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Winter is already upon us in some parts of the country, and you may find yourself thinking about purchasing a new snow blower to make those mornings after a blizzard a little easier. With all of the options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which type of machine is best for you. At Ariens, we consider ourselves the King of Snow®, and we didn’t earn that distinction easily. We have more than 80 years of snow-clearing expertise under our belts and a team of representatives ready to help you make the big decision.
Ariens Snow Senior Product Manager Rob Wittl talked to us about what homeowners should know before heading to their local dealer.
“The first thing that you need to do when deciding which type of snow thrower to purchase is to think about the winter conditions in your area and determine how much snow you would typically be removing after each storm,” Wittl said. “If you’re finding yourself only removing a few inches at a time, then a single stage model would probably be best for you. If you live in an area that frequently receives snow storms with six-plus inches that need to be cleared at one time, then a two-stage will be best suited for you.”
The Ariens lineup of snow blowers includes a variety of two-stage Sno-Thro® units and the single-stage Path-Pro®. So what’s the real difference between a single-stage machine versus a two-stage machine?
“A two-stage snow blower has two operating parts that make up the unit — an auger and an impeller — so the snow is first impacted by the auger, which helps break it up, and its then taken up and out through the impeller. With a single-stage, you don’t have the auger — that first stage of impact — so it’s easy to see why a two-stage machine is really necessary for any significant amount of snowfall.”
Ariens Path-Pro
While the single-stage Path-Pro might not be ideal for all situations, it can be the perfect machine for professional landscaping crews, facilities maintenance managers or residents who live in heavy urban environments. Its light weight and ease of maneuverability allow it to be easily loaded in and out of trailers by crew members, and the Path-Pro is the perfect size for those who only need to clear a sidewalk or short, single-stall driveway. In addition, the Path-Pro’s compact design helps it easily fit into tight storage spaces.
“We have just one series of single-stage snow blowers in our lineup, which is the Path-Pro, but we do have several different features that can be added or taken off, depending on the customer’s preference. We can have recoil, electric start or a chute control on those different models, so it just depends on what the consumer is looking for. They’re all the same size from an engine and housing standpoint.”
So, if you’re reading this and have decided that a single-stage snow blower is not enough machine for you, don’t fret. At Ariens, we have an entire lineup of two-stage Sno-Thros — they’re the backbone of our brand and the reason that we’re the King of Snow.
“When looking at the Ariens lineup of two-stage snow blowers, it’s important to again think about how much snowfall you receive, but you should also think about the type of snow that you typically have to clear. Is it lighter in substance, or thick and heavy? Our lineup provides a variety of housing sizes and engines, so keep in mind that the more snow you need to clear, the larger the housing you’ll need. Likewise, if you’re frequently clearing heavy snow, you’ll want a bigger engine with more power and displacement so that it can handle the job.”
Ariens 28 Deluxe
Another thing to remember, however, is that the larger snow blowers in Ariens’ Sno-Thro lineup can be heavy and difficult to maneuver for some. To counteract that, Ariens introduced its Auto-Turn™ technology, which can be found on the Deluxe, Platinum and Professional series models, making steering and maneuverability a much easier task.
“Sometimes, the biggest factor in picking your ideal snow thrower is the size of the person using the unit. A snow blower can be 200 to 300 pounds, so many times consumers will need the machine to help with the turns that they’ll be making at the end of their clearing paths. What’s nice about our Auto-Turn solution is that it’s durable in a sense that it’s not a separate trigger mechanism — it’s built within the wheel base itself. At the same time, it’s very simple and intuitive. You won’t really know that it’s working, but you would feel a major difference if it wasn’t there.”
As you move up the Ariens Sno-Thro lineup — from Compact, to Deluxe, to Platinum, to Professional — the features and engine offerings increase. Things like larger tires, hand warmers, quick-turn chutes and drift cutters are offered in select models.
At authorized Ariens dealers only, the super-high output (SHO) Sno-Thro models are also available in both the Deluxe and Platinum series.
Ariens Platinum 30 SHO
“The super-high output models have larger engines and faster impeller/auger speeds that allow more snow to be thrown a farther distance. They’re essentially more efficient and allow you to clear a bigger area with more snow at a much faster pace. Plus, they can throw snow up to 50 feet, which we think is pretty cool.”
