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“Best” means different things to different people. Some of you ask Google, “What is the best snow blower for me*?” Some of you look at Amazon’s best-selling snow blowers, while others read every word of Consumer Reports Recommended List.
Here is a list of the most common questions that people have asked over the last three years to help them find the best snow blower. Take your time and read through the questions. I’ve also included a suggestion for a snow blower that will work well in that situation. It’s just a suggestion based on experience so feel free to continue the discussion in the comments below if you have a different snow blower in mind.
Finding the “Best” snow blower for you can be an overwhelming task. You have over 400 gas and electric snow blowers available in the U.S. In addition, different parts of the country have different amounts of snow, get different types of snow and each one of you has a different size area and type of surface to clean so some snow blowers may work for you but many won’t. But, MovingSnow is here to help.
What is the best snow blower for me?
NOTE: Links to retail sites are affiliate links. When you click on the link and buy something from that site I make a small commission from that sale.
Yes, There really is a snow blower built for you. You may also want to read this article to after reading this list: Buying A New Snow Blower FAQS
How did you like the list? Please let me know in the comment section below?
- MovingSnow’s Choice of Best Snow Blower – The 20 Best Snow Blower List
- Best cheap 24-inch snow blower – Best Cheap 2-Stage Snow Blowers 2018-2019
- Best value 24-inch snowblower without power steering for most people – Ariens Compact 24 or Toro 824 OE
- Best value snow blower without power steering – Troy-Bilt Storm 2860 28 in. 243cc
- Best value snow blower with power steering for most people – There are four – Troy-Bilt Storm 2890 | Toro Power Max 826 OXE 37799 | Ariens Deluxe 28 921046 | Cub Cadet 2X 28″ HP
- Best 24-inch Residential Snow Blower on the Market – Ariens Platinum 24 SHO EFI
- Best 26-inch Residential Snow Blower on the Market – Cub Cadet 2X 26 HP | Toro Power Max 826 OXE 37799
- Best 28-inch Residential Snow Blower on the Market – Ariens Platinum 28 SHO RapidTrak
- Best 30-inch Residential Snow Blower on the Market – Ariens Platinum 30 SHO
- Best Value Single Stage Residential Snow Blower – Toro Power Clear 721 E 21 in.
- MovingSnow’s Choice of Best Single Stage Residential Snow Blower – Troy-Bilt Squall XP 21 in. 208cc
- MovingSnow’s Choice of Best Single Stage Residential Snow Blower for most people – Toro SnowMaster
- MovingSnow’s Choice of Best Single Stage Commercial Snow Blower – Ariens Commercial SS 21 in. 208cc
- MovingSnow’s Choice of Best 2-Stage Snow Blower for most people – Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO
- MovingSnow’s Choice of Best 3-Stage Snow Blower for most people – Cub Cadet 3X 28
- MovingSnow’s Choice of Best Cordless Single Stage Electric Snow Thrower – Right now there is none that I can recommend.
- MovingSnow’s Choice of Best Cordless 2-Stage Electric Snow Thrower – Snow Joe ION8024-XRP 24-Inch
- Easiest To Use Snow Blower – Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE
- Easiest To Use 2-Stage Snow Blower – Cub Cadet 2X 24 | Craftsman 88640 24 | Husqvarna ST224P
- Easiest To Use Large Frame Snow Blower – Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30 in. | Ariens Deluxe 28 | Toro 928 Model 38840
- Best Snow Blower for a small driveway – Troy-Bilt Storm 2460
- Best Snow Blower for 2 car, 60-foot driveway – Husqvarna ST224P | Ariens Compact 24 in. | Troy-Bilt Storm 2460
- Best Snow Blower for 2 car, 80-foot driveway – Troy-Bilt | Cub Cadet |Ariens Deluxe 28 |
- Best Snow Blower for 2 car, 100-foot or longer – Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30 in. | Ariens Deluxe 28 | Toro 928 Model 38840
- Best Snow 2-Stage Blower for my 105 lb spouse (small/short) – Cub Cadet 2X 24
- Best snow blower for my bad back. – Cub Cadet 2X 24
- Best 24 Inch Snow Blower for heavy, wet snow – Ariens Platinum 24 | Ariens Platinum 24 EFI
- Best 26 Inch Snow Blower for heavy, wet snow – Cub Cadet 3X 26
- Best 28 Inch Snow Blower for heavy, wet snow – Ariens Platinum 28 | Toro Power Max HD
- Best 30 Inch Snow Blower for heavy, wet snow – Ariens Platinum 30 | Toro Power Max HD
- Best Value 32-36 Inch Snow Blower – Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 34. | Toro Power Max HD
- Best snow blower for long single car driveways – 28-inch models are the easiest for long driveways
- Best snow blower for large areas – 30-36 inch works well.
