Single Stage Snowblowers Small but Powerful for Light to Moderate Snow
Single stage snowblowers are lightweight and compact snow blowing equipment that are easier to use and lighter to steer. These snow blowers are designed with just enough power to clear away light to moderate snow coverage of 6 to 8 inches in depth. If you live in an area that does not get much snow, getting one of those heavy and bulky two stage snow blowers is definitely not practical, so single stage models provide a better alternative.
But why are they called single stage snow blowers? These models use a fast-spinning auger that picks up ice, chips it, and sends it out the discharge chute. All these are down in a single quick motion using a single auger. Thus, the snow passes through only a single stage. Due to their size and convenience, these are great for clearing snow off small paved driveways, porches, sidewalks, narrow lanes, and other small to medium-sized paved areas.
Electric vs. Gas Powered Single Stage Snow Blowers
Single stage models come in two types: electric models and gas-powered ones. The two types of machines work in the same manner, except that they have different power sources. Electric models harness power from electricity and therefore have to be plugged in as you work. Gas powered models come with gas engines and can therefore be driven around without the hassle of a power cord. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages. You just have to choose which type is best for you.
If you’re looking for one of the more powerful single stage snowblowers, consider the Poulan Pro PR621, which is a gas-powered model. Its gas engine is an LCT 4 cycle OHV engine with a displacement rating of 208cc. This is plenty of power to go around, especially for a 21 inch single stage snowblower designed for clearing light to moderate snowfall.
The Poulan Pro PR621 has a 13-inch intake height, so it can be used for snow even up to 8 inches deep, which is quite a feat for a single stage model. This is also thanks to the machine’s large, powerful, and ultra-fast 8-inch auger.
Users were satisfied with this model, especially with its ease of use. Most found it easy to maneuver, thanks to its 7 inch wheels. The large wheels easily carry around the durable fully welded steel body of the machine, which has even been E-dip painted for added protection against harsh elements and wear and tear. Due to the lack of cables and belts, you won’t have any worn out parts to worry about.
The Poulan Pro PR621 is built for light to moderate snow clearing tasks, and has been proven to make your load lighter.
Toro CCR Powerlite 325E 38182 Single Stage Snowblower
The Toro CCR Powerlite 325E is a good option to consider if you’re tired of shoveling snow and want a light but powerful and effective snow clearing equipment for your light to moderate snow coverage.
Compared to other single stage snowblowers, this model is pretty small. This is also why it does not cost that much. Despite these, the Toro CCR Powerlite 325E holds more power than it seems to have given its small frame. It is a light, compact, but effective tool that can clear snow off driveways two cars wide and two cars long.
You won’t complain when it comes to results, but since the machine is smaller than the usual single stage models with its 16-inch clearing width, the job will take you longer. If you’re working in a smaller area, though, then this model will deliver excellently.
Although this is also a gas powered model, keep in mind that this is powered by only a 2 cycle engine not a 4 cycle engine. This means you should be willing to mix oil and gas to create the necessary fuel to run the machine. But after the hassle of mixing oil and gas has passed, using the machine will be easy and convenient. And once you’re done, storage is also easy with the machine’s folding handle.
This is great for those who are working within a budget and want a smaller-sized machine for light to moderate uses.
For light snow coverage, a compact electric single stage machine such as the Toro 1800 Power Curve will be sufficient. This little snow blower may not impose much in terms of size, but once you turn it on and get past the inconvenience of the power cord, you’ll be watching the machine eat up snow with satisfaction. This compact snow blower is designed more like a power shovel instead of a single stage machine, and yet it uses a single stage auger packed in a small frame attached to a long handle.
This is great for folks who gets very light snow anyway that buying a bulky single stage snow thrower is not a wise decision. And despite its small body, the machine can clear snow off 18-inch wide paths with one pass. This may not be the fastest snow removal equipment out there, nor is it one of the most powerful single stage snowblowers, but it’s a great buy for light snow conditions.
The main feature of the Toro 1800 is its Power Curve technology, which equips it with a curved rotor that does an effective job of crushing snow before they are thrown out the chute.
But if you get this model, always remember what it is designed for. If you use it for more snow than it can handle, you might experience some clogging.
Single Stage Snow Throwers on Cleaning Gravel Areas
Single stage snowblowers can only be used on paved paths. They are not rated for use on gravel areas. The reason why is that the auger in a single stage model comes into contact with the surface for it to be able to remove snow thoroughly. Thus, if you use the machine on a gravel surface, the auger can kick up some stones and this may damage the equipment. If you need to clear snow off gravel and unpaved paths, use a two stage snowblower. But for paved paths, a single stage snow thrower is just right.