For particularly tricky snow removal situations, Ariens also offers track models in the Professional and Platinum lineups.
Ariens Professional Track
“Track models are going to be for homeowners or ‘prosumers’ who have a hillier terrain to clear. These people will need more traction on the pavement, and the track units allow you to have that. There’s also a feature built into the track units that allows you to raise the housing, which helps homeowners who clear snow on gravel surfaces to avoid sending rocks through their housing.”
Regardless of your snow removal challenge, Ariens has a solution. Be prepared for your area’s first snowfall.
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Ian H Welch
Hey Paul!
I have live in Rochester NY. We got just under 100inches of snow last year and in the past 4 years have had as much as 120 inches.
Looking for a good snow blower for my driveway.
60 feet long and double car wide.
Any suggestions?
I was looking at the craftsman sb630. 357cc engine 30 inch track.
Thanks
Paul
Hi Ian, For the amount of snow you get any of the current Craftsman snowblowers are NOT a good choice. You want a snowblower with a big engine to handle the deep snow and a 14-inch impeller to handle the heavy/wet stuff and throw it a long way. You don’t need a wide one because you have a nice-size driveway – 24 or 28 inches is a good choice.
So Ariens Deluxe 24, 28, 28 SHO
Ariens Platinum 24 SHO
Toro 828 or 928
Mike
Thanks for the great site/advice. Please help with advice for an older person limited budget who also has a bad lower back.
Live in Ontario Canada. Average snowfall is 54″ Paved driveway length 60 feet.
On top of the lower back issue, She needs to occasionally remove snow from the grass strip between her home and the neighbors.
Thank you in advance,
Paul
Hi Mike, A good 2-stage snow blower with power steering is a very good choice. I suggest the Cub Cadet 524 SWE or the Husqvarna ST224P as two of the best.
Tom
I live on a mountain side in Hendersonville, NC. My new asphalt driveway is 11 ft wide and 300+ feet long with two wide radius curves, it is lined with plants with no area to push snow so I must blow it over and around the plants. The elevation change up to my house is about 80 feet with the last uphill grade near the parking area the steepest slope. Parking area at the top is 60ft x 60ft. My snow experience over 17 years in this location is an average of 2 to 3 events per year, average of 4-6 inches, including 2″ and 14″ so far this year. Snow is often heavy/wet with ice/sleet/freezing rain mixed in. I am told by others in my area that most snow blowers have been poor at removal due to clogging and few are used/sold in our area. I do not have a good option for removal by larger equipment due to no space to push the snow for storage. I believe a 28 inch blower with good traction for grade, an easily managed chute control for frequent direction/height changes, AND NO/LOW CLOGGING RISK may be my best option as the hand shoveling process is no longer a good solution.
From my research on your excellent web site, I believe the correct design snow blower MAY work for my conditions and the Toro Pwr Max HD 928(38801) seems most appropriate to me. I do not want to spend money on overkill, but I want a good, reliable machine I can maintain and not ever need to replace. What do you recommend??
Paul
A year ago I would have said that the 928 is a good choice. It’s an easy to operate large frame snow blower. But with the advent of the SnowMaster I have a completely different idea for you.
On an 11 foot wide driveway it will take 5 passes to clear it with the 928. In effect that is 3 round trips. The 928 really likes 6 inches or more of snow. It also works very well around 2 mph. It’s kind of hard to explain but when you walk faster than that it really very easy to get “off course” and you end up having to stop to correct where the snow blower is heading. It’s not just this snow blower but all of the large frame snow throwers get harder to use at a fast walking speed.
So my suggestion instead is to buy the new Toro SnowMaster 724 or 824 QXE. Why? First, it’s only 4 inches narrower than the 928. So it will clear your 11 foot drive in 5.2 passes. That means you can also clean the drive in 3 round trips like the 928. Second, It has been doing a good job of throwing 2-6 inches of wet snow 15-25 feet. It throws normal snow 25-30 feet. Owners have also stated it handles 14-18 inches of snow just as well. Third, This new snow blower is so easy to use. It has Toro’s Personal Pace drive. You can easily walk behind this snow blower as fast as you want – up to 3.5 mph. It doesn’t want to wander around like the large 2-stage snow blowers. It has the same Quick Stick chute control as the 928.