- Best Starting Snow Blower – Any Ariens with EFI –
- Fastest Snow Blower – Ariens RapidTrack 28 Hydro Pro
- Fastest Snow Blower For Your 2-car Midwest Driveway – Toro SnowMaster 824 QZE
- Biggest/Baddest/Highest capacity snow blower – Ariens Professional 36 Hydro EFI More Capacity than the Honda HS1336iAS
- Best Commercial Snow Blower – 5 Best Commercial Snow Blowers 2018
- Quietest 24 inch Gas Snow Blower – Sears Craftsman 88789
- Quietest 26 inch Gas Snow Blower – Sears Craftsman 88694
- Quietest 28 inch Gas Snow Blower – Troy-Bilt Storm 2890
- Best Wheeled Snow Blower For Steep, Paved Driveways – Ariens Deluxe/Platinum | Toro Power Max HD
- Best Snow Blower For Steep Gravel Driveways – 6 Best Track Snow Blowers For 2018-2019
- Best 24 Inch Snow Blower without power steering – Ariens Compact 24 in.
- Best 26 Inch Snow Blower without power steering – Troy-Bilt 2665
- Best 28 Inch Snow Blower without power steering – Troy-Bilt Storm 2860 28 in. 243cc
- Best 24 Inch Snow Blower with power steering – Ariens Platinum 24 EFI
- Best 26 Inch Snow Blower with power steering – Cub Cadet 2X 26″ HP Model 31AM5CVS710 | Power Max 826 OXE Model 37799
- Best 28 Inch Snow Blower with power steering – Ariens Platinum 28 | Toro Power Max HD
- Best 30 Inch Snow Blower with power steering – Ariens Platinum 30 | Toro Power Max HD
- Best Residential 33-36 Inch Snow Blower – Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 34
- Best Value 30 inch Snow Blower – Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 30
- If you have a small, steep driveway this is the best choice on the market today!Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2690XP
- The Snow Blower Everyone Thinks Is The Best via Social Media – Honda Power Equipment
- Best Rated Snow Blower on Amazon – Husqvarna ST224P
- Best Rated Snow Blower on Home Depot – Ariens Compact 24 in. 2-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
- Best Rated Snow Blower on Reputable Review Sites 3-stage – Cub Cadet 3X 30″ PRO H
- Best Rated Snow Blower on Reputable Review Sites 2-stage – Ariens RapidTrack 28 Hydro Pro
- Best Rated Snow Blower on Reputable Review Sites Compact 2-stage – Husqvarna ST224P
- Best Rated Snow Blower on Reputable Review Sites Single-Stage – Toro Power Clear 721 QZE 38744
- Best Rated Snow Blower on Reputable Review Sites Cordless Electric Snow Thrower – EGO SNT2102 is not self-propelled.
- Most Expensive walk-behind snow blower – All Honda Snow blowers with the HS1336iAS being the most expensive at $7999.
- Longest Throwing Snow Blower – Ariens RapidTrack 28 Hydro Pro and Toro Power Max HD 1428 OHXE
- Best snow blower for heavy-wet snow – Any of the Ariens Platinum Models | Toro Power Max HD
- Best snow blower for drifts – Install drift cutters on any current 2-stage Ariens, Troy-Bilt, Toro, Husqvarna, Cub Cadet for cutting drifts. A track snow blower works best for wind-blown drifts. 6 Best Track Snow Blowers For 2018-2019
- Best snow blower for gravel – Any 2-stage snow blower (adjust the skid shoes to their highest position)
- Best Snow Blower that can be used all year long – Gravely PRO-QXT
- Best Snow Blower for paths and trails – 6 Best Track Snow Blowers For 2018-2019
- Best Snow Blower For Hauling Around – Ariens Commercial SS 21 in. 208cc
- Best Snow Blower For The Long Island Area 2018-2019 – Ariens Deluxe 24 (Small Driveways – heavy/wet end-of-driveway snow)
- Best Snow Blower For The Boston Area 2018-2019 – Any snow blower with a 14-inch impeller (Ariens Deluxe-Platinum | Toro Power Max HD | Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm
- Best Snow Blower For The Midwest 2018-2019 – Any 2-stage snow blower on this list based on the size and type of driveway.
- Best 2-Stage Snow Blowers For High Altitudes 2018-2019 – Any of the Ariens with EFI.
- Best Cheap 2-Stage Snow Blowers With Power Steering 2018-2019 – Article still being written
- The Best Snow Shovel, Ice Scraper, and Gas Can To Compliment Your New Snow Blower
*MovingSnow has been helping you find the best snow blower for over 12 years now. In the last 3 years alone over 5 million people visited the site and over 3000 people a year have asked the question in the comments? “Which snow blower is best for me?”
