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This article goes over the best snow blower features and a few myths. Over the last 12 years, you have told me you want the best snowblower to clear the snow from your driveway, sidewalk, and walkways. You want one that works well, works fast, leaves a clear path and starts every time. You want the best snow blower for your area of the country. You want the best price – and – you want extra features that make clearing snow enjoyable or at least quick and efficient.
Snow blowers still look basically the same as they did 10 years ago but there have been major improvements to the machines made in the U.S.A. Most have higher clearance intake housings, better engines and throw farther. Many now offer extra features like LED lighting, automatic steering and hand warmers that work well. Most of the brands also offer high capacity snow blowers that won’t clog on heavy/wet snow.
Each area of the country and every property has specific needs and there are snow blowers that will work best. For example:
- Live in the Northeast? There are snow blowers that will quickly clear that “SnowMaggeden” snow and not clog.
- Live in Des Moines, Chicago or Pittsburg? There are many snow blowers that will work for you.
- Have a long driveway? Many snow blowers offer hand warmers. Wider widths and large engines let you walk as fast as you want.
- Have lots of sidewalks that the city snowplow dumps snow on? There are high capacity snow blowers with tracks that quickly push through that dense snow.
- Have a short driveway but live in the Sierras? There are 24-inch snow blowers that will handle that Sierra-Concrete.
- Live in St Louis and don’t want a gas snow blower? There is a new Cordless Single Stage that’s perfect for you.
- Want it to start every time? There are now models with EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)
- Don’t have a lot of money to spend? There are snow blowers for under $1000 that work well for your “typical” suburban driveway.
MovingSnow is here to help. Start with this list of Snow-Blower Features And Myths That Matter. Then go to the Top 20 Snow Blowers. (List will be updated September 1st)
13 Snow Blower Features and Myths That Matter
1. Myth: I can just go down to my local big box store and take home the snowblower I need today.
Most snowblowers available to take home today at your local big-box store may not the best choice for you. In particular, the cheapest priced machines are most likely made overseas and have very limited service and parts networks. Do your research here at MovingSnow and ask in the comments sections below.
When you ask, let me know where you live, how large of an area you have to clear and what type of area you are clearing. (pavement, patio, gravel, turf, sidewalks, etc) I’ll help you find the best snow blower for you.
2. Feature: Self-Propelled or Auger Assist Single Stage Snow Throwers
All of the electric and most of the cordless electric single-stage snow throwers have no self-propel feature. At the moment, all but one have plastic paddles and you have to PUSH the snow thrower through the snow. Gas single stage snowthrowers and one cordless electric have “auger assist.” The auger is designed to grab the snow and helps to pull the machine through the snow.
The Toro SnowMaster is the only single-stage snow thrower that is self-propelled.
3. Feature: Two-Stage Snow Blowers with Multiple Speeds
Some cheap two-stage models have only one forward speed. Multiple speeds allow you to go faster in light snow, finish in less time, or go slower for tougher jobs, such as cutting through a tall snowdrift or plow pile. Being able to change speeds can also prevent the machine from clogging in deeper snow. Good 2-stage snow blowers have 4-6 forward and two reverse speed.
Some high-end 2-stage snow blowers have a variable speed hydrostatic transmission.
4. Feature: Single-Handed Operation
Two-stage snow blowers have a lever on one handle that engages the drive wheels and a lever on the other handle engages the auger. Single-handed operation lets you hold down both levers then take your hand off the auger engage handle – and the machine keeps going. With your free hand, you can then adjust the chute, deflector and/or scratch your nose without stopping the snow blower.
All but the cheapest two-stage snow blowers now have this feature.
5. Feature: Chute Controls and Hanging Chute
Being able to adjust the chute and deflector from the dash is an important feature. That combined with single-handed operation allows you to works a lot faster in areas that require you to place the snow in a certain spot. Today, most two-stage snow blowers have a crank or lever for the chute and a separate lever for the deflector. Toro has a unique single joystick control that works very well. All of the good snow blowers have chutes and gearboxes that hang from a bracket. That system makes them easy to turn.
