a three-stage auger and impeller fan have the maximum power because of the addition of an accelerator to the auger and impeller fan. Your final decision will be based on the amount of electricity you require, which is largely determined by the amount of snowfall you need to remove.

What are the maintenance requirements of snow blowers?

The shear pins, which protect the engine by breaking if the auger jams, should be checked on a regular basis. Besides checking the belts for wear and tear, you'll also want to make sure your tires are inflated properly and clear the area where you'll be blowing before any storms arrive.

Before each use of a gas snow blower, make sure the oil level is correct. To avoid clogging fuel lines and carburetors, run the tank dry or add fuel stabilizer if the machine will be unused for a long period of time.

Batteries for snowblowers should be stored and charged inside your house to prevent degradation from low temperatures.

Are snow blowers safe?

Yes, if done correctly! Avoid putting your hands in the chute at any costs! To remove a blockage, turn off the snow blower and use the clean out tool provided by the manufacturer. When using a snow blower, ensure sure no one is standing in front of it since pebbles and other missiles can fly out. Also, keep dogs and children inside the house at all times. Make sure to utilize a surge protector that is designed for outdoor usage and not to run over the power wire when using an electric snow blower.

Conclusion

Some models are more expensive, while others are more powerful and more efficient. It's up to you whether or not features like LED lighting and remote chute control are a necessity for your application. In the end, the finest snow blower for your area's weather and the amount of snow you'll need to clear is the one that's right for you. It's best to go with gas-powered and two-stage models in blizzard-prone areas, and smaller electric units in more temperate regions.

 

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