Yes, There really is a snow blower built for you. You may also want to read this article to after reading this list: Buying A New Snow Blower FAQS
This article is a compliment to: The Twenty Best Snow Blowers – September 2018 – Which Snow Blower Is Best For You?
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Bill Quinlan
Hi Paul, I live in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. I’m going to replace my 25 year old 5 hp 24” yardman 2 stage this year. I am considering the toro 824 or 826 or the cub cadet 2x 24 or 26 inch 2 stage blowers. I live on a corner and have a circular driveway that goes into a 2 1/2 car wide 50 ft driveway. The snowplow burys one end of my driveway with very heavy wet snow. I am interested in your thoughts and recommendations. I have a small toro 18” for the light snow falls. I need something bigger for the deeper occasions.
Thank you!
Bill
Paul
Hi Bill, The Cub Cadet will have about the same capacity and throwing power as your Yardman. They do have better features like dual headlights and nice chute controls.
The Toro 826 is an excellent choice. It has automatic steering, a lot more horsepower than your old one, and is very easy to use.
Bill
HI Paul, I live in Orland Park, Illinois and clear about 8 car lengths of driveway relatively flat, plus 300 feet of sidewalk. One more question, I was very impressed with the video of the toro snow master 824 QXE. Would you recommend this one, or is the toro 826, or Ariens deluxe 24 a better choice?
Thanks Paul, I appreciate your expertise!
Bill
Paul
Hi Bill, You almost never get lake effect so the SnowMaster will work well about 80% of the time. But, you get a large snowplow drift at the end of your driveway or the city snow plow throws snow on that 300 feet of sidewalk then the SnowMaster is not a good choice. It just doesn’t handle heavy/wet snow or snowplow snow that well.
Personally, I recommend the Ariens Deluxe 24 over the Toro SnowMaster or the 826. The Ariens handles heavy/wet snow a lot better.
Bill
Thank you Paul! My mind is made up…Ariens deluxe 24 it is!
Thomas
Hi Paul – Request a reccomendation.
I live in north NJ. We have a very long driveway(about 200ft). Half of it is 1.5 car wide and the other half is 3 car wide.
The driveway is flat and fully paved with asphalt.
Lately in NJ, we are not having big snow winters. I am looing for something under $1000.
Paul
Hi Thomas, Prices have gone up in the last two years and I highly recommend you increase your budget to $1200 or so. That will get you a snowblower that will last and get your long driveway done in a reasonable amount of time. Here are a few choices.
Toro 828 OAE at The Home Depot
Cub Cadet 2X 30″ HP at The Home Depot
Ariens Deluxe 28 Home Depot has a few of these otherwise go to your local dealer.
Ariens Deluxe 30. Check out your locl dealer for this model.
Alan St Croix
Hi Paul, I’m looking at buying a new snowblower. The two that I’ve narrowed it down to are the Toro 824 & the Husqvarna 224p, what are your thoughts on which is the better machine. I live in Maine & have a 3 car driveway.
Thanks so much,
Alan
Paul
Hi Alan, I used to haul paper out of the mills in the central part of Maine and I remember waking up to snowdrifts as tall as the hood of the semi. Based on that I don’t think either snow blower would be a good choice. (But if those were the only two I could pick – I’d pick the Toro)
If you want a 24-inch snowblower, I recommend the Ariens Deluxe 24 for your area. It will handle heavy/wet snow a LOT better than the Toro 824 or Husqvarna and throw it a lot farther. It’s only $100 more and well worth the money.
Alan St Croix
Thanks Paul, I just purchased the Ariens Deluxe 24!
andy simpson
Paul,
Best snowblower for clearing an outdoor ice rink 80′ x 200’…in Montana, 24″ snowfalls are common, as are 2-5″ snowfalls. We currently run a couple 24″ blowers, they do the job, but would a 32″ or 36″ be that much better? Thanks!
Andy
Paul
Hi Andy, If you want to save labor cost a 36 inch would save you money. The good 36-inch snow blowers like the Ariens Pro will throw the snow 40-60 feet so you won’t have to throw the snow twice like you do with most 24-inch snow blowers. Track drives like the Ariens RapidTrak are fast and powerful and have great traction so you can clear 2-20 inches as fast as you can walk.
Also, Do you clear ALL the snow off the rink? Do you have a Zamboni for that? If you have to clear the rink and don’t have a Zamboni also consider a second, single-stage snowblower with a floating scraper bar – Ariens Commercial 21 or Toro Pro 821 are good choices.
