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Single-stage or two-stage? Learn how to choose the best snowblower for your driveway, snowfall level, and surface type. Includes tips on maintenance and storage.
When clearing snow with a shovel becomes increasingly difficult, you might want to consider investing in a snowblower. With all the different models available out there, these notes will help you choose the best one to suit your needs within your budget.
A single-stage snow thrower has a uniquely shaped auger that scoops and throws snow up and out of the chute, all in one motion. This makes single-stage throwers best suited for lighter, less compacted snow. Two-stage snow throwers have serrated steel augers that break up snow and ice and feed the snow into a high-speed impeller (stage-one). The impeller then throws the snow up and out of the discharge chute (stage-two). If you’re tackling heavy wet snow, then a two-stage thrower is a safe bet.
Single-stage snow throwers are ideal for winter storms that produce 3 to 6 inches of snow. But if you regularly receive up to 12 inches or more, then a two-stage snowblower is the way to go.
With their multi-speed drive systems, two-stage snow throwers can make short work of the largest clearing areas. On the other hand, if you have a smaller driveway and narrow walkways you might be better off with a lighter, more maneuverable, single-stage unit.
For smooth surfaces, both single-stage and two-stage snow thrower works great; clearing the snow down to the pavement. However, if you have a gravel driveway and walkways, then a two-stage snow thrower is ideal as you can set the height of the skid shoes for the proper clearance.
Once you’re settled on a single or two-stage snowblower, you can start to consider other features that will make your task less daunting. The number of speeds give you more options for tackling different depths or denseness of snow. Electric start makes for easier starts than by recoil. If you’re typically clearing snow at night, headlights will help you see the way.
These simple steps will help keep your snowblower in optimal working condition until next winter:
Change the motor oil. Make sure you use the correct amount and grade.
Empty the gas tank. Treat new fuel with a fuel stabilizer and refill the gas tank. Fuel stabilizer will help keep the fuel delivery system from gumming up.
Run the engine for a short time to circulate the fuel through the carburetor. An engine with treated fuel can be stored for up to 18 months.
Check for damage. Scan the fuel line and fittings for cracks. Best to repair or replace the necessary parts now.
Lubricate the machine per the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Place your snow thrower in a clean, dry spot, away from any corrosive materials like fertilizer.
Before that first big snowfall for the season, it’s worth inspecting and performing any necessary maintenance so you’re ready to go at the drop of a pin… or snowflake.
Check the shave plate and skid shoes. These parts see a lot of wear and tear. If you see damage, replace them.
Fuel up with fresh gas. Stale fuel can affect your machine’s performance and longevity.
Change the oil. Old oil can cause performance problems, too.
Check your spark plug. Make sure it’s securely inserted, and that it’s not fouled, blackened, corroded or damaged. If it is, replace it.
Check the tires. Don’t use your snow thrower if the tires aren’t properly inflated or if the tread is gone. You want a good grip in all conditions, so replace them if necessary.
If the auger will not turn, check to see if the pins have sheared. The auger is designed so that the pins will shear when a foreign object or ice jam is hit.
Before cleaning or inspecting the snowblower, stop the engine and wait until the auger/impeller comes to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals.
Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed.
Prior to storing, run the snowblower a few minutes to finish clearing any excess snow to prevent the auger/impeller from freezing up.