8 Best Snow Blowers
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Winter comes around every year, and with it comes massive amounts of snow, depending on which part of the country you reside in. Being inside snow can be fun. It’s an excellent time to experience it, and many memories were made in the white. But it becomes a chore when it stacks up so much that you can even see the dry ground, and you have to clear it out.
Yes, shovels are effective against the snow on the stairs and narrow walkways, but you’ll need something much higher when dealing with a patio or wide driveway or patio. In this situation, you need something bigger to get the job done faster and more effectively.
Fortunately, these great machines are called snow blowers – the name’s a misnomer, though. With these machines, you can cover a larger square area, clearing up massive amounts of snow, compared to the shovel, in very little time. They are also straightforward to use and handle.
There are various kinds and brands of snow blowers out there, each with its perks and specialties. And thus, we decided to make a quick guide to help you pick the right and most convenient snow blower for you.
Our list is carefully made out after long and thorough research. There are excellent reviews, expert submissions, and tests that endorse the items that make our list here. These best snow blowers have a substantial edge over every other model the market currently offers.
Types of Snow Blowers
Electric-powered Snow Blower
It is the best type of Snow Blower when you need convenience because they’re powered by an electric engine rather than a battery. They’re the perfect pick if you need to clear medium-sized paths and railroad tracks of snow. They use a friction disc for drive transmission. This type of snow blower is for usual city-life dwellers and riders. They are ideal for use on smooth terrain. They are also affordable but not as powerful as gas-powered ones.
Gas-Powered Snow Blower
Gas-powered snow blowers are the most influential models on the market. They are also the costliest because of their power. They feature an auger drive for drive transmission and are perfect for rural-life use. They can cover a large area of driveway and railroad track simultaneously, clearing them of snow. These aren’t the fancy tractor snow blowers. They’re the types that you push or walk with.
Cordless Snow Blower
It is an option if you don’t like a tethered cord that may hinder driving your Snow Blower. You can reach a long distance without a rope and clear a large snow driveway. You’re free to take it anywhere, making it the most convenient in terms of operations.
Different Styles of Snow Blowers
There are several different options for snow blowers you can choose from. They include:
Single-stage Gas
Single-stage gas-powered snow blowers are the commonly used type of snow blowers. It is given that gas-powered snow blowers are the most powerful on the market. The single-stage model works very efficiently when you need to clear snow from your driveway quickly. They boast an auger drive that can sling rocks at high speed. They can also handle a large amount of snow at a time.
Two-stage Gas
The two-stage gas-powered snow blower is next in rank after the single-stage model comes to power and delivery. They can clear your driveway and railroad trail within a short period. Two-stage snow blowers can blow snow 33 feet away, making work a lot simpler and more comfortable.
Three-stage Gas
The three-stage gas-powered snow blower is the most potent type. They can throw up snow at an absurdly fast rate. It is perfect for clearing a complete path of snow. They’re also famous for conveniently chopping through thick ice.
1. Husqvarna ST224P Snow Blower
The first item on our list of best snow blowers is this stylish product from Husqvarna. It features the ST224O, which is incredibly solid, durable, high-performance, heavy-weight, and has powerful horsepower.
With 6.3 horsepower and 280cc engine displacement, you don’t have any worries about using this fantastic model to throw off any snow that obstructs your runway or railroad track. Like its counterpart from Husqvarna, this model also operates with a powerful engine that boasts a 208cc displacement.
Using a remote chute deflector, this machine will protect you from flying debris, keeping grass out of flower beds and driveways and reducing raking, blowing, and re-mowing. This 24-inch machine boasts two-stage gas with 9.5 pounds-feet of gross torque and cylinder displacement of 12.69 cubic inches.
The Husqvarna ST224P also comes with an electric start and power steering to make maneuvering and handling a breeze. The power steering makes it effortless and convenient to trigger the machine’s wheels for premium control and 180o tuning. This model has the edge over the other machines from this brand. The pedals and levers are within the driver’s reach for easy control and comfort.
There is no more slipping and sliding with this machine as you try to blow away the snow. The Husqvarna comes with a cleated track-drive system that resists all shenanigans of slippery terrain, including deeper snow and bumpy surfaces.
Overall, it has a 5-year engine warranty. It uses a friction disc, unlike others that operate with an auger drive.
Features
- Lightweight
- Easy to install and assemble
- Effortless handling and maneuverability
- Electric start and power steering
- Weight: 224.9 lbs
2. Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe Snow Blower
Ariens produces the next item on our list of best snow blowers with its ST28DLE Deluxe model. There are many reasons to love a snowblower, and this product will make you repeatedly jerk up your interest.
It is powered by an incredibly powerful Ariens AX306 engine that delivers as much as 306cc cylinder displacement. This is one of the highest engine displacements on our list. You will enjoy the delivery of this two-stage tool in any weather.