The snow blower is half the weight of the 928. That actually gives it a lot of traction compared to other brands. It’s light enough that if you do run out of traction you can pull it or help it very easily. It won’t wear you out in a big storm. I feel you will not have any problems going up your hill.
It’s really hard to get me to jump on a new snow blower (or lawn mower) but this one is really changing how we think about clearing snow.
I really think this is a better choice for you. Think about it and ask any questions you may have.
Toro SnowMaster Video
2015 Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE, 824 QXE Picture Review
Peter
Hi Paul, Looking to purchase a new snow blower that is capable and reliable to do my 170 foot long blacktop driveway leading into a 4 1/2 car parking lot. This lot is surrounded with a 6 foot hedge, so, it will need to blow up and over it. I live on a state hwy. and there is an army of state plow trucks leaving behind and blocking the end of my drive with hard pack snow. Also got about 40 ft. of sidewalk. I live in New Jersey north of Rt.78. The annual snow total is 28″ over 15 days according to a website. However I want something that can handle the northeaster’s and blizzards such as the one we just had.
I’m 6′ 1 so I want something that I don’t need to lean over while using I’m also 60 years old and Looking for something that isn’t to awkward to handle. As far as price I want to spend for quality and durability, so, I’m willing to spend good money once.
Almost all of the brands you talk about, you speak positively of, so it makes a decision hard for me to chose.
Thank you for any suggestions. BTW you got a great website.
Peter
Paul
Hi Peter, If you need a snow blower to consitently throw as far as possible that would be an Ariens Deluxe/Platinum or Toro PowerMax HD. Honda’s also have that reputation but I have not had a chance to see if the new models they introduced this year still throw that far. HSS1332ATD ($3399)
In the Ariens line you only need a Deluxe 28 but the Deluxe 28 SHO ($1499) and Platinum 30 SHO ($1900) will throw about 10% farther.
The Toro Power Max HD 928 ($1599) is all you need but again the 1028 ($1899) will throw farther because of the larger engine.
Lisa H.
I live a few miles southwest of Allentown, PA. Our driveway is short, less than two car-lengths long and two cars wide. The entire length of the driveway is on an angle – probably around 15 degrees. What snow blower do you recommend for us. Thanks!
Paul
Hi Lisa, You don’t get a lot of snow on average but you problably would like one that can handle a 10-15 inch’er when you get it. So the best snowblower for your driveway and the snow you get is the Toro SnowMaster. Here is a link to Home Depot but you are welcome to buy it from your local Toro dealer. Toro Snow Removal SnowMaster 724 QXE 24 in. Gas Snow Blower 36002
Carl
Several people have told me to spray my Toro Powermax down with Pam. Is this necessary or even recommended?
Paul
Hi Carl, 90% of the time you won’t need to do that. It’s not necessary but I did have a snow that where it would have helped the snow blower last week. Look at the picture at the end of this article: Is a 3-stage Better Than a 2-Stage?.
That snow was very wet and the 3rd stage threw the snow into every corner of the auger housing (the 3rd stage spins very fast) If I had sprayed it down with PAM or DuPont Teflon Snow and Ice Repellant
it probably would not have stuck.
So, The old snow blowers where this was once a problem and were painted with enamel paint. That paint would oxidize and the snow would stick. Today’s snow blowers have a very hard polymer powder coating and that “paint” is naturally slippery to snow.
Matt
Hi Paul, I live in the Boston, MA area and am starting a snow removal company. Do you have any recommendations for a really good, commercial-grade snow blower? It would be mostly for sidewalks/walkways as I have a truck for plowing driveways (although there will be the occasional driveway that can not be done by plow). I read a number of your articles but still don’t know what is best for me (2 stage vs 3 stage, width, brand, etc). While I am not looking to spend a fortune, I would prefer quality over cost so I am willing to pay more for a better product especially if it will help me make more in the long run (eg it takes less time to move snow, repairs are less frequent, etc). I am pretty new to this so any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Paul
Hi Matt, If you are just doing cleanup with the snow blowers and are carrying it in the trucks the Ariens Snow Removal Path-Pro SS21 21 in. 208 cc Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower 938031
and Toro Snow Removal 721 RC Commercial Power Clear Gas Snow Blower 38751
are designed for the commercial operator.
