How To Shop For Snow Blowers And Throwers

Because snow blowers are very seasonal items, you can often save money by buying one off-season. And because they are pretty basic machines and models are slow to be replaced, your choices remain fairly consistent from year to year. Worth noting, however, is the fact that during the last year some popular models have increased the engine horsepower. This might be in response to heavier-than-normal snow storms in recent seasons.

Single-Stage Snow Throwers

Single-stage (meaning the auger shoots the snow directly out the discharge chute) snow throwers have 20- to 22-inch-wide clearing paths. Single-stage snow throwers are for homeowners with relatively small spaces to clear. Despite their small size, these snow throwers are capable of handling fairly heavy snows, but going might get slow. The biting action of the auger blades propels the machine, so they sometimes need some pushing help from you. These are the simplest snow throwers to use and maintain, and easier to store because they are compact and relatively lightweight.

Two-Stage Snow Throwers

If you in the snow belt and have an average-size walkway and driveway, a medium snow blower (5 to 8 horsepower) should be adequate for just about any weather surprise. They’re an excellent all-around choice–neither too big nor too expensive. They also provide wider clearing paths. Like their larger siblings (9 horsepower and above), they are two-stage machines, meaning they are self-propelled with the auger ingesting the snow and throwing it against a rotating impeller, which shoots it out the chute. All but a few models are wheeled and use special high-traction tires. Those few that don’t have wheels are propelled with wide, cleated rubber tracks.

Large snow throwers are for very heavy-duty use. They have more powerful engines and provide wider clearing paths. They’re an excellent choice for homes with huge driveways, long lanes or very long sidewalks, and in areas with predictably very heavy snowfalls.

How To Shop

Nearly all snow throwers have Tecumseh Snow King engines or similar engines that are specially engineered for cold weather and wet conditions. Electric starters are either standard or optional on most units, and we recommend them. Look for handles, grips, and controls that can accommodate large mittens and are conveniently located.

Features & Terminology

• Auger - A rotating, drum-shaped wheel with horizontally-oriented curved blades that cut into and lift the snow.
• Auger-propelled Snow Thrower - This type of unit has rotating rubber or rubber-edged blades on the auger that make contact with the ground surface, propelling the snow thrower forward as the blades dig into the snow. These machines are not very effective on gravel or on concrete or asphalt surfaces that are in poor condition.
• Discharge Chute - This is a partially or fully enclosed tube that directs the snow up and out. The chute is usually rotated with a crank. For safety, the machine must be turned off before attempting to dislodge clogged snow or debris in the auger housing or discharge tube.
• Drift Cutters - Standard or optional narrow steel bard fastened to the sides of the auger housing to slice through drifts and prevent them from collapsing as the snow thrower passes through.
• Single-stage Thrower - This type of unit employs only an auger to collect and discharge snow.
• Two-stage Thrower - This type unit uses both an auger and an impeller to collect and discharge snow. It can handle a higher volume of snow than can single-stage models and can propel it longer distances.
• Wheel-propelled Snow Thrower - This type of unit is equipped with all-steel auger blades, adjusted to clear the ground surface. These machines have powered wheels to propel the machine.
• Impeller - A bladed wheel located behind the auger that propels the snow at high speed into the discharge tube.

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