It ensures your driveway and railroad tracks are always clean and unencumbered, regardless of the gravity and snowfalls. This model keeps your trail clean and tidy, even in the wettest and heaviest snowfall. It is designed for high performance in sub-zero temperatures.
It is powered by a 120-volt electric start with recoil. You don’t have to go through the emotional and physical stress and pressure battery-powered snow blowers often subject their drivers.
Moreover, the 28-inch Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe snow blower boasts a superior high-output impeller that speeds quickly, thanks to its modified pulleys and belts. This ensures there is enhanced throwing and output distance. You can conveniently switch to reverse speeds or six forward speeds.
The adjustable chute turns up to 200 degrees, making adjusting the discharge chute easy. You can turn it up or down from the position of in-dash remote operation.
Features
- Electric power for a comfortable ride
- Suitable for heavy and wet snowfalls
- 200-degree chute rotation
- Two-stage and powerful
3. Troy-Bilt Arctic Snow Blower
For those who have driveways that stretch up to 70 feet or often get hit by snowfall as high as 15 to 20 feet, and relocation is not an option, we strongly advise you to invest in the Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30. This model is designed for domestic heavy-duty snow clearing.
It features a large engine, a handy trigger-operated power steering, and an easy-to-use electric chute control, which you would work with a joystick. However, the joystick will require you to take your hand off the handle to use it, which will complicate things if you’re also using the power steering triggers. But the chute CAN be operated with the electric control, even with both hands on the handles.
One unique feature of this mechanical mass is the heated handles. The handles heat up when used, keeping your hands warm throughout the process. It would come in handy when dealing with large land areas.
Now instead of endless hours of shoveling, all you need to do is fire up the engine and guide the blower in the right, snowed-up direction. Better models feature an electric start, though, so it’ll only take the push of a button.
And before you mention it, yes, they can be pretty costly. But we assure you that owning your blower is much cheaper than hiring a plow regularly in the long run. Sure, it’ll require maintenance from time to time, especially gas models, but it’s mostly to change the oil and tighten the belt.
And as for storage, we advise you to prepare a beautiful cool space – about as much as a bulky lawnmower that would take – in the corner of your garage.
Features
- Powered by 357cc gas engine
- Gas-powered electric start with a 4-way chute control
- Easy handling and control
- Durable steel construction
4. Ryobi RYAC803-S Snow Blower
It is an electric model, which makes it a lot quieter. Also, there is no need for regular maintenance or upkeep. However, this also means it uses cords ranging from about 25 feet to 50 feet, which can be challenging as it limits the range.
There is a lever in the controls to easily control the chute. This light can just as well fold up for storage.
The model has no problem with a light snow of about 4 to 6 inches, but you might have to go a second round before completely clearing dense snows of 6 inches and above, as it may get clogged up.
Generally, electric snow blowers have considerably fewer options of functions, but what they can do, however, it does very efficiently. It also does not have a drive system, so it has to be pushed like the average lawnmower.
Features
- Works efficiently
- Compact and simple to operate
- Lightweight
5. Husqvarna ST151 Snow Blower
Next up on our list of the best snow blowers is another incredible piece from Husqvarna, one of the well-known brands the market is proud of.
The Husqvarna ST151 is a single-stage snow-blowing system that is effortless in control and maneuvering. It comes with an auger drive that supplies the machine with snow before throwing it out through the chute deflector.
The machine boasts an electric start. All you have to do is connect the machine through the power outlet, and with a button press, you are good to go. This electric starter system relieves you of the stress and headaches that battery-powered snow blowers subject drivers to. There is no place for dead batteries or concern about how to recharge the battery.
With the ST151 snowblower, driving at any time of the day or night is not a worry because it comes with an LED headlight. This makes the operation of the equipment seamless and smooth, even in the dead of night.
There are also semi-pneumatic tires that ensure smooth riding on the runway, railroad track, and other terrains. Plus, the tires are stable and durable and can resist puncture.
What’s more, the ST151 Snow Blower brags an ergonomic handle. The handle is positioned in a way that ensures superior ergonomics. The extra comfort you benefit from this ergonomic design is the over-mold bail arm. It boasts 21-inch working width, 5.4 horsepower, and 208cc cylinder displacement.
Features
- Electric start
- Durable and Lightweight
- Weight: 97.6 pounds
- Single-stage, auger screw
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
6. Cub Cadet Snow Blower
Fourth on our list of the best snow blowers is the Cub Cadet 2X 26 HP Snow Blower. It is especially suitable for more extensive areas and higher snow, regularly blowing away snowfalls of about 6 inches to even a foot long.
It is a two-stage blower featuring an electric start and no-ma skid shoes, large tires, power steering, and a durable metal chute. All these great features are not usually found in a model of such low cost.