Andy Simpson
The labor is all Volunteers..so the sooner we can be done the better. My first thought was Arien’s, but have you done any experimenting with the Snow Beast? I believe home depot sells it. They make a 45″, which seems totally massive.
We do clear all the snow. We considered a single stage for getting it really clean, or also a walk behind power brush. You always have to battle the breeze, so in the end we usually have to manually shovel as well.
Paul
Hi Andy, DO NOT BUY A SNOW BEAST!!!! When it breaks – and it will – you will spend the rest of the season waiting for parts. You get what you pay for in snow blowers and the Snow Beast is way too inexpensive, you will hate it!
45-inch snow blowers are also not a good choice. They are too big and that makes them hard to handle. They also have surprisingly bad traction. I usually recommend a 32 inch or smaller but in your case, with the large, flat area a 36 will work.
I thought about a power brush but the bristles are stiff and it may leave grooves in your rink. (They work well on sidewalks, blacktop, and other hard surfaces) They are also expensive. You can buy three or four single-stage snow throwers with floating scrapers for the price of one good power brush.
Dwight
Greetings, Paul! I am one of those shoppers who, when spending a significant chunk of change on a product, will research the snot out of it, so I truly appreciate your website and the time and energy you devote to reviewing snow blowers. It’s awesome…but it’s also a little overwhelming. Just when I think I’ve made a decision, I read another article that throws me back into indecision. LOL
So, let’s start here. I live in Des Moines, IA, area. Some years, we barely get snowfalls more than 3-inches. Other years, it’s snowmageddon. This year (2019) was one of those snowmageddon years. Snows range from dry and powdery to wet and heavy, and sometimes icy.
I have a two-car driveway, approx. 70 feet long, and my home is on a corner lot, so I have the distinct privilege of having to clear twice the snow of my neighbors. Yay! (No, not yay.)
The general lay of the land, however, is relatively flat, so that’s a plus.
I am middle-aged, obese, and don’t want to wrestle with a hard-to-manage/control snowblower. I want something that’s easy to steer, will power through the worst snow, but don’t want it to drag me down the block either. I want to be able to walk at a normal pace, but also not have to spend all day blowing snow. I also want it to not be a high maintenance item. Changing oil regularly and keeping fresh gas in it is about my speed.
My driveway has some broken/uneven spots that trips up and jars the snowblower I have now.
Right now, I have a Crapper–er, Snapper, single-stage snow pup, which has served its purpose of being easier and faster than shoveling everything, but it takes me about 60 minutes to do a normal 4-5 inch snow; but 2-3 hours, if the snow is more than 6-inches and/or is wet and heavy.
Now, I’m also not one of those “money is no object” guys. I’m not cheap, but I don’t want to have to take out a mortgage to pay for this thing either. Plus, the Missus might get upset with me if we can’t afford to feed the kids. But, I also like options. So, if the price difference between the mid-range few frills blower and the lower-upper end more frills blower is only $100-150 more, and I feel it’s worth it for the extra whizz-bangs, I’ll likely splurge. Having said that, my absolute upper end is going to be $1500, but I’d prefer to not spend that much, if possible.
Oh, finally, I should add that I do travel frequently for work, so I potentially need my wife or teen son and eventually daughter to be able to operate it in my absence.
So, Paul, whaddya think?
Paul
Hi Dwight, I have four snow blowers in mind for you. All the models I’ll recommend have all the frills except only one has handwarmers standard. They all have power or automatic steering, good chute controls and will handle the snow you get. I’m going to give you Home Depot links but you are welcome to purchase these at your local dealer or local farm store.
1. Smallest, lightest, easiest to use yet it will easily handle any snow you get. My guess you will be able to do your 70 ft 2-car driveway including the snow plow drifts in 30 minutes or so. Ariens Deluxe 24
2. Also very easy to use. A little wider so you can get done a little quicker. Toro 826 OAE
3. If you want a wider 28 inch take a look at the Ariens Deluxe 28. You will get done about 20% faster than with the 24 inch.
4. Finally, this snow blower has heated handgrips. It is also very easy to use but it will take your spouse a little longer to get used to it because the snow blower’s power steering uses triggers under the handles. You pull the trigger and it turns in the direction you want it to go. It also doesn’t throw snow quite as far as the other three (about 35-40 feet) but it will work well for Des Moines. The best feature is the price. Cub Cadet 2X 26 in. 243 cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower Tractor Supply link: Cub Cadet 2x 26
Mike
Hi Paul,
We need a new snow blower, and request your advice.
Our location: We live in Barrington, IL in Chicago’s NW suburbs (60010). We have a 4+ car garage. Our 2 driveways (90 ft and 200 ft long) are 9 ft wide. They have a pronounced uphill slope.
