A two stage snowblower is a must-have if you live in an area with moderate to heavy snow and if your large driveway fills up with snow that exceeds 12 inches.
Even the sturdiest single-stage snowblower cannot handle certain snow conditions, which is why you need a two stage snow blower. Here are some of your best options in the industry.
It’s time to take out your two stage snowblower once you see the snow on your driveway or yard continuously climbing and getting thicker. Check out these top three highly capable snow blowers in the market.
One of the low end models boast of a great set of specs and features that does not really deserve to be called low end is the Poulan Pro PR624ES, a 24-inch two stage snowblower powered by a 208cc gas engine with electric start.
The plow style snow thrower got 4.3 stars out of 5, which shows that it is indeed a machine worth checking out. It comes with an EZ power steering system that matches the performance of its heavy duty auger and impeller system that works in variable speeds to match your snow condition.
Packed with a high performance skid adjustment system and a single motion chute adjustment control, the Poulan Pro PR624ES is also hands down one of the best-rating two stage options around.
Yard Machines also offer an extensive collection of two stage snow blowers, one of which is the 31AM62EE700 24-inch snow thrower with 179cc OHV 4-cycle gas engine offering 6 different speeds. The self-propelled snow thrower is one of the very few 5-star snow blowers on Amazon, and is available for under $800, just the right price for a two-stage snowblower.
In fact, at this price, you already get more than you pay for considering the healthy collection of features in the 31AM62EE700.
The machine’s perfect rating may be attributed to the power coming from the reliable and durable 179cc OHV 4-cycle gas engine, or perhaps to the 13 x 4 inch Snow Hog tires which offers aggressive traction even on slippery surfaces.
With such power and performance, the machine can clear up to 24-inch wide paths and 21 inches of snow using 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. After plowing through snow with its 12” serrated auger, then hauling up to 21 inches of snow depths off 22-inch paths, the machine can then throw the unnecessary snow to the right direction with its 12” impeller and easy crank chute rotation.
For a higher end model, there’s the Poulan Pro PR827ES 27-inch snow thrower, a solid and heavy duty snow equipment made for large-scale uses. This two-stage comes with an electric start that operates its chain speed drive and powers up its 270cc Briggs and Stratton 800 series engine. Sporting 4.5 stars, it can take in up to 23 inches of snow thanks to its durable and sturdy 12” by 12” auger and impeller system.
On the outside, the Poulan pro PR827ES looks all set to conquer snow with its solid, tank-like construction. Despite such heavy duty construction, however, it is equipped with very convenient and user-friendly operation controls as well as an EZ power steering system.
The simple control system easily operates its loop style function and its single motion chute adjustment as well as skid adjustment. It also comes with variable snow clearing speeds so you can stick to slower speeds when you use the machine to haul heavy snow. As a two stage snowblower, there is no doubt that this snow machine will meet expectations.
The User-Friendly Option: Ariens Consumer
Ariens offers one of the best two stage snow blower models in the snowblower scene. This Ariens model stands proudly in an all-steel housing and chute, ensuring durability and power against harsh weather conditions.
It also boasts of a powerful 6 HP OHV engine from Tecumseh’s Snow King series, an engine series designed specifically to plow heavy snow out of the way.
Another secret behind the power of this snow machine is the Disc-O-Matic six-speed drive system that drives it. The gear is encased in an aluminum case, and is supported by a 120-volt electric starter with recoil. This system is known to be a very fast worker, which means your snow clearing time is reduced significantly.
The Ariens Consumer 24” Two Stage Snow thrower also has a 2.5x Quick-Turn chute that rotates 200 degrees and a total throw distance of 35 feet. The augers are made of serrated steel and the tires are Directional Snow Tread tires. All in all, a great worker indeed.
The Great Value Option: Yard Machines
For great value, Yard Machines offer an ultra-powerful $750 model with a 179cc 4-cycle OHV gas-powered engine. The machine works with maximum power and is highly durable. This power does not translate to weight at all, and the machine is easily maneuverable and easy to use with a quick electric starter.
The Yard Machine Two Stage Snow thrower can clear 24-inch wide paths with an intake height of 21 inches, making foot-tall heavy coverage a breeze to get rid of. The engine also allows a 6-speed self-propelled performance, supported by 13” x 4” Snow Hog tires that react greatly with even wet and slippery grounds.
The Performance Option: Husqvarna Professional
When it comes to performance, the Husqvarna Professional series is one of your best choices in the market. Sporting an impressive professional-grade OHV Tecumseh Snow King engine with 9 HP of power, the 924SB from Husqvarna has one of the highest specifications in the market.
Despite this, the machine is surprisingly easy to use and to maneuver, thanks to the hydrostatic transmission system and variable drive speeds with joystick control.
And to balance this, the 924SB stays in proper position due to the strong traction between the ground and the heavy-tread X-Trac tires. Topped with an easy electric start, the machine has the perfect combination of powerful performance and ease of use.
What a Two Stage Snow Blower Should Have
There are some noticeable commonalities among the best two stage snowthrower models. The very important aspect about them is the engine. You will notice that the snowblowers use powerful high-grade OHV engines that are specifically made for the work at hand.
The drive and transmission also matters a lot, and the electric start sure adds extra points to these models. Based on these top two stage snowthrower models, it’s obvious that the best snow machine is one that works well but is also easy to use.
Pros: The best two stage snowblower models are powerful, sturdy, and performance-driven, but are also easy to maneuver. Two stage snowblowers need to be strong enough to plow through varied snow conditions. Cons: Two stage snowblowers are definitely more expensive, and most are bulky and needs sufficient space to store.
The Verdict
For some people, two stage snowblowers are necessities because lesser types of snowblowers just can’t handle the snow coverage they get during winter seasons.
Top brands such as Ariens, Husqvarna, and Yard Machines have excellent two stage snowblower models that come in varying price ranges to meet every need.