If you want to use a 2-stage/3-stage and want the best the Toro Power Max HD 1028/1128 and Ariens Professional 28/30 are the best choices. Don’t fall for the trap that bigger is better. A 28 inch is easy to use and gets in places the 32 inch and larger machines can’t. I actually would make my decision on which one is best on the dealer – not the snow blower. Some dealers are used to servicing commercial accounts and will make sure you get back on the road as quickly as possible.
One last thing, Cub Cadet claims their 3-stage units move snow 50% faster than “their 2-stage snow blowers”. They make no claims as to how it does compared to the Toro HD and Ariens Pro.
Jeff
I have an early 80’s Ariens 2-stage that is literally falling apart. While it will clear the snow easier than shoveling, it does give me some problems on my gravel driveway (digs in sometimes) which is about 80ft long. The newer snow blowers seem to have much larger wheels and bigger skis which should help it from digging in. Or do you recommend a tracked unit? I am in south east Michigan and get about 50″ per year but we have had 8-12″ snow falls in the past. I was considering the Ariens Compact 24 or similar, your thoughts? Awesome site BTW!
Paul
Hi Jeff, I actually suggest the Ariens Deluxe 24 instead of the Compact. For about $100 more you get power steering, a bigger engine, bigger skid shoes and much larger tires. The Deluxe won’t sink into grave and have plenty of traction. Home Depot appears to be out of them for the year but your local dealer should be able to obtain one easily.
christinewarren
Providence, RI: Driveway for 2 car garage is 30′ long, 10 degree slope, if that. House sits on .10 acre. Frontage sidewalk is about 35′ – 40′, back pathway from edge of driveway to side street is about 20′. I’d like to spend under $1000. My neighbor recommends finding a unit with really good tires. Thanks for your help.
Paul
Hi Chrstine, I was going to suggest the Craftsman 88173 for you but it has smaller tires than your neighbor wants you to get. I still think it will be a good choice but I am going to give you two other choices that will work well.
My biggest question for you is, can you remember a year where you got more than 12 inches of snow at a time? Second, you mention pathway, is that a hard surface or gravel/dirt? If you can’t remember deep snow and the path is a hard surface then I am going to suggest the Toro SnowMaster. Now this is a wonderful snow blower. It’s very lightweight and even though it has small tires, the tires are just the right size for the weight and size of the machine. I’ve used it on many different surfaces and it always has plenty of traction. You don’t average a lot of snow so it may be the best choice for you. ($749) Here is my review: 2015 Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE, 824 QXE Picture Review
If the SnowMaster is not the right choice the snowblower with the best tires is the Ariens Deluxe 24. Home Depot is out for the year so please find an Ariens Dealer near you and purchase it from them ($999)
Here is my review of the Craftsman 88173: 2014 – 2015 Craftsman 24 inch 208cc Model 88173 Snow Blower Review.
Tom Millichap
Paul,
The ATV sounds like a great idea. My only concern is the driveway is two tracks of gravel with grass in between. I don’t want to throw gravel and tear up the grass. Do you think the ATV and plow combo can remove enough snow to make it passable?
Thanks again and great site!
Tom
Paul
Hi Tom, The plows on an ATV have skid shoes that you can adjust so you don’t dig up the gravel and turf – too much. Yes, most ATV’s with plows can clear 12 inches of snow easily and handle deeper snows faster than walking that drive with a snow blower.
Tom Millichap
Hi Paul,
I live in Wrightsville, PA with a very steep gravel driveway. The driveway is about 800′ long and ends with four parking spaces. We just moved to house and are told to prepare for snow and a lot of ice.
My thought was a two stage track blower what would you recommend?
Thanks
Tom
Paul
Hi Tom, Two of the best track drive snow blowers are the Husqvarna ST330T
and the Ariens Platinum 30 SHO Track. Unfortunately the Ariens is out-of-stock for the year.
