Gas snowblowers are perfect for clearing away heavy hard-packed snow as well as thick wet and slushy snow. They are also built with enough power to plow through even large open areas in tough snow conditions. The extra power is thanks to the powerful and more capable gas engines that back these snow throwers up. Since they come with gas engines, their power rating are measured based on engine displacement and horsepower rating.
Gas snow blowers also give you the option to choose between a single stage and a two stage snow thrower, whereas electric snowblowers are restricted to single stage models. So long as you choose the right gas snow blower, you can clean all kinds of paths, from paved to unpaved, and deal with all kinds of snow problems. Depending on the construction and type of snow thrower you choose, you can enjoy faster snow removal with longer clearing paths ranging from 18 inches to over 30 inches.
Single stage models are those that use an auger to both suck in snow and send it to the discharge chute for throwing. In a two stage model, on the other hand, the auger is used only for picking up snow, while there is a separate system called the impeller that is responsible for discharging the snow out of the machine.
Since the impeller is spinning fast, it throws snow with more power and therefore increases the throw distance of the machine. Since the machines use an auger and an impeller, they are called two stage snowblowers. Due to their enhanced capabilities, two stage snow throwers can tackle snow coverage that exceeds 8 inches in depth, while single stage models can only be used for 4 to 6 inches of snowfall.
One of the most popular mid-priced gas snowblowers is the Murray 1695537 model, which sells for $400. This is a single stage gas snow blower powered by a 190cc 4 cycle OHV Briggs and Stratton Snow Series gas engine. This motor offers the machine just enough power to tackle light to moderate snow clearing tasks in small to mid-sized areas, due to its 21 inch clearing width. In gas snow blower standards, the Murray 1695537 is pretty compact in size.
Murray designed this machine for clearing off snow coverage up to around 4 to 6 inches, but not more. It is made extra lightweight so your light tasks won’t become a hassle. Aside from that, it can be maneuvered and controlled easily.
As a single stage model, the machine comes only with an auger that both picks up snow and throws it out the discharge chute. The chute is especially designed to resist clogs so you won’t run into any inconvenience while you’re working. And when you’re done, you can easily store the machine with its fold-down handle.
All in all, this is a user-friendly single stage gas model with some important helpful features. It does the job and makes sure it won’t be too hard on you.
The Poulan Pro PR621ES is another single stage gas model with a 21-inch clearing width, but it is a bit more expensive at almost $500. There is reason enough for the higher price, though. This model has a more powerful engine with a displacement rating of 208cc. It also has an electric start feature so you don’t have to exert too much effort with the manual recoil start that comes standard in gas engines.
Aside from the electric start, the Poulan Pro PR621ES comes with a composite scraper bar that makes sure every layer of snow is removed. It is also designed to be ergonomically sound to use with a user-friendly steering handle. And when snow is picked up, it is thrown out of a 13-inch high discharge chute with a smooth ratcheting design that allows you to easily adjust the direction of your throws. Best of all, when filled up, you can go for an hour and forty five minutes without stopping.
This fully welded steel-encased snow thrower is one of the most durable models around, with its high density polyethylene chute and ball-bearing support.
If you receive snowfall that exceed 6 to 8 inches deep, you will do better with this two stage snow thrower from Yard-Man. Most two stage gas snowblowers around will cost you $1000 to $2500, which makes this Yard-Main 26-incher quite a bargain at $800. And aside from being gas-powered, this model is also self-propelled and comes with an electric start.
The Yard-Man 31AM63LF701 boasts of a 208cc displacement rating, and uses a 4-cycle OHV engine exclusive from Yard-Man. The engine provides 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. As you go, it can take in up to 21 inch high snow coverage.
According to reviews, the machine is also easy to steer and even the chute can be easily rotated up to a complete 200 degrees. The easy maneuvering may also be attributed to the machine’s 15 x 15 inch Snow Hog wheels.
Considerations to Make
There are many important considerations to make when buying gas snowblowers. Unlike in electric snowblowers where you only have to worry about the ampere rating of the motor, gas engines are far more complex. You have to find a powerful engine that can provide a high level of power measured by ft. lbs. as well as one with a high engine displacement. You also have to choose between 2 cycle and 4 cycle engines, as well as side valve and overhead valve engines. As a tip, always go for 4 cycle engines as they are more powerful and OHV engines as they require less maintenance.
