Two stage snowblowers are snow removal equipment that are designed to tackle deep and heavy snow coverage in large spaces. These are more powerful and heavier than single stage models.
You will need a two stage machine if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow during winter, and if you have a large open area such as a spacious yard, driveway, or parking area. So before you decide on a two stage model, make sure to evaluate your needs first.
To help you figure out if you need a two stage model, here’s a simple guide. A two stage model is necessary for removing snowfall that measures between 6 and 18 inches deep. These models are also ideal for tackling wet, heavy, and hard packed snow, and are usually able to throw them 35 to 50 feet away.
Usually, these models have clearing widths between 22 inches and 36 inches, giving them better coverage and speeding up the long, arduous process of snow removal.
Two stage snowblowers work by combining an auger and a fast spinning impeller. This is actually why they are called “two stage.” Once the snow is picked up, it passes through two stages. First, the auger cuts up the snow. Next, the impeller sends the snow to the discharge chute with force so that when it comes out of the chute, it goes a good distance away.
Due to their power and enhanced capabilities, two stage snow throwers will cost you anywhere between $600 and $2500 depending on the brand, size, and technical specifications of the model you’re interested in.
Pros and Cons
Two stage machines are very flexible. They can be used in almost any type of area. While single stage and electric models can only be used on paved paths, two stage models can be used on both paved and gravel areas. Unlike in single stage models, the auger in two stage models do not touch the surface.
Thus, when you use them on gravel, there’s no chance of the auger kicking up some stones. Aside from gravel areas, the machines can also be used on hilly drives with plenty of inclines. And with the right tires or tire chains, you can easily take these machines up even steep inclines.
The disadvantage, however, is that since two stage snowblowers are too big and bulky, they cannot be used for clearing snow off smaller areas since they simply won’t fit. Also, since the auger does not touch the surface, a thin layer of snow usually gets left behind. If your snow blower doesn’t have a scraper bar, you will probably need one to take care of that leftover layer.
With almost 40 reviews to its name, the Poulan Pro PR624ES 24-inch two stage snow thrower is quite popular. This model is priced at mid-range with its $850 price tag. It makes a good snow removal partner if you have medium to large areas to clear of snow and if you have up to 23 inches of snowfall. After the snow is taken up and passed through the auger and impeller, it is thrown out the discharge chute.
Both the chute and the deflector can be remotely controlled so you can easily choose the direction of the throw. The auger and impeller each have a 12-inch diameter. And although the clearing width is a bit small at 24 inches, this means the snowblower can be accommodated by more areas and can therefore be used in more applications.
This model is powered by a 208cc LCT gas engine, but it is equipped with an electric start so you won’t have a hard time getting it to run. This makes the machine easier to use. The machine is also OHV, which gives it more power. However, this means the engine needs more maintenance, so make sure to conduct maintenance checks and tune ups periodically.
As a Poulan Pro offer, the machine is sturdy, both inside and out. It also has a very tough-looking design and a distinct black and yellow color scheme.
Poulan Pro’s 27-inch two stage model is also one of the bestselling two stage snowblowers on the market. This is slightly more expensive at $900, which is understandable because its clearing width is 27 inches instead of 24 inches. The engine also received an upgrade to a 205cc Briggs and Stratton 800 Series gas engine.
Some of the features are exactly the same, though, such as the electric start and the remote deflector. This model also has a 23-inch intake height, so it can easily tackle even deep snow coverage.
To give it more power and stability, Poulan Pro throws in a set of deep-tread 16-inch tires. This gives you more traction to help you tackle more challenging conditions such as steep inclines and hilly drives. The handle is then fitted with comfortable loops to give you stable hand placement. Other great features include the scraper bar and an adjustable skid plate.
If you want a more popular brand and are willing to spend a bit more, check out the offers from Ariens. Ariens’ most popular two stage snowblowers are led by the Compact ST24LE model, a 24-inch snow thrower equipped with a serrated steel auger and a 3-blade steel impeller that work together to tackle even the toughest of snow on any type of surface, paved and unpaved, without a problem.
After breaking down the snow, it is thrown out of the steel chute, which features a Quick-Turn rotation technology that allows it to turn 205 degrees. Once you choose your desired direction, the machine can throw the snow up to 40 feet away. This shows just how much more power the Ariens Compact ST24LE snow thrower has over other models, which can throw only up to 25 or 30 feet away.
The Ariens Compact ST24LE is equipped with a 205cc Briggs and Stratton OHV engine. The engine is 4-cycle too, which means you can use just gasoline to keep it running and you don’t have to mix oil with the gas.
The snowblower also features a Disc-O-Matic drive system encased in a cast iron gear case. The drive system provides 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. Ariens also uses Polar Trac tires to give you more traction and leverage as you go along.
Features to Look For
To recap, good two stage snowblowers are faced with an immense task. So they also need the best set of features to give them power and strength. Ideally, your snow blower should have a powerful gas engine. Four-cycle OHV engines are more preferable and are also more commonly available. They should also have strong serrated augers and an equally durable fast-spinning impeller.
The chute should also be able to turn more and to throw at greater distances to make sure the snow is really thrown out of your way. And to allow you to clear snow off gravel, snowy, hilly, and other types of terrain, large tread tires are also ideal.