It has a small activating button set at each handle of the tool that stops the parallel tires and makes the blower switch almost instantly. This power steering is necessary as the machine is a two-stage blower and is substantial.
Another great feature is the headlights, one on each side. This beats the single light in the center that most other models have. Then there are the 16-inch tires, which are about an inch higher than those of different models, providing more traction.
There is a hand crank to control the side movements and a joystick at the controls for the up-and-down campaign for the authorities.
Features
- Two-stage Snow Blower
- Heated handles
- Easy to operate and control
- Durable and relatively lightweight
7. Husqvarna ST224 Snow Blower
Husqvarna returns to our list of the best snow blowers, this time with a bang. If you want a durable snow-blowing device and excellently made with an incredible design, the 208cc Two-stage Husqvarna Snowblower is the right pick.
This snow thrower will remove snow from your railroad track, sidewalk, driveway, and every other place it is not needed.
It features a remote chute rotator and a remote chute control deflector. So, it is easy for you to regulate how it works and blow away the snow. You can be at a great distance and control the operations of this snow thrower.
What’s more, the two-stage Husqvarna Snow Blower comes with reliable and robust 15-inch tires capable of plodding the trail without being afraid of punctures.
This model is powered by an electric current start, making it one of the snow blowers with an effortless operation mode. You won’t have issues starting it or putting it off when it’s not in use.
It also comes as a two-stage snow blower, measuring 24 inches in width, 58.5 inches in length, and 40.5 inches in height. This model is designed to standardize. Like the ST224P snow blower, the Husqvarna ST224 uses a friction disc.
Features & Specs
- Dimension: 58.5 x 40.5 x 24 inch
- Weight: 198.6 lbs
- Easy to assemble
- Effortless handling and control
- Lightweight
8. Toro SnowMaster 824 Snow Blower
Ultimately, we decided that the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE is the best snow blower of all the models we looked for. It is the perfect solution for snow-covered driveways. And amongst the rest, it is the fastest by a considerable margin.
Its design is a unique combination of single-stage elements and two-stage models. This model can achieve such impressive speeds due to the brilliant mix of the single-auger design and Toro’s Personal Pace drive systems. Both of these elements contribute a great deal to the overall rate of the machine.
The handling is effortless. Throughout your operation, the Toro SnowMaster matches your speed and pace. The amount of pressure you put on the bare handle will determine the speed of the machine. If you walk faster, you’ll also increase the strength, making the SnowMaster go more quickly – It’s all directly proportional.
At a surprising weight of 121 pounds, the SnowMaster is of very little weight, which makes up for the fact that it doesn’t have power steering like most other two-stage blowers.
An added feature of this mechanical marvel is its joystick-style chute control. This control can operate even on the go. This makes it come in handy when you’re blowing out tight spaces, where you need to keep moving the chute and deflector to drop the snow exactly where you want it. What makes this unique is that many similar models have two controls for this purpose, which have proven inconvenient.
Features
- Weight: 121 pounds
- Convenient and easy to use
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to operate
Best Snow Blower Guide & FAQs
Speed Control
Drivers love to be in charge of the machine they’re operating. Hence, you must consider the speed control feature of your Snow Blower. You should be able to fully control the speed at which your Snow Blower is working. Be ready to drive up and down at your own pace.
Chute Control
It is best to easily control the direction of your snow blower’s chute. This will aid your freedom to direct your machine in your desired direction. This is especially essential if you have curves and bends on your driveway, so you can drop the snow where you want to.
Electric Start
It doesn’t matter whether you buy an electric-controlled or gas-powered snow blower. You can always attach an electric start to your machine. Convenience is at the heart of operating a snow blower. An electric start makes it much easier to get your snow blower started effortlessly and absurdly fast.
Heated Handles
Many don’t think having heated handles on their snow blower is essential until their hands begin to freeze, especially during the extreme cold of the winter. Heated grips keep your hands hot while providing comfort on the snow blowers.
LED Headlights
Sometimes you want to work at night and be able to pick and throw up every snow o your driveway. You need a LED headlight that will light your way as you drive along. Buy a snow blower that comes with headlights for dark operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the average price of a snow blower?
It all depends on the model. Two-stage cordless models can be as much as $1500, but the electric single-stage can be as low as $200
Q: How long will a standard snow blower last?
They can last as long as you want if proper maintenance protocols are followed. You need to follow the rules of operation and engagement.
Q: Is using snow blowers safe?
Well, yes. They’re not lawnmowers, you know. But seriously, they are safe enough for use by children, but we still wouldn’t recommend leaving them to a toddler.
Conclusion
The best snow blower will not fail its user. Your railroad tracks deserve to be rid of the smallest snow. It would be best if you took every opportunity to use your snowblower for this purpose. Any models described here are a good pick for your next task. Have you looked through our best ATV trailers? It’s worth your time.
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