Best Snowblower Brands to Clear Snow on Your Driveway

A shovel will probably work for snowy walkways or stairs, but if you have a wide-open driveway or patio, nothing beats a powerful, effective, easy-to-use snow blower. Depending on the snowfall intensity of where you live, the right snow blower can be either a luxury or an absolute necessity if you don't want to get trapped in the house. In the latter case, you'll need the best options given by the best snowblower brands.

To help you decide, you'll consider how much snow, on average, your area gets during winter and how big of an area you need to clear. Then, look through the specifications and features of the best snow blowers to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

If you're constantly pummelled by snowfall, then you're better off getting your own personal best snow blower than having to hire a plow truck once or twice during winter to dig you out; in the long run, it saves so much more money. At times, you really can't afford to get trapped in the house while you wait for the plow service to come to help you out.

What is the most reliable snow blower brand?

What is A Snow Blower?

Generally, a snow blower is either a two- or three-stage machine that uses serrated steel augers to cut through tough snow, after which its fed into an impeller that 'blows' it out through its snow discharge chute. A single-stage model is known as a snow thrower.

What is A Snow Thrower?

A simple, single-stage snow clearer machine that uses the spinning auger to 'throw' snow to clear it is a snow thrower. Typically, a snow thrower is a budget pick for light snow.

Types of Snow Blowers

a) Two-stage Snow Blowers

Typically, two-stage snow blowers have a larger snow intake, so they can work in deep snow that's about 23 inches and can move wet snow. As a result, they're powerful and best for clearing large areas, such as driveways over 60 feet long. In addition, a two-stage snow blower comes with engine-driven wheels that can better handle inclines and reduce the operator's fatigue.

The auger in a two-stage snow blower first collects the snow, then the impeller fan in the snow blowers direct the snow through its chute for discharge. This two-fold process works faster and throws farther than a single-stage snow blower since it throws snow up to 60 feet. These models also come with skid shoes that elevate the auger slightly while in use on unpaved surfaces. You also have a greater range of features on a two-stage snow blower than you would on a single-stage snow blower.

b) Three-stage Snow Blowers

Three-stage snow blowers are an upgrade from the two-stage power models that make the most of your effort and 'throw' more snow in less time. Like two-stage snow blowers, they can also handle an inclined paved or unpaved surface, including driveways that are over 60 feet long. A three-stage snow blower can also work in snow depths over 23 inches deep.

In addition to the auger and impeller, three-stage blowers direct snow to the accelerator. The accelerator spins like a screw perpendicularly to the auger to collect the snow and then forces it into the impeller for discharge. The accelerator can also cut through icy snow and clear more thick snow than the two-stage model.

This can be particularly helpful, especially when you need to clear a tall snowdrift or wall of snow at the driveway. It can clear snow to over 50 feet away. Like the two-stage blowers, these three-stage models also have a wider selection of features.

c) Gas-Powered Snow Blowers

Gas snow blowers have good mobility since they don't require a power cord to operate. In addition, most gas-powered models come with a greater clearing width and intake height than electric models. A gas-powered snow blower can also come as a self-propelled model that uses the engine to power its wheels, making the snow blower much easier to move than one that only has an auger-assisted drive. Single- and two-stage gas snow blowers are most common, but you can also find a three-stage gas-powered snow blower.

d) Electric Snow Blowers

Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, electric snow blowers run on electric motors and have a push-button electric start. As a result, they need less maintenance compared to the gas models. Running on an electric motor also means that there's no need to change the motor oil.

They're much lighter and more compact compared to the gas models. They're available in;

i) Cordless snow blowers are primarily single-stage snow blowers, only battery-powered. Some also come as two-stage blowers. Like gas snow blowers, cordless snow blowers can move up to a foot of snow with little vibration, less noise, and no fumes. Battery-powered snow blowers also come with the mobility of gas models since they don't need a power cord.

ii) Corded snow blowers are generally single-stage electric snow blowers that also operate on less vibration, less noise, and no emissions. However, they'll require an outdoor extension cord that can remain flexible in cold weather.

How to Keep Your Snow Blower Running?

Other than maintaining your snow blower, keeping these extra items comes in handy to ensure that your machine is operational:

• Belt-a single-stage machine will one while two- and three-stage models will need more

• Shear pins- protect the transmission and engine by breaking in case the auger hits something too hard, so always keep extras on hand

• Fuel stabilizer- If you're not going to be running your snow blower every week and won't need it until you stow it in the spring, the machine will sit idle. Gasoline in the tank, the fuel lines, and the carburetor will thicken, but adding a stabilizer to the fuel can slow down the process.

1. Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch 208cc Electric Start Snow Blower

 The Husqvarna ST224 is a high-quality snow blower that pairs compactness with an impressively powerful 208cc engine. It ranks high among two-stage models and suits you well if you live in an area that frequently receives a moderate snowfall of up to 12 inches in-depth. It's also perfect if you have a large area that needs to be cleared.

