Different snowblower types allow you to choose the snow clearing equipment that fits your needs exactly. These different types usually differ based on the level of intended usage, the way they work, the features they come with, and how much they cost.

While these snow clearing equipment are more popularly categorized into electric or gas powered and single stage or dual stage, there are other classifications that these machines fall under.

Choosing the right type of equipment for your needs is important not only for the completion of your tasks, but also for your budget. The right machine should have the right size, the right motor or engine, and the right tools to be able to do the work at hand. Also, it should have the right price. To help you choose, here are the different snowblower types you’ll come across.

Electric Snowblowers

Electric snow throwers are powered by electric motors instead of gas-powered engines. These are designed like electrically powered shovels that you need to push in front of you using long handles. The main advantage of such models are that they are easy to start and require less maintenance such as tuneups and gas/oil changes. They are also lighter, easier to use, and less noisy. Usually, they can clear between 11 to 18 inch wide space in a single sweep.

Electric Snowblowers are effective and powerful, but despite this, they are pretty limited in terms of power and capacity. Thus, electric models are ideal for clearing light snow coverage in small paved areas. Another major disadvantage is that this won’t work without a power cord plugged into an outlet.

This means you can only go as far as the power cord can go, and the cord can be a safety hazard if not properly minded. Still, these make good snow cleaners if you don’t get that much snow in your location or you only have to clear snow off small paths.

Powerful electric snowblowers from top brands range in price from $300 to $500, while some smaller and lighter models from top brands are also available for as low as $150. Some lesser known brands also offer cheaper models that cost around $80 to $100.

Gas-Powered Snowblower

Gas-powered snow throwers are those that come with a gas engine instead of an electric motor. Most two stage snow throwers are gas-powered, while single stage models are sometimes gas-powered and sometimes electric-powered. Most gas-powered Snowblowers, however, come with a manual recoil start for backup in case of power outage.

Gas versions are more powerful than their electric counterparts, so they are a more suitable choice for plowing through moderate to heavy snow coverage. The extra power allows you to plow away more snow in less time then throw the snow at greater distances. And since they require gas to run, they don’t have to rely on an electrical supply, thus eliminating the hazardous power cord. The disadvantage is that gas engines are very high maintenance.

They need to be filled up regularly with gas, and you would have to check and change the oil level when needed if you’re using a 2 cycle version. The engine also requires regular tune-ups to make sure there are no problems. And given the full-size engines, these machines are larger with the same size as a lawn mower. They also make a lot more noise when you use them. Despite this, heavy snow always calls for gas-powered snowblowers.

Gas snowblowers usually cost between $350 to $700 for single stage models and around $500 to over $1000 for two stage models.

Single Stage Snowblower

Single stage snow blowers are designed for clearing snow off flat, medium-sized, paved walkways, driveways, and patios with snowfall of around 4 to 8 inches in height. These are relatively lighter than two stage snowblowers but are heavier and more capable than electric snow shovels.

Although capable of handling moderate to heavy snowfall, the difficulty is in maneuvering these smaller and lighter machines in deep and heavy snow conditions. Furthermore, most models have 20 to 22 inch clearing width and comes with rubber-edged auger to keep surfaces safe from scratches. The advantage in using a single stage Snowblowers is that they can scrape safely down to the surface, while two stage machines don’t touch the surface and usually leave a thin film of snow.

Single stage machines are called such because they only have an auger, which means the snow only passes through a single removal stage, which is the auger, before getting thrown from the chute. Some single stage models come with gas engines, while some with electric motors. Gas-powered models are more common because they maximize the power that a single stage machine can provide.

These, however, require more maintenance, especially since most have 2 cycle engines. If you want to reduce the need for maintenance, look for single stage models with a 4 cycle engine.

Thankfully, though, you don’t need to contend with a power cord. Single stage models, however, are not ideal for cleaning gravel surfaces since the auger can throw stones when the auger comes into contact with the surface. And since most come with light-duty wheels, these machines are not made for steep inclines.

You can already buy a good single stage snowblower from a good brand like Toro for around $700, and other well-known brands also go down to $400 if you’re on a budget.

Two Stage Snowblower

A two stage snowblower is designed for clearing off heavy and deep layers of snow from large, spacious driveways, yards, parking areas, long lanes, and so on. These are especially equipped to deal with deep, hard packed snow with a spinning impeller located behind the auger.

This is why these models are called two stage snowblowers; the process passes snow through two stages, the auger to pick up snow and the impeller to propel snow towards the chute with greater force. Together, the impeller and auger works to handle more snow and throw them at greater distances while reducing the amount of time it will take you to clean even the largest of driveways.

Two stage models boast of powerful 4 cycle engines with high gross torque power and wider clearing paths of up to 26 to 30 inches or even wider. They are also necessary for clearing snow off gravel surfaces.

There are some unavoidable disadvantages, though. These models are heavier and bulkier, so storage will be a problem and maneuvering can be difficult. This is why you should look for models with large all-terrain tires and other convenient steering features. The tires also make it possible for these machines to handle even steep inclines. Unfortunately, all these make two stage machines way more expensive than single stage models, and the gas engines also require a lot of maintenance.

