What Snow Blower Best Fits You?

       Utah winters can be brutal.  Experiencing lake-effect snow can quickly turn 2 inches of freshly coated snow into 2 feet of packed powder that leaves our driveways buried in.  Digging our way out of that snow without a snow blower can be daunting, to say the least.  Most of us can recall stories from our childhood of being woken up by Dad hours before dawn to head outside with the shovel and get to work.  It’s a wonder many of us don’t walk around with debilitating back injuries from all that heavy lifting. 

       

       Even to this day, many people haven’t made the move to buy a snow blower.  If you’re a newbie, it’s hard to know which snow blower is best.  There are two primary types of snow blowers: single-stage and double-stage.  Single-stage models also offer gas and electric options, further confusing the uninitiated.  Knowing which type to buy may seem daunting, but in reality, the decision is easy once you understand what you are looking for. 

       A single-stage gas snow blower is ideal for a flat, midsized paved driveway.  They are most effective in areas that receive an average snowfall of 8 inches or less of snow or less.  Single-stage blowers are light, easy to handle, and require the same amount of garage storage as a typical lawnmower.   A single-stage gas model will give you a 20- to 22-inch swath when clearing your driveway. Gas-powered models are two-cycle engines and require regular maintenance and most offer electric starters.  Single-stage snow blowers are not a good choice for gravel driveways as the auger contacts the ground, and the limited drive action makes steep hills undoable, as the machine will pull from side to side.  

       

       Single-stage electric models are ideal if you have a short, flat paved driveway and walk while electric snow blowers are most effective in areas that receive an average snowfall of 4 inches while an electric model will give you an 11- to 18-inch swath.  Single-stage electric snow blowers offer many of the same advantages and disadvantages, while being quieter and not requiring regular maintenance.  Just be aware that you’ll require a long extension cord you will have to tote with you.

Double-stage snow blowers are the best option for you if you have a long, wide, or hilly driveway and receive a typical snowfall of 8 inches or more.  Two-stage blowers clear a 24-32 inch swath, ensuring your job is done much more quickly and efficiently.  Double-stage blowers are required for gravel driveways, as the awning won’t contact the ground.  They offer electric starting and have driven wheels and an impeller to throw snow.  Two-stages are quite heavy and take up as much space as some sit-down mowers, while requiring regular maintenance. 

When choosing any model, be sure to try the controls to ensure that you are comfortable with the way it handles, the height of the controls, and the ease of chute adjustment.  One-handed drive and auger are important on a double-stage model.  Keep your eyes open for models with headlights and dead-man control.

       

       When the time comes to repair your new investment, Crowell’s Flying Wrench offers local, mobile snow blower repair throughout the Salt Lake Valley and we are a top pick for snow blower tune up's and repair in Park City.  We offer outstanding customer service and competitive pricing that will fit any budget.  Our trustworthy team brings years of repair experience to meet any need.

By: Kyson Crowell