My old blower: Our 20+ year old, 10 hp 27” Noma got a bent auger axle in heavy, deep snow near the end of last winter. It was a good machine, but had issues. It needed to be muscled around some (no power steering), and had a “coffee grinder” chute crank I grew to dislike. It also sometimes really bogged down in deep or heavy snow, and clogged with snow or slush (needing to be dug out). Also, driveway-end snow plow “berms” usually first needed breaking up with a garden shovel.
Our needs: Doing the driveways is not getting easier since we’re retired. We want a blower that can really power through snow, not clog, is easier to handle, has heated grips and better, easier chute controls, and will just get the job done faster. Reliability is also important.
Request: What do you recommend? How big a deal is assembly (if needed)?
Many thanks.
Befuddled in Barrington,
Mike
Paul
Hi Mike, Thanks for the detailed explanation. It makes my job easy.
I have two snow blowers that I will suggest. Both will handle any snow you get. Both won’t clog – ever – on heavy wet snow. Both have plenty of power to throw the snow 50 feet. Both are easy to use and the chute controls are the best in the industry. Both snow blowers have the weight balanced over the drive wheels so they have great traction and won’t be nose-heavy like the old Noma.
I suggest buying from a local dealer. They will set up the snowblower correctly and deliver it.
The first model I suggest is the Ariens Platinum 30 SHO. I like the AutoTurn steering a lot. It makes this snow blower very easy to use. You can check it out here: Ariens Platinum snow Blower
Here is a dealer I recommend. (I’ve bought a lot of stuff from Gravely of Chicago over the years)
Gravely Of Chicago (2.9 Mi)
Ariens Preferred Dealer
22166 N Hillview Dr, Lake Barrington, IL 60010
847-842-8035
The second snowblower I recommend is the Toro Power Max HD 1028 OHXE (38841). It costs a little less because has a slightly smaller engine and uses a trigger power steering instead of the Autoturn. It’s still a great choice for your driveway and where you live. You can check it out here: Toro Power Max HD 1028 OHXE
Toro: MOWERWORKS LTD(847) 842-803522166 N Hillview Drive | Barrington, IL 60010
Joseph L Sayotovich
Hi Paul, Thanks for the suggestions, I will let you know which i choose.
Joseph L Sayotovich
Hi Paul, Nice to read someone who isn’t selling. Here’s what i have, a two car sloped drive way about sixty feet long plus approximately 400 feet of sidewalk in the good old mid west, south east Wisconsin to pin it down for you. a suggestion would be appreciated. And i can’t move south.
Paul
Hi Joseph, If you live in town and don’t get a lot of drifts: Cub Cadet 28 in. 272cc Model# 2X 28″ HP or Ariens Deluxe 28
If you get a lot of drifts or need to blow the snow as far as possible: Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO (dealer only) or Toro Power Max HD 928
David Gossett
Paul, thank you very much for your expert advice. I have ordered the Ariens Deluxe 28 inch SHO. Should have it in a few days. Passing along your website information to a couple friends of mine! Thanks again.
David Gossett
Hi Paul, found your site a few days ago while searching for a new machine. Very informative and useful! We live in west central Idaho. This month we are up to 60 inches of snow, a little above average for this time of year. Not sure of our annual snowfall, but pretty sure it’s well above 100 inches. We can (and do) get some very wet stuff. I have an MTD (Yardman) 357 cc 30 inch machine, about 7 years old that I share with my brother in law down the street. It works ok, but struggles in wet/slush conditions and “rides up” a lot. I am 64 years old and it just works me to death sometimes. I have a drive way that is pretty steep, 9 feet wide, 300 feet long that leads up to the “parking area” in front of garage that is 90 X 60. Looking at the Ariens Deluxe SHO 28″ or Deluxe 30″. Which of these would work best for me? Which is quicker and which handles the wet /slush better? My budget would be under $1,700. Thank you!
Paul
Hi David, Either machine will work well but the 28 SHO is a little lighter and throws snow a little farther (up to 55 feet). It’s a little smaller than your old unit but you won’t notice because you will be able to work faster – and the bucket won’t ride up. Both handle heavy/wet snow and won’t clog.
If you really want a 30-inch machine look at the Ariens Platinum 30 SHO. ($1799) It has over-the-top power and throws snow 55 feet.
Jeff
Hi Paul. Based on your advice we bought an Ariens for our very long and steep drive. We bought the professional 28. It is lovely. I asked the salesman to have them put the shoes as low as possible. It still doesn’t get down to the concrete. My neighbor used his Deere on our drive when we were gone and his scraper got all the way down. What am I doing wrong? Thank you!
