Single-stage versus two-stage, electric versus gas—with so many options available in today’s market, buying a snowblower for your driveway or walkway can sometimes seem like a daunting process. Ever-changing features and gimmicks can be distracting, but focusing on your own home environment can help narrow down options and direct you towards buying a snowblower that best suits your needs.
To begin, you’ll need to consider the following factors:
1. Path Size
How big is the driveway or walkway you’ll be clearing? A typical homeowner will benefit from buying a snowblower with single-stage power, which will typically feature a clearing width between 18 and 22 inches. A single-stage snowblower is also more likely to fit into tight areas, allowing you to easily maneuver on decks and small walkways.
For larger, multiple-car driveways, a two-stage or three-stage snowblower will be your best bet. On average, these snowblowers range between 24 and 48 inches wide, allowing you to clear broader paths more quickly. Two-stage and three-stage snowblowers also feature more powerful engines, which help improve performance in areas with more hilly/diverse terrain.
2. Gravel v. Pavement
Is your driveway paved or covered with gravel? If the answer is gravel, stay away from buying a snowblower with single-stage power. Rubber paddles on single-stage snowblowers are designed to touch the ground for closer snow clearing, and as a result, will throw rocks and other loose articles that can hurt bystanders and damage nearby objects. A better alternative would be buying a snowblower with two-stage or three-stage power, because the height on each of these machines can be adjusted to pass over gravel and avoid possible projectiles and injuries.
If your driveway is paved, you should be safe buying a snowblower with any number of stages. Personal preference comes into play here: if you prefer a larger, more powerful machine, a two-stage or three-stage snowblower will serve you well. Single-stage snowblowers, however, also work well on pavement and could even outperform larger, multiple-stage snowblowers when it comes to clearing snow more closely to the ground.
3. Amount and Type of Snow
While a bigger engine isn’t necessarily the most important factor to consider when buying a snowblower, more power can definitely boost results when it comes to heavy-duty clearing. Two-stage and three-stage snowblowers typically have more powerful engines than their single-stage competitors, and are more resilient when it comes to moving high mounds of heavy, wet snow. Greater clearing heights also help these machines cut through snow that is too deep for smaller, single-stage snowblowers. If, however, you find yourself with light, powdery snow or an average accumulation of less than six inches, buying a snowblower with single-stage power should be sufficient for regular use.
4. Maneuverability
Regardless of where you live, your snowblower should be easy to maneuver. Large two- and three-stage snowblowers are usually self-propelled and take the work out of pushing large machines. Single-stage snowblowers, while not technically self-propelled, move forward easily by the pull of the rubber paddles (if your single-stage snowblower does not pull itself forward, it’s time for new paddles or a scraper bar). These machines are also smaller and lighter, foregoing much of the extra bulk that is featured in wider two-stage and three-stage snowblowers.
5. Noise
Snowblower use can get tricky in residential areas, particularly when you need to clear snow early in the morning while neighbors are trying to sleep. The solution? Try buying a snowblower that runs on electricity. Because these snowblowers don’t use gas engines, they are smaller and much quieter than fuel-powered machines. Electric snowblowers are also virtually maintenance-free, but are equipped for much lighter snowfall than gas-powered snowblowers.
Making Your Decision
Overall, the decision you make when buying a snowblower should greatly reflect the area you will be clearing. Path size, location, and terrain are all important factors when buying a snowblower, and while larger two-stage and three-stage snowblowers might be great for people with a lot of land, there are many reasons why single-stage snowblowers may be ideal for the average homeowner. Above all, it is important to remember that when buying a snowblower, staying within the lines of what you need is better than choosing a machine based on features that could do more harm than good.
Want more information on buying a snowblower? Click here to view our buyer’s guide or find a Weingartz location near you.
About Weingartz
For over 65 years, Weingartz has been the trusted North American leader in sales, parts, and service of outdoor power equipment. A family-owned and operated business, Weingartz continues to serve commercial and residential buyers across Michigan and online at www.weingartz.com.
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39050 Grand River Ave.
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
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