The Basics: Snow Throwers

Snow throwers can be a huge help in areas with heavy snowfall or for people whose physical condition limits their ability to shovel the drive. There are two types of snow throwers: single-stage and double-stage. People who live in light-snow regions can save money by buying a single-stage machine. Double-stage snow throwers are more effective in heavy snow, and especially in packed snow.

The main things to consider when shopping for a snow thrower are the size of your walkways and the depth and packability of snow in your region. Short walks and a minimal drive may not need any kind of snow-throwing equipment, even in heavy snow areas, while long walks and double width long drives that are steep and winding require a snow thrower even in light snow regions. Different sizes of snow throwers clear different path widths. Heavier, or deeper, snow requires more passes. If you have a 26-inch path and get 6 inches of snow, you can clear your drive in a single pass, if the snow is light. That means a total of at least five passes for the average 10-foot wide drive. A heavy-duty snow thrower with a 45-inch path would probably cut that to three passes, which, on long drives, or in deeper snow, can be a real help, but that's a lot of machine for a homeowner to pay for.

If you live in an area where annual snowfalls average 60 to 75 inches, a light-duty (single-stage, 5- to 8-horsepower model) snow thrower can be a solid asset. But in some areas where snowfall averages as much as 65 inches a year, the lightness of the average snowfall may make the use of a thrower difficult. This information is something that can be gained by checking with local weather people, with people who have lived in an area a long time, and, of course, your own experience if you've been in the same location more than two or three years. Among other things to consider is the wetness, thus the packability, of the average snow in your region. If you're in a town that gets 150 inches of mostly wet snow annually, you want to give serious thought to at least a 7-horsepower double-stage snow thrower. If you're in a location that sees 150 inches of dry snow as an annual average, you can think seriously about 5-horsepower and up machines.

Single-stage machines have only an auger to break the snow loose, lift it and toss it. In double-stage machines, impellers pick up the snow and toss it, after the auger does the first lifting. The two-stage snow thrower is obviously going to need more power, but will cut a wider path and fling the loosened snow further. The snow moves from the auger or impeller into the discharge chute, which is adjustable for both direction and height of throw. The discharge chute is at least partially closed. The partially closed models are easier to clear if they become clogged. Polymer discharge chutes work well, and are not susceptible to rust.

Single-stage (meaning the auger shoots the snow directly out the discharge chute) snow throwers have 20- to 22-inch-wide clearing paths. Single-stage snow throwers are for homeowners with relatively small spaces to clear. They are fairly simple to use and maintain, and they are compact and relatively lightweight, making them easy to store. Despite their small size, these snow throwers are capable of handling fairly heavy snows, but going might be slow in the heavy, deep snow of some regions. The biting action of the auger blades propels the machine, so they sometimes need some pushing help from you. If the machine has large wheels, pushing it is easier. Snow throwers in this range run from about $300 to $600.

If you live in the snow belt and have an average-size walkway and driveway, a medium snow thrower (up to 8 horsepower) is more than adequate for just about any weather surprise. They're an excellent all-around choice -- neither too big nor too expensive. They also provide wider clearing paths (24 to 26 inches). Like their larger siblings (9 horsepower and above), they are two-stage machines, meaning they are self-propelled with the auger ingesting the snow and throwing it against a rotating impeller, which shoots it out the chute. All but a few models are wheeled and use special high-traction tires. Those few that don't have wheels are propelled with wide, cleated rubber tracks. Snow throwers in this category may cost $500 to about $950.

Large snow throwers are for very heavy-duty use. They have more powerful engines and provide wider clearing paths (26 to 30 inches). Some real beasts have 33- and 45-inch paths, but these use 13-horsepower motors, have steerable wheels and are very expensive. Snow throwers with 9 horsepower and up are an excellent choice for homes with huge driveways, long lanes or very long sidewalks, and in areas with predictably very heavy snowfalls. The package is generally the same as those found with small two-stage snow throwers, but many parts may be of heavier stock for greater durability under heavy use. Several companies also offer one or more models with steerable tracks so that spinning wheels is no longer a problem. Expect to pay from very slightly below $1,100 here to upwards of $2,500.

How to Shop

Nearly all snow throwers have Tecumseh Snow King or similar engines that are specially engineered for cold weather and wet conditions. Electric starters are either standard or optional on most units, and we recommend them. Having a starter, which usually operates at 110 volts and plugs into a wall receptacle, means you don't have to spend time yanking on a starter rope, especially for that first use of the season when things may be a little out of sync.

Regardless of the type of snow blower you are contemplating buying, check for comfortable height at the handles. Many models have adjustable handle heights. Look for handles, grips, and controls that can accommodate large mittens and are conveniently located. If you have to manhandle a machine up or down a flight of stairs, check the snow thrower's weight: a 5-horsepower unit is much easier to pull up a flight of stairs than a 9-horsepower one. See what accessories are available to help you stay comfortable. Accessories include drift cutter kits (usually a pair of steel arms that jut upwards from the outside top corners of the impeller cover), chains to reduce wheel spinning and time wasted, and shear and locking pins to get you back in operation quickly when you strike an obstacle hard enough to break the originals.

Because snow throwers are very much seasonal items, you can often save money by buying one off-season. Too, they are pretty basic machines so models are often slow to be replaced, so your choices remain fairly consistent from year to year. Worth noting, however, is the fact that during recent years some popular models have increased the engine horsepower. This might be in response to heavier-than-normal snow storms in recent seasons, with expressed desires from customers for heavier-duty machines to deal with the added build-ups. Fast and easy is what you get from more power, and that beats hard and slow -- especially out in the cold -- any day.