Paul
Hi Jeff, Most of us and probably your salesman adjust the skid shoes so there is about a 1/8 inch gap under the scraper bar that runs under the snow blower. That helps to prevent the snow blower from catching on edges of concrete etc. The thickness of cardboard is about the right gap. That said,
If you want to adjust the shoes put the snow blower on a level surface here is a quick video to show you how:
Matt Hayes
Hi Paul, I live in the small town of Concrete in Washington state. It is on the west edge of the Cascades Mountain range so our snow varies yearly from zero to three feet and is often as heavy as cement for which the town is named. We have 200ft. of gravel driveway at our house plus several three car parking pads. I also would like to clear a gravel Church parking lot of 75 X 200. I have been considering the Toro 928 and 1028 OXHE as well as Airens 28 Deluxe SHO. Am I on the right track? There may be years when the machine is not used at all. Other years maybe we get 4″” of slush. This year we have 30″ of heavy snow. I’m getting too old to clear it all by hand. I really appreciate your insight and experience as well as the balanced view of reviewing the equipment. Matt H.
Paul
Hi Matt, I usually suggest planning for the worst. So, with the Snowcrete you can get I recommend more power the better. The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO, Ariens Platinum 30 SHO, and Toro 1028 OHXE are the best choices. They will handle anything you get including the 4 inches of slush. The Ariens Deluxe 28 and Toro 928 will also get the job done – they just won’t be as fast compared to the other three.
Charlie
Hi Paul,
Happy new year! I’ve spent a fair amount of time reading through your site and watching your videos and appreciate your thoroughness and dedication.
I’m past-due to purchase a snow blower for my new house and would appreciate your confirmation of what I’ve gleaned from your past comments.
My house is near Boston, MA. It has a 300 ft single-car straight driveway leading to a 60 x 60 ft turn-around area in front of the garage. Both the driveway and area are gravel/dirt and flat.
Based on your advice, it sounds like a 28″ 2-stage model would be best for the long narrow section while still being maneuverable in the square area.
My priority is being able to clear the driveway as fast as possible, even if it costs a bit more. A few questions:
1) Would the Deluxe 28 SHO or Platinum 28 SHO RapidTrak be sufficient?
2) Would there be a noticeable difference in speed in moderate thick snow on flat dirt/gravel comparing the wheeled Deluxe vs the larger engine but tracked Platinum?
3) Or should I look at trigger-steer units to make the long straight section easier?
Thanks again for all of the great information you’re providing here.
Paul
Hi Charlie,
1) The Deluxe 28 SHO or Platinum RpaidTrak are great choices for your area.
2) The RapidTrak is unique among the tracked snow blowers in that it is as fast as a wheeled unit. The larger engine will allow you to clear the 12 inch pus snow faster than the Deluxe 28 SHO.
3) I personally don’t have any problems using the Auto-Turn on long straight sections but many people prefer the trigger steer. (I think it’s more what they know and are used to than that trigger steer is better.) The RapidTrak is really great for long stretches. With the tracks in “normal” mode it tracks straight and it won’t tire you out.
If you really decide you need trigger-steer the Toro Power Max HD 1028 or Toro Power Max HD 1428 are the best choices for your area.
Charlie
Hi Paul,
We finally had a proper snow here and the RapidTrak worked great! Chewed through the plow pile like a champ. Thanks for your help. Action photo attached:
https://i.imgur.com/uTiId4e.jpg
Ricardo Howell
Dear Paul:
I really appreciate your site and work. I’m hoping you can provide me with some first-snow-blower-purchase advice.
We recently moved out of the city to a suburban house north of Baltimore and about 10 miles north of Rt. 70. Generally, this neighborhood gets more snow than the city. Our driveway is a relatively steep 120 feet blacktop descending from the street. At the house level the driveway widens out to a blacktop three-car width of about 30×40 feet. The house also has about 50 feet of paved walkway in front and a deck out back that is probably 60×10. Given that the deck is a few steps up from a gravel path, I think it’s unlikely that I can lift a blower up on the deck to regularly move snow there.
I looked at the Toro 724 and the 824 at Home Depot. The 824 struck me as too big/heavy. I’m inclined to get the 724 but I’m concerned that it may not be adequate for the steep driveway or for big snows. Your site seems to suggest the Cub Cadet 2×24, which I haven’t seen in person, as a smaller but still powerful option. From the reviews, I’d also like to see the Craftsman quiet blower before I purchase. What would you suggest? And, is it unrealistic for me to think that a lighter/smaller machine is going to work for my situation? Do I just need to get two machines?
Thanks for reading. I’ll hang up and listen.
Paul
Hi Ricardo, I’m going to discuss your driveway first then the deck. For your size area to be cleared I strongly suggest a 28-inch snow blower. The smaller 24 inch models will take you a long, long, long time to clear your drive.
