Snow Blowers Upcoming Auctions

About Snow Blowers

Snow blowers, also referred to as “snow throwers,” vary widely in terms of feature sets, but they all perform the same basic function of pulling in snow, typically with an auger, and pushing it out through a chute. Depending on the size of the machine, a snow blower may be used to clear small driveways and sidewalks or large, multi-car driveways, parking lots, and more.

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Toro Power Max HD 1428 OHXE-C Snow Blower

Gas vs. Electric

Snow blowers are most commonly powered by gas or diesel engines but are also available with electric motors, either with or without a fixed cord. As with other gas-powered machines, gas snow blowers require fuel, oil, and periodic engine service, but they are typically more powerful than their electric counterparts and more capable of clearing larger surfaces and handling heavier snow. There are also more types of gas-powered snow blowers to choose from, opening them up to a wider range of use cases.

Corded electric snow blowers are usually more compact and are great for clearing smaller paved surfaces covered with light snow. One disadvantage is that these units are tethered by an extension cord with the potential to get in the way during operation—and to make it difficult to reach certain areas. However, there are also battery-powered models on the market that perform similarly to corded blowers. Battery-powered snow shovels represent another option for clearing small paths or walkways.

Single-, Two-, Or Three-Stage

In addition to choosing gas, diesel, or electric, there are also options for single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage snow blowers. Single-stage machines are the simplest, and usually the smallest, because they have a single auger or blade that makes ground contact, pulls in snow, and pushes it out of the discharge chute. Single-auger blowers are ideal for smaller jobs and light snow that won’t clog the auger.

Two-stage snow blowers also use an auger or blade to pull in snow, but the auger then passes it into an impeller that forces the snow out of the chute. Three-stage machines are similar, but add an accelerator to the mix that chops up the snow before passing it to the impeller for more efficient operation. There are also track-drive units available that replace tires with tracks for better traction in slippery winter conditions.

Keep in mind that because the blade or auger touches the ground, single-stage snow blowers are designed to run on paved, relatively level surfaces. Two- and three-stage machines, on the other hand, may also be able to operate on gravel and other looser surfaces with varying inclines because the auger or blade doesn’t touch the ground.

Location, Depth & Width Considerations

Where you live may ultimately determine what type of snow blower you need. If you typically only get a few inches of snow a year, but enough to require a blower, a corded or battery-powered or single-stage gas snow blower might do the trick. But if you get wet, heavy snow on a regular basis during the winter, you may want to consider at least a two-stage.

The amount of snow and ice you get per storm is also an important consideration. Smaller models may only be able to handle snow accumulation up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep, with clearing widths just 10 to 24 in. (25 and 61 cm) wide, whereas larger units can tackle snow depths in excess of 18 in. (46 cm) and have clearing widths ranging from 18 to 45 in. (114 cm) or more.

Extra Features & Optional Accessories

Some snow blowers come with special features that set them apart, including headlights, heated handle grips, and adjustable chutes that let you fine-tune the machine’s discharge angle and distance to ensure you don’t create more work for yourself. There are also other accessories available, such as tire chains and cab enclosures that make it easier and more comfortable to clear snow in the coldest winter months.

One example of a snow blower with some of these features is the two-stage, electric-start, gas-powered Toro Power Max HD 1030, which is part of the larger Power Max series. This unit is self-propelled and comes standard with LED headlights, hand warmers, and an adjustable chute. It has a clearing width of up to 30 in. (76 cm) and supports a snow intake height of up to 21 in. (53 cm), with the ability to throw discharged snow distances of up to 49 feet (15 meters).

Find The Right Snow Blower For Sale

You will find hundreds of new and used snow blowers for sale on TractorHouse.com from such popular brands as Ariens, Cub Cadet, Farm King, Honda, Husqvarna, Simplicity, Toro, Troy-Bilt, and others.