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The very first snow fall of winter is always fun. Every single snow fall after that is hard work! You need to clear your yard, sidewalk and driveway before the snow settles. How do you do it? Manually, using a shovel? Can it not be more efficient that this? Your answer is a snow blower or a snow thrower.

A snow thrower can work wonders. From the humblest light powdering to the heaviest blizzards, there is a machine designed to clear the way. Here are in-depth snow blower ratings and reviews / snow thrower ratings and reviews to help you select the snow blower that is right for you.

But before that, let us see the different types of snow blowers and snow throwers so that you can pick the right one for you. Snow blowers come in three distinct styles.

 

1. Electric Snow Blowers / Throwers

Electric snow blowers are capable of clearing light snow from sidewalks and small driveways. These extremely lightweight machines are commonly used on decks and steps where larger gas-powered models simply don’t fit.

Best of all, electric snow blowers are maintenance free, eliminating the need for oil changes and fill ups. You just need an extension cord and an outlet – and you can be on your way to clearing the snow.

(Image by gusdiaz)

Electric snow blowers are truly plug and play. You simply plug your electric snow blower into an outdoor power outlet, and then start snow blowing. Yes, you’re tied to a power cord, but electric snow blowers are easier to store and maintain than gas-powered models. Electric snow throwers are also lighter, cheaper and less noisy.

 

Electric Snow Shovel

Electric snow shovels (or power shovels) are really snow sweepers instead of throwers. These lightweight snow moving machines don’t have wheels or chutes. Instead, a paddle style auger pushes the snow forward like a broom.

Weighing less than 15 lbs., an electric snow shovel will save your back. However, you will still get a work out carrying and pushing it around.

An electric snow shovel is ideal for light snow less than 4 inches deep on sidewalks, decks and steps. Anything more substantial would be inappropriate for this little guy.

 

Electric Snow Blower / Thrower

Want something with a little more power and performance? An electric snow blower is an eco-friendly alternative to gas powered snow blowers.

Unlike power shovels, they feature easy-to-maneuver wheels and a chute to direct the discharged snow. Plus, electric snow blowers feature more powerful motors, throwing up to 700 pounds of snow per minute. They are capable of handling 8-10 inches of snow.

In terms of overall handling and usability, an electric snow thrower is a better choice than an electric snow shovel.

 

2. Single Stage Snow Blowers / Throwers

In very basic terms, single-stage snow blowers only throw the snow once. The engine spins an auger that scoops up the snow and throws it out the chute. Since the auger actually contacts the ground, you should not use a single stage snow thrower on gravel surfaces.

Single-stage snow blowers are typically 19 – 22 inches wide. The limiting factor, however, is their height – not the width. If you’re frequently battling 12-inch snow drifts, go with a two-stage snow blower instead. Single-stage snow blowers can clear a typical sidewalk in two quick passes.

The auger is made out of plastic or hard rubber and makes direct contact with the surface. Unlike their two stage cousins, single-stage snow throwers clear the entire surface area. As a result, drifting snow – especially on a blacktop surface – quickly melts away in the sun.

Here are a few features to consider while shopping these.

 

Engine Type

Two-cycle (or 2-stroke) engines require a gas and oil mixture, supplying both fuel and lubrication to the engine during operation. Basically, you are “changing” the oil every time you gas up your snow blower.

Four-cycle (or 4-stroke) engines include a separate fuel tank for the gas and a crankcase for the oil. The oil should be periodically changed – typically after every 25 hours or once a year.

While oil changes are never fun, 4-cycle engines provide greater torque, better fuel economy, better emissions and a much better snow blowing experience.

 

Recoil vs Electric Start

Recoil start snow blowers are similar to lawn mowers. You simply pull on the rope to get it started. If you are not comfortable with this, get an electric start model instead.

Surprisingly, electric start models don’t use batteries since they operate in below freezing temperatures. Instead, you simply plug an extension cord from a wall outlet into the snow blower then press a button to start it. All electric start snow blowers come equipped with a recoil start as a back-up, just in case.

 

Chute Rotation

Basic single-stage snow blowers feature a manual chute. You turn it left or right by physically pushing or pulling the attached handle. Shorter people must stop snow blowing and walk around the snow blower every time they need to turn the chute.

More sophisticated single-stage snow blowers feature a manual crank. You turn the discharge chute to the left or the right by cranking a handle from behind the snow blower, allowing to adjust the chute on the fly.

 

3. Two-Stage Snow Blowers / Throwers

Two-stage snow blowers throw the snow twice. First, a metal auger scoops up the snow and ice. Then, a high-speed impeller throws it out through the discharge chute.

The auger on a two-stage snow blower doesn’t touch the ground, so they can be used on gravel and concrete. Plus, they feature taller buckets capable of inhaling snow drifts. If you need to clear large, deep expanses of snow, you’ll appreciate the wider and more powerful two-stage snow blower instead.

Big snow blowers come with big engines and big price tags. To find the best value, simply select your grade of snow blower first.

 

Consumer Level

If you just want to blow deep snow, you can’t go wrong with a consumer-grade, two-stage snow blower. They will always outperform any electric or single-stage snow blower.

They can attack deep snow drifts – including the mountain at the end of your driveway – without breaking the bank. Think of these as economy grade. They can tackle the task with just basic components and features.

 

Prosumer Level

Prosumer-grade snow blowers are bigger, beefier and stronger, throwing snow as much as 10 feet farther than their consumer-grade cousins. The majority of models come equipped with interlocking controls and halogen headlights, helping to light the way during the darkest days of Winter.

The other components aren’t quite professional grade, but definitely durable. Most prosumer snow blowers feature extra-strength aluminum – instead of cast iron – gear cases and all-steel chutes. If your buy a prosumer-grade model, you will definitely be the envy of the neighborhood.

 

Professional Level

Professional grade snow blowers and snow throwers are built in limited quantities for snow removal veterans, who recognize that quality doesn’t come cheap. These are constructed with commercial-quality components like heavy-duty cast iron gear cases and solid steel frames.

Basic features – like halogen headlights, interlocking controls and remote deflectors – are standard on these machines. It doesn’t get any better in terms of high-end performance and reliability.

 

Snow Blower Ratings and Reviews / Snow Thrower Ratings and Reviews

Now that you know the different types of snow blowers and snow throwers available, you can read the snow blower ratings and reviews / snow thrower ratings and reviews to choose the one right for your requirements.

Read all snow blower ratings and reviews / snow thrower ratings and reviews now!