You don’t get a lot of snow so a less expensive 2-stage will work well. I’ll give you my three choices.
1. No Power Steering: Troy-Bilt Strom 2860
2. If your driveway is almost too steep to walk up with snow on it: Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890
3. Ariens Deluxe 28. This snow blower is well balanced so it has great traction. It has automatic steering so it is very easy to use. It has plenty of power and capacity for your area and will quickly handle all your snow including that heavy/wet stuff you get once in a while: Ariens Deluxe 28
Your deck is long but not that wide so a regular snow shovel may be the best choice. You can just push the snow off the deck. A shovel like the Suncast SCF2950 easily rolls the snow off the deck and last years.
Ricardo Howell
Thank you, Paul. This is much much appreciated!
Ricardo Howell
Thanks. The Deluxe 28 really did the job during our recent snowfall. You were right about the size, too. Glad to have the wider machine…Really pleased with it.
Dag Johnsen
Hi Paul,
I have a Simplicity Pro P1728E Signature With US made B&S 342cc 1650 engine. https://www.snowblowersdirect.com/Simplicity-1696240-Snow-Thrower/p8722.html
If I want a blower that is better throwing wet snow, what would you suggest?
The machine is rugged and unstoppable, only problem is very wet snow.
Dag Johnsen
Paul
Hi Dag, The snow blowers I recommend are here: The Twenty Best Snow Blowers – September 2018 – Which Snow Blower Is Best For You? The Ariens Platinum and Toro Power Max HD snow blowers won’t plug on heavy/wet snow and both will throw much farther than your Simplicity. They are also built to last many years. If you want a Pro grade snow blower the Ariens Pro and Toro Power Max HD commercial are the best way to go.
tony
Where: Chicago
Area: 100 feet of Alley
40 feet of street parking
50 feet sidewalk
100 feet of gangway (side of house)
Possible other neighbors but right now it is just the three adjacent houses from corner.
Would love an electric but experience has said no.
Been through several in the past. Not enough power, to clear or throw. Chute rotation is not enough! (I say 180 is low) Not enough power at the hard angles. The old electris were built by people who don’t understand them. Parts beside the engine are still important. Not afterthoughts. The Toro was built best considering all the parts. But its motor actually failed! (very mild use) The other brands didn’t seem to know how to build any part. They lasted less than one 3 inch snow when GF used it. (I got through a couple cause I could see the weaknesses in the way they were built/designed)
Advantages: Lightweight; Maneuverable; Quieter(relative); No exhaust. Smaller, Storage….
Tired of messing around.
Almost ready to get the 24” efi Ariens. Maybe too much but do not want a poorly made machine. I want one that will walk through any snow or pile.
There are many machines that could be a better fit. Certainly lighter. Worry about weight and speed. Price may be a bit too high. Surface cleaning two-stage compared to single-stage.
Not worried about carburetor maintenance. Hoping for better running and lower emissions.
I may be going overboard.
About me. Past extensive snow removal efforts, means I appreciate what it takes to make a machine better than others and operation niceties. Bad back prevents me from any shoveling!
Would love to know more and suggestions for the area. Are the Cub and siblings, Toro, okay? Costco had the Poulan Pro last year, and this year Jonesred but they seem to not get traction so my guess is they did not overwhelm anyone. There are certainly less expensive machines. Will I be missing out on anything if I pass up the others? Price, Maneuvering, surface cleaning, three-stage marketing/pile removal.
I think a single-stage may work but want a machine that will answer every snow from light to heavy.
Thank You
Paul
Hi Tony, You are on the right track. My first choice besides the 24 EFI would be the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO. It will handle anything Chicago can get and anything the city snow plows throw at you.
If you are not in a hurry to get your snow cleared the Ariens Deluxe 24 is also a great choice. It has a smaller motor so it won’t clear the deep stuff as fast but it still will handle any heavy/wet snow you get without plugging.
Steven Gall
Hi Paul, what a great resource you are! I live in the Cleveland, Ohio area and for the last almost 30 years have been using a old Ariens 24″ snowblower which I feel has finally come to the end of it’s life (expected repair costs $400 -$600). My drive is on a little incline, it’s three cars wide at the top and narrows to a two car width at the bottom, 36 feet to the curb. Thinking about the Ariens Deluxe 24 or maybe the Troy Bilt Storm Tracker 2690 XP. Would appreciate your input. Thanks, Steve
Paul
Hi Steven, Thank You, The Deluxe 24 has excellent traction. All the weight is right over the drive wheels. It can handle heavy/wet snow really well.
Although I like the Troy Bilt Storm Tracker 2690 XP I wish it had the 243cc engine. If you regularly get more than 10 inches of snow, drifting or heavy/wet snow it will get the job done but be fairly slow compared to the Ariens Deluxe 24.