Beware of snow blowers that turn the chute from the bottom or have a large springlike screw down at the bottom of the chute.
6. Feature: Headlight
Headlights let you clear snow in the dark. A bright halogen bulb gives you the light you need and many brands have now switched to high intensity LED lights that won’t burn out. A few even install a second LED light on the top of the auger housing for even more light.
7. Feature: Electric Start
Jerking a snow blower’s pull cord multiple times in a cold, dark garage is a miserable experience so most gas-powered two-stage (and many single-stage) snow blowers now come standard with a 110-volt electric start. Just plug a heavy-duty extension cord into the snowblower and push a button to start it.
A few high-priced snow blowers now offer electric start using an onboard battery just like your car. The newest models also have an automatic choke and electronic governors for effortless starting.
8. Feature: Easy-Turn, Power Steering, Automatic Steering or Auto-Turn Capability
Two-Stage Snowblowers need power to both wheels to give you the traction you need to push through heavy snow. To do this the cheapest snowblowers usually have a solid locked axle. Easy-Turn, Power Steering, Automatic Steering or Auto-Turn, also referred to as freewheel steering releases one wheel to allow the snow blower to turn easily. This feature is essential on larger snowblowers (28 inches and wider) because it really helps with handling.
If you are of smaller stature or have a bad back, you’ll appreciate it on smaller 24-26 inch machines, too. Some brands use a set of triggers under each handlebar, others use an automatic locking differential, it allows the outer wheel to turn faster than the inside wheel for sharp, easy turning.
9. Myth – Three Stage “Accelerator” is better.
One of the major consumer review magazines keeps perpetuating the myth that a three-stage snow blower is better than a two-stage. That is simply not true. Let me explain:
A three-stage snow blower is not better – it’s just a different way to blow a lot of snow. A three-stage from one brand is not always better than a two-stage from a different brand. Yes, if you go to your local big-box store and look at the same brand, i.e., Cub Cadet 2X versus Cub Cadet 3X the three-stage 3X snow blower will be better. But, if you compare the 3X with an Ariens Deluxe/Platinum, Toro PowerMaster HD, Honda HSS, or Husqvarna 300/400 series the other brands have more capacity, throw farther and have less moving parts to break. Three-stage snow blowers tend to be “dirty” when clearing 2-6 inches of snow and many owners complain that they splatter snow out the sides when clearing lighter amounts of snow. This same argument applies to MTD, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, and other three-stage snow blowers.
10. Feature: EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) and Electronic Governor
EFI or Electronic Fuel Injection eliminates almost all starting issues with your gas-powered snow blower. As long as you store your extra fuel in an approved, sealed gas can you won’t have starting issues. (E10 or less. I also add Seafoam or K100 for winter use)
Electronic Governor (Ego) adds automatic choke and gives you more power faster for heavy loads (snow)
11. Feature: Heated Handgrips are nice but not critical
A good pair of winter gloves will keep your fingers from freezing, but if you live in an extremely cold area or you’re often out blowing snow for a long time, you’ll appreciate heated handgrips. Heated handgrips heat the bottom of the auger and drive handles and help to keep your fingers warm. Snow blowers with hand warmers have a switch to turn them off if they get too warm.
The two snowblowers I use the most often don’t have hand warmers so for extended outings I use Hand Warmers in my gloves.
12. Feature: Larger Impeller
Most of the 2-stage gas snow blowers you find at the big box store have a 9-12-inch-wide impeller, (the second stage that throws te snow.) That’s fine for most of the Midwest and other areas of the country that average 30-60 inches of snow a year. But you live in areas that get deep snow, heavy/wet snow, if you want to get done as quickly as possible or you want to throw the snow a very long way purchasing a snow blower with a larger 14-inch-wide impeller is the way to go. If you want to get done quickly and you don’t mind your neighbors stopping to watch in awe a model with a 14-inch impeller is the best choice.
Ariens, Toro, Troy-Bilt, Husqvarna, and Cub Cadet Pro all have machines with 14-inch impellers.
