What type of snowblower should i buy

Independent dealers and even big-box stores typically have floor models for you to check put. Along with trigger releases on two-stage models, look for electric starting. Also be sure you're comfortable with the handle height and the chute adjustment, which you'll use frequently. Be wary of power claims. As with other outdoor power equipment, avoid buying more muscle than you need.

A single-stage snow thrower should be enough for most homes, and it will cost less and take up less space in your garage than a two-stage model. Don't be dazzled by drive speeds. Most two-stage machines have five or six forward speeds, useful for going slowly through heavy snow or moving quickly when returning to the garage. Some machines have more forward speeds or even a continuously variable hydrostatic drive but as we found in past tests, neither is a real plus.

Most models let you engage the drive-wheel and auger-control levers with one hand, leaving the other free to control the chute. Easy chute adjustment. The best type of chute adjustment lets you quickly change the direction and height of thrown snow with a single-lever joystick on two-stage machines or a long, accessible handle on single-stage models.

Most two-stage machines have separate controls for direction and height, while single-stage units often have stiff, awkward handles on the discharge chute. Many snow blowers have headlights, handy when you need to clear the driveway in the early morning or evening. Easy starting. All electric models turn on with a switch. Drive disengagement two-stage models. Some machines use triggers that ease steering by letting you quickly disconnect either or both wheels from the transmission on the fly, rather than having to move a pin or lever at a wheel.

Dead-man control. The model is mounted on hardened gears and features an in-dash headlight, trigger control power steering, heated handgrips, and more.

This gas-powered snow blower has a cc engine, and its inch steel augers help you move through snow up to 21 inches deep quickly and easily. Electric snow blowers like this cordless model from Snow Joe offer less power, but they require significantly less maintenance.

This particular battery-powered snow blower runs on a volt battery that delivers up to 50 minutes of run-time per charge, and its inch clearing width is ideal for small driveways, paths, and sidewalks. Its degree chute can throw snow up to 20 feet, and the whole unit only weighs 32 pounds, making it easy to handle. At just pounds, this gas-powered snow blower is lightweight and easy to maneuver. Its cc engine and inch clearing can tackle up to six inches of snow. This snow blower has a manual pitch E-Z Chute control that allows you to adjust the rotation up to degree rotation.

The ergonomic handle folds down for easy storage, and dual-LED headlights provide additional visibility in low-light conditions. To get it going, the manufacturer guides you to insert the key, open the choke, press the primer three times, and then yank the pull-start to get the blower revved up. We were surprised that after just two pulls, the engine was running and we were off. The best overall snow blower is the Troy-Bilt 28 in. Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower view at Home Depot , which is a powerful and reliable gas-powered snow blower that can tackle almost anything.

Snow blowers are powered by both gas and electric motors, though electric motors are limited to lighter-duty single-stage models. Decide whether you want the convenience of electric operation or the extra power of a gas motor that also needs regular maintenance and fuel. Gas engines are rated in terms of horsepower, and electric engines are measured in amps. Consider how wide of a path the snow blower will clear with each pass.

Typical clearing widths are anywhere between 20 and 25 inches, but some budget models may clear even less and some more robust models may be able to do up to 30 inches or more. A wider clearing width will help you clear snow faster and get inside sooner.

Many snow blowers work at a single pace. Typically found on two-stage and three-stage snow blowers, speed control will let you move faster with a simple adjustment to a lever near the handgrips. Make it easier to get started by choosing a snow blower with an electric starter. At the push of a button, the machine will be ready for action without the need for a manual pull-cord start, which can be challenging for many users.

Both electric and gas-powered models are available with an electric start option. If you want to be up and running faster when the snow flurries arrive or you hate struggling with a conventional starter , you should strongly consider an electric starter. In fact, only snow blowers with single-stage engines are technically snow throwers. More powerful two- and three-stage snow blowers have an impeller to help blow the snow out the chute, but you still might see them advertised as snow throwers.

A single-stage snow blower works in one motion, utilizing a scoop-like auger that shovels the snow and funnels it out the chute. A two-stage snow blower has an impeller fan in addition to the auger, which helps propel the snow into the intake chute and increases the overall clearing power and throwing distance of the snow.

A three-stage snow blower has the most power because it adds an accelerator to the auger and impeller fan, which means much faster snow removal, greater clearing capacity, and longer throwing distances. Properly storing a gas-powered snow blower in the offseason is important because gas can corrode and gunk may build up and cause damage.

It's recommended to drain the fuel tank before storing your blower for months at a time. You can also add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to keep the gasoline ready and prevent it from breaking down over time.

While the snow blower itself will do the majority of the heavy lifting, there are accessories and extras available to make the task easier or more comfortable. Below are some of the most common options to consider:. If the wind is blowing, you can expect to get more than a light dusting of snow as your machine throws snow out of its path. Blowback is an unpleasant part of the snow-clearing process, and a snow cab will minimize your exposure by protecting you with a clear, portable windshield of sorts.

The scraper and auger are metal versus the plastic and rubber parts on a single-stage. Though less portable and less adept at picking up slush, this heavier machine usually comes standard with a convenient electric start and 4-cycle engine no mixing of gas and oil is required. The chute controls are located behind the machine. Typical maintenance items include the scraper bar, shear pins, spark plug, cables, belts, and changing the oil.

When is bigger not better or when does BIG win? When the power is in your hands and you are ready for whatever winter blows your way. We work closely with GoDaddy and PayPal to provide a secure online shopping environment. Contact Us Phone Email orders rcpw.