800 feet is an awful long driveway to clear with a walk-behind snow blower. Each time you clear the drive that’s almost a mile of walking.
Have you thought about an ATV and a mounted snow plow? You really don’t get a lot of snow a year, only around 20 inches, so 90% of the time an ATV and a plow will get your job done quite quickly compared to a snow blower. Plus an ATV is a lot more useful year-round.
David Levitsky
Hi Paul:
I will be moving to Leavenworth, WA in late winter/ spring. Leavenworth averages 80-90″ snow / year. I’ve never owned a snow blower before. Our new driveway will be about 150 feet long, widening to a three car garage. Thank you very much for your advice!!
Paul
Hi David, A heavy-duty 28-30 inch 2-stage snow blower is a good choice. Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO, Husqvarna ST330P and The Toro 1028 or 1128 OXE will do a good job and last you a long time.
JIM
Paul, I live in Brewster, NY which borders Danbury, CT. My driveway is 121 feet long and 45 feet wide and is Flat. Which snowblower do you recommend? Thanks
Paul
Hi Jim, Any of the good 2-stage snow blowers will work well for you. I suggest a 28-30 inch because you have a large area to clear. With your average snowfall of around 45 inches you don’t need a heavy-duty snow blower but of course the heavy-duty models will last the longest.
Ariens Deluxe 28 or Deluxe 28 SHO. The Deluxe 28 is available at Home Depot here: Ariens Deluxe 28 The Deluxe 28 SHO is a dealer model and will throw the farthest of the models I suggest. It will last years.
Toro Power Max HD 928 OXE. The 928 is available at Home Depot here: Toro 928 OXE. It also available at your local Toro dealer. This Toro is the most expensive of the ones I suggest. It is very easy to use, throws snow as far as the Ariens SHO and will last years.
Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 XP™ Snow Thrower. This is a good value priced snow blower. It has some neat features like hand warmers and an electric chute. It won’t throw snow as far as the first two but it gets the job done. It has a great repair record. It’s out of stock online but some Lowes stores may still have it.
Husqvarna ST230P. Buy it here through Amazon: Husqvarna ST230P. This is another great value priced snow blower. It won’t throw snow as far as the Ariens or Toro but it gets the job done. It has an adjustable height handle, hand warmers and easy to use chute controls. If you would like a cheaper machine and can’t find the Troy-bilt this is one I suggest.
sarang.
Hello Paul,
I’ve managed to make it through 9 winters with a Honda hs520a single stage snow blower in Milwaukee. The last few years it has gotten rather finicky and isn’t keeping up. We now have a larger circular driveway with a side garage adding to the length of the straight portion. It’s clearly time for a new, more powerful snow blower. I’ve been reading your site and others and am very interested in the Craftsman Quiet 208cc Dual Stage Model # 88694. I have 2 questions for you:
1) I need something that my wife can also handle when I’m out of town. Is this a snow blower that a petite adult could generally handle? [we don’t plan on selling the honda, but it required a lot of coaxing and restarting to deal with the 8″ we received earlier this week, this was generally true last winter as well]
2) what are your thoughts about the rumored demise of Sears in that how it might affect Craftsman products and their warranties? I know that all this would be speculation, but given that you are in the industry, I thought you might have some additional insight (I have a hard time believing that Craftsman would disappear, but would any buyer uphold prior warranties?).
I’m also open to other suggestions you might have.
Thanks in advance for your response (and also thanks for the excellent website).
Sarang.
Paul
Hi sarang, Let’s discuss the Honda first. A big problem today is fuel. If you leave old fuel in the carb and don’t run it dry every spring the carbs gum up and make the snow blowers very hard to start. I suggest that you install a new spark plug and then put 2-3 tablespoons of Sea Foam right in the snow thrower’s gas tank. Fill it with fresh fuel. Then start it and let it runs for 15-20 minutes. That may help it to start and run better.
Below are a few things to do so that the snow blower has a chance to start all the time.
