Picking the Best Snowblower

[lawn mower fanatic]

Picking the best snowblower for your needs can be a difficult task. And for people in the northeast who are experiencing "Winter Storm Nemo", where 2+ ft. of snow is falling, this post is coming too late! :wink: There are many different types of snowblowers, which are made for different conditions.

Types of Snowblowers:

• Electric Snowblowers: The first type of snowblower is an electric one. In the "electric" category, there are different levels of machines. Here are two examples by Toro. The first is the Toro Power Shovel, where the snow shoots out the front. The second is a larger snowblower that you can change the chute direction. These snowblowers are good for light and fluffy snows on a flat, paved surface, where electricity is readily available.
  
• Single-Stage Gas Snowblowers: This type of snowblower is usually gas. They are a little larger than the electric models, and can handle a little bit more snow. These snowblowers are good for a little more snow, but it should still be fluffy. It is also only made for paved driveways. Many brands make single-stage snowblowers, including Honda, Snapper, and Toro.
  
• Two-Stage Gas Snowblowers: This type of snowblower is also usually a gas model, though Ariens does make an electric 2-stage snowblower, the AMP 24. This kind of snowblower can handle the toughest jobs, deep and wet snow, on a paved OR gravel driveway, and it is also good for sloped driveways. This kind can also throw snow the farthest. Lots of brands make these, and they can range in price from around $500 to well, a lot more than that much! :wink:
  
• Snowblower Attachments: Snowblowers can also be attached to lawn/garden tractors, as shown below. They add the comfort of sitting down while working, and you can even get a cab for your tractor! There are even some wide-area walk-behind mowers that can fit snowblowers (see second picture).
  (http://www.secret-drawer.com/Photos/mower/Exmark_snowblower3_LG.jpg)

Snowblower Features
There are some features that are really nice to have on a snowblower. They include......

• Remote-Chute-Control:
• Drift Cutters (if you are blowing deep drifts):
• Lights:
• Tracks:

Snow Blower Buyer's Guide - How to Pick the Perfect Snow Thrower

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Also, a snowblower with power steering is good so you can turn 180 degrees without using all your energy!

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

 

[tigercat]

Some companies (like Ariens) sell front mounted weights that bolt on to the existing blower housing of the 2 stage snowblowers. It add 10 LBS or double it if you want for 20 LBS of weight to the front of the machine. It makes the machine heavier so it cuts thru packed snow easier as sometimes car packed snow will cause the machine to roll over the top. Also it holds the machine down if you have a snow cab mounted to the snowblower.
A snow cab will give you a little shelter as you work to clean your walks.

Picture of a snow cab (outside and inside)

 

[jamie11]

This is a nice demo. But looks that they're too heavy to control.

 

[tigercat]

If you need a snow blower, the bigger 2 stage models that have large engines and are self propelled is a must. They are easy to control, no worse than a self propelled lawn mower. Last year we had over 6' of the pretty white stuff. Sometimes 2' a storm!

 

[detdrbuzzard]

the perfect snowblower would depend on where you live so you can forget consumer reports. buying a big two stage is only good if you live in an area that gets a ton of snow

 

[toddsyr]

Another nice feature to look for on a snow blower is heated handles.

 

[jason helmowski]

Another nice feature to look for on a snow blower is heated handles.