 This two-stage snow blower has a 24-inch wide clearing width that's compact enough to fit in compact spaces and big enough to work for large places. In addition, it has adjustable skid shoes that can work on all kinds of surfaces, including uneven surfaces and gravel driveways. You also won't need to stop working to adjust your chute since it has a remote chute control deflector that easily allows adjustments while you snow blow.

It can throw snow over 30 feet away and comes with a serrated ribbon auger to efficiently cut into thick snow. It is mixed with air to dispose of the snow to help move it smoothly through the chute. One of the best snow blowers that also comes with great extra features such as headlights, adjustable handle heights, and heated handgrips for a comfortable push on your snow blower.

Key Specifications:

• 208cc Husqvarna engine
• Remote chute deflector / remote chute rotator
• 15-inch wheel tires
• Electric start
• 24-inch two-stage snow blower

2. Husqvarna ST427T (27") 369cc Track Drive Snow Blower

Husqvarna ST427T (27") 369cc Two-Stage Track Drive Snow Blower w/EFI Engine 961930133

• Track driven for inclines and slick surfaces
• 369cc Husqvarna electronic fuel injection...
• Hydrostatic transmission
• Power steering with triggers
• Heated handgrips & LED's

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The Husqvarna ST427 comes with tracks that give this machine enough traction that works well on snowy slopes. It also comes with professional-grade features that make it ideally suited for all kinds of conditions. These features include an electronic fuel injection engine, a cast-iron impeller fan, and a heavy-duty steel control panel. 

Other than the heavy-duty construction, the ST427T has more impressive features, including a powerful 369cc EFI engine, a hydrostatic drive system, and an electric key start that makes starting easier compared to a manual pull-cord start. In addition, the Husqvarna ST427T two-stage snow blower is aimed at user convenience with a trigger-operated power steering making this 364-pound machine easy to push around in a large clearing area.

This blower also includes heated handles and LED headlights with a 27-inch clearing width and clearing depth capacity of 23 inches and above, making it an ideal option if not the best snow blower for large properties.

Key Specifications:

• Track driven
• Husqvarna 369cc Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) engine system
• Hydrostatic transmission
• 4-cycle engine
• Triggered power steering
• Heated handgrips
• LED lights
• Corded electric-powered snow blower

3. Ariens ST24LE Deluxe 24"254cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower 921045

Ariens ST24LE Deluxe 24" Two-Stage 254cc Snow Blower 921045

• Engine: Ariens AX 254cc
• Throws Snow 50 ft
• Housing: 24 inch, 21 inch
• Auto-Turn Steering: Sports-car handling
• Engine: Reliable Ariens AX engine

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This 24-inch gas-powered snow blower (ST24LE) in the Ariens Deluxe Series provides a great balance between power and versatility. It's compact but powerful enough to tackle anything from sidewalks, driveways to large commercial areas. Its also packed with user-friendly features like auto-turn steering, remote chute control, an electric start, and an in-dash headlight.

The heavy-duty and durable, all-steel construction of this two-stage gas snow blower should offer you solid years of reliable performance you can trust. It ranks well as one of the best gas-powered snow blowers among two-stage models and comes with a powerful Ariens 254cc AX 4-cycle engine.

The Ariens ST24LE Deluxe 24" two-stage gas snow blower houses an impressive 12.5 ft/lb of torque that helps clear up all types of snow. This feature is a considerable upgrade over the previous 223cc engine in the compact 24-inch model. Since it has a 4-cycle operation that doesn't require mixing the gas and oil like you previously would.

This 24-inch Deluxe gas snow blower also goes big with both its impeller and auger. The 14-inch serrated steel augers can literally chop through anything, whether it's car ruts, compact snow, or ice. Unlike other gas snow blowers, this model has a 2060 lbs/min plowing capacity with a heavy-duty cast iron gear case and steel alloy gears.

Key Specifications:

• Ariens AX 254cc engine
• Gas snow blower
• Throws snow up to 50 ft
• 24-inch housing
• Auto-turn steering with sports-car handling

4. Snow Joe iON100V-21SB 100-Volt iONPRO Cordless Brushless Variable Speed Single Stage Snowblower Kit

Snow Joe ION100V-21SB 21-Inch 100-Volt Max 5 Brushless Lithium-iON Cordless Snow Blower, Kit...

• Powerful: 2800 W brushless motor increases...
• Led lights: dual 2. 5 W LED headlights...
• Auger assisted drive: helps propel the unit...
• Max auger speed: moves up to 16 tons per...

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The Snow Joe iON100V-21SB 100 is a single-stage cordless snow blower kit that comes with some pretty impressive features that get it on this best snow blower list. At 62 lbs weight, this electric snow blower operates on an auger-assisted drive that makes moving the machine forward through heavy thick snow so easy.