13. Feature: Tracks
Track drive snow blower replace the drive wheels with rubber tracks. The tracks give a lot more traction for steep driveways and pushing through heavy, packed snow piles. If you have a large, steep driveway, clean sidewalks that the city snow plow throws snow on, or live in an area that gets dense, heavy snow consider a track drive.
Track drive snow blowers tend to have a slower top speed than wheeled units. If you have a long driveway a track drive may not be the best choice. The only exception is the Ariens RapidTrak. The homeowner and Pro models use a large main drive wheel to give the speed of a wheeled unit and the traction of tracks.
Track drive snow blower can have friction disk or hydrostatic transmissions. Track drive snow blower also can be purchased with power steering that uses triggers or automatic steering.
What other snow blower features do you fell are important? Feel free to ask any questions you have in the comments sections below.
When you ask, let me know where you live, how large of an area you have to clear and what type of area you are clearing. (pavement, patio, gravel, turf, sidewalks, etc) I’ll help you find the best snow blower for you.
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Robert
Hi Paul, I live in the Long Island suburbs and looking for 24-26 blower. Auto turn is becoming more important as I get older and I often do some of my older neighbor’s driveways while I’m at it. I also like to make a path, or maze, in my yard over the grass so my dog can still get his exercise. Would love your suggestions, thank you.
Paul
Hi Robert, The Ariens Compact with AutoTurn Model 920029 is a good choice but the Ariens Deluxe 24 Model 921045 is a better choice. It can handle any snow you get including the snow plow pile the city leaves.
Gary
Hi Paul – new to the Wisconsin Northwoods. Driveway is about 650′, single car wide, gravel, fairly level. There’s an additional 100′ loop by the house/garage. Need to be self-reliant, and tractors etc. aren’t in the picture yet. Considering the Artic Storm 34″. Thoughts? Thanks!
Paul
Hi Gary, you have a lot of driveway to clear! With the snow you get up there and the amount you will be taxing most residential snow blowers. That said, I’m going to show you a few to consider.
1. The Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm and the Cub Cadet 2X 30 Max will give you 5 years or so of trouble-free use. (They are basically the same snowblower) The Cub Cadet version has long-wearing skid shoes and a simpler chute control. Plus it’s $200 less.
2. The Toro Power Max® HD 1232 OHXE is a better choice. It will throw snow farther and last 7-10 years
3. The Ariens Platinum 30 SHO is another step up from the Troy-Bilt/Cub Cadet. It will easily last 7-10 years and require almost no maintenance.
4. Better yet is the Ariens Professional 32 and the Toro Power Max® HD 1432 OHXE Commercial. These have all the power you need and will throw snow 50-60 feet away from the driveway. They will easily last 15 years and can move 12-14 inches of snow quickly.
5. Finally, The very best choice for the amount of snow you will get, the drifts you will get, and the easiest snowblower to use is the Ariens RapidTrak 32. Yes, it’s $1000 more than the Arctic storm but in the long run is worth every (extra) penny in the amount of snow it can move, how easy it is to use, how fast it is compared to all the other snow blowers mentioned and how long it will last. It has the traction to push through hard-packed snow. It has the power to clear 14-16 inches of heavy/wet snow almost as fast as you can walk. It will throw snow 50 plus feet. And – it will last years and years.
By the way – If you are looking at the Ariens the best dealer I know up there is Union Trailer Sales in Eau Claire. The best Toro dealer is Eau Claire Lawn Equipment. Tell them I sent you…
Gary
Thanks Paul. Reading between the lines here, it sounds like something a step up from most residential equipment is probably what I’m looking at (maybe a subcompact tractor with a blower attachment). Or bite the bullet for now with a plow service. Am I on the right track here, if the best recommendation is a $3500 blower?
Paul
Hi Gary, a subcompact with a front-mounted loader is invaluable if you have things to do around your small acreage. You can attach a rear-mounted snowblower to that and quickly get your driveway cleared. It sure beats walking that long driveway…
William Graff
Hi Paul
I live in the central Idaho and can get 12″ + dumps.
