While freshly fallen snow can be fun to play in, it can also require work. Thankfully, clearing sidewalks, driveways, and other areas around your home doesn’t have to be a back-breaking chore. A snow thrower (sometimes called a snow blower) can make the job faster and easier—and given the type of snow Western Washington typically gets, this machine might just become your new best friend during winter weather.
There are different types of snow blowers – single-stage and two-stage – and your choice between them should be based on several factors that range from your home’s location to your landscape. In this blog, we’ll cover the variations between these two options so you can identify which is best for you.
Single-Stage versus Two-Stage
As its name implies, a single-stage snow thrower is a snow removal machine that relies on a single action to move snow out of the way. It uses a rubber auger to cut snow and throw it out a chute, producing a snow-free path in front of you.
A two-stage snow blower is a much larger machine that clears snow faster by using a two-stage system. This variety has a higher opening and its auger doesn’t touch the ground. Like the smaller version, the auger cuts into the snow, but then it uses a secondary action to push it into a separately-driven impeller, which discharges the snow out of the chute. (Learn more about how the machines work.)
Both varieties allow you to change the chute direction to blow the snow either to the right or left of you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Snow Thrower
When purchasing a snow blower, the biggest difference in a single-stage versus a two-stage snow thrower is the kind of snow you get and how much typically falls at one time. There are also a few other factors to consider.
Single-Stage Snow Throwers
Single-stage snow throwers are best for areas that get lighter amounts of drier snow: these machines aren’t powerful enough to clear more than 6-8” and may struggle in heavier, wetter snow events. (Find out why in this video.) They are also not self-propelled – you’ll need to put some effort into moving them along.
A single-stage machine can clear a decent path about 20-25” wide and gets all the way down to the pavement, fully clearing the surface area. These models aren’t meant for gravel or uneven surfaces but you can’t beat the way they remove snow on smooth or paved surfaces like sidewalks or concrete driveways.
There are several other benefits of a single-stage snow thrower, including:
- Weight. This is a lightweight machine that’s easy to lift and maneuver.
- Flexibility. You can fold the handle down on a single-stage snow thrower for easy transport.
- Size. The smaller, single-stage snowblower takes up less storage space in your shed or garage.
- Cost. This is the most affordable snow thrower option.
Single-stage machines can be electric, making them quieter, easier to handle, less costly to maintain, and environmentally friendly. There may be limitations regarding battery life or cord length if you have a longer driveway or other surface to clear, and battery performance can be affected by very cold weather.
Two-Stage Snow Throwers
A two-stage snow thrower has a wider opening that makes it ideal for deeper snow, and some models can clear up to 60” in one pass. A much heavier machine, this type of snow blower is typically self-propelled (with the exception of more compact units in the 18-21” range), making it easier to manage.
While its larger size takes up more storage space, it is a better option for:
- Power. The impeller, combined with a gas engine on a two-stage snow thrower, gives it plenty of torque to tackle heavy, wet snow.
- Deeper snow. A larger, wider opening means this blower can handle much deeper snowfalls.
- Rough surfaces. The auger on a two-stage snow thrower doesn’t touch the ground, making it far less likely to scoop up gravel along with the snow.
In the Pacific Northwest, where we see wet and heavy snow, two-stage snow blowers are ultimately the best choice to ensure efficient and reliable snow removal.
Snow Throwers: Powering Through
No matter which variety better suits your geography, both single-stage and two-stage snow blowers will save you time and effort, and not just in winter. You can use these machines to blow grass clippings in spring and summer and leaves in the fall—making them a worthy, year-round investment in your home maintenance arsenal.
Come check out the snow blowers in person at Carl’s Mower & Saw. Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer any questions you may have when it comes to purchasing a machine, and we also offer parts and accessories for a variety of snow throwers. With our excellent service center, Carl’s Mower & Saw is your one-stop option to buy and maintain your snow thrower for years to come.
About
Established in 1990 by Carl and Beth Levien, Carl’s Mower & Saw remains a family-owned and locally operated business to this day. We’re committed to providing an exceptional customer experience to both contractors and homeowners. Whether you’re looking for sales, service or rentals, you’ll find quality outdoor power equipment brands known for their durability and dependability, including Exmark, Gravely, Honda, Husqvarna, STIHL, and BCS America. For inquiries, feel free to reach out by calling 360-384-0799 or emailing info@carlsmower.com.
