Engine-driven wheels can handle uneven terrain fairly well, with the added benefit of reducing operator fatigue, especially when clearing large, challenging areas.
Snow Blower Buying Guide
Shopping For a New Snow Blower
Clearing snow from your property doesn’t have to be a back-breaking effort. When you shop our selection of snow blowers to find the best one for your yard, you’ll make winter maintenance as easy as it gets.
Get looking today to find the snow blower that best suits your property, climate, and budget.
How to Pick the Right Snow Blower
Consider the size of the property, as well as the actual surfaces that need to be cleared. For example, a narrow driveway and no sidewalk and light snow calls for a more compact model, while a long, wide driveway with heavier snow necessitates a bigger model. Research your geographic area for average yearly snowfall and long-term weather forecasts. This will give you an idea of the kind of winter you can expect. Consider how much time you’ll be able to devote to clearing snow. If you work long hours, a heavy-duty snow blower can make things easier on you. Take into account your neighbourhood’s noise regulations levels and regulations. If you’re planning to clear snow at certain times of the day or night, you may consider investing in an extra-quiet engine to keep your neighbours happy.
Types of Snow Blowers
Electric Corded or Cordless Snow Blowers
All electric snow blowers are single stage models, which makes them ideal for smaller areas that require an easily portable blower, such as decks or steps. They're usually more affordable, lighter, and more compact than gas-powered models, require less maintenance, and their lack of reliance on gas and oil make them an eco-friendly option. When considering an electric snow blower, remember that they're better at handling dry snow. Because they can't handle wet snow as well, think about a more powerful machine if that's the kind of snow you usually get in your geographic area.
Single Stage Gasoline Snow Blowers
Lighter and easier to operate than other gas models, the machine's auger (snow "chewing" blade) spins at high speed to chip ice and snow, collect it, and direct it out of a discharge chute. The operator must guide the machine, although some self-propulsion results when the auger (the paddle mechanism visible from the front) contacts the clearing surface and pulls the machine forward. They're best used on pavement or other smooth surfaces where the snow blower won't pick up rocks or gravel, and some models feature multi-directional clearing chutes that can be aimed from the operating position. Single stage snow blowers have cleaning widths that vary from 30 to 56 cm, and they're best intended for residential use after light to moderate snow, usually between 7 to 13 cm.
Two Stage Gasoline Snow Blowers
In addition to the snow-churning auger, these machines feature a high-speed impeller that collects snow and pushes it from the discharge chute at increased speed. They can handle deeper snow and wider clearing berths, from 50 to 90 cm, depending on the model, and can handle snowfall in excess of 20 cm. With an adjustable height, multiple speeds, and reversible transmission on most models, as well as engine-driven wheels or tank-style tracks, two stage snow blowers can be used on almost any surface. Most models have 4-cycle winterized engines for extreme temperatures and freeze-resistant starting mechanisms and cooling systems. Options that vary by model and manufacturer can include heated handgrips, hydrostatic variable-speed transmissions, electric start mechanisms, headlamps, drift cutters, and vinyl cabs.
Three Stage Gasoline Snow Blowers
Two stage snow blowers feature all the properties and functions of two stage models, plus more, like an accelerator that moves 10x faster than augers, which can clear more heavy, wet snow, and in less time. Typically, they're suitable for driveways longer than 15 m, and come with power steering and remote joystick chute for superior control. They also include advanced control, maneuverability, strength, and engine power for the toughest jobs. Additional options that vary by model and manufacturer can include heated handgrips, hydrostatic variable-speed transmissions, electric start mechanisms, headlamps, drift cutters, quiet engines, and vinyl cabs.
Features
Skid Shoes
Skid shoes are a safety feature that makes it safe to clear snow from gravel areas. Available on most two-stage models, they allow the height of the auger to be adjusted which will provide a needed lift on gravel driveways.
Heated Grips
More for your comfort, this feature is an added way to keep your hands warm while you're clearing the snow. Heated grips will keep your fingers warm no matter how harsh the weather is!
Drift Cutter
Acting like knives, drift cutters will help you get through and clear hard-packed and icy snow drifts with ease.
Other Features to Look For
- Power Steering: This features allows you to maneuver a snow blower more accurately through the snow. The effortless steering gives you the control by allowing you to turn left or right with a click of a trigger.
- Electric Start: Replacing pull cords on gas snow blowers, electric starts provide a quick start with a touch of a button.
- Headlights: LED headlights give you more visibility during large snowfalls and at night. They are also a great safety feature for pedestrians and drivers.
The best way to clear a slope is to move up and down the face instead of across. Clearing across the face can jeopardize the machine’s stability. Do not attempt to clear a slope that is steeper than recommended in the snow blower manual.
Typically, this happens because the engine’s heat has melted residual snow, which has then frozen. If left on, it can interfere with operation and controls. Clean as much residual snow off the snow blower after usage, using a “dry” method like compressed air or a snow brush.
Most winter outdoor power equipment requires 5W30 grade oil. Quality oil will have an American Petroleum Institute (API) symbol on it. Also check the service rating on the symbol, which indicates the age range of engines for which that oil is appropriate. The closer the second letter to the end of the alphabet (e.g. SN, SM, SL, etc.), the more current the rating.
First, turn the snow blower off or disconnect it from its power source. Then, wait about 10 seconds for the inner parts to stop moving. Most snow blowers come with a removable tool on the front you can use to dislodge snow from the auger, impeller, or chute. If you don’t have one, use a broom handle or similarly-shaped object.
Note: Never use your hands to clear out snow, even if the snow blower is off. Snow can get packed in tightly and moving it can cause the blades to suddenly rotate.
Shear pins, or shear bolts, connect the auger to the auger shaft. The pins have special grooves on them that allow them to handle a large amount of torque. They’ll snap if they encounter too much torque, like hitting a rock or curb. By breaking, the shear pins prevent damage to the gear case and auger shaft. It’s an inexpensive fail-safe mechanism that prevents expensive damage.
Snow Blower Products & Accessories
Protect Your Purchase
Don't get caught unprepared. Get coverage for your snow blower or other outdoor power equipment with an extended protection plan. We'll cover parts and labour on qualified repairs for two or four years after the manufacturer's warranty expires.
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