Things to Know Before You Buy Snow Throwers

But before you buy a snow thrower, you’ll need to make some decisions–here are some basics to consider before tackling some of the more technical specifics.
Gravel or paved surfaces: One of the most important considerations in purchasing a snow thrower is the surface you’ll be clearing. If you just have paved walkways or driveways, a single-stage snow thrower will suffice. However, if you have any unpaved surfaces, you’ll need a two-stage machine that doesn’t touch the ground, and thus doesn’t throw any gravel or small stones.
Amount and type of snow: Another consideration is how much snow you’ll need to clear. If your area typically gets snowfalls of less than 6 inches at a time, a single-stage snow thrower will do the trick. However, for medium to heavy snowfalls (6 to 12 inches and beyond), a two-stage snow blower is recommended. Additionally, if your snowfalls tend to be wet and heavy, consider a larger horsepower engine or a model with a serrated auger.
Size of area to be cleared: For larger areas, such as driveways over 40 feet long, a two-stage snow blower is recommended.
Clearing path: Pay attention to the width of the auger, the spinning part of the snow thrower that collects the snow before sending through a chute or impeller. The wider an auger is, the wider the clearing path you’ll create and the sooner you’ll finish.
Sloped driveways or walkways: If you’ll be needing to push a snow thrower uphill at all, consider getting a model with gear-driven wheels for power steering, typically a two-stage machine.
Your budget: Snow thrower prices fall across a wide range, so determining how much you’d like to spend is important.