Take note, however, that the power of a snowblower ultimately depends on what type of engine it uses. So aside from choosing based on the snow removal process, also consider the engine type.

Two stage models are expectedly more expensive, starting at $700 and with many models going over $1000.

2 Cycle Snow Throwers

To make a 2 cycle Snowblower run, you will have to mix the fuel it requires. The mixture consists of gas and oil; the oil is necessary to lubricate the engine. With gas alone, the machine won’t run; in fact, using only gas can even burn up the engine.

4 Cycle Snow Throwers

4 cycle snow blowers are those that use a 4 cycle engine instead of a 2 cycle engine. While a 2 cycle engine uses a mixture of gas and oil to run, a 4 cycle engine requires only gas. Also known as a 4 stroke engine, this comes with separate strokes for power, exhaust, combustion, and intake.

Snowblowers with 4 cycle engines are stronger and more powerful, which is why they are often used in dual stage snow blowers. They are also usually more durable and are easier to start than 2 cycle engines. However, they are also heavier and bulkier.

Most top-selling two stage snow clearing equipment these days sue 4 cycle OHV engines. These can cost anywhere between $400 and $1000, or even higher depending on the size, specs, and power of the machine. An OHV engine uses an overhead valve instead of side valves. An overhead valve is located on top of the cylinder.

This has a significant effect on the torque and starting power of an engine as well as on how much noise the engine makes while it runs. So while 2 cycle engines focus on horsepower, 4 cycle engines focus on torque. The added torque is very useful in a two stage snowblower because it can help move heavier snow more effectively.

Tractor Mount Snowblowers

Tractor mount snowblowers are, as implied, a snow blower mounted on a tractor. These are also simply called tractor snow blowers, and they come in two configurations: front mount and rear mount. This is used in extra large areas and extra deep snow coverage such as in clearing snow off roads and fields. This is very useful in commercial and industrial applications.

A rear mount tractor snowblower blows snow from the back, so the snow is thrown backwards. The disadvantage is that, unless you turn in your seat, you won’t be able to see where the snow goes. Thus, more users prefer front mount tractor snowblowers.

These snow machines are operated by hydraulics and uses a complex mounting mechanism for the machine to be loaded onto the tractor. One example is the three point hitch or attachment.

Power Brush Snowblowers

Power brush snow blowers are those that come equipped with a huge roller brush on the front. These are now used to throw or haul snow out of the way. The main purpose of the roller brush is to sweep through the snow.

Most home users don’t really need a power brush snow blower unless they are expressly meticulous. Most commercial snow cleaners, however, use this type of machine. When you use a two stage snow blower, since the augers are designed not to come into contact with the ground, a thin layer of snow usually gets left behind. A power brush snow blower, however, comes with wire bristles that rotate to sweep away every single flake of snow left on the surface. The nice thing about these huge brushes is that they can also be used to sweep off leaves, grass, and other debris, so you can even use them all year long.

Power brush snow equipment are not as easy to find as regular snowblowers. One brand you can always turn to, however, is Ariens, which has some excellent power brush models in its collection. These snowblowers are more expensive than regular ones, with prices ranging between $1500 to $3000.

Track Driven Snowblowers

Track driven snowblowers are those that are equipped with tracks instead of wheels. These are highly recommended for removing snow off steep inclines. The tracks give the machine sufficient traction to give it a good grip on the surface. These are more ideal for all-terrain applications than a wheel-driven machine. The disadvantage, however, is that tracks can be cumbersome if the area you are cleaning requires many turns.

Like the brush-equipped snow blowers, track driven models are not very common. Thankfully, some well-known brands produce some good track driven offers. One of these brands is Honda. Usually, track driven models cost from $1000 to $2500. If you can’t find one, you can also buy a compatible track drive conversion kit, which is available from Honda and Ariens. A conversion kit costs $400 and above.

Cheap

Cheap Snowblowers is another class altogether. Snowblowers rarely go under $400. After all, these are equipments that require plenty of features and that need durable construction to make sure they don’t break down despite harsh conditions and hard usage. If you plan to buy a snowblower, it is wiser to make it an investment and spend more on a good quality machine from a good brand. But if you are on a tight budget, you can also check out cheap snow blowers on the market. These may cost anywhere between $100 and $500.

As an alternative to cheap brands, you can also consider buying used snow blowers from good brands. These are less expensive but you still get to enjoy the quality and durability the top brands offer.

Choosing Your Snowblower

Snow removal can be a daunting task, but with the right equipment, you can plow through snow and blast them away. However, don’t go straight to the toughest, most powerful model on the market. Even such a good machine can be a mistake if it is inappropriate for the level of snowfall you get and the space you are planning to clean.

As you can see from this guide on different snowblower types, there are specific types of snowblowers designed for specific needs. Thus, make sure you consider all these types to ensure that every aspect of your snowblower, from the engine to the wheels or tracks to the brush or auger, meets your specific snow removal needs.

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