I am trying to decide between the Cub Cadet 2X 30″ MAX Snow Blower and the 2X 30″ EFI Snow Blower. I like the EFI but it has 12 ” augers where the MAX has 14″ but is carbureted. To me, the EFI is more important than the 14″ auger. Your thoughts?
Paul
Hi William, If you live above 5000 feet the Cub Cadet 2X 30″ EFI is the best choice. Turn on the snowblower, wait 3 seconds. It sets the fuel mixture for the elevation and then it will start the first or second pull. The EFI model can handle 12 inches of snow with now problems and can handle any amount of light, fluffy snow well.
The Cub Cadet 2X 30″ MAX with its larger 14-inch impeller is made for heavy/wet snow. If you regularly get 12-20 inches of heavy/wet snow (snow that packs well for making a snowman) then it is a better choice.
Gary
Hi Paul,
I am debating between the Ariens Compact 24 with Auto Turn (Model 920029) and the Cub Cadet 2X 24″ Snow Blower. I live in a suburb of the Buffalo, NY area, with a single car driveway. Which of these is the better machine?
Gary
Paul
Hi Gary, You can get a lot of heavy wet snow. If you want a snowblower that can handle all the snow you get I recommend moving up to the Ariens Deluxe 24. It has a larger 14-inch impeller that throws snow farther and won’t plug on the heavy-wet stuff.
If you can’t quite see spending that much I suggest the Cub Cadet 2X 26. It has a larger discharge chute than the 2X 24 and large rear tires so it will push through deep snow well.
Gar
One other question Paul. Ariens touts that their gear boxes are made of cast iron. Is a cast iron gear box better than an aluminum one?
Paul
Hi Gar, Yes and no, Yes, it is stronger than all the aluminum gearboxes that use a center gasket (bolts all the way around the gearbox). No, it is not any tougher than the Toro “Topload” gearbox. Like the Ariens, the Toro gearbox will not leak oil and uses hardened steel gears. In fact, the Toro box is so tough that it does not need shear pins.
Bernie Beland
Paul, In your 2018-19 snowblower on track recommendations, you mentioned that Toro has a new snowblower on tracks and more information was to come. I can’t find any information about any Toro track drive snowblower. I await your comments. Thanks
Paul
Hi Bernie, Yes, they showed a version of the 1428 in the fall of 2018 with tracks. I asked in Oct 2019 and they said it was still under development.
Joe
Paul, thanx for the prompt reply/posting. Two follow-up questions: do you have any insight on the long-term reliability of the RapidTrack system? Also your reply to my original posting certainly highlights the benefits of the Pro versus Platinum model, but do you believe those benefits are worth the extra money (~$800) especially given that I only use a blower only on my own property?
Joe
Paul
Hi Joe, I see no issues with the RapidTrak system. It’s built to last the life of the snowblower. The main drive wheel, idler wheel, and all the other components are built stronger than other brands track drives.
I just wanted to highlight the differences between the Pro Hydro and Platimum RapidTrak models. You have to decide which one is best for you. Myself, I have the Pro here and like it a lot. Ariens loaned it to me to use. But if I was going to buy one myself for my yard and the occasional neighbor’s driveway I’d buy the Platinum. The hydro and large engine is nice but I really don’t get that much snow to warrant the extra cost.
Joe
Paul, I recently discovered your site…what a valuable resource. My current snow blower, a 10 year old Craftsman 28” 9 hp blower has been giving me auger problems and has never been a great machine: clogs easily, weight not balanced especially going up my 6% driveway, poor snow throwing. This has gotten me looking at a new blower. I am strongly considering the Ariens Platinum with their RapidTrack drive. I live in southwestern NH; have a 100+ foot driveway (single car wide); 6% slope; top pad (at the garages) 50’ x 40’…all blacktop. I also blow two walkways: one brick, the other concrete pavers…each about 60” long. Is the Ariens a good choice? While my research indicates their RapidTrak performs well, any insight on long-term reliability? Is the Pro version worth the extra $ for my application to get hydro drive and the larger engine?