+ You want to use fuel stabilizer. I suggest putting it in your gas can when you go buy gas. That way the fuel will stay fresh for 6 months. I recommend 2 tablespoons per gallon of Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment – 16 oz.
or Briggs & Stratton 100119 Fuel Treatment Replaces 100119WEB, 100115, 100119A
or STA-BIL 22275 360 Performance with Vapor Technology, 32 Fl. oz
+ Buy a new sealed gas can. Here is one I suggest. It is very easy to use: No-Spill 1405 2-1/2-Gallon Poly Gas Can (CARB Compliant)
If you don’t have a sealed gas can right now pour that gas into your car’s fuel tank and go buy fresh fuel or use a fuel stabilizer. If you don’t buy a new gas can and don’t use fuel stabilizer replace the fuel in your gas can every 30 days.
2) I’m not worried about Sears. In particular Craftsman, Sears Repair Services and Sears Parts are separate companies within the larger Sears Holdings. They are doing well. It’s the retail side that the news media makes such a big deal about. I’m not going to go into detail here but talk to your financial advisor. They see a much different picture for Sears Holdings Company than the crying, whining, “the sky is falling” news media does. That said,
1) The Craftsman 88694 or 88394 are a very good choices for Milwaukee and ease of use. They are balanced well so your wife can easily push down on the handles, lift the front up and turn it. The triggers for the power steering also make it easy to turn. The 4-way chute takes a little practice but always use your left hand. Watch this video so see the right way to use the chute controls: How To Use 4-Way Chute On Craftsman, Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt Snow Blowers
Greg
Hello Paul,
First off, excellent site with tons of information, I’ve spent hours reading all the info.
I’m looking for my first snow blower. We live south of Boston and the annual average snow fall is 48-50″.
The driveway starts as an 18′ x 31′ and then turns and opens up to 25′ x 31′ where it meets the two garage doors. Roughly 1400 square feet. So far I have been looking at the husq and the ariens. Any opinions or advice! I am looking for a machine to get the job done and that when properly maintained, will last a while.
Thanks
Paul
Hi Greg, Your driveways are wider than most so I am going to suggest an Ariens snow blower. They consistently throw snow the farthest. The best snow blower for you will be the Deluxe 28 SHO. It has the extra power for those occasional deep snows you get and is wide enough to get the job done quickly. The Deluxe 24 is also a choice. It will handle the snow well but will take you longer to clear your drive. Both of these are available at your local Ariens dealer.
Ariens advertises that their machines last long enough to put them in your will. I agree, if maintained they will last a long, long time.
Jonny
Hi Paul – I live in Framingham MA typically around 45″-60” inches a year with last year being 100″+. Drive way is 20′ wide by 75′ long pretty flat with a few walk ways and a back porch to get done. At the end of my drive way is a relatively busy road with a good amount of plow traffic so expecting some build up from the town. What do you think?
Paul
Hi Johnny, I usually suggest a heavy-duty snow blower for 100 inch snowfall areas but if that is really an exception than any good residential snow blower will work well for you. For your size drive a 26-28 inch snow blower will work well.
Residential: Ariens Snow Removal Deluxe 28 in. Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with Auto-Turn Steering 921030
.
Residential: .Toro Snow Removal Powermax 826 OXE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower 37781
Heavy Duty: Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO. Only available at dealers
Heavy Duty: HUSQVARNA ST327P 27In 2-Stage
Heavy Duty:
Cub Cadet Snow Removal in. 357cc 3-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with Power Steering and Heated Grips 3X 28
Dan
Reading, MA, Single carwidth driveway 40 feet long. Plus a single car parking space on the side of my property (corner lot). Plus some paths for the oil delivery man. Our average annual snowfall is 58″. We got 110″ last year! Just me and my shovel. Never owned a snowblower. Looking for value and something that’s simple to operate.
Paul
Hi Dan, a 24 inch 2-stage is the right size.
The best value is the Craftsman Model 88173. 24″ 208cc Dual-Stage Snow Blower
If you would like power steering the Husqvarna ST224P is a great choice. Husqvarna ST224P – 24-Inch 208cc Two Stage Electric Start with Power Steering Snowthrower – 961930122
The best snow blower for traction is the Ariens Deluxe 24 (at your local dealer) or the Toro 826 OXE.Toro Snow Removal Powermax 826 OXE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower 37781