Additionally, this electric snow blower comes with 2.5 W dual LED headlights which come in handy, especially as you try to clear heavy snow from your driveway and it gets dark early. Other features include a 2800 W brushless motor, an auger that's powerful enough to move 16 tons per charge, and a 100 volts battery that runs for 30 minutes per charge. This combination of attributes easily makes this single-stage blower one of the best snow blower machines for your driveway. In addition, the 2800 W motor is powerful and brushless to increase its lifespan substantially.

Key Specifications:

• 2800 W powerful brushless motor
• 2. 5 W dual LED headlights
• Auger-assisted drive
• Maximum auger speed of moving at least 16 tons per charge
• Minimum auger speed to move up to 12. 5 tons per charge

5. Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB18 48-Volt iON+ Cordless Snow Blower Kit

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Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB18 18-Inch 48-Volt 4-Ah Cordless Snow Blower, (2x4.0AH)

• Questions, Text 563563 to chat directly with...
• POWERFUL: 1200 W brushless motor clears up to...
• DURABLE: 4-blade rubber-tipped steel auger...
• 48V POWER: Included 2x 4. 0 Ah batteries...
• LED LIGHT: 2 W LED headlight lights up the...

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The Snow Joe 24V-X2-SB18 48-Volt iON+ Electric snow blower comes with an adjustable chute control that can be rotated to 180 degrees and is built to clear heavy snow. In addition, it comes integrated with 2W LED headlights that let you clearly see where you're working on, even during the night.

This electric and powerful snow blower has an ion+ 24V lithium-ion battery that you can trust to give you enough run-time to clear as much heavy snow as you'd need to. Its powerful 1200W brushless motor can blow away at least 14 tons of snow per charge. In addition, the rubber-tipped steel blade auger can work on an 18-inch wide and 10-inch deep path in a single pass.

Key Specifications:  

• iON+ 24-Volt battery-powered system
• Uses 2 x 4.0 Ah batteries and dual-port charger
• 4-blade steel auger with a rubber tip
• 1200 W brushless motor
• Adjustable chute crank that can rotate chute up to 180º
• 4.0 AH batteries
• 2 W LED headlights

What Factors to Consider for the Best Snowblower Brands?

A) How Many Snow Blower Stages?

All the best snow blowers use an auger to suck up the snowfall from the ground and discharge it through the chute. The corkscrew-shaped auger is the only part that moves snow in single-stage snow blowers. Two-stage blower models have both an auger and an impeller. An impeller is a fan that helps force the collected snow from the back of an auger to be discharged out through the discharge chute. The impeller also helps the two-stage snow blower to collect snow faster and throw it farther. Three-stage snow blowers have an auger, impeller, and accelerator. An accelerator helps force the collected snow to move from the auger to the impeller. The third stage machines come with a wide clearing path that can clear the fastest and discharge the farthest.

B) Power Source?

A vast majority of snow blowers run on gas engines, while the corded electric models run on an electric motor. Corded electric snow blowers can be used with an extension cord that's up to 100 feet from the power source. In addition, a small but steady growing number of battery-powered electric snow blower models are coming up, but they're built for clearing light snow. 

C) Wheels Vs. Tracks?

Many snow blowers are wheeled; this includes all single-stage blowers and most two- and three-stage blowers. Single-stage models will require the user to push or pull the snow blower while the two- and three-stage models are powered by an engine. This makes them better-suited to clear large areas or more snow since you'll not get tired of pushing or pulling.

Some two- and three-stage blowers come with tracks instead of wheels. This makes them better for steep driveways and hills because that dramatically boosts their traction, but they can be quite challenging to turn on leveled terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Snowblower Brands

1. How often to grease and change oil in the snow blower?

Most snow blowers need their oil changed at least once every season of snow removal, and possibly even more frequently if you're clearing snow in areas or times where the snow is more. The best lubricant for a good snow blower is a non-stick spray that creates a protective shield against dirt, snow, or grass. Additionally, it doesn't need to be reapplied each time you use it. Just ensure that you spray the chute and auger before the snow blower's first use, and you're good to go.

2. Can the WD-40 be used on a snow blower discharge chute?

The WD-40 is an excellent lubricant option that's easy to apply, dries quickly, and does exactly what is required by acting as both a water repellent and corrosion inhibitor. Simply run a can of WD-40 over the running snow blower to evenly coat the chute. You can also consider using a silicone spray since it's a better lubricant if you have grass; it's inert, so there's no chance that it'll hurt your grass.

3. How often is the spark plug changed in a snow blower

Depending on how much snowfall you're dealing with, the spark plugs could be replaced once per season of snow removal or after 100 hours of use. Also, clean your spark plug every 20-30 hours of use as you check its gap. This way, it remains clean, and you'll know if it needs any changing.

4. Can you mount a snow blower on a zero-turn mower?

To convert your zero-turn mower to a handy snow blower for clearing snow on your walkway, simply mount it using a universal mounting bar or use any close-coupled models to implement the connection. It's a straightforward process that should work flawlessly once set up right.