Clearing Width of Snowblowers Choosing the Right Clearing Width
The clearing width of snowblowers refers to the area width that it can clean in a single sweep. This is an important factor that most people consider when shopping for snowblowers, as this affects several aspects of snowblower usage and pricing.
Clearing widths usually range between 12 inches to 30 inches, although there are some extra large models that boast of clearing widths greater than 30 inches.
Clearing widths get wider the larger and more powerful the snowblowers are.
Here are some information on why you should carefully consider the clearing width of the snowblower you plan to buy, followed by a guide on the different width ranges available on the market and some advice on when to choose the different widths.
The clearing width of snowblowers affect how easy and how fast it will be to clear snow off any space with the snowblower. If your snowblower has a wide clearing span, it can clear snow off a large area of space with one pass. For example, if you have a narrow walkway that spans 24 inches, and your snowblower has a 24 inch clearing width, then you only need to go through the walkway once. This makes snow removal not just easier but also faster.
However, the wrong clearing width will make the snow removal process longer. If you have a wide driveway that spans all of 30 inches and your snowblower has a 20 inch clearing width, this means you would have to make at least two passes to cover the entire area. This will double the time it would take to remove all snow off your driveway.
This shows just how important it is to find the right snowblower with the sufficient clearing width.
12 to 19 Inches
12 to 19 inch clearing widths are found in electric snow throwers; due to their design and usage, they are also known as power shovels. As implied, these are power-driven lightweight machines that are designed like shovels in that they have long and tall handles. But instead of scooping up snow manually, using these machines allow you to just push them along in front of you while they do all the work of picking up the snow and throwing it out of your way.
Snowblowers with clearing widths between 12 and 19 inches are generally very affordable as they are also small and lightweight. Some of the best electric snowblowers belong to this clearing width category such as the Toro 1800 Power Curve Electric Snow Thrower, which has an 18-inch clearing width. The model currently sells for $300. However, since Toro is a rather high-end brand, you can also expect to find cheaper models with clearing widths falling within this range. One example is the Snow Joe Ultra, which has a 19-inch clearing width and an electric motor; this machine costs $220.
21 to 23 inch clearing widths can be found in single stage snow throwers. Most of these are gas-powered models, although there are some that are also electric-powered. These can clear snow off medium to large sized walkways, driveways, paths, and lanes, as long as they are paved. In clearing large areas, though, you might have to make more passes, so you might as well consider a larger model.
It is not difficult to find snowblowers with clearing widths between 20 and 23 inches. The most common is 21 inches, though. One example is the Murray 1695537 with its 21 inch clearing width. This is a single stage snow thrower with a 190cc 4-cycle OHV Briggs and Stratton Snow Series engine and is one of the top selling snow removal equipment of its kind and size. The machine costs $400. Prices of other similar models will most likely be within the same range.
Snowblowers with clearing widths of 24 and 25 inches are the smallest of the two stage models. These models are ideal for medium-sized areas that get especially deep snow coverage. At 24 to 25 inches, they can still easily fit in mid-sized driveways or paths, but since they use the two-stage process of auger and impeller working together, the machines can tackle heavy snow without a problem.
You also won’t have a problem finding snowblowers of this size. There are several models from top manufacturers, most of which are well-known for their two-stage snow throwers. Some examples are the Poulan Pro PR624ES 24-inch two stage snow blower with a 208cc LCT gas engine, which sells for $850, and the Husvarna 924HV 24-inch two stage snow thrower with a 208cc Snow King engine. The Husqvarna model sells for $950. If you want something cheaper, check out the Ariens Sno-Tek, which has the same clearing width but a lower price of $700. However, some models can go as high as $1500, such as the Ariens ST24LE 24 inch snowblower.
Snow throwers with clearing widths of 26 and 27 inches asre mid-sized two stage machines that are capable of clearing snow off mid-sized to large areas with deep and heavy snowfall. Although not the smallest, they are still considered fairly compact since two stage snow throwers can go up to 30 inches.
There are plenty of 26 to 27 inch models in the two stage snow thrower market. Several models come from top brands, such as Yard-Man and Ariens. Two examples are the Ariens Compact ST26LE 26-inch two stage snow blower with a 249cc gas engine and the Yard-Man 31AM63LF701 26-inch 208cc gas engine snow blower.
Ariens’ products are quite expensive, so it’s no surprise that this Ariens model costs $1700. If you want a cheaper model, go with the Yard-Man, which costs $900.
Large two stage snow throwers usually boast of 28 to 29 inch clearing widths. These are great for clearing snow off large walkways, driveways, parking areas, and other large spaces that get heavy snowfall. Toro’s only popular two-stage model, the Toro Power Max 1128OXE features a 28-inch clearing width.
The model comes with a powerful 342cc gas engine. With these specs, the machine costs $1900. If you want something less expensive, go with the Yard-Man 31AH65LG701, a 28-inch model with a 357cc gas engine that costs only $1000. Yard-Man is well-known for its high quality, high specs, and low prices, so it’s a good brand to explore.
The largest snow blowers feature clearing widths of 30 inch and wider. These are also the most powerful and the bulkiest models around. These are great for heavy snowfall in large areas, and they make the snow removal process not just easier but also shorter. The only problem you’ll have is storage.
Poulan Pro and Yard-Man offers some good 30-inch models that costs between $1000 and $1200. However, several powerful models from other top brands such as Husqvarna cost as much as $1900.
The clearing width also affects the price of snowblowers. Generally, wider clearing paths will cost you more, which is why choosing the right width is also important in ensuring that you don’t spend more than you should on your snow removal equipment.
The rule is to buy a snowblower with the largest clearing width that you can afford as long as it still fits the space where you intend to use the snowblower. This will help you save money as well since you won’t need to purchase an expensive model with a wide clearing path when you only need a narrower clearing path.
