What snow blower should i buy

This extended testing has allowed us to use the snow blowers in everything from deep, fluffy drifts to slushy, sloppy, day-after melts. Having several of the best-rated machines on hand for multiple seasons has allowed us to do thorough side-by-side comparisons, a process that has revealed key distinctions in performance and has helped us determine the best snow blowers for multiple situations.

The SnowMaster design is a unique hybrid style, combining elements of single-stage and two-stage models. We even put it head-to-head against a inch two-stage Troy-Bilt behemoth, and in each test the smaller SnowMaster got the upper hand.

The auger, while technically a single-stage design, is atypical of those smaller machines in two ways: speed and shape. As for the shape, the sides are designed to pull snow toward the center portion, which then throws the snow. The speed of the wheels reacts to the amount of pressure you put on the handlebar—the faster you walk, the harder you press, and the faster the SnowMaster goes. If you slow down, reducing the pressure on the grip area, the speed of the wheels slows as well.

The entire time, the machine is matching your pace, and because of the fast-spinning auger, the SnowMaster is clearing snow as quickly as you can walk. In testing the SnowMaster, we were always very comfortable at the higher speeds, because we knew we could slow down in an instant.

We could also fly over lightly snowed areas and promptly slow down when the snow got thick. With a regular two-stage machine, we usually defaulted to a moderate speed and kept it there because the manual shift to slow down or speed up was too tedious to bother with for a short stretch. Not only was it quicker, but it also cleared down to the ground better. The lumbering two-stage Troy-Bilt Storm XP constantly clogged up at the chute, so we had to keep stopping and shutting it down to clear it.

The auger of the SnowMaster, in contrast, was fast enough to keep the slush flying through the chute, prohibiting any blockage. The SnowMaster weighs only pounds, nearly a hundred pounds less than a comparable two-stage machine like the pound Cub Cadet 2X We like that the same joystick controls both the chute and deflector; many other models have two separate controls. As this video shows, the machine still clears the snow, but with the deeper drifts it goes at a normal pace rather than at the race-car speed you might be used to.

The truth is, after using the SnowMaster, we have completely changed the way we view snow clearing. In the past, moving snow was something we had to do after a storm, maybe even the next morning.

Because the SnowMaster is so fast, we also have the option to do a quick midstorm pass with larger snowfalls, when the snow is still fluffy, rather than waiting until the next day. You can read his detailed walkthrough for even more info. Finally, Toro covers the SnowMaster machines with a three-year limited warranty PDF ; the chute is guaranteed for life. Toro recommends that the SnowMaster be used only on paved surfaces, because the speed at which the auger moves leaves the possibility of launching a rock.

The machine comes with adjustable skid shoes that raise the scraper bar off the ground and make it harder for loose gravel to get caught in with the snow. The Personal Pace system can have difficulty on uneven ground such as a bumpy lawn.

If the front of the snow blower jams on something, you naturally end up pressing in the Personal Pace handle, which gives the wheels a burst of juice—and that causes the SnowMaster to jump a bit. Steeper inclines can pose a problem for the SnowMaster QXE, as the combination of the small tires and the light weight can lead to a loss of traction. The driveway we used for testing has a 5. The crusty, crunchy next-day plow mess at the end of the driveway sometimes needed a little busting up with a shovel before the SnowMaster or any other two-stage blower could blow it away.

At around a foot of heavy, wet snow, the SnowMaster starts to bog down. We also wish the chute could turn a wee bit further. The SnowMaster QXE can go a few degrees more than 90, but hardly enough to make a real difference in that regard. Our other picks all go further, allowing you to throw the snow a little to the rear of the blower.

Finally, this model has no headlight. In our tests, the QXE could easily handle up to 12 inches of wet snow with little issue, so it should fit the needs of many people. But when the slightly more powerful QXE is not an option, look at the QXE before any alternatives, because it shares so many of the unique snow-clearing abilities—the same chute control, Personal Pace system, and electric start, as well as the inch clearance width of the auger itself—that make the entire SnowMaster design so effective.

The Cub Cadet is a reliable machine with a well-rounded feature set, especially given the relatively low cost. Like all good-quality two-stage blowers, it has an electric start and no-mar skid shoes—these features make the machine easy to get running and make it safe to use on a deck or patio without leaving scratches.

It also has power steering, large tires, and a durable metal chute. Although the trigger system is an essential feature for a two-stage blower, at the same time it feels tedious compared with the far more maneuverable design of the SnowMaster. First, it has two headlights, one on each side of the control area, facing forward.