Dre
Hi,
Firstly, thanks for all your advice. I just bought a craftsman 600 on Black Friday for $390 after tax, which is a great price. However, after reading through this site, I realize that it is a cheap model and lacks features I’m looking for.
We are in Brooklyn, NY and have a single car cement driveway about 20 feet long with no slope. I also shovel both of my neighbors’ sidewalks. My back tends to go bad a lot. What is your recommendation? I was thinking the Toro Snowmaster, but would love to hear your thoughts. The Craftsman will be delivered next week, but I’m willing to cancel to buy a better model.
Paul
Hi Dre, I’m not familiar at all with snow in a major city like Brooklyn so I’ll be more general. Feel free to write back if I’m off the mark.
1. I’m going to guess you don’t get a lot of deep snow – 8-10 inches is the most you get at one time.
2. I’m going to guess your sidewalks get a lot of foot traffic.
3. I’m going to guess your end-of-driveway snow is very slushy and packs hard.
4. You don’t get any drifting that’s more than 18 inches deep.
If that’s the case then I am going to suggest a good single-stage snow blower. The Toro Power Clear 721 E 21 in. Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower (Electric Start) at The Home Depot will clear 8-10 inches of snow, clean your sidewalks right down to the pavement and can handle the end-of-driveway snow if you don’t let it freeze into a hard packed chunk of ice. This Toro is the best on the market and will last you many years.
The SnowMaster is a good snow blower but it uses a floating scraper bar under the front. If your sidewalks get a lot of foot traffic it won’t clear down to the pavement. Where I live I don’t have any foot traffic and my driveway doesn’t get any traffic on it so the Snow Master works well for me.
If you do go with this single stage just be aware you may want to go out and clear your driveway during a snowstorm if the snow is getting more than 8 inches deep.
Dre
Hi Paul,
Your statement is pretty much correct with the exception of our sidewalk. While we do have some foot traffic, it’s not that busy as we live in a pretty secluded area (maybe 5 individuals daily). However, we are still required by law to clean the sidewalk, so it must be done.
I appreciate your help and will take your advice on the Toro.
EasyE
Thank you, for your recommendations, Paul. I also thought Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO, would be a good choice for me, but wanted to hear your opinion as well… Actually, I was hoping that, based on my budged, you would suggest Toro Power Max 826 OXE (37799) instead, but since it didn’t make the list it’s out of contention now. One other concern relative to Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO is that I don’t want to look Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor-ish with a big machine in my 30 by 40 driveway 🙂 However, I want a blower that will last me for years to come (worry-free), so maybe I should explore Ariens Patinum 24 SHO option. It’s down to these two… Difficult decision, but I am certain regardless of which one I pick, it will be a good one. Thank you, again! Off to the dealer!
Steve
The list format is awesome! It’s a perfect reference list for the excellent information you provide. I’ve flagged the email in which it arrived and use it as my starting point for all things snowblower.
EasyE
Not sure it i posted it correctly the first time, but here is what i wrote:
Hi Paul,
I’ve decided to get a new machine this year and was very fortunate to come across your site – wealth of information! However after spending a couple (a few) hours reading all of your articles and questions/responses/recommendations I developed a severe case of Paralysis by Analysis, so I decided to ask you for, yet, another recommendation.
I live in Muskegon, MI (which was mentioned in one of your articles), where we average about 100” of snow a year. Sometimes it’s only a couple to a few inches, sometimes it’s several and sometimes it’s quite a bit. My driveway is about 40 feet long and 30 feet wide. There are times, after being away from home for the weekend I have around 20” or so of snow (not to mention the issue with the city plow as so many people described) waiting to be cleaned up. To make matters more complicated I need to have a blower that would able to throw snow from one side of the driveway to the other (30+ feet) So, to sum-up I need a blower to:
1) be able to handle anything from 5 to 20 plus inches of snow,
2) Deal with the early morning city snow plow “present” (sometimes it’s “snowcrete and sometimes it’s just slush,
3) throw 30+ feet, and
4) would like keep my budget under $1,200.
Is there anything that would work for me or am I too delusional about my expectations?
Thank you in advance.
Paul
Hi EasyE, My first choice is the Ariens Platinum SHO 24 but it’s out of your price range. It will handle any type of snow and throw it more than 30 feet ALL the time. My second choice is the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO. This dealer only model is slightly over your budget but has the power and clearing width to quickly get your snow off your driveway and way out into your yard.
Finally, the Ariens Deluxe 24 will throw the snow 30 feet or more and handle heavy/wet snow. It’s well within your price range but… it won’t be quite as fast as the other two models.