Thanx in advance,
Joe
Paul
Hi Joe, The Platinum 28 RapidTrak will handle any snow you get. It’s built to last and will give you many, many years of trouble-free use. To change the speed or go in reverse you lift up on the drive lever, stop the snowblower, and then move your shifter – just like your old Craftsman.
The Pro 28 RapidTrak will do the job faster. It will throw the snow a little farther. (60 feet compared to 55 for the Platinum) You will never run out of power and I can clear 12-14 inches of snow with one as fast as I can walk. With the Hydro and a little practice you can change the speed and even put in reverse without stopping the snowblower. If you have a lot of maneuvering to do that makes fast work of clearing snow. The hydro lever is located right by your right hand so you don’t have to reach up onto the middle of the dash to use it. The Pro 28 RapidTrak is a “buy-one-and-done” snowblower. You’ll be able to put it in your will for your grandkids…
Dilip
Hi Paul,
Thanks for this very helpful website. I live in Arlington, MA where we get around 55in. of snow per year on average. My driveway is 80′ x 15′. The city often ploughs heavy wet snow at the end of the driveway. I also need to clear my “sidewalk” which is grass, also about 80′ long. Could you recommend a snowblower? Also, do you have any advice on buying used snowblowers?
Thanks for your help.
Best,
Philip
Paul
Hi Dilip, Unless you do your own small engine repairs and have the tools to do it buying used is a bad choice. Most used snow blowers have carb issues. Many used snow blowers are from companies that no longer exist so parts are almost impossible to find. Most used snow blowers have been neglected and need repairs right away to make them useable.
Since you have the grass path to clear you need a 2-stage machine. A 24 inch or 28-inch snow blower would be a good size for your driveway. Please go to this article. The Best Snow Blowers For You! Fall 2019. There is a section in the 24 inch size and a section in the 28 inch size labeled “Good For Most Areas Of The Country That Get 30-60 Inches Of Snow.” Any of the snow blowers listed in those sections will work well for you.
Alex
I wanted to follow-up on the initial assessment of the Ariens 32″ RapidTrax after storm Ezikiel on 12/3.
Terrain
630 feet x 30 feet steep include 15% grade, pavers
6″ of snow with 1/2″ packed ice
Pros
1) This beast can throw snow 35′ easy. The benefit is that I can direct where the snow goes which in my case is important.
2) Plenty of power to cut through deep, wet snow and ice. Went through the snow plow muck at the end of the driveway with ease. The motor was certainly working harder but it cut through it easy. My driveway is steep, no problems climbing the hill.
3) Large gas tank. I was able to do the driveway (3 hours) on one tank
4) The synthetic skids did not harm the pavers and moved smoothly.
Cons
1) Hard to maneuver with tracks on. I was man-handling it to keep it on a straight line or where I wanted it to go. I will say that I did not use the feature to dis-engage the traks then turn. Frankly I forgot to use it, so on the next storm I will report back on this feature. I remember noticing when on dry land before the snow I was surprised how easy it turned which is probably why I didn’t disengage the tracks
2) Breaking down the ice. I had the plow set at 1/8″ and I was hoping it would dig in and break it apart but it just rolled over the top. I had to roll-over with the tracks to break it apart then plow it again. I had put down CMA (non corrosive ice melt) before the storm hit so the ice broke apart easily. Take this with a grain of salt as I don’t think other blowers do a great job here either. Once the ice was broken up, it chewed it up and spit it out 30′
3) Slips on ice especially up hill. Eventually the tracks would wear down the ice and dig in. This occurred in a number of icy steep spots on the driveway. As stated earlier it motors up-hill just fine provided the surface isn’t ice.
Other
1) Never used the hand-warmers, I was sweating enough man-handling it around turns. I have very warm and water proof gloves.
2) Really, really need an enclosure. Paul’s rating on the Arien’s model was not stellar so anyone with a good recommendation is welcome
Overall am I happy with the purchase?
Yes. This was a good test, more to come to see how it handles 12″ inches.
Paul