Most blowers have only a single light in the center, which does more to illuminate the back of the chute than the driveway. Second, the Cub Cadet has inch tires, which are at least an inch larger and provide better traction than those on most and inch blowers. A hand crank below the dashboard controls the side-to-side movement of the chute, and a joystick at the controls operates the up-and-down movement of the deflector cap. As on the SnowMaster QXE, you can make adjustments while the blower is moving, but doing so with these controls is not as easy as using a four-way joystick.

Being a traditional two-stage blower, the Cub Cadet uses shear pins. The blower will likely come with a few extras, but we recommend checking the owner manual for a part number so that you can order more.

Cub Cadet covers the blower with a three-year limited warranty and a five-year limited warranty on the auger gearbox. It was quieter and easier to maneuver than the three other light-duty blowers we tested it against. It easily folds up for storage, and you can control the rotation of the chute with a lever up at the controls. This Ryobi blower is an electric model, so you need to connect it to an outlet with an extension cord of at least 14 ga for 25 feet and 12 ga for 50 feet.

With its inch clearing width, it had no problem with light snows of up to about 4 to 6 inches deep. Once we got past 6 inches or started dealing with dense, wet snow, the blower struggled and occasionally clogged up.

On some areas we also needed to do a second pass to get them completely clear. Like most electric blowers, the Ryobi RYACS is light on features, but it does have a nice chute control that you can operate on the fly. This feature made it easy to direct the snow where we wanted without interrupting our forward progress. On many models, such as the Snow Joe SJE , you control the direction of the snow manually at the chute, so you have to move around to the front of the machine to make an adjustment.

Which type should I buy? Snow blowers will save you a lot of work. One caveat: Using a snow blower, aka snow thrower, might be easier than shoveling the white stuff, but it is harder than using a self-propelled mower.

If you have hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, consult your doctor before you use a snow blower. Before you shop, be sure to see our exclusive interactive, Snow blowers: Which is right for you?

And always follow our safety tips and maintenance basics. Single-stage machines are lighter and easier to handle than two-stage models and take about as much storage space as a mower. Most offer electric starting. Most clear a to inch swath. All lack drive wheels and require engine maintenance. Most also use a two-cycle engine that will require you to mix gasoline and oil.

Single-stage electric models are the lightest, smallest, and easiest snow blowers to handle and store. Among their other downsides: The small clearing, only 11 to 18 inches, slows clearing, and you need to use a long power cord. All two-stage blowers offer electric starting and have driven wheels, an auger that gathers snow, and an impeller to throw it. Some clear a wide swath 24 to 32 inches wide. Some drawbacks exist. Two-stage machines are relatively heavy, take up as much space as some lawn tractors, and require regular engine maintenance.

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. With all the power and performance you could ask for, this is a gas model with it all.

With its large clearing width and depth, you will happily plow your way through the worst of winters. There are many different snow blower features available that you need to consider. Here I will go into more detail. Clearing widths and throwing distance are related to each other in snow blowers.

For larger areas and driveways, choose a gas blower that clears at least 22 inches wide and throws snow at least 60 inches. On icy or steep surfaces, tracks give you more traction than tires. If you can only find snow blowers with tires, go for the airless tires. Do not attempt to use a snow blower on steep surfaces without the correct safety procedures in place. Like in a car, you want full control and maneuverability.

For this, I recommend power steering, variable speed control, an automatic chute rotation or joystick control chute, and freewheel turning. Snow clearing can be quite a chore so make things easier for yourself with the right snow blower elements. Add-ons that make snow blowers more user-friendly include headlights, heated handlebars, and an electric start.

Maybe this will help you make up your mind. A single stage snow blower only has an auger to both collect and throw snow, while a 2-stage snow blower also has an impeller for extra snow-shooting force.

A 3 stage snow blower is the most powerful of them all because it also has an accelerator for the impeller. But, to be worth the investment and to do a worthwhile job I would say that at least 6 inches of regular snow at least. The Husqvarna STP is a favorite among homeowners. Thanks to extensive training, James is also in an excellent position to help you with everything maintenance, from oil changes to cleaning a carburetor. Check out the maintenance section of the site to read his professional training guides.

When not repairing snow blowers or writing, James lives with wife and 4-year-old son in the picturesct mountains of Minnesota. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Knowledge Base. Last updated by James Reeves November 4